Issuu

Support our local Jewish community www.jca.org.au/donate

FREE

Fostering a closer Jewish community

VOL. 78 Tuesday, 10 August, 2021 / 2 Elul 5781

A Quiet Inspiration page 21

Seniors' Living Feature Inside

CUT YOUR SPOUSE SOME SLACK p2

FATIGUE VS RESILIENCE

AGAINST ALL ODDS

COMMEMORATION OF JEWS p19

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION

Cut Your Spouse Some Slack

EMUNA BRAVERMAN COURTESY AISH.COM One of the classic Jewish principles of interpersonal interactions is that we need to judge each other on the side of merit. We need to find a favourable explanation of someone’s seemingly hurtful behaviour. We need to look with compassion when someone behaves in what appears to be an insensitive fashion. This is drummed into Jewish children from a young age and used to diffuse playground taunts and, as they get older, challenges with friends. As adults, we try to put a positive spin on that troubling conversation we just had with our friend or their seemingly inexplicable destructive behaviour. If we're really working on it, we're usually pretty successful. If we're committed to not nursing a grudge and remind ourselves of all the good in the relationship, we're pretty successful. So why do have a such a tough time doing this in our most important relationship – our marriages? With our husbands, we are all too quick to get aggravated, to jump to a negative perspective – and even to attack. When our children were young we were very strict about dinnertime. It was 6 o’clock on the dot, no exceptions. Luckily my husband’s office was close to home so the LA traffic did not get in the way of this mandate. He would go out to teach in the evenings but 6 PM was sacrosanct. Once in a very rare while, he got home a few minutes late. Once in an even rarer while, he got home a few minutes late and he didn’t call me to let me know. When that happened, I really lost it. Yes, I had a lot of little kids. Yes, I was frazzled and desperate for him to take over. But that was no excuse. Since he

We give our friends and kids the benefit of the doubt. Shouldn't we do the same for the most important person in our life?

was almost always home on time and respectful of my needs, why didn’t I cut him some slack? Why didn't I judge him favourably? He used to say to me, “Haven’t I built up any credit for all those nights I was home on time? Or those few nights I called when I couldn’t be?” And he was right. Too often with our spouse we immediately go to that hurt or frustrated or accusatory place without giving them any leeway. We give our friends more leeway. We definitely cut our kids more slack. Why

New Liquor Marketplace A new way to buy liquor in Australia was recently launched. Cellarsmarket.com.au has been in development for nearly two years. Think eBay, but specialising in liquor – that is, wine, beer, spirits, cider & non-alcoholic drinks. Sellers such as retailers, wineries, breweries and distilleries list their products (with descriptions) for sale and set their own shipping charges. They also detail special deals. Customers buy from the marketplace platform and the seller dispatches the orders directly to the buyers. Customers and sellers liaise directly with one another regarding product questions or post sale enquiries. All orders dispatched by sellers have a tracking number, allowing customers to track the delivery progress of their orders. A customer can make purchases from multiple sellers for multiple products in the same transaction. Buyers can leave both product and seller reviews that are visible when others enter the platform. Cellarsmarket.com.au has smart filters to find products relevant to

one’s personal preferences. For example, searching for kosher wines will result in more than 100 matches. There are also hundreds of kosher spirits, such as whisky, gin, vodka, rum, cognac and a huge range of local and imported liqueurs too. Only a few days ago, a new kosher-certified brand, "Bear Essentials” – that you won’t find at large retailers – joined the platform. It produces 8% alcohol by volume pineapple sliders (not to be confused with cider). All new sellers joining are vetted to ensure quality and legal criteria are met. In the very short time since the soft launch, sellers have already listed nearly 4,000 products, with more being added weekly. Vendors each have their own mini-site and full control over branding, shipping charges and dispatch times. The pure play liquor marketplace model is a first in the Australian market. Pure play means that Cellarsmarket.com.au (like eBay) does not store or handle any products.

are we so hesitant with our spouses? Perhaps we expect more of them because they’re adults (but again we’re better with our friends). Perhaps we’re too focused on our own needs; perhaps we’re too quick to assume that our needs are being trampled on or ignored. The reasons don’t really matter. What counts is that is the most important relationship we have with another human being, and we are too often failing the test. Our marriage is our biggest laboratory for working on our character, much

as we may want to just let down our hair and relax. If we are willing to put in the effort to make excuses for our friends’ behaviour, to judge our children favourably, we should be even more willing to do the same for our husbands (or wives as the case may be.) It’s not always easy – not because of their challenging behaviour (!) but due to our own knee-jerk reactions. But that’s where the effort begins and that’s where the true reward lies – for ourselves, for our spouses and for our marriage.

ChaiFlicks arrives Downunder ChaiFlicks, the first streaming service devoted to Jewish and Israeli entertainment and culture, is now available in Australia. The service showcases full-length movies, short films, television series, documentaries and theatre. Subscribers can access their first six months for $7.70 per month (that is 50% off the regular price) by using the code MAZELTOV.

ChaiFlicks can be streamed on Apple TV, Apple iOs and Chromecast, as well as on the Android mobile app and Android TV app. The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) – a global partner of ChaiFlicks – will bring its decades’ long expertise in programming to the streaming platform. www.chaiflicks.com and www.jiff.com.au

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

Why Iranian Judo Athlete Dedicated His Silver Medal to Israel

I SR AE L

NEWS

Saeid Mollaei sent a heartfelt message to Israelis: Todah

DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY AISH.COM The last time Saeid Mollaei competed in an international judo match in Tokyo, it was 2019. Mollaei was number one in the world for his 81kg weight class, having assumed the title of world champion the year before. “I felt I could do it again this year,” he told reporters at the 2019 World Judo Championships. Yet the team leaders in Mollaei’s native Iran had other ideas. Iran bans its citizens from competing against Israelis in any setting. Ever since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has refused to recognize Israel and allows no ties with the Jewish state. Iran funds and arms terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas, which are dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly praises Iranian athletes who refuse to compete against Israelis, and calls for Israel to be “wiped off” the map. In 2020, Iranian legislators drafted a bill that would enshrine in law Iran’s prohibition against competing against Israeli athletes. The bill hasn’t passed yet, but Iranian officials continue to make it clear that Iranian athletes risk punishment for them and their families if they dare compete against Israelis in international competitions. The consequences can be severe. After Iranian women’s soccer player Shiva Amini was photographed wearing Western clothes while out of the country, she was harassed and threatened by Iranian officials. “SMS messages, such as ‘We will cut your head off and send

a picture of it to your family,’” filled her phone. (Amini fled to safety in Switzerland.) Last year, Iran executed a 27-yearold wrestler named Navid Afkari, who’d taken part in an anti-government demonstration. Amnesty International called his death a “travesty of justice.” In the decades since 1979, no Iranian athlete has competed against an Israeli on the international stage. The 2019 World Judo Championships in

Iran’s Judo Federation can be heard saying. “The circumstances stipulate that one should never question this stance. Make him (Mollaei) understand that he has no right to compete under no circumstances. He is responsible for his actions.” Mollaei had no choice but to comply, and he threw his next fight, deliberately losing to Matthias Casse of Belgium. “Everyone saw how I performed,” he later explained, “to make sure that it

I hope that we can one day extend our friendship (by competing in judo). It doesn’t matter who wins, what matters is friendship. Tokyo would be no different. Saeid Mollaei recalls “the orders (not to compete against Israelis) came from Iran and went to the coach of the team. I had to comply with the orders. Not only I, but the whole world knows what sort of consequences there would have been had I refused. So I complied with the law to avoid any problems for myself or my family.” As he advanced throughout the competition, it became obvious that Mollaei would face off against an Israeli wrestler, Sagi Muki. The orders came through to Mollaei: throw the match to avoid qualifying for the final fight. A recording of the 2019 championship clearly shows the pressure Mollaei was under. “Based on my stance, that of the regime and that of the Minister, he has no right to compete,” the president of

was 100 percent certain that I would lose – and there is film footage to back this up. I put on a show; I just wanted the fight to end.” He lost the fight and exited the competition, but Mollaei was so upset he didn’t want to return back home to Iran. He already had a visa to Germany, after having competed in Germany previously, so instead of flying home Mollaei flew from Tokyo to Germany. He eventually applied for asylum and is now a citizen. He works as a judo coach in the western German city of Monchengladbach. Mollaei also became a citizen of Mongolia, and gained a spot on Mongolia’s Olympic Judo team to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Earlier in 2021, Mollaei travelled to

Tel Aviv to participate in the Judo Grand Slam competition, representing Mongolia. The experience was liberating. For the first time, Mollaei was able to compete as a sportsman with no ulterior motives, free to do his best without political constraints telling him whom he can fight. “I’m competing only for Mongolia,” Mollaei told Israeli television during his visit. “I no longer compete for Iran. That part is over for me… I've always been a sportsman. I’ve never engaged in politics.” Mollaei also became friends with Israeli judoka Sagi Muki, the athlete he’d been told not to face off against in 2019. “He supports me and I thank him for this,” Mollaei told German journalists soon after fleeing to Germany in 2019. “I hope that we can one day extend our friendship (by competing in judo). It doesn’t matter who wins, what matters is friendship.” As the Tokyo 2021 Olympics got underway, another Judo competitor, Fethi Nourine from Algeria, withdrew from the Olympics rather than face Israeli athlete Tohar Butbul, ranked sixth in the world. Sagi Muki was eliminated in the quarter finals of the Tokyo Olympics, but Saeid Mollaei went on to victory, ultimately winning the Silver Medal in the 81kg Judo category. At this emotional moment, Mollaei dedicated his victory to the Jewish state. “Thank you to Israel for all the good energy,” he declared: “This medal is dedicated to you as well and I hope Israel is happy with this victory.” Adding the word for thanks in Hebrew, Mollaei concluded with a heartfelt message to Israelis around the world: Todah.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

Mum for Mum

JCA “I get the opportunity to support a mother, a child and a family starting a new chapter,” says Any Flax, a volunteer with the National Council of Jewish Women’s Mum for Mum program. Any first heard about the program when talking to a mum that was being supported by a volunteer in 2015. The timing was perfect because she was looking for an opportunity to “give back” and the program really resonated with her. After contacting Executive Director Nadene Alhadeff, Any received training and was subsequently allocated her first mum to help. “It’s a simple, lovely formula – oneon-one support. We meet once a week in an environment that they are comfortable in. We go for a walk or have a coffee. It’s really about listening and developing a relationship,” she says. Any is originally from Brazil and speaks Spanish and Portuguese. Her first “mum” was from South America. That woman’s husband was also an immigrant and they had no family in Australia. Mums supported in the program

remain involved until their baby turns a

didn’t even know that Jewish people

year old. At that stage, they graduate

live in Australia.” Any says.

from the program with their volunteers

Since

getting

involved

the

confident that they have the skills and

program, Any has seen it grow and

resources they need to confidently

evolve. It is constantly changing and

parent going forward.

offering more and with that comes

“The journey is beneficial for both of

added training. Over the past few

us. I get to learn about different cultures.

years, all Mum for Mum volunteers have

Our mums are not only from the Jewish

participated in JewishCare’s Mental

community. The outreach aspect of

Health First Aid training workshops,

the program is also so good for our

along with Suicide Prevention training.

community. There are some mums that

“We also have supervision, which

is an essential part of the program for volunteers. We get to share our experiences while maintaining confidentiality. Often, our colleagues have had similar experiences and we help each other navigate what can, at times, be difficult situations,” Any says. “I remember learning in the beginning that what we do is all about the mum. It’s about being present in the moment for her. I am so proud to be part of this program, where I get to do something outward facing, not for my own benefit but to help someone else.” The Mum for Mum program is supported by JCA and the generous donors that contribute annually to the campaign. During COVID-19 last year and with the current lockdown, volunteers are still working online to provide help, which is needed now more than ever, due to social isolation. “While it’s harder to connect (you can’t read the body language, for example), we adapt and keep the conversation going,” says Any. If you would like to support volunteers like Any and their mums, you can go online to www.jca.org.au/donate to contribute to the campaign.

Your legacy is our future. Help secure our community’s future with a bequest to JCA A charitable bequest creates a personal legacy that endures forever. A gift in your Will is the most meaningful way to continue to support JCA and our local Jewish community that perpetuates your personal values and beliefs. For more information, please contact Mark Zworestine at JCA on 0412 218 918 or email mark@jca.org.au

Generations www.jca.org.au

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

AR OU ND

T HE

Fatigue vs Resilience: Coping with COVID-19 COMMUNITY ANNE-MARIE ELIAS In this COVID-19 climate, life as we have known and lived it has changed dramatically and changed without warning. Whilst continually hoping that life will return to ‘normal’ our hopes have been dashed with each outbreak and subsequent lockdown. While needing to social distance and, on occasions, to self-isolate, people have become separated from loved ones. Daily routines have been disrupted and for many there has been a loss of business, jobs and income. This has resulted in fear, anxiety, boredom and frustration. COVID-19 Fatigue My colleagues and I have started to refer to COVID fatigue. What this means is that we have become tired and stressed. We are finding it difficult to adapt to this new way of life. In recent months it has not just been lockdown that has affected mental well-being, but also trying to navigate conflicting and ever-changing information about vaccination. This has resulted in high anxiety for many. To function well in our day-to-day lives, we need to balance mind, body, spirit and social activities. The mind: to be able to have helpful thought processes that result in positive

outcomes (feelings and behaviours). For example, if I am having the thought that I will do a mediation, I will experience the feeling of relaxation and engage in meditation). The body: engage in the 3 E’s – eat well, exercise and energise (sleep and relax). The spirit: what spirituality means to you as an individual. This may or may not include religious practice. Social: it is essential for humans to be connected to each other. A benefit of the 21st century is that we can utilise many technologies to stay connected with each other. Our fatigue has resulted

in the lack of face-to-face contact with loved ones who live interstate and/or overseas. Resilience Resilience is typically defined as the capacity to recover from difficult life events. It is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back and grow despite life’s downturns. We are resilient. If we were not, we would not have survived as a species. As Jews, we would not have had any survivors from centuries of inquisition, displacement and the Holocaust. To be resilient, we need to engage

realistic planning. Currently, this means that we also need to be flexible with our plans and be willing to change them quickly and efficiently. We need to maintain our self-esteem by staving off feelings of helplessness when confronted by adversity. Remember, we can’t do it alone – we need help and connection. We have to dig deep for those coping skills and/or seek psychological support to brush up or replenish the psychological coping skills tool kit. Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs and feelings. Use journaling as well as talking to others. To overcome burn out and fatigue it is important to maintain a daily routine and set daily goals, no matter how small. Engage in mediation daily, if you choose to. Why? Because meditation decreases adrenaline and cortisol production and increases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Stay connected with your pets if you have any. Pets are therapeutic and make us smile. On that note, remember to smile (you can’t frown if you are smiling), connect with others and do something fun each day (e.g. perhaps wear your fanciest heels during a zoom meeting instead of Uggs!). Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for more than 25 years. If you have topics you would like Anne-Marie to write about, please send an email outlining your interests to editor@thejewishreport.com.au

Challenge Accepted! COA In October 2018 COA welcomed aboard a new CEO, Rachel Tanny, and the whole organisation changed. Rachel had studied both as a lawyer and in seminary. As a lawyer, she upheld the rights of immigrant women in the USA (her home country). As a seminary graduate, she helped run a congregation in Adelaide providing support and care to her congregants. So, with her astute mind and deeply compassionate nature, she took the reins at COA. Rachel spent her first year with COA looking at the best possible way to restructure our organisation to provide greater efficiency for staff, better outcomes for clients, a wider range of supports and social activities. Things were moving along so well at the start of 2020 and an extremely productive year was planned, but then everything changed, as just 14 months into her leadership, COVID-19 struck. This could have been enough to see the end of COA, but Rachel fought hard not only to keep COA relevant, but also to provide innovative services to help Jewish seniors stay at home in safety during the lockdown. She addressed the situation by expanding existing services, ensuring food security and providing new services to enable social connection to continue, even when the COA Centre was closed. The following are just some of her great achievements: • As lockdown hit in 2020, Rachel utilised community networks to find young volunteers to replace COA

Rachel Tanny volunteers aged over 65. One week after her call, COA welcomed more than 60 new volunteers. • Within two weeks of lockdown, Rachel had struck a deal with Harris Farm Markets to provide free bulk fruit and vegetables to COA members and friends for six months. She also mobilised our new volunteers to deliver the produce – that is, a bag of fresh fruit and vegetables, delivered free of charge each week to in excess of 500 community households. When the contract with Harris Farm was over, Rachel found sponsorship to continue the service. Called “COA Fresh”, the program was recognised with an award from the “Get Ready Awards” run by Resilience NSW. The program continues to operate for the foreseeable future. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Wide Circulation Over 5,500 papers Pick up your copy at:

COLES

WOOLWORTHS (BONDI JUNCTION)

(MAROUBRA JUNCTION)

WOOLWORTHS

COLES

WOOLWORTHS

KRINSKYS

... MORE TO COME

(BONDI JUNCTION)

(EASTGARDENS)

(DOUBLE BAY)

(ST IVES)

(BONDI BEACH)

COLES

(ST IVES)

Also available at: JCA, COA, Montefiore, JEMS, Burger Center, Wolper Hospital, Our Big Kitchen, Bagel Company, Jesses, Kadimah Synagogue, Kesser Torah College, Sydney Jewish Museum, North Shore Lindfield Shul, North Shore Synagogue (Lindfield), JLC, Jewish Care. Please contact us at editor@thejewishreport.com.au if you would like to distribute.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

AR OU ND

T HE

Habonim Dror Australia and New Zealand COMMUNITY prepare to send Shnatties to Israel establish a path in which we can send large groups of shnatties seeking to

HABONIM DROR On July 24th, the first of 16 Habonim Dror participants from down under left Melbourne for Israel, where they will be attending a six month “Shnat Hachshara” program. During August, participants from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Queensland and New Zealand will join those already in Israel. Habonim Dror Australia Shnat Coordinator Kerryn Finn overcame the many obstacles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to create a densely packed six-month journey for the participants. The group will start by touring Israel, before heading to Kibbutz Ravid, near the Kinneret, where they will be joined by participants from the US, Canada and the UK. After three months of agricultural work, as well as learning Hebrew and Jewish and undertaking Zionist studies, the group will head to Jerusalem for an intensive study tour. There, they will work with various organisations, representing many facets of civil society, in Israel’s capital. They will end their trip with an independent living experience, with a focus on volunteering.

strengthen their Jewish and Zionist identities in Israel.” Sydney-based

participant

Tovia

Jakovsky Coleman (18) says: “Having had our HSC disrupted last year and then our uni life clipped back this year due to COVID, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to go to Israel. We will cherish and make the most of every single moment of shnat. We are so absolutely ecstatic to go!” Parents Emma and Marc Light say: “Layla has grown up hearing our stories of our own Shnat experiences and has been looking forward to her Shnat year since she started at Habo in Year 3. We are so grateful that despite Finn says: “Being able to send Shnatties to Israel this year is so special to the Australian movement. We did not expect that with the hardships of COVID, we would end up with 14 Australian Shnatties going to Israel in August (plus 2 Kiwis!). We have worked incredibly hard to make this program possible and we

are so proud to be able to offer the opportunity to the next generation of Habonim Dror leaders who have decided to take part in it. The group that has embarked on this journey represents a strong shichvah of passionate individuals, ready to take on challenges and grow. We hope that this program will

the pandemic the movement has managed to make this possible.” Habonim Dror Australia is currently in the process of organising the Shnat program for 2022. Early indications suggest it will see the biggest cohort in years. Habonim Dror is looking forward to continuing to send many more chanichimot to Israel in coming years.

COVID-19 WORK SAFETY SIGNS Choose from our range of standard signs or we can customise to your preferred sizes

If you need Covid-19 safety signs or decals, we are here to help.

General Printing • Large or Small print runs • Other print requirements Click on our website for more options in Large Format and Small format printing

www.exceedigital.com.au We Ship Australia wide! Free Sydney delivery for orders over $250.00

Please contact our friendly team for your enquiries: Liam (liam@exceedigital.com.au) or Marc (marc@exceedigital.com.au) Shop 3, 100 Arthur St, North Sydney NSW 2060 Australia Phone (02) 9955 7666

We will bend over backwards!

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

Against All Odds: Six million to one

AR OU ND

T HE

COMMUNITY

I Am Not a Victim – I Am a Survivor EDDY BOAS Seventy-eight years ago, in the middle of the night on 28th September 1943, a Dutch Nazi and a German soldier with guns in hand broke down our front door. Shouting “Hehraus, Hehraus”, they forced us out of our second floor flat in The Hague, Netherlands onto the street and into an army truck. I was three years and eight months old. That was the start of a journey that could have ended in my death. Of the 107,000 Dutch Jews deported to concentration camps, 102,000 were murdered. Only 5,000 survived. That grim mark was highest percentage massacred per head of population in any western European country. Both my parents’ families had lived in Holland since the 1600s. After the May 1940 German invasion of the country, they were no longer Dutch Jews. Rather, they were “just Jews”, with no rights to any protection. My father (born 1906), mother (1911), brother (1935) and I (1940) had no idea what awaited us over the next 20 months. From our home, we were transported to Kamp Westerbork in North Holland and from there, on 1st February 1944, to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. We were held in Star Camp with about 6,000 other Jewish prisoners. My father’s job was to go around the camp with a horse and cart and collect

dead bodies. My mother worked in the kitchen. My brother and I were left to fend for ourselves. We were growing boys and my brother went about “stealing” clothes from dead children. My father pilfered food that was meant for the horses (the Germans fed horses better than Jews). That helped us survive a place in which more than 60,000 Jews were murdered, including Anne Frank and her sister Margot. When British troops liberated BergenBelsen on 15th April 1945, they found about 10,000 unburied bodies scattered throughout the camp and 50,000 to 60,000 starving prisoners. Except for the sick, all those interred in Star Camp had a week earlier been sent for transportation on three trains to Theresienstadt Concentration Camp in the east. The four in my family, together with another 2,400, mainly Dutch Jews, were forced into cattle wagons, without any food. We were on the third train, which

became known as “the Lost Train”. After a fortnight of going backwards and forwards through Germany, the train was finally liberated by the Russian army on 23rd April 1945, near a village called Trobitz. The Russians put us up in a school and allowed us to steal food and water from the surrounding farms. Eventually, with the help of the British, we managed to make our way back to Holland, arriving on 13th June 1945, one year eight months and 14 days after our forced deportation. I was now five years and five months old and had survived starvation and typhus. We were not allowed to return to our old flat. We slept in a monastery until we were allocated a bombedout apartment. I never met my grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins because all of them were murdered by the Nazis. My parents sold fruit and dress material at the markets. My sister was born in 1947, but my father died the following year (when I was eight). My mother was – of course – now a widow with an 18-month-old toddler and two young sons. She was desperate to leave Europe to give us a new and better life. She chose Australia and six years later we arrived in Sydney. It was 11th March 1954 and I was 14. We found an unfurnished flat in Coogee, bought a mattress for each of us and slept on the floor. Within a week, my mother secured a job as a cleaner at the Coogee Bay Hotel. I attended South

Sydney Junior Technical School. Initially, I spoke no English, but the boys made sure I learned very quickly. After school, I took jobs cleaning offices, selling papers on the trams and caddying at the local golf course. I left school at 15, got a position as panel operator at radio station 2CH, where I stayed for six years, before taking a role as an Olivetti typewriter salesman. I married in 1968 and had two sons, who were born in 1969 and 1971. My life changed in 1974, after I landed a job as sales manager of an American-owned, direct marketing company based in Australia, Permail (a subsidiary of IMS Inc.). Among the opportunities I was afforded was selling Canadian Olympic coins. As a reward for my success in doing so, the Canadian government invited me – as their guest – to attend the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Thereafter, IMS made me Managing Director of Permail. In 1983, I met the new chairman of IMS, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, a Jewish Frenchman. He and I clicked. He sent me on special assignments globally, reporting directly to him. In 1989, IMS posted me to New York, where I lived until 1993. I retired from the company in 1995 and set up my own marketing organisation with 10 employees. When I sold that business in 2007, we had grown to employ 120 staff. Australia has been good to me.

OUR COMMUNITY YOUR PAPER

Be part of it! Share your news, advice, updates, opinions and ideas. Go to www.thejewishreport.com.au

COLES

(BONDI JUNCTION)

WOOLWORTHS (BONDI JUNCTION)

COLES

(MAROUBRA JUNCTION)

WOOLWORTHS (EASTGARDENS)

COLES (ST IVES)

WOOLWORTHS WOOLWORTHS (ST IVES)

(DOUBLE BAY)

KRINSKYS

(BONDI BEACH)

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

Finding peace in Kitty's memory SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM When Zephyr Bloch-Jorgensen’s grandmother Kitty passed away last year, he not only lost a beloved family member, but also a line of communication to the past. He felt that familiar names and knowledge of personal histories died with her. Zephyr

AR OU ND

T HE

COMMUNITY

Kitty’s name and memory will live on in the Museum for future generations, Zephyr said, “I felt a great sense of stillness and peace, in ways I could not have predicted, to see the plaque in the Sanctum.” The Museum’s Fundraising Manager, Rita Prager, speaks to many second and third generation Holocaust survivors who want to find a way to keep their ancestors’ histories and memories

I felt a great sense of stillness and peace, in ways I could not have predicted, to see the plaque in the Sanctum.

was left with only artefacts from his grandmother’s home to prop up his memories. At this time of loss, he found the Museum’s Sanctum of Remembrance to be a place of solace. After her passing, Zephyr dedicated a plaque in the Sanctum to his dear grandmother. Reflecting on the knowledge that

alive. The Sanctum of Remembrance is a place to ensure their names are etched into the communal memory in perpetuity. If you would like to dedicate a plaque in the Sanctum of Remembrance for a victim of the Holocaust, a survivor who has since passed, or a Righteous Among the Nations, please contact Rita on 0416 252 526 or rprager@sjm.com.au

Take a break ...

Be the voice for their memory to live forever Honouring a loved one with a plaque in the Sanctum of Remembrance ensures their memory lives on forever alongside the names of other Holocaust victims, survivors and Righteous Among the Nations. “Now that they are gone, it is incumbent on us to remember them and keep their memory alive.” MIRI SONNABEND Granddaughter of Holocaust Survivors

To visit the Sanctum or for details on dedicating a plaque, please contact Rita Prager on rprager@sjm.com.au, 0416 252 526 or 02 9360 7999.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY SARA RAYVYCH Parenting is a hard job. It’s definitely rewarding but we can’t deny there are strange and even some gross aspects to it, as well. When we’re younger we have such high and lofty thoughts, we’re focused on deep, philosophical or spiritual ideas. As parents we spend our days changing dirty diapers, putting band aids on boo boos (some of which are invisible) and chauffeuring kids between locations. It’s very easy to get lost in all the mundane and tedious tasks that a parent does daily. As we’re beginning the month of Elul, a time when we focus on personal improvement, I thought it could be a timely opportunity to discuss how parenting is actually a perfect vehicle for personal growth. I remember in seminary how we were so spiritually focused during this time period but as a parent it’s easy to wonder what happened to all our goals. On the contrary, it’s when we are doing what seems mundane that we can transform ourselves. Parenting is kindness Diapers stink but your child is healthier being clean. It’s an act of kindness to change a diaper and you’re giving to your child each time you do it. It’s

“Growing” with your children amazing to think we can find holiness even in changing a soiled child. I can say the same about nearly every parenting task. It’s a kindness to make sure your child has clean clothes, nourishing food to eat and a welcoming place to live. By seeing the day-to-day tasks as an act of giving and devotion to your child, you can transform laundry, cooking and cleaning into something so much more. Parenting with purpose Parenting can, and should, be done with purpose and meaning. By viewing the various tasks as something meaningful, it can turn the mundane into something unique and special. For example, driving your child to school is contributing to their education. Bathing your child is contributing to their health and teaching them personal hygiene. Intervening between squabbling siblings is an opportunity to teach them appropriate interpersonal interactions. Tasks that can range from tedious to annoying can take on more purpose when you can reframe your actions as something both meaningful and greater than its parts. By choosing to recognize the greater accomplishments of your regular day-to-day actions you can grow from what you’re already doing.

lives. It’s more challenging to maintain our composure with those we’re close to. It’s really easy to lose all sense of calm when dealing with irrational, young people that scream for reasons that we often can’t even understand. It takes real self-control and lots of working on ourselves to smile sweetly at a child crying during the night. I can say for myself that it was a real change of perspective when I realised that when I comfort a child in the middle of the night it’s really a challenge for me to improve and grow and not just about my child. When I can react calmly despite the insanity of parenting then I have accomplished real personal growth. It’s easy to yell when kids fight, complain or act out; it’s much harder to maintain self-control, step back and evaluate our response first. Our children benefit from a calmer parent, but we also benefit from becoming calmer people.

Parenting teaches self-control It’s easy to be nice to strangers and to the people we meet infrequently in our

Parenting is a skilled profession Good parenting takes a lot of thought and creativity. Analysing the problems you’re encountering with your child, thinking of the various workable solutions and implementing your game plan is a real challenge. Like a chess master planning the next move or a general commanding the troops, you need to have a well thought out strategy that has been viewed from

see from the data that participation in Israel Programs, be it a short or long term program, increases the connection to and relationship with Israel, and that participants of long term immersive programs are more likely to become active members of the wider-Jewish community on their return. It was important for us, particularly with the financial challenges that the pandemic created, to be a part of

and we do not want anyone to miss out because of financial pressure.” UIA Australia President Lance Rosenberg said, “UIA Australia is extremely proud to be a part of this critical initiative of the ZFA. Israel Go is at the heart of what we at UIA do every day -connecting our community to Israel and connecting the global Jewish world in a very unique manner. There is no other organisation in

every angle. The last thing you want to do is react impulsively. Good parenting involves more than just reacting to situations as they unfold. Parents can become masterful professionals that understand their child and create an environment conducive to their child’s growth. Whether that involves being more affectionate, firmer or some other adjustment, a well thought out parent can make that move intelligently. Even more so, a parent acting with foresight can set the stage in advance to prevent the problems from occurring. For example, having an activity already planned for a rambunctious child when they come home so they don’t tear up the house, or hiding the permanent markers out of the reach of little hands. Parenting forces you to think beyond yourself and grow in ways you wouldn’t normally otherwise. As you reframe before doing each seemingly menial job, you can begin to appreciate just how much it is you are truly accomplishing. Not only is parenting a means to raise your child but it’s also a means to raise yourself. Sara Rayvych has a Master's Degree in general and special education. She can be reached at rayvychhomeschool@gmail.com

Israel Go ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is launching an exciting two-year pilot program – Israel Go – which provides financial support for young adults to participate in gap year Israel programs in 2022 and 2023. In partnership with UIA-Keren Hayesod and private philanthropists, Israel Go will ensure that participation in a gap year Israel program is accessible to everyone across the Australian Jewish community. Eligible applicants participating in a program of between 4 – 6 months will receive a grant of AUD$5,000, and those joining programs of over 6 months will receive up to AUD$10,000. Israel Go support is additional to any other funding support participants may receive, including the means tested Masa Israel Journey subsidy of up to USD$6,500. Israel Go grants are provided by the ZFA to applicants on an opt-in basis and are not means-tested. Applicants will simply check a box on the application form to opt in to apply for an Israel Go grant if they require Israel Go funding to enable participation in a Masa program. Israel Go is available to anyone who is approved to participate in a Masa Israel gap year program in 2022 or 2023, irrespective of when they graduated from high school. ZFA CEO Ginette Searle said, “we can

staff in the Jewish education sector, who were consulted in the planning stages. In Sydney, Principal of Emanuel School Andrew Watt said, “for the last two years, Emanuel School students have been unable to participate in our Israel Immersion (Chavayah) program. This annual 6-week program is one of the highlights of their school experience, building strong connections with the culture, landmarks, history, and politics of Israel. The support provided through

We believe that this initiative will be a game changer in rebooting gap year participation by young Jewish adults.

the Israel Go program will provide opportunities for these students and others to experience a gap year in Israel, and we are very thankful for this new initiative, which we hope will see more young people benefiting from immersive Israel experiences.” President of AUJS Gabrielle Agosin

an innovative solution that will see the numbers of participants increase again.” ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “we believe that this initiative will be a game changer in rebooting gap year participation by young Jewish adults. We have listened to the concerns of the families and stakeholders within the community, and whilst cost is not the only factor affecting the decision to go on a long term Israel program, it’s certainly a dominant one. We understand the intrinsic value of Israel programs for the entire community,

Australia that connects the global Jewish family in the way we do while supporting Israel’s most critical asset – its People. Israel Go will ensure the next generation of Australian Jewish school leavers are connected, inspired and ready to make their mark as proud Jews and Zionists. We congratulate the ZFA for their proactive approach, the philanthropists who have supported this as our partners for their vision and look forward to the community embracing this project.” The Israel GO initiative has also been well-received by principals and other

said that Israel GO is an “exciting opportunity that makes Israel gap year programs more accessible and attractive to students, especially for those who missed out on year 10 programs. We all know the importance of engaging students in programs after school to provide enriching and growth opportunities. We at AUJS are excited to welcome those students at University campuses once they return to get involved.” To learn more about Israel Go, visit www.israelgo.org.au

SENIORS' LIVING F

A T

Planning your rehab after hip or knee surgery?

Photo from Montefiore

BURGER CENTRE TURNS 30

CARE BEFORE THE CRISIS

Our fully equipped rehabilitation gym and large hydrotherapy pool will provide all the equipment needed for you to reach your personal rehabilitation goals supported by our specialist staff. You’ll receive two personalised therapy sessions 6 days a week and 1 session on Sunday to assist your recovery. Pain management, wound care and personal care are all taken care of leaving you to focus on you.

CHEVRAH S. AFRICA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Post-operative rehabilitation at home has its limitations. It can place additional burden on families and caregivers and there is the risk that patients prematurely return to their usual activities putting their recovery at risk. Inpatient rehabilitation reduces the risks and provides a holistic, staged approach to healing and a healthy recovery.

WOLPER REHABILITATION

seniors' living feature | august 2021

Montefiore supporting seniors through challenging times MONTEFIORE As we face the latest COVID-19 outbreak, Montefiore is once again supporting vulnerable older members of our community through the challenges of lockdown with residential and respite care. For the past 130 years, Montefiore has been proud to offer leading aged care and support to the Sydney Jewish community. Throughout 2020, its Residential Care and Help at Home services pivoted to meet the challenges presented by COVID, both in terms of precautions and procedures and, more importantly, in the care they provided and continue to provide. “While none of us wanted to be back in the position we are now, when the latest lockdown began in June, we were ready with tried-and-tested support and services developed over the past year of the pandemic,” says CEO Robert Orie. Residential Care Alongside leading clinical and care services, Montefiore Residential Care is continuing to provide a wide range of allied health and wellbeing programs to support residents’ social and emotional wellbeing. Supporting mental health is a key focus and staff are helping to keep families connected through video and phone calls. Volunteers are also continuing to connect remotely and staff have once again been repurposed to keep activities running. Importantly, almost all residents and a majority of staff have now been vaccinated against COVID-19, giving added peace of mind for current, as well as new, residents. “As we found last year, older people and their carers can find it difficult to manage at home under lockdown conditions,” says General Manager of Client Experience

General resi care

M by Montefiore Lockdown could be the perfect time to start planning for your future retirement lifestyle at Sydney’s most spectacular retirement living development. More than 60% of apartments are now sold, with the sales team continuing to offer online information sessions and virtual inspections, along with COVID-safe private inspections by appointment. Find out more and view the latest featured apartments at mbymontefiore.com.au or call 1800 952 229. Gabbie Budai. “So, we’re continuing to welcome new residents across all our campuses.” Respite Care To support those people struggling at home, Montefiore has also reintroduced a complimentary twoweek respite stay for hostel (low care) units at Randwick, Hunters Hill and Woollahra until September 30th for new clients (subject to availability). “It

can be a relief to accept a little extra help, where accommodation, delicious kosher food and leisure activities are all included,” says Budai. Help at Home For older people and those with a disability living independently, Help at Home by Montefiore continues to offer personal, household, nursing and allied health services. There is also additional support by way

Bastille Day at Montefiore Woollahra

of online shopping and companionship phone and video calls to keep clients and carers connected. CDC & NDIS clients are able to access these services as part of their government-subsidised packages. Importantly, in the current outbreak all Help at Home carers are trained and comply with Montefiore’s stringent COVID-safe practices. To discuss your support needs during the COVID-19 crisis, contact Montefiore on 1800 978 711 or visit: montefiore.org.au

Caring through COVID-19 As one of Australia’s leading aged care specialists, we’re here to support our community through the challenges of COVID-19. Trusted Residential & Respite Care at Randwick, Woollahra & Hunters Hill, with 24-hour nursing cover, quality accommodation and dining, plus varied allied health and leisure programs. Flexible Help at Home care provided by trained carers, companions, nursing and allied health staff in your home – CDC subsidised, NDIS & private packages. M by Montefiore retirement community in Randwick – new, spacious independent living apartments with communal facilities including concierge, pool, club lounge and private cinema, as well as 24-hour support.

Created by cindy clegane from the Noun Project

TWO WEEKS’ FREE RESPITE CARE NOW AVAILABLE Do you or a loved one need support through the latest COVID-19 lockdown? Book a respite stay in hostel (low care) at Montefiore Randwick, Hunters Hill or Woollahra and receive two complimentary weeks*. Experience our leading care and accommodation, delicious kosher cuisine, leisure programs and peace of mind.

R E S I DE N T I A L C A R E

seniors' living feature | august 2021

Burger Centre celebrates three decades: a founder’s vision realised BURGER CENTRE As Burger Centre approaches its 30th birthday during an international pandemic, it’s apt to pause for reflection on where Burger Centre has come from. Born from a group of wise men coming together, they had a vision of establishing a meeting place that offered more than a meal, more than a bus and was grander than the existing meeting place of Wolper cottage (that was located in the grounds of Wolper hospital). From these discussions, with the backing of prominent community members and support from the Wolper hospital and many volunteers, the Burger Centre opened its doors in Woollahra in 1991. It came complete with a gift shop, hair dressing salon, library, bus and a beautiful grand piano. Thirty years later Burger Centre has grown into the heart of the seniors’ community in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and beyond, and is still home to the original grand piano. “The establishment of the Burger

From left: Eva Fishcl (Former Jewish Care president) OAM, Malcolm Bligh Turnbull AC, David Freeman AM (President Montefiore) and David Balkin AM – Burger Centre Randwick Opening, 2007

Centre

heralded

JewishCare

away

the

move

from

the Burger Centre still speak of the

for

best-practice

and

innovation

purely

aroma of honey cakes, cheesecakes

remains core to its ethos today. Burger

migrant-related issues and into the

and kugel that greeted everyone

Centre continues to provide services to

contemporary needs of the time. It

as they arrived at the Centre.

our much-loved community during the

was a turning point for the organisation

the needs of the community have

COVID-19 challenges with virtual Zoom

and the whole community,” says David

changed and expanded, so has the

programming, Call2Connect volunteer

Lesnie, founding Board Member.

Burger Centre.

Those involved in the early days of

JewishCare’s proud history of striving

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

seniors' living feature | august 2021

Care before the crisis JEWISHCARE Worrying about the welfare of ageing loved ones can be hard. Approaching the conversation of home support can be even harder. For some people, the concept of getting an Australian Government Home Care Package is confronting and that care deter families from having conversations around their concerns and changes that may be occurring. However, waiting until a health event or crisis can result in rushed decision making, delayed support and unsatisfactory outcomes, according to home care provider JewishCare. “We’re often asked about when someone should start home care and our advice is it’s wise to start the process well before you think you need it,” says JewishCare’s CEO, Gary Groves. With Australian Government waiting lists currently extending over 12 months, planning ahead is certainly a smart move and important for peace of mind. “Our free ‘Home care packages: Start the conversation’ booklet doesn’t just outline how to approach a conversation, but also provides some signs of what to look for to know when a loved one may need a little extra help,” says Gary.

You know your loved one best, so it’s important to trust your instincts if you think things aren’t quite right at home. Some common signs that extra support is needed include: • Changes around the home – you might notice the house is less tidy than usual, there’s more cobwebs or linen isn’t getting changed as often. • Changes with the person – mood

changes, an increase in cuts and bruises, or reduced personal appearances can all be indicators of the need for a little extra help. Applying for a home care package can often be equally as daunting! With many people finding the home care package application process confusing, JewishCare have also created a free guide to help people

navigate the home care package process. JewishCare’s ‘Home care support: How to get a package’ provides a clear five step process on what you need to do to get started. Both free resources can be found at www.jewishcare.com.au/homecare. JewishCare has been helping the community since 1936, so it has more experience, more expertise and more practical solutions in providing a helping hand. Please contact JewishCare’s Customer Experience team on 1300 133 670 or email hello@jewishcare.com.au for a confidential discussion. About JewishCare: JewishCare NSW has been the major service provider for our community for more than 85 years. Our specialist teams provide community aged care, mental health, disability and family and child support services, including our day respite care at the Burger Centre. We have subject matter experts in ageing, specifically in-home care packages and dementia, suicide prevention, domestic violence, NDIS and employment and work with the Government, referrers, families and community to build resilience for today and tomorrow. www.jewishcare.com.au

Home care that gives you more

So you can enjoy living your best life more

More support with: • Free occupational therapy and social work • Free social programs to keep you connected • Specialists in complex case management and levels 3 & 4 clinical care • Additional funding for eligible clients Contact our Customer Experience Lead on 1300 133 670 or hello@jewishcare.com.au for a confidential discussion.

jewishcare.com.au

seniors' living feature | august 2021

Burger Centre celebrates three decades FROM PAGE 14

phone services and contactless supports. “The founder’s vision has only been realised thanks to the incredible support and generosity of donors, administrators and our community over the years,” says current Centre Manager, Bronwyn Elbourne. In fact, it was the foresight, commitment and fabled negotiations of original donors that enabled a block of land to be purchased for Burger Centre in Woollahra, where JewishCare stands today. “There are some fascinating stories about how then Board member Steven Stux managed to negotiate a very reasonable land price with the government of the day,” says Warren Hurst, JewishCare’s Community and Donor Engagement Manager (and unofficial historian). The Board of JewishCare – which included the most prominent leaders at the time, including Rodney Rosenblum, Dr Joakim Schneiweiss and David Lesnie – was totally committed to the project and the site was secured

in 1989. Named after one of the major

celebrate special events and shared

original donors, David ‘Zoli’ Burger

a mutual love with the Burger Centre

AM, the Burger family remains strongly

clients.

today.

By the end of the 2000s, Burger

Without the generosity of the Burger

Centre’s popularity had surged and

family, as well as other community

outgrown its premises in Woollahra.

members, Sid Field’s dream would

JCA encouraged JewishCare and

never have been realised.

the Montefiore Home to become joint

connected

the

Centre

Today, The Burger Centre is a vital resource that will continue to serve the community for many years to come.

Whitmont,

owners of the Burger Centre and to

the then President of JewishCare

move the Centre into a custom-built

(previously

facility in the Montefiore precinct in

Opened

by the

Norton

Australian

Jewish

Welfare Society), the Centre flourished

Randwick.

under the Presidency of the much

The new Centre, with an expanded

loved and admired, Eva Fischl. Eva

and improved range of activities and

never

facilities, opened in 2007.

missed

opportunity

Today, The Burger Centre is a vital resource that will continue to serve the community for many years to come. With professional and friendly staff, a dedicated volunteer community and a vast array of activities, Burger Centre is perfect for people wanting to make new friends, remain active and be connected with the community. It is also ideal for carers wanting safe and inclusive respite programs that offer purpose, enjoyment and a sense of belonging, with culture and Yiddishkeit. Our clients enjoy Russian speaking programs, excursions, aqua exercise, art classes and can take advantage of Montefiore’s onsite hair and beauty salon, café, luxury cinema, dental clinic, plus so much more. When lockdown is over, we invite you to visit to see our spacious, accessible and sunlit spaces and enjoy a tour of the campus. We hope to hold a community celebration post lockdown. Please see the website – www.burgercentre. com.au – for updated information or call 8345-9147.

For your FREE electronic copy of the The only Jewish Burial Society in NSW - Since 1817

Funeral Enquiries & Arrangements

Call 9363 2248

Cremations are strictly prohibited under Jewish law. The Sydney Chevra Kadisha alone provides services according to Jewish tradition and Halacha.

Cnr. Oxford & Wallis Streets, Woollahra Email: info@sck.org.au Website: www.sck.org.au

Sydney Jewish Report, register at www.thejewishreport.com.au

seniors' living feature | august 2021

Chevrah Kadisha South Africa needs your support CHEVRAH KADISHA The Johannesburg Jewish Helping Hand (Chevrah Kadisha) was established in 1888 and is the oldest Jewish organisation in Johannesburg and the largest Jewish welfare organisation on the African continent. It is responsible for all Jewish welfare (financial and social assistance), as well as all Jewish burial in the city. It runs several residential facilities for aged people, children in need of safe haven and people with intellectual, physical and mental health challenges. The Chevrah Kadisha’s annual budget is AUD27.5m (R300m), of which 70% must be fundraised. Government subsidies for organisations such as this are virtually non-existent, amounting to only AUD$1.2m per month. Over the past 17 months, COVID-19 has been an enormous drain on the Chevrah Kadisha’s services and resources. Initially these were focussed on shielding and protecting 1,000 vulnerable residents housed in its facilities who have been in strict lockdown since March 2020 (even before the country went into lockdown). Many of these residents have no family in South Africa and no alternative accommodation.

As the community’s safety net, the organisation is now assisting thousands of additional people – over and above those they normally support – who have lost their businesses and jobs due to the pandemic. The average monthly grant the Chevrah Kadisha provides is AUD750. Further, many of the Chevrah Kadisha’s generous donors have also been negatively impacted by the situation in the country (and around the world) and are unable to help at a time the organisation most needs it. For the Johannesburg Chevrah Kadisha this has been “a perfect storm”. Accessing vaccinations to protect the Chevrah Kadisha’s residents, staff and community has been a consuming drive as it has become undisputable that vaccines save lives, including those who are old and frail. Working closely with the Department of Health the organisation succeeded in securing vaccinations for its residents and staff three months ago. At the same time, the Chevrah Kadisha was privileged to arrange for Holocaust survivors in the city to be vaccinated. The organisation takes pride in its ongoing work with survivors to support, protect and assist them in all ways possible. Only last week, the Chevrah Kadisha was granted a license to operate a

vaccination centre on the grounds of Sandringham Gardens aged facility in order to administer vaccines to the Jewish and broader community. Sadly, the public Government rollout has been slow (with only 12% of the population having been vaccinated to date). The Jewish community has suffered as a result, experiencing one of the highest excess death rates in the world, with a 35% increase in deaths over normal averages year on year. Saul Tomson, Chief Executive Officer of the Chevrah Kadisha Group said: “We in South Africa know that wherever

in the world SA ex-pats live, they hold our Jewish community close to their hearts. We see this in the way they maintain their connections with us and help to sustain us. We have seen more donors from Australia in the past year than ever before and we both need and appreciate this assistance. Your currency, even small amounts, converts to generous donations in Rands”. Donate via: chai.org.au/causes/ chev for tax deductions or directly on www.jhbchev.co.za if you don’t need the tax benefit.

WE CAN BE THEIR SAFETY NET, IF YOU CAN BE OURS The Chevrah Kadisha has been the safety net of the Johannesburg Jewish community since 1888. We assist nearly 11 000 Jews annually, including 1 000 elderly and vulnerable residents in our own facilities. From cradle to grave. With almost no state funding and a shrinking donor base due to emigration.

Donate through The Chai Foundation www.chai.org.au/causes/chev Donations are tax deductible

No Jew Gets Left Behind www.jhbchev.co.za

seniors' living feature | august 2021

Getting ready for a hip or knee replacement? allied health staff, including dietitians

WOLPER JEWISH HOSPITAL Joint replacement is major surgery. Consequently, it often involves rehabilitation following discharge from the surgical hospital. There has been some discussion in the media recently about how patients should undergo their rehabilitation – at home or as an inpatient in a specialised rehabilitation hospital. Wolper Jewish Hospital is a leader in rehabilitation and many of Sydney’s top orthopaedic surgeons recommend it for their patients. Here’s why you should choose inpatient rehabilitation. As an inpatient in Wolper’s rehabilitation unit, patients will receive comprehensive 24-hour care and support from nursing and other clinical staff. Pain management, wound care and personal care are all taken care of, reducing the risk of complications and leaving the patient free to focus entirely on their recovery. If a complication does occur, care is on-hand immediately. Wolper’s team of rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, nursing staff, occupational therapists and other

and pharmacists, take a collaborative approach to provide a personalised treatment plan for each patient. The specialised rehabilitation gym is fully equipped to assist patients to reach their rehabilitation goals. Wolper is also home to one of Sydney’s largest hydrotherapy pools.

Wolper Jewish Hospital is a leader in rehabilitation and many of Sydney’s top orthopaedic surgeons recommend it for their patients.

Wolper staff are on hand at all times, providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients as they undergo their treatment. The

rehabilitation

team

keeps

patients motivated and focussed on their recovery – something that can be tough to do when they are isolated at home. Being surrounded by the rehab team, as well as fellow patients who have experienced similar surgeries,

Planning your rehab after hip or knee surgery?

You don’t have to do it alone Undertaking your rehabilitation as an inpatient is the optimal way for you to achieve your best possible recovery from surgery. Receiving specialised 24 hour nursing care and allied health support in our nurturing hospital environment will give you and your family peace of mind. As an inpatient at Wolper you will have easy access to comprehensive care from our medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietitian and discharge planning staff, easing your recovery. Our fully equipped rehabilitation gym and large hydrotherapy pool will provide all the equipment needed for you to reach your personal rehabilitation goals supported by our specialist staff. You’ll receive two personalised therapy sessions 6 days a week and 1 session on Sunday to assist your recovery. Pain management, wound care and personal care are all taken care of leaving you to focus on you. Post-operative rehabilitation at home has its limitations. It can place additional burden on families and caregivers and there is the risk that patients prematurely return to their usual activities putting their recovery at risk. Inpatient rehabilitation reduces the risks and provides a holistic, staged approach to healing and a healthy recovery.

For further information, contact Wolper Jewish Hospital on 8324 2221 or see www.wolper.com.au

provides a social and supportive environment, which is so important for patient morale. Individuals may have heard that it can be difficult to get into Wolper Jewish Hospital. It is highly likely that this is not the case. Before surgery people wanting to undergo rehabilitation at Wolper should take these steps: 1. Contact their health fund and confirm they are covered for inpatient rehabilitation specifically at Wolper Jewish Hospital. 2. Contact Wolper’s Rehabilitation Services Manager to discuss the date of surgery. 3. At pre-admission, or on the day of surgery, let the surgical hospital and the surgeon know that arrangements have been made with Wolper. Following surgery, if advised that there are no beds available at Wolper, please confirm this with Wolper directly and inform the surgeon. Marcelle Segal is the Rehabilitation Services Manager at Wolper and will coordinate patient admission to Wolper Jewish Hospital’s rehabilitation unit. Marcelle can be contacted on 8324-

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

Commemoration of Jews in Zhabokrich

GREGORY SHMULEVICH AND ISAAK VELTMAN July 27th marked the 80th anniversary since the day that many Jews from the little village of Zhabokrich in Ukraine were murdered. It was in this little village that I, Isaak Veltman, was born in 1937 and subsequently grew up. There lived 600 Jews and around our area lived many Ukrainians. Until 1939 we had our own synagogue, a Jewish school and our own Rabbi and shochet. We followed the Jewish dietary laws of keeping Kosher, keeping Shabbat and all the Jewish festivals. Life was happy and going well – that is until World War II. When the war started those that could evacuate did. Many went to fight in the army. Those that were left were the elderly, the women, the children and the sick. The Nazis occupied this little village. They asked for the religious Jews to assemble for a meeting, which was a pretence, for when they came together these men were shot in a field. The remaining Jews were chased into basements and were also shot. Their only “crime” was being Jewish. On that day, July 27th, 435 Jews were murdered. The victims included women, children and, even, nursing babies. The victims’ bodies decayed, the remaining Jews in the village were burying the dead for the fortnight after the massacre. People were distraught, facing the task of burying their neighbours. They thought “G-d how could this inhumane and horrible tragedy happen here.” These abominable murders were a tragedy for all humanity and decent people everywhere. Somehow, a few villagers survived. Some happened to be out of the village at the time. Others made it through by hiding in basements behind dead bodies. Those that survived were then forced to live in a ghetto, which was set up with barbed wire surrounding it. A few streets were segregated and Jews were forced to live there. No

Eternal Memory: Victims of Fascism (June 1941 — 25th July 1941)

one could enter or leave. Those in the ghetto were perpetually hungry. Often Jews were called to the office, where they were tortured and bashed for no reason. One day my grandfather Toyva Veltman was called. He returned home bruised and asked my mother for a cup of tea. While she was making it, he died from his injuries. There were many cases like his. I will never forget his funeral. In March 1944 came the liberation after the Allies’ victory. Unfortunately, as a result of all the Jewish casualties, this little village of Zhabokrich, that

had existed for 200 years, was unable to survive. No one Jewish is left there today. No decedents of the Jewish families live there. There are only remnants, such as Jewish graves (including the tombstone of my grandfather) and the old, shabby synagogue, that still exist. I remember going with my father to repaint the letters on Toyva Veltman’s tombstone and to clean up the site of his grave. There are also three Jewish mass graves there, and a memorial with a Menorah. We, the survivors, raised money

to build this memorial to remember the Jews of Zhabokrich that were slaughtered

there

during

the

Holocaust. It’s hard to fight anti-Semitism in our current world, but it is imperative to remember history so these sins will never be repeated. There are only 26 living survivors of Zhabokrich, who now live in Australia, the USA, Germany, Israel, Ukraine and Russia. We continue to tell our story and make sure the memorial in Zhabokrich is tended to.

Fighting antisemitism in Germany With antisemitism on the rise in Germany, its government is strengthening its resistance to it. It is investing about $56 million into research and education projects focused on understanding its causes. In 202o there were 2,351 cases of antisemitism registered by German police, 15 per cent more than the year before.

German Education and Research Minister Anja Karliczek says there is reason for concern that “this is only the tip of the iceberg and that the unreported number of daily attacks on Jews is substantially higher.” Millions of dollars will be given to universities to examine different facets of hatred toward Jews and to develop strategies to combat it.

The government wants to tackle antisemitism in schools and in the justice system as well as on the internet and social media. It would like to educate the nonJewish majority in the country about Jewish life, customs and religious rituals. Scientists will be asked to develop practical guidelines to help teachers

and

others

address

the

growing

antisemitism. “It is a shame that Jews feel threatened in our country,” the minister said. “In view of our history, we have a special obligation to protect Jews and Jewish life in Germany.” Six million European Jews were killed during the Holocaust.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

LIFE S T Y LE

CHOICE

Why I'm Having Kids Despite World Turmoil

KYLIE ORA LOBELL COURTESY AISH.COM Yes, having a kid can be frustrating, nerve-wracking, scary and exhausting, but becoming a parent is also the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. My husband Daniel and I were worried about becoming parents. I was scared about how we would afford it and how I would balance my work with being a mother. It all seemed so overwhelming. I watched many movies where parents were stressed out and they fought about their kids, and I heard horror stories from anxious moms and dads who told us to get ready, because everything was about to change… and sometimes not for the better. My own parents divorced after having three kids. Daniel and I waited more than three years from our wedding date to start trying. We had our daughter and everything did change. While there have certainly been challenges – especially during the pandemic when we didn’t have childcare – becoming a parent has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Sure, having a kid can be very frustrating, nerve-wracking and frightening. But now I laugh ten thousand times a day because of our daughter. She puts a smile on my face first thing in the morning, and when I check on her before I go to bed at night my heart feels overwhelmed with love. This is a feeling I never could have imagined before having a child. Being a parent has been much more enjoyable and meaningful than I could have ever imagined. Thanks to a dedicated husband who co-parents with me, as well as family members who visit us and the amazing staff at our daughter’s daycare, I'm able to handle everything pretty well most of the time. Being a parent has been much more enjoyable and meaningful than I could have ever imagined. I’m now 32 and I noticed that a lot of millennials are putting off becoming parents. Birthrates have been falling for the past six years in the United States;

the pandemic “baby boom” that was apparently going to occur turned out to be a baby bust. Prior to having our daughter, like many people my age, I wanted to be out of debt and on my way to owning a home if I was going to become a parent. Then, at some point, I realized that not everything was going to line up perfectly. Instead, I channeled my inner courage and faith and took that leap. It turned out the old saying is true: Every baby comes with a loaf of bread under their arm. I started making more money pretty soon after our daughter arrived and I learned work-life balance. It’s a work in progress and changing all the time, but I manage. I’m content. People my age are delaying having kids for a multitude of reasons. The pandemic threw us off and made us feel like the world was completely unstable. Inflation and the rising cost of living have outpaced wages. Home ownership seems out of our grasp. Some people believe that the U.S. is on a downward

trajectory. We have student loan debt and credit card debt, and many young people don’t have communities or religion or their family around to make them feel more secure and give them support. Everything seems much more complicated nowadays. On the other hand, the world has never been a stable place. Our baby boomer parents had to deal with the aftershock of World War Two, the unstable political climate in the ‘60s, Vietnam War drafts, the Cold War, gas shortages, missile and hostage crises, and much more. Other generations had their own multitude of issues. I would be much more scared and hesitant to have children if I knew they’d have to go to school and hide under desks to protect themselves from missiles or if I knew my husband could be drafted at any moment, potentially making me a widow and a single mother. Today’s problems are monumental, but they aren’t new. Becoming a mother has introduced me

ONLINE SUBMISSION FOR CONTENT 4 Log onto thejewishreport.com.au 4 Click on 'Submit Article' in the top right hand corner 4 Follow the prompts and submit the article You will receive an email confirming your submission Any problems or queries, please contact Alex at prepress@sydneyjewishreport.com

to the fierceness of love and has injected so much more meaning into my life. A lot of it comes down to faith. We have no idea what it’s going to be like when we get married, when we have kids, when we move to a new city, or when we take on a new job. The best things in my life have always come out of taking a calculated risk and hoping for the best. And even if you experience stress and life gets more complicated with your new additions to your family, the rewards outweigh it all. During the height of the pandemic, witnessing my daughter learning how to walk tempered my anxiety. Seeing her big goofy smile puts me in a wonderful mood. Becoming a mother has introduced me to the fierceness of love and has injected so much more meaning into my life. Everyone should have the chance to experience this unique mixture of exhaustion and elation.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

A Quiet Inspiration

AR OU ND

COMMUNITY

JCA For Sharon and her late husband, Leon, their sense of Jewish identity has been paramount throughout their lives. After Leon’s passing in 2018, Sharon decided to include a bequest in her Will from both of them to contribute towards helping to strengthen our Jewish institutions and community. “We need to look after our diaspora at the edge of the world,” Sharon said. Growing up, Sharon always felt a strong connection to community through her school, her membership of Habonim and a family that happily celebrated Shabbat and the major Jewish holidays. Sharon volunteers at the Sydney Jewish Museum, where she works as a tour guide. Leon shared his experiences as a child survivor through the Jewish Schools’ Living Historian program and Courage to Care. Sharon is passionate about her connections to Sydney’s Jewish community and institutions, and the need to support them and ensure their long-term sustainability. Her Legacy Gift to JCA will contribute to helping secure the future of the institutions that are woven through the fabric of the NSW Jewish community. She and Leon were

united in this view. “This is a bequest from Leon and me – both of us being very Jewish-minded and keen to see the future generations retain strong ties to our Jewish community.” As Sharon sees it, as the world becomes increasingly secular, our

T HE

community institutions become even more important. “I’m giving because I want these institutions to continue to grow and to hold the community together – that’s my aim.” For her, this is also critical to the diaspora’s ability to ensure the survival of Israel, a cause

which resonates as deeply for her as it did for her late husband. “I see what JCA does and I think that is a well-run institution. It is something admirable that we have in Sydney and everywhere people are aware of it … and a bit jealous of it. So, I have decided to make the JCA the beneficiary of my single largest Legacy Gift and to rely on JCA’s governance and expertise as to how best my Legacy will be used. I hope others will do the same. I have never been a leader in JCA or the community,” Sharon said. “The only community work I do is at the Sydney Jewish Museum, but I am hoping that if others see that we have made a bequest that will benefit Jewish institutions in NSW, they will be inspired to do the same. It is only if the Jews of NSW support the community that the organisations we take for granted will be viable for our children, grandchildren and future generations.” To honour past, present and future donors who have made a special commitment of a legacy gift, JCA has established JCA Generations, in the hope that people leading by example will inspire others to also consider leaving a bequest to JCA. If you are interestedi please contact Mark at JCA by email mark@jca.org.au for a confidential discussion.

Jackie Mason’s Life DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY AISH.COM Born Yacov Moshe Maza in 1928, Jackie Mason came from a long line of Orthodox rabbis. He followed his father’s footsteps and became a rabbi as well. (His three older brothers also became rabbis; his two younger sisters married rabbis.) After his father’s death in 1959, Mason adopted his new name and began performing comedy routines in Catskill resorts, New York city clubs and Miami hotels. At first, he received a poor reception from many of his fellow Jews, who felt that Mason’s heavy New York accent and Jewish-inflected way of speaking seemed old-fashioned: “My accent reminds them of a background they’re trying to forget.” Mason found that even when he strayed far from the religious Jewish world in which he grew up, he retained some of the lessons and universal truths that his Jewish education imparted. “I came from a religious family,” he explained, noting that his background was completely at odds with the shallow materialism and trappings of fame which he later pursued. “I was so absorbed with religion that I didn’t think about material things. We weren’t involved with Jewish contests, with status. There was no status among the Orthodox Jews. How can you judge a person as more successful because he has a more expensive car? A fancier jacket? A bigger apartment?

The comic, who has died at 93, was a keen observer of Jewish life in America A nameplate on the shoes? You judge a person by how far they went scholastically, if he or she became a philosopher, a thinker, a writer, an artist, a scientist. A grand rabbi. They don’t wait to see his shorts or his shirts…" His Jewish education enriched his comedy. “Every time I see a contradiction or hypocrisy in somebody’s behaviour,” he quipped, “I think of the Talmud and build the joke from there.” Mason was a staunch supporter of Israel. During the Gulf War of 1991, he insisted on flying to the

Jewish state while it was under attack. He later recalled that “when I told the Israelis I was coming, they looked at me like I was a maniac. They didn’t know if I was such a great patriot or just a nutcase. The Israeli embassy initially discouraged me from going. Because they couldn’t imagine someone coming into Israel at a time like that. But I was insistent. I felt it was a moral obligation for a Jew to show support at a time like that when the fate of the state was imperilled.” In 1987, he told the Los Angeles

Times, “I don’t care about money. I give it to the families of my three brothers and two sisters. We’re very close. I have enough to last me the rest of my life. Unless, of course, I want to buy something.” Through his long career, Mason was both beloved and reviled. He found himself blacklisted and boycotted after making highly insensitive jokes. Yet his biting humour illuminated the life of many American Jews in secular America in a way that no other comedian could replicate.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

TORAH

THOUGHT RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY In Jewish teaching, the month of Elul is called the month of rachamim, or divine mercy. Historically, after the Jewish People sinned by building and then idolising the Golden Calf, Moses ascended Mount Sinai for a second set of forty days with one mission: to beseech HaShem not to destroy the Jewish People. He was successful in that urgent quest, yet G-d made it abundantly clear that the Israelites were not going to return to the special, spiritual level they had inhabited prior to that misguided deviation. In effect, G-d was not going to personally lead them to into the Promised Land. Moses then trekked up the mountain a third time imploring G-d that we should be reinstated to the unique status of HaShem’s chosen people for all time. We are taught that the Jewish People

Our Father, Our King Is With Us In Lockdown did ultimately find favour in the eyes of HaShem. On the fortieth day when Moshe descended and returned to the camp for the final time, he came bearing one message from G-d: “I have forgiven you as per your request.” That day was Yom Kippur. From that time on, the forty days

He is in each of our homes receiving us with undivided attention and with a ‘smiling face’. between the first of Elul and Yom Kippur are regarded as days of mercy and atonement. We are promised that if we have faith and turn to HaShem, He will in turn forgive us and bless us with a good new year. The Kabbalists shone a light on these forty days. They taught that this window of time is special, not merely as a memory of an historic event, rather in the sense that each year HaShem reveals Himself

anew during these days via the Thirteen Attributes of Divine Mercy. However there appears to be a contradiction. The same Kabbalists also teach that part of the distinctiveness of Shabbat and Yom Tov dotted throughout our lunar calendar occurs because HaShem reveals Himself in our world on those days. This is facilitated through the same attributes of mercy and that is why they are distinctive days – the King is disclosed in all His glory and our behaviour must match His presence. If that is the case, why isn’t the entire month of Elul like a string of days mirroring Shabbat? The Alter Rebbe answers this quandary with an insightful allegory. Traditionally, for most of the year, the sovereign remains in his capital city and in his palace. The king can only be seen by royal appointment and even then, if the slightest hint of disrespect is displayed, terrible consequences may follow. However, once a year the king leaves the city and visits his people in the field. Everyone can approach the king with their requests, dressed in their ordinary

clothes in a spirit of informality – and the King graciously receives his subjects with a smiling face and a listening ear. For the Jewish People, this window of time occurs during the month of Elul, and not simply on our weekly Day of Rest. Our Father, our King is in the proverbial field ready to receive all our requests, hopes and dreams, He will bless us with a good new year. All we need to do is turn to Him and ask. Once again, this year we are faced with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Days of Awe are soon upon us - we do not know whether we will be in shule together in close proximity to our holy Torah scrolls. Where do we find HaShem? The answer is: He is with us. HaShem – our King – is in the field. He has left his palace to be with us, his loyal subjects, no matter where we are physically located. He is in each of our homes receiving us with undivided attention and with a ‘smiling face’. May we all take comfort from His presence and may we all be blessed with a Shana Tova U’Metuka.

Mandelbaum House and COVID: Student Life in Lockdown MANDELBAUM HOUSE The impact of COVID is harsh and widespread. Suddenly, millions of people are in lockdown and improvising living life in one spot. What does this mean for students in residence? Mandelbaum House strode ahead to meet the moment with delicious meals, movie nights and by creating a shared digital space. As soon as lockdown was introduced, Mandelbaum arranged scrumptious free lunches and dinners. A big thank you goes to the Mandelbaum chefs. While head office continually re-assesses the COVID situation, Mandelbaum House’s Residential

Assistance team and residents have kicked in with some great initiatives. These have included Mandelbaum Minecraft Server (which is the shared digital space to which I just referred), work out sessions, evening get-togethers, pickle-making, an indigenous art project and marathon TV viewing. Residents have taken up the slack as cleaning staff have, understandably, been kept to a minimum. Mandelbaum resident, Reuben, has been in lockdown since the start of mid-semester break, at the end of June. He had big plans for the university holiday: lots of extra work hours coaching chess, hanging out with new friends and exploring Sydney. These, of course, have had to be put on hold, but Reuben says COVID has taught him new life lessons. “I feel

like I’ve grown as a person … because everyone is different, there is going to be conflict and it’s been really helpful for me to work through that.” To keep busy, Reuben has been “trying to constantly learn new things”, like reading historical fiction, using Minecraft to teach himself basic electronics (which is fun for an engineering student), playing chess and following chess competitions. This quiet lifestyle is a far cry from the usual whirlwind at Mandelbaum: morning gym workouts, chess coaching and meeting friends around Sydney, eating out, sailing and relaxed social times at Mandelbaum House. What does continue unabated is Mandelbaum's Jewish foundations and

for all disciplines, so here is some Torah mathematics. Start with a fundamental equation (cheshbon hanefesh – a spiritual audit): x (thought) + y (action) = r (result). Everyone has thoughts … all the time. Some are good and some are bad. What is good and what is bad and how do we apply this fundamental equation? Simply stated, from a Torah perspective: good = constructive and bad = destructive. The Torah instructs: Shoftim veshotrim titen lecha bechol shearecha (Devarim 17:18) – Appoint judges and police to oversee your actions. This involves two steps. Step 1: Create your own personal judge to evaluate your thoughts. Are they good or bad, should they be

maintained, should they be carried through to actions and what are the potential results if you do carry them through? Step 2: Once the judge has made a ruling, the police need to carry out their duty to enact the judge’s ruling. In other words, self-control and adherence to acceptable boundaries are essential. Seek help from others, if required. Judaism, more than any life instruction, rejects blind observance and mandates each person to be as learned and informed as possible. So, to reiterate the Torah teaching: determine if an idea is good or bad. If bad, calculate the cost – that is the embarrassment to teachers and classmates, the disruption of teaching and learning, the diminishing of kavod

practices, including the fully Kosher kitchen, special holiday events and Shabbat celebrations. Attendance is optional, so non-Jewish residents may choose whether to experience aspects of Jewish culture and Jewish residents can practice at their own pace and stay connected with their identity. Having lived and gone to school in Papua New Guinea, The Netherlands and the USA, Reuben has gotten to experience what it’s like to be a Jew in many different places, but he says being at Mandelbaum has made him “feel more at home”. While not denying that lockdown has been hard, he has adopted a positive attitude. “You just have to power through it and make the best of it,” Reuben says.

Jewdo YERACHMIEL ISACOWITZ In the last issue of the Sydney Jewish Report, I introduced the concept of a Utopian Jewish Day School providing a holistic education with a Jewish focus. The wonderful thing about a Jewish Day School (and, I assume, any parochial school) is that while parents want their children to have vocational skills, they also value strongly taught values. So, let us take a look at behaviour management based upon this model. Responses should lend themselves to constructive learning, which entails turning negatives into positives (we’ll call this “Jewdo”). Torah is the ultimate application tool

(honour) to all who are subjected to the action and the shame and cost to parents and oneself from the consequences. If good, calculate the positive results and loss of not carrying it on to actions. The Torah has another calculation: t (tshuvah – reparation) = a deliberate crime is turned into a misdemeanour and a misdemeanour is turned into a mitzvah. In this case, you are applying the behaviours of the judge and police after the event, but isn’t it pleasing that Torah gives us the chance to reverse negative results? Yerachmiel Isacowitz is a Jewish education specialist servicing the Sydney area www.torahconcepts.com Facebook: The Mem Channel

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

T OR AH

An Olympic Gold Lesson RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have now wrapped up and for many it has been a welcome distraction from our current Covid lockdown. Witnessing true excellence in its many and varied guises is often an emotional experience. As proud Jewish Australians, this has certainly been the case as we have cheered for Aussie and Israeli Olympians alike! Speaking of Green and Gold, a hearty mazel tov is extended to our Central Family member, world champion and now Olympic Gold Medallist, Jessica Fox, for her exceptional canoe slalom race. For the record, I am equally as proud of her for her kayaking bronze and all other achievements that have led to this golden moment! Similarly, our hearts burst with nachas at all that our Olympic sprinter and 400m champion Steven Solomon has achieved. Olympians personify tenacity, resolve, discipline, drive, and display impressive teamwork – they are so inspiring. Yet there is another lesson that strikes me during this recent heightened Olympic season that is so applicable to our lives.

Rabbi Wolff with Olympians Steven Solomon and Jessica Fox (Photo credit: Henry Benjamin - J-Wire) It’s time to talk about ‘time’! Most of us may loosely remark that time is precious, but our actions often reflect the opposite. In modern society, time is frequently devalued. Many in the younger generation view ‘time’ as expansive, stretching out before them. Conversely, many in their twilight years lament that their prime has passed and spend days attempting to merely pass the time. There is an idiom for this: killing time. At every age and stage, with technology

THOUGHT

at our fingertips, hours can fly mindlessly by on smart phones or via the remote control flipping through hundreds of channels. From a Jewish perspective, killing time is a crime that is equal to murder - except when you kill time, you are both the perpetrator and the victim simultaneously! Time is one of the most treasured commodities we have and there is a limited amount allocated to each of us. We can’t control it and with every passing second, like it or not, we come closer to emptying our allotted account. Through a Jewish prism, each moment of our lives is valued, and we have the choice to fill our time with positive pursuits. We can consciously help others, challenge our minds, develop our souls, care for our bodies, and connect with family and friends. On the flip side, each minute can also be squandered, devoid of meaning. There is no place that we see the value of time more poignantly showcased than at the Olympics. Races are often decided by one fraction of one second. Inspired by these awesome athletes, we can find the time we didn’t think we had to pursue noble endeavours and go on to achieve our goals, aspirations and dreams. A perplexed Jew once asked Rav Yisroel Salanter, "If I only have fifteen minutes a day to learn, should I focus

on Chumash, Talmud, the Prophets or Jewish law?" Rav Yisroel wisely answered, "Learn Mussar, character development, and you will realise that you have much more than fifteen minutes a day to learn". I reflected recently on the following thoughts shared by a dear friend – so apt when thinking about all-things-time: To realise the value of one year, ask a student who has failed his or her exam. To realise the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. To realise the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realise the value of one day, ask a daily wage labourer who has many kids to feed. To realise the value of one hour, ask those waiting for a loved one in surgery. To realise the value of one minute, ask the person who missed the train. To realise the value of one second, ask a person who has survived an accident. To realise the value of one millisecond, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics who had their eye on the gold – so close yet so far. Time is of the essence! Let’s embrace every moment irrespective of whether we are in or out of a Covid lockdown. Fill each day with goodness and kindness – without doubt, that is the ultimate Gold Medal performance.

UIA Announces Winners of the 2021 Masada College Roots Project UIA UIA is excited to announce the Masada College winners of its 2021 Roots Project. This year, Year 9 students completed the UIA initiative to win $1,000 towards a ZFA/UIA recognised program to Israel, as well as a Chanukiah, which will remind them of their tree of life. Two winners – Daniel Belzycki and Zoe Budai – were chosen this year. They were announced at an online presentation event on 22 July. The projects submitted were judged by the Roots Project Committee, which included KH-UIA International Women’s Division President, Penny Hurst OAM and former Moriah College teacher, Ruth Jacobs. “I’ve never done a project as interesting and enjoyable as the Roots Project,” joint winner Zoe Budai said. “I have learned so much about myself, my family and my history. I also learned what it means to be Jewish and how much it impacts my daily life.” Zoe also said she was looking forward to putting the prize money towards the Masada Israel Tour (MIT), which takes place at the end of Year 10. Fellow winner Daniel Belzycki said: “Winning this project is very meaningful to my family and I because I had the opportunity to learn about and pass on the stories of my family, some of whom had perished in the Holocaust. I spent a lot of time talking to my

grandparents and, because of this, I have learned so much about my ancestors and their stories.” “This year’s projects were of an exceptionally high standard and a credit to the school and their families. We commend all the students who participated for their outstanding research as well as those “runners up” who will each receive a Roots medal,” Penny Hurst said. “Marking these outstanding projects was an absolute privilege for me,” fellow judge, Ruth Jacobs, said. “The children’s love of Israel, Judaism and their heritage and culture was exceptional. The spirit of the children shone through and this will stand them in good stead as future leaders of our community.” The Roots Project involves students tracing their family history, thereby uncovering interesting facts about their heritage. The research and knowledge gained not only benefits the students, but remains a lifelong memory for all the families involved. The project also helps to strengthen the students’ connection with Israel. As Penny Hurst said: “It was such a pleasure for me to read how their research further enhanced their love and connection to their Jewish heritage and Israel. This journey, which allowed the students to discover precious stories passed down from generation to generation, is something that we at UIA are so proud of and is at the heart of who we are and what we believe.”

For your FREE electronic copy of the Sydney Jewish Report, register at www.thejewishreport.com.au

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

TO R AH

THOUGHT RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN Within this edition, we offer you the third instalment of Rabbi David Freedman’s unique tailor-made SJR Judaica Quiz. Many families around town are embracing this as a bonding Shabbat table activity, pooling Jewish knowledge to arrive (or attempt to arrive) at the correct answers, laughing and learning along the way! Rabbi Freedman effortlessly and expertly weaves in questions reflecting Jewish life, both past and present – including the gastronomic, political, cultural, historical and more. A snapshot of the wide arc of Jewish experience is delightfully contained below – enjoy and thank you for the positive feedback, we are so pleased you are both embracing and enjoying this so much! 1. In the Nevi’im (The Biblical Prophets) only one prophet described himself as an Ivri, a Hebrew – was it Joel, Jeremiah or Jonah? 2. What was Vladimir Jabotinsky’s Hebrew name? 3. Which of King David’s sons has a memorial in the Kidron Valley near

Judaica Quiz #3 the Old City of Jerusalem? 4. Which Jewish female songwriter co-composed the following: “Everybody's doing a brand new dance, now; Come on baby, do the locomotion”. 5. Which Spanish city was the birthplace of Joseph Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, the

sable, European pine marten, or American grey fox? 11. In Wikipedia, the following is written: “Although making up less than 0.2% of the world's population, of the first 13 undisputed world champions, over 50% were Jewish.” To what is this referring?

Test your knowledge ... Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition. Code of Jewish Law - Cordova, Toledo or Seville? 6. In which decade was the Maccabiah Games first contested? 7. Which former Israeli Prime Minister was born in 1913 and died in 1992? 8. Which monthly Jewish ceremony involves looking upwards? 9. Name the three largest cities in Israel by population. 10. Which ‘religious' item of clothing can be made from Russian

12. Why is Gefilte fish so called? 13. Who is the first person in the Bible to be called a Kohen – a priest? 14. Nine Jews have won the Nobel Peace Prize – name 3 of them. 15. Ben Zoma in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) asks: “Who is wise?” What answer does he give? 16. The Moreh Tzedek - The Teacher of Righteousness is mentioned in which collection of ancient Hebrew documents? 17. Animals are associated with 5

of the 12 tribes, as per Jacob’s blessing. Name 3 of them. 18. Which famous Hebrew poet wrote The City of Slaughter following the pogrom in Kishinev in 1903? 19. Anthony Lee Ervin, an American Olympian won gold and silver in the Sydney Olympics. In which sport? 20. Which 18th Century Polish Jew claimed to be the reincarnation of the self-proclaimed messiah, Shabbetai Zvi? 21. The father of King David was Jesse (in Hebrew, Yishai). What is the meaning of his name? 22. In which century did Rabbi Joshua ben Gamla institute universal Jewish education? 23. What do Ali Bacher and Julien Wiener have in common? 24. What is the lowest and highest value Israeli banknote currently in circulation? 25. Name one of the two items kept in the Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai Bet Knesset (synagogue) in the Old City of Jerusalem awaiting the arrival of the Messiah? ANSWERS PAGE 27

High Holidays' Feature

The Sydney Jewish Report will be publishing a High Holidays' Feature in its next edition – deadline for submission, 23rd August. This an opportunity to send well wishes to the community and approach the new Jewish year with a sense of optimism. We are offering all businesses the chance to promote their goods and services through articles, interviews, photos and adverts. To register your interest in appearing in the supplement or for more information on rates, please contact Alex on 0418 660 660 or advertising@thejewishreport.com.au

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

Kosher KApers RAMONA FREEDMAN THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY Lewis’ Continental Kitchen has been a valued kosher anchor of our KA Family and has now proudly entered its Golden Age. Lewis’ has been loyally serving Sydney’s Jewish community for over half a century! Rosh Hashanah will be here quicker than you can say ‘apple dipped in honey’ and Lewis’ is ready to provide its cherished New Year favourites. Customer service has always been at the forefront of Lewis' continued success, hand-in-hand with delicious, fresh, best quality dishes - guaranteed to enhance your everyday, Shabbat and festival meals. The number of requests for kosher gluten free (GF) options continues to rise exponentially year after year, and Lewis’ has so many helpful additions to cater in this regard. From GF chopped liver to chicken soup to eggplant & tomato salad to beef shepherd’s pie – the list is long! You can also enjoy gluten free roasted vegetables, carrot tzimmes, vegetable and beef cabbage rolls and more. When it comes to honey cake – Lewis’ is legendary. It is known far and wide as Malcolm’s Honey Cake and has a depth of flavour that must be sampled to be believed. This year, you can purchase the regular honey cake, or an impressive gluten free version. The sweet news continues because for the first time, Lewis’ is offering customers the opportunity to send its signature honey cake (or a half-sized cake) in a beautifully packed box (replete with curled ribbon) to family and friends as a Rosh Hashanah gift delivered in a Covid-safe way straight to their front door! Owner Judith Lewis explains that it is imperative this gift arrives frozen, as the freezing process permits the honey cake to mature and the flavours to develop to their maximum potential. Given that Lewis’ has been operating since 1971, we are heeding those wise words. Before the pandemic, approximately ninety per cent of Lewis’ business comprised of catering for airline meals. That has radically altered for the time being and whilst many kosher hospital and hotel quarantine meals are supplied by Lewis’, communal support at this testing time would be welcome. The kosher ‘care factor’ is off the charts right now in Sydney. The Kashrut Authority is pleased to advise that the CBD Chabad ‘Shabbos2U’ packs are assembled each week and will be

offered every Friday until the end of this current Covid lockdown. Each is a complimentary gastronomic and spiritual reminder that we are all in this together, with care packs comprising of all that is needed on Shabbat including soul-warming soup and Jesse’s challah. This is a true blessing in our midst, especially with so many unable to leave their homes – another example of a true KA supervised blessing – connecting so many at a time needed most (see details below). Oh! Boo Chocolates is a unique and loved KA-certified hub located in Barangaroo where world class artisanal chocolates are created by Maître chocolatier, Fanny Chan, who was trained in Belgium. Her brother, Alex Chan, has longstanding connections with the Jewish community and together they produce the most exquisite kosher chocolate range, impressing savvy local cacao connoisseurs. In fact, Oh! Boo has also featured (pre-Covid) at the world’s largest kosher tradeshow, Kosherfest in New Jersey, wowing international kosher buyers. To assist those in Sydney’s lockdown, Oh! Boo is graciously offering free delivery for all orders over $50 to anywhere within a 25km radius of Sydney’s CBD throughout the month of August. This includes Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and North Shore up to St. Ives (see details below). Oh!Boo offers a new range of vegan chocolate bars (Dairy Equipment) in four tantalising flavours: Strawberry Coconut, Salted Caramel, Macadamia Coconut – caramelised and Mylk 45%. There is also a Winter Chocolate Warmer Treat that is hugely popular comprising of Dark Choc Drinking Chocolate (DE) and three other Dairy treats (not Chalav Yisrael) including Milk Caramel Brittle or Almond Rocher; a 4-piece praline box and Ruby Chocolate bark with real fruits. Kosher Sydneysiders often request items that are Pareve – in this dairy free line you can also find: Dark almond clusters, dark chocolate covered dried mango and orange peel and chocolate bark with real fruits in four flavours: strawberry, sour cherry, coconut and passionfruit. The ever-popular DJ&A company has so many KA-certified products all listed within The Kashrut Authority’s Directory. New for you to enjoy are Mixed Mushroom Crisps, which are lightly cooked and seasoned and perfectly blend Shiitake, Oyster and Namenko mushrooms. You can now also purchase readyto-eat crispy garlic cloves; dried rockmelon; dried watermelon and even plant-based hazelnut chocolate banana clusters and chocolate peach almond clusters – a sweet and savoury range like no other. Currently DJ&A is offering 15% off all online orders – take advantage!

The KA is pleased to advise that this year, The Kosher Hub is offering a wonderful selection of festive kosher hampers, giving you the opportunity to wish your nearest and dearest Chag Sameach – guaranteed to bring a smile to many in Sydney with contactless delivery available. There are five Rosh Hashanah hampers to choose from including a selection of the finest kosher wines, KA-certified dried apple, Sally Williams nougat, and candied nuts all lovingly placed in a gift box with gold tissue along with The Kosher Hub’s signature gift card with a personalised message. In addition, you can also purchase other unique and whimsical New Year themed items. Hadassa Kosher Butchery continues to offer fresh fleishig offerings including KA-certified kosher beef, lamb and poultry – place Rosh Hashanah orders early and keep in mind that delivery is complimentary for all orders over $99. To help the community in Sydney’s Southeast, more suburbs have been added to the delivery run including Maroubra, Kingsford, Kensington, Randwick and South Coogee. If we must be in lockdown, it is unanimous that it is a little more bearable with a freezer stocked with best quality kosher ice creams and sorbets. KA-certified Alpino Gelato currently offers twenty kosher flavours including Dairy varieties (not Chalav Yisrael) such as Vanilla Bean; Boysenberry; Caramel Fudge and Strawberries & Cream. You can also enjoy Pareve flavours including Guava; Passionfruit; Pineapple and Lemon – to name a few. Deliveries of one litre tubs are made each Friday for all orders over $50 in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The Alpino team truly has its finger on the pulse of caring for the community at this time, it is a privilege to have them as part of our KA Family. The creative kosher collaboration between Milk + Honey picnics and Mila’s Kosher Catering continues with KA-certified DIY Picnic Kits a true hit during lockdown. Get comfortable with refined and elegant kosher picnic nosh at your fingertips and sit back and relax just a little – so well deserved! Given the COVID lockdown, the date to utilise the helpful NSW Dine Vouchers has been extended until August 31st they can be used locally at The Bagel Co. Rose Bay; Jesse’s; Mendy’s and Simply Hummus – so many kosher options await. We look forward to bringing you more sweet kosher news to help bring in the New Year – stay tuned for the Rosh HaShanah edition which will feature some sugar, spice and all things nice!

Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town: • Call Lewis’ Continental Kitchen on 02 9365 5421 to discuss your Rosh Hashanah order – you can view the menu via Lewis’ Facebook page or request it sent via email. Place New Year orders by August 30th to: orders@lewiskosher.com.au. Customers can also order chocolate cake and can get a customised iced birthday greeting free of charge. • Orders for the CBD Chabad ‘Shabbos2U’ packs must be placed each Thursday by midday. Contact Rabbi Danny or Sara-tova Jaffe via SMS 0425 152 404 or 0422 470 655. Please note: these packs are complimentary, if you would like to assist with the mitzvah of subsidising one (or more), it will all help to ‘pay-it-forward’ in the

most profound way. Pick up will be from CBD Chabad Sydney this Friday between 2-4pm or there is a delivery option for $25. • To order from Oh! Boo Chocolates and take advantage of free delivery over $50, visit www. ohboo.com.au or call Alex Chan on 0423 958 478. Please note: Oh! Boo is currently offering 10% off $50 gift cards – pick one up for only $45. • To purchase the DJ&A products with a handy 15% off price, visit www.djaproducts.com. Please note: each kosher product conveniently features The KA logo on the back of the packaging. • Visit www.thekosherhub.com to place your Kosher Hub Rosh Hashanah hamper orders, you can also email: thekosherhub@gmail.com –

same day deliveries can be made if needed. • To order from Hadassa Kosher Butchery, call 02 9365 4904/ 02 8367 8300. or visit www. hadassabutchery.com.au – enjoy the freshest produce straight to your door. • To order KA-certified Alpino Gelato one litre tubs for a Friday delivery @$11.50 each, email: orders@alpino.com.au or call Laura on 0410 515 838. • To arrange a DIY Milk + Honey kosher picnic experience @home, call Vicki on 0478 297 237. • The new Friendship Bakery now offers Click + Collect pick up, to order visit www.friendshipbakery.com.au.

KOSHE R

KApers KA PRODUCT UPDATES • Six new Chef’s Choice gourmet salt products are now KA-certified and each conveniently has the KA logo on the label. You can now find Chef’s Choice Himalayan Pink Fine Salt with: o Organic Ground Black Pepper o Dried Premium Shiitake Powder o Ground Chilli o Pink Peppercorn o Dried Premium Porcini Powder o Lemon Zest Ground • Three new varieties of Mountain Bread are now KA-certified and all Pat Palter: o Beetroot – Quinoa & Chia o Pea Protein o Turmeric • Sheese 100% Dairy Free Creamy Onion & Cracked Pepper cheese alternative (with London Beth Din KLBD logo) • Chef’s Choice All Natural Sliced Jalapeños (480g) is now KA-certified • Serendipity Guava & Strawberry Sorbet (Pareve) is now available • The following one dozen Plenty Foods cold-pressed Australian-made oils are KA-certified and can be purchased at www.proteco.com.au (no logo required) with a flat freight rate of $14 to anywhere in Australia: o Almond Oil o Avocado Oil o Flaxseed Oil o Hemp Seed Oil o Macadamia Oil o Olive Oil o Peanut Oil o Pumpkin Seed Oil o Sesame Oil o Sunflower Oil o Walnut Oil o Heart Smart Super High Oleic Safflower Oil (also available at Woolworths nationally) • Plenty Foods peanut butters are now also KA-certified (no logo required) and both are also available at Coles stores: o Peanut Butter Smooth o Peanut Butter Crunchy (For any further enquiries re: Plenty Foods call 07 4162 5660).

CLARIFICATIONS & DELETIONS • Chobani Oat Milk Barista Edition is kosher certified but must be Product of Canada. • The range of Picky Picky Peanuts is no longer produced. Please note that the Picky Picky Peanut Oil using Hi Oleic peanuts is still manufactured. • The range of peanut butters and oils by Pressed Purity are no longer produced. • Three Spring Wholefood breads are no longer acceptable even when bearing The KA logo: Banana & Buckwheat; Pumpkin & Turmeric and Quinoa & Zucchini. • Coles Protein Bars (Mocha) are no longer produced.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

Bound for the Paralympics

JCA JCA The Choice Foundation is an endowment fund which supports people with disabilities in our community. Their focus is to educate, collaborate and innovate on projects that focus on inclusion. During lockdown in 2020, while we all worked out how to move forward in the new circumstances, Ilan Kidron Zoomed with the team at JCA The Choice Foundation to see what creative ideas they could collectively come up with. The outcome was “Nothing is Impossible”, a song written collaboratively for members, participants and volunteers of The Choice Foundation. An expression of love and fun during difficult times, Ilan turned the song into a joyous, upbeat anthem. It included the voice of Reigan Derry and four young Jewish singers – Micah Diamond, Demi Jochelson, Ava Boyarsky and Zuri Katama – in From left: Demi Jochelson, Ava Boyarsky, Zuri Katama and Micah Diamond the choir. cause this is for all of us. Virtuoso fiddler Ben Adler was responFoundation founder Taryn Boyarsky sible for the arrangement and played and manager Danielle Wakerman said strings. of the project: “The hope was to creThe community was then asked to ate a song that would unite people in send in footage of them dancing to support of those with a disability in the the song. 160 families sent in videos of community. Once we started this prothemselves and this was turned into a cess, the song just poured – cascaded collaborative videoclip, signalling a – out!” beautiful coming together of our comView the video clip here: https://s.dismunity. co.ac/okmojiirbrwq Now, with the Olympics and the Download the song here: https:// Paralympics upon us, Channel 7 has open.spotify.com/track/3UdFGpHKTheard this song and has chosen “Nothing Is Impossible” to be the promotion- TI2zNgqUE2mN5?si=G8pmovzDQKiPTal song for the Paralympics. You will be DOdNloF6w&dl_branch=1 Visit the Choice Foundation webhearing it across all Channel 7 media site:www.thechoicefoundation.org.au until 24th August. Follow The Choice Foundation and Make sure you turn up the volume and download it from Spotify – Nothing Glassbreakers on social media: Instagram: @the_choice_foundation Is Impossible by Glassbreakers – and Facebook: The Choice Foundation @ share it with friends. We are proud to share this win with our community be- the_glassbreakers glassbreakersmusic Ilan Kidron and Zuri Katama

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES Friday, August 13, 2021

5:06 pm

Shabbat ends, August 14, 2021

6:03 pm

Friday, August 20, 2021

5:11 pm

Shabbat ends, August 21, 2021

6:07 pm

Friday, August 27, 2021

5:16 pm

Shabbat ends, August 28, 2021

6:12 pm

Friday, September 3, 2021

5:20 pm

Shabbat ends, September 4, 2021

6:16 pm

Friday, September 10, 2021

5:25 pm

Shabbat ends, September 11, 2021

6:21 pm

Friday, September 17, 2021

5:30 pm

Shabbat ends, September 18, 2021

6:26 pm

Friday, September 24, 2021

5:35 pm

Shabbat ends, September 25, 2021

6:31 pm

Challenge Accepted! FROM PAGE 24 In October 2018 COA welcomed aboard a new CEO, Rachel Tanny, and the whole organisation changed. Rachel had studied both as a lawyer and in seminary. As a lawyer, she upheld the rights of immigrant women in the USA (her home country). As a seminary graduate, she helped run a congregation in Adelaide providing support and care to her congregants. So, with her astute mind and deeply compassionate nature, she took the reins at COA. Rachel spent her first year with COA looking at the best possible way to restructure our organisation to provide greater efficiency for staff, better outcomes for clients, a wider range of supports and social activities. Things were moving along so well at the start

of 2020 and an extremely productive year was planned, but then everything changed, as just 14 months into her leadership, COVID-19 struck. This could have been enough to see the end of COA, but Rachel fought hard not only to keep COA relevant, but also to provide innovative services to help Jewish seniors stay at home in safety during the lockdown. She addressed the situation by expanding existing services, ensuring food security and providing new services to enable social connection to continue, even when the COA Centre was closed. The following are just some of her great achievements: • As lockdown hit in 2020, Rachel utilised community networks to find young volunteers to replace COA volunteers aged over 65. One week after her call, COA welcomed more than 60 new volunteers.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

Mila’s chocolate babka

MILA'S KOSHER CATERING In this edition, the generous and talented Mila’s Catering team has graciously offered its brilliant babka recipe for Sydney Jewish Report readers. This recipe below will yield four pareve chocolate babkas – it is so apt to make more than one at this testing time. It lends the perfect opportunity to enjoy with your nearest and dearest, you can also share with those doing it a little tough during this Covid lockdown. Guaranteed to brighten up anyone’s day! Mila’s Kosher Catering has been connecting with the community in the most magnanimous way recently. A team of talented souls has been cooking and preparing food at Our Big Kitchen including heart-warming soups, main course and desserts.

All of this has been for a chessed initiative to communicate with communal members that they are supported and not alone. It is all free of charge thanks to the Zionist Federation of Australia, Chabad Bondi and extraordinary sponsors. Mila’s also recently delivered KAcertified Covid care packages to residents in a Bondi building in isolation. The good work continues! For now, make this at home and savour the flavour of this beloved Jewish classic! INGREDIENTS 1.1kg plain flour 180 grams margarine ½ cup vegetable oil ¾ cup caster sugar 1 Tbsp vanilla sugar 1/2 tsp salt 2 eggs 2 yolks (save whites for filling) 1.5 Tbsp dry yeast

1¾ cups warm water FILLING 120gm margarine 2 cups caster sugar ½ Tbsp vanilla sugar ¾ cup cocoa 2 egg whites STREUSEL 30gm margarine 300g plain flour 120g caster sugar BABKA GLAZE One egg (beaten) METHOD Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius. For the dough – place the first eight ingredients listed in a mixing bowl. Separately, dissolve the yeast in warm water and then add to the mixing bowl. Beat very well until it forms a smooth dough. Allow to rise for one hour. To make the filling, cream margarine

FOODI E S

CORNER

and sugars and then add cocoa and egg whites. Mix well. Divide

dough

evenly

into

four

separate mounds. Roll out each one and then spread the filling evenly over the dough. Proceed to roll up each one in a ‘jellyroll’ style (that is, in a log shape) and place in a loaf tin (9” x 5”/ 23cm x 13cm). Allow to rise for 15-20 minutes. Crumble

the

streusel

ingredients

together until crumbs form. Brush each of the four babkas with a beaten egg to glaze and sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake each at 175 degrees Celsius for 40-45 minutes. Enjoy. Serves 4. To contact Mila’s Kosher Catering visit www.milascatering.com.au or call 0478 297 237.

JUDAICA QUIZ #3 ANSWERS 1. Jonah 2. Ze’ev 3. Absalom 4. Carole King 5. Toledo 6. 1 930s (In 1932 The Maccabiah Stadium in Tel Aviv, which was built with donations, was filled to capacity. Roughly 400 athletes from 18 countries took part.) 7. Menachem Begin 8. K iddush Levana - The Sanctification of the Moon 9. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Haifa.

10. A Shtreimel 11.Chess 12. Gefilte is Yiddish for stuffed. (Historically it consisted of a minced fish forcemeat stuffed inside the intact fish skin. By the 16th Century, cooks had started omitting the labourintensive stuffing step, and now the seasoned fish is most commonly formed into patties similar to fish balls.) 13. Melchizedek (Genesis 14: 18) 14. Tobias Asser (1911), Alfred Fried (1911), René Cassin (1968), Henry Kissinger (1973), Menachem Begin

(1978), Elie Wiesel (1986), Shimon Peres (1994), Yitzhak Rabin (1994), Sir Joseph Rotblat (1995). 15. A person who learns from everyone. 16. The Dead Sea Scrolls 17. Judah the lion; Dan the serpent; Benjamin the wolf; Naphtali the deer; Issachar the donkey (or ass). 18. Chaim Nachman Bialik 19. Swimming. Gold in the men's 50-metre freestyle, and silver in the 4×100 freestyle relay. 20. Jacob Frank. 21. God’s Gift.

22. T he first century of the Common Era. 23. T hey are two of the 6 Jews who have played Test Cricket. 24. The 20 and 200 New Shekel notes. 25. A shofar and a flask of oil. It has been said that when the Messiah comes, the Sephardic community will be ready to anoint him and blow the shofar to announce his arrival. Legend has it that there is a tunnel under the Yochanan Ben Zakkai synagogue that leads directly to the Temple.

the sydney jewish report | August 2021

MOV IE

REVIEWS

Rocky Ride

ALEX FIRST JUNGLE CRUISE (M) An old fashioned, terribly far-fetched, rollicking adventure fantasy, based on a Disneyland attraction that has been operating since 1955, Jungle Cruise benefits from the talents of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Set at the height of World War I – 1916 to be more precise – it concerns a long-standing hunt for an elixir with remarkable healing powers. The story dates back four centuries. A determined English botanist, Dr Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt), accompanied by her reluctant brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall), purloin an old artefact that they hope will unlock the age-old mystery. And that involves a river boat cruise to the most dangerous part of the Amazon River. Dr Houghton engages a decidedly shady skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) to get them there. He is in hock to a man – Nilo (Paul Giamatti) – who controls all the river boats in the region but his. The Houghtons aren’t the only ones chasing the holy grail.

German Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons) will stop at nothing to get to the healing properties of what are known as The Tears of the Moon. While Wolff has a ramshackle wooden vessel, Joachim has a submarine with torpedoes, no less. After a decidedly shaky start, Wolff

and Dr Houghton find a level of understanding, which is solidified when Wolff reveals a secret. Then it becomes a race to the finish line to see who will get their hands on a precious petal from a tree that can save lives. Corny jokes, mock indignation and

special effects wizardry are the order of the day. Let’s just say the origins of the story are questionable (totally preposterous, in fact), but in this case that hardly matters, for it is the interplay between the principal characters that counts. I speak of the love/hate relationship between brother and sister, and sister and skipper, in particular. The chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Blunt is strong. He adopts his usual hulking, chiselled, wise cracking persona and she is as earnest as can be given the slapstick nature of the offering. Visually, Jungle Cruise is easy to watch. The set pieces involving mayhem and explosions serve the piece well. The visual effects are suitably impressive and advanced. At a tad over the two-hour mark though, the movie appears to have been unnecessarily stretched. The scriptwriters could readily have condensed the offering. A brisk 90 minutes would have done me fine. Still, Jungle Cruise should appeal to younger audience members. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (The Commuter), it scores a 6 out of 10.

Nuptials with a difference ALEX FIRST ROSA’S WEDDING (M) A pleasantly distracting comedy, Rosa’s Wedding centres around a hard-working middle-aged woman who is spread too thin. By that I mean she is selfless to the point of exhaustion. She looks after everyone – family and friends all – other than herself. About to turn 45, Rosa (Candela Peña) works long hours as a seamstress in the wardrobe department of a film production company in Valencia. Besides the considerable pressure of her job, she is also besieged by the demands of family members. That includes her perfectly healthy widowed father, Antonio (Ramón Barea) who decides – to her horror – that he wants to move in with her. Her brother Armando (Sergi López) is separated from his wife and has spent all his time and energy building a school, so child minding – he has two kids – is left to Rosa. Her possibly alcoholic sister Violetta (Nathalie Poza) is far too busy to take her father to important appointments, so that too is left to Rosa. She also satisfies her boyfriend Rafa’s (Xavo Giménez) overtures. Rosa has a prickly relationship with her grown daughter Lidia (Paula Usero), who lives in Manchester with her partner John and two babies, but is going through a rough patch of her own. Lidia implores her mother not to tell her

how to live her life. And then there’s the small matter of constant favours – such as plant watering and pet minding and feeding – for neighbours and friends. Then the realisation of what she has been doing all these years dawns on her. So, one day she packs it all in. She decides to retreat to her childhood home in the scenic coastal town of Benicassim, where her mother had a small business working as a seamstress. Rosa determines she wants to open the doors of that shop again. But more than that she comes to

the conclusion that she wants to get married. Mind you, her upcoming nuptials are hardly conventional and they catch all who know her unawares. It is the realisation of the latter that leads to laughs and smiles on our part. The height of fantasy, Rosa’s Wedding is feel good entertainment built around understandable assumptions. It is a film with warmth and joie de vivre. Apart from a light-hearted script by Iciar Bollaín (who also directs) and Alicia Luna, it is the characters that make

the picture what it is ... and there is no shortage of those. Peña makes for an endearing centrepiece. I also particularly appreciated López as her flummoxed brother. Bollaín has imbued the film with the lightness of touch required to pull it off. Rosa’s Wedding is a life-affirming call to self-empowerment and independence that deserves a loyal following. It may be fluffy, but the message of taking on too much and burning out isn’t lost. Rated M, it scores a 6½ out of 10.