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FREE VOL. 85 Tuesday, 5 December, 2023 / 22 Kislev 5784

Fostering a closer Jewish community

The photo shows Tali Kizhner (far left, with microphone in hand), who was in Australia as part of an Israeli delegation of family members, friends and victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7. Tali’s 22-year-old son Segev, pictured in the background, was brutally murdered. Each of the seven members of the contingent spoke at a community event at Mount Scopus Memorial College. Full story on page 3 (photo by AUJS shaliach Tobias Siegal).

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

COMMUNITY Lifestyle changes AROUND

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ANNE-MARIE ELIAS Talk show host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey coined the term “living my best life”. In light of current world crises, including wars in Israel and Ukraine, global warming, inflation and a housing shortage, how do many do just that – live their best lives? Some are highly stressed or distressed and turn to psychological counselling. As we head towards the end of 2023, consider how you can start the new year with habits that ensure you get the most out of your days and provide satisfaction. Here are 10 tips to consider. 1. When you tackle anything, do so to the best of your ability. Giving 100 per cent makes you feel better. Do not settle for complacency. 2. Learn new skills. Be open-minded. Try something new, for with it can come joy and excitement. 3. Be proactive. Don’t sit around and wait for things to happen to you. Go after what you want in your life.

JUD AI C A

QUIZ

RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN Now more than ever we are eager to celebrate Chanukah, our Festival of Lights when there has been so much darkness of late. For those at every age and stage we truly delight in so much encompassing all in a physical, spiritual and yes, gastronomic sense too (hello, Chanukah doughnuts!) Rabbi David Freedman continues to create quality Judaica quizzes exclusively for this publication drawing on his extensive knowledge. A heartfelt thank you to readers who have shared how much they enjoy this quiz at their respective Shabbat and Yom Tov tables. With G-d’s help and against all odds, the Maccabees triumphed over their oppressors and ensured a rededication of the Second Temple in the holy city of Jerusalem. It was miraculous and an extraordinary victory. In that spirit, we pray for our Holy Land and all Jewish people around the world. Yes, it is a Chanukah-themed quiz for this final edition of 2023. Explore it all and share with family and friends at a Chanukah party or anytime throughout this eight-day festival and beyond. 1. What was the name of the man, who together with his five sons led the revolt against the Syrian-Greeks which resulted in the festival of Chanukah? 2. What are the names of three of his sons?

4. Know your limitations. Don’t tackle too much at once. 5. Live your life in the present. Learn to be mindful and how to manage worry and unhelpful thoughts. 6. Consider

brainstorming/venting

7. Focus on the positive. Look on the bright side. Find a silver lining. Consider what you have, not what you don’t. Practice gratitude. 8. Set boundaries. Don’t accept bad behaviour.

with a friend, mentor or counsellor.

Don’t let others pressure you into

Ensure that is someone you can trust.

making decisions that aren’t right for you.

9. Be decisive and set long-term goals. 10. Invest in things that matter most to you – in your personal and business life. If you want to live your best life, be willing to put in the effort. Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.

Test your knowledge 3. In which month of the Jewish year does Chanukah occur? 4. Alexander the Great brought Greek culture to the Middle East, however it was Alexander’s father who defeated the Persians and laid the foundations for Alexander’s empire. What was his name? 5. One of Alexander’s campaigns brought him to the Land of Israel. He arrived during the reign of the great

9. After Alexander died, his empire was divided. The northern empire was ruled by Seleucus and became known as the Seleucid Dynasty. Its capital was Damascus. a) Who controlled the southern empire in Egypt? b) What was the name of its capital city? 10. The Seleucids attempted to completely Hellenise Judea. Many

Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition.

High Priest, the last of the Men of the Great Assembly, Simon the Just. Give the exact date (or within one decade either way) when this took place. 6. How old was Alexander when he died? 7. What was the name of Alexander’s horse? 8. Alexander was positively disposed toward the Jews. Instead of destroying and subjugating them, he made an arrangement with them that as long as the Jews would be loyal to him and pay their taxes they could remain autonomous. Out of gratitude to Alexander, what did the Jews promise him?

laws were passed proscribing Jewish traditions. The king who authorised these laws was known as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Epiphanes means ‘The divine’, but the Jews renamed him Antiochus Epimanes. What does this epithet mean? 11. The Judean fighters adopted the name The Maccabees. How did they arrive at this name? 12. Chanukah resulted in the recapture of the Temple and its cleansing from idolatrous worship. What does the word Chanukah mean? 13. How many days does Chanukah last for and why?

14. What is the primary difference between the Temple Menorah and the Chanukah Menorah? 15. Why are latkes and sufganiyot traditional foods for the festival of Chanukah? 16. In relation to Chanukah, what is a Shammash? 17. The story of Chanukah is found in the Book of Maccabees. The Book of Maccabees is found within what compilation of ancient works? 18. On each day of Chanukah, Hallel is recited in synagogue. These ‘praises’ are all taken from which biblical book? 19. During the festival of Chanukah what special prayer is inserted into the Grace After Meals? 20. The two sages, Hillel and Shammai disagreed as to how to fulfil the mitzvah of Chanukah – what was the main point of difference between their two positions? 21. According to Jewish Law, on Friday evening, what should be lit first – Shabbat candles or Chanukah lights? 22. According to the rabbis, where in one’s home should the Menorah be placed and why? 23. What do the words Maoz Tzur mean? 24. What is the Hebrew for dreidl? 25. The Guinness World Record for Most Valuable Dreidel was achieved by Estate Diamond Jewelry in November 2019 and was valued at $70,000. The design of Estate Diamond Jewelry's dreidel was inspired by which building in New York? ANSWERS PAGE 18

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

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COMMUNITY

Bereaved families console Jewish community

TOBIAS SIEGAL AUJS Tali Kizhner’s son Segev, 22, was brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Addressing a crowd of hundreds at the Mount Scopus Memorial College in Melbourne last week in an event facilitated by Zionism Victoria and Israel’s Diaspora Ministry, the bereaved mother recounted her son’s final hours. Segev, who was described by his mother as an opinionated and at times stubborn young man, enjoyed music and had decided to drive to the Nova music festival with a few of his friends early on October 7. They danced for about an hour before armed terrorists swarmed the party, she said. He managed to escape the party, but later found himself in one of several bomb shelters, turned death traps. His mother was one of seven Israeli family members, friends and victims of the October 7 attack that travelled to Australia to meet with politicians and the local Jewish community. All went through unimaginable horror and have been gripped by pain and uncertainty for two months. Yet somehow, amidst this nightmare, they still travelled across the world carrying a message of hope. Asked by the moderator, journalist Rebecca Davis, what gave her the strength to come all this way, Kizhner said

An Israeli delegation of family members, friends and victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7 – Eilon Kotler, Elad Levy, Tali Kizhner, Ofir Tamir, Amit Parpara, Iris Haim, Mika Shani – with moderator Rebecca Davis, addressing the community at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Melbourne on November 29. (Photo by AUJS shaliach Tobias Siegal) she was on a mission to give meaning to her son’s untimely slaughter. “I’m here to make his terrible death more meaningful, to make people understand that this terror can’t ever be seen again. We want to explain to the world that Israel and its people have the right to live, to raise our kids without being shot and the right to defend our homes and our loved ones,” she said. Loud applause filled the auditorium.

PROTECTING JEWISH STUDENTS ON CAMPUS

“I think God sent him to us to make us better,” she added, insisting on holding on to life despite everything she has endured. Tali Kizhner’s words reflect a coping mechanism that seems to have been adopted by many Israelis in the aftermath of October 7. Rather than letting the shock and sense of loss paralyse them, many have chosen to keep busy. Countless civil volunteering initiatives have become the bedrock of

Israelis’ unity and resilience during the war. Iris Haim, whose son Yotam, 28, was kidnapped and at the time of writing is still held in Gaza, said she refused to let the situation control her. “I choose to imagine that Yotam’s alive and okay. That is what has saved me. I worry, but I don’t let it control me. I made myself feel hope from day two,” she said, noting that she was on autopilot on the day of the attack. This message of hope was reiterated by Elad Levy, uncle of Roni Eshel, 19, who was murdered by terrorists at the Nahal Oz army base. “We have to remain optimistic. It’s the only way for us to get through this,” he said. “We have plenty of challenges ahead of us, (including) crushing Hamas, returning all hostages, rebuilding our communities, fixing our army and our politics, fighting antisemitism, but we’ll come back and we’ll be stronger when we do. Yes, we are outnumbered – we’ve been outnumbered for 3,000 years – but we’re a resilient people. We need to keep looking forward. Our national anthem is Hatikvah for a reason,” he said. In this upside-down world we’ve suddenly found ourselves in, bereaved family members are somehow the ones consoling us. Tobias Siegal is the The Jewish Agency shaliach to the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS).

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the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

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OPINION

DR YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM

Why are women’s groups backing Hamas?

In the aftermath of Hamas’ brutal attacks on women, many women’s groups are strangely silent. Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel left 1,200 dead, many more wounded and saw the abduction of 240 hostages. Terrorists targeted women especially. Their sexual abuse was systematic, deliberate and widescale, as Hamas soldiers, under explicit instructions to rape Jewish women, carried out their sadistic acts. (Trigger alert: the following paragraph contains details of sexual abuse.) As the Times of Israel reports: “The sexual abuse committed by Hamas includes acts of gang rape, genital mutilation and necrophilia.” Hamas terrorists gang raped women before killing them. They raped young girls, old women and disabled people. Many of their victims were attacked so savagely that they had broken pelvises and legs. Hamas terrorists cut open the abdomens of pregnant Jewish women, removed their foetuses and beheaded both mothers and babies. Hamas fighters paraded naked and partially naked bodies of women they’d killed through the streets of Gaza, as people danced, cheered and shouted God is Great in Arabic. Terrorists filmed their attacks and broadcast them on social media – including on accounts belonging to the victims themselves – thereby violating their victims a second time. Prosecuting rape Given the orgy of violence towards Jewish women that day, one might expect a groundswell of outrage and calls for prosecutions from many of the world’s women’s organisations. Israelis would have been buoyed by statements of solidarity showing they were not alone, that their intense national pain was shared by others. Israeli investigators trying to build a case to prosecute the mass rapes could have used some practical help: with so many hundreds upon hundreds of dead to identify, valuable DNA evidence that could have been used to build cases to prosecute rape has been degraded and irrevocably lost. The International Criminal Court (ICC) considers sexual violence during an armed attack to be a war crime. When rape is used as part of a widespread or systematic attack on civilians, the ICC considers it to be a crime against humanity, as well. International groups could have helped build cases against Hamas terrorists, holding them accountable for mass rape and sexual violence. Instead, there’s been only silence.

Deafening silence The world’s foremost women’s organisations have shrugged off Hamas’ attacks, remaining silent about Hamas’ outrages while they bash Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Take UN Women, the United Nations body responsible for ensuring women’s rights globally. A full six days after the Hamas attack, UN Women released a bland statement merely deploring “attacks on civilians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.” They made no mention of Hamas’ brutal rapes; most of their surreal, corporate-speak report expresses sympathy not for Israeli victims of mass rape and is capable only of feeling empathy for Gazans affected by Israel’s war against Hamas. The United States’ National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) finally issued a statement about the attacks on October 13, nearly a week afterwards. Instead of decrying mass rape of women and use of sexual violence acts of war, the NWSA lamented “extensive loss of civilians life in the past few days” among both Jews and Arabs, obfuscating who the victims were. The statement then went on to state Israel is illegitimate and to call for a mass boycott of the Jewish state. NWSA declared its support for “Palestinian liberation”; the

word “rape” never appears. Ms. Magazine remained silent about Hamas’ attacks for a week, then finally ran a column criticising Israel for attacking Hamas. It did not use the word “rape” even once. Equality Now, a major international grassroots feminist organisation, hasn’t condemned Hamas. Instead, it issued a statement “acknowledging” the “pain and suffering” of “all people”, a cruel gesture given that Israeli women were targeted specifically for being Israeli and for being women. Supporting Hamas Supporting radical Palestinian movements has become a core value of some of the most prestigious feminist organisations in recent years. Two years ago, amidst previous fighting between Hamas and Israel, over 120 Gender Studies departments across the English-speaking world joined a statement denouncing Israel and proclaiming that their “inclusive feminist vision(s)” mandated that they support Palestinian opposition to the Jewish state. Feminist groups are placing fealty to a radical vision that excuses Hamas’ violence over their commitment to women’s safety and rights. Like Alice through the looking glass, too many feminists today look at Hamas’ mass rape of women and girls and see nothing. Only Israel’s perceived evil is worthy of comment and condemnation. Groups justify any and all “liberation struggles” against Israel. It’s a tacit way of endorsing Hamas’ extreme agenda. One of the most visible feminist groups in Britain today, Sisters Uncut, is emerging as a major player trying to push public opinion against Israel. Originally formed to provide emergency support for victims of domestic violence, the group has become a strident apologist for Hamas. On October 31, Sisters Uncut arranged a demonstration demanding that Israel immediately cease fighting in Gaza, letting Hamas retain power and giving it space to rearm. When Sisters Uncut closed down busy Liverpool Station in London with a sitin, 500 people joined them. It has promised more mass disruptions demanding that Israel cease fighting. Britain’s Jewish Chronicle points out that Sisters Uncut’s demonstration came a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

spoke publicly about what he’d seen in footage of Hamas attacks. (Warning: the following italicised paragraph is highly graphic; sensitive readers might want to skip to the next nonitalicised text.) Blinken described one Israeli family in a kibbutz tortured by Hamas terrorists. “The father’s eyes were gouged out, the mother’s breasts sliced off, the eightyear-old girl’s foot cut off, the six-year-old boy’s fingers cut off. They were all then executed, and their killer sat down and ate the breakfast the family had been enjoying together, before hell emerged in their home.” For a feminist group to tacitly support Hamas after these atrocities became publicly known defies belief. Yet Sisters Uncut is hardly alone. Feminist group after feminist group is placing “intersectionality” – the belief that one struggle (say, for women’s rights) is inextricably linked to all other global struggles (such as Hamas’) – above their mandates to protect women and girls. Hamas’ dismal record on women It’s doubly ironic that few women’s groups are condemning Hamas, given Hamas’ dismal record on women’s rights. In Gaza, Hamas courts have ruled that women need a guardian’s permission to travel. Hamas imposes draconian rules of modern dress on women and allowed discrimination against women in the workplace to increase. Hamas is openly tolerant of honour killings. It enforces rigid gender discrimination in school. Hamas blocked attempts to set up a women’s television station in Gaza, dashing hopes that women could be empowered even within the rigid gender barriers on which Hamas insists. Overlooking these and other assaults on women’s rights betrays the foundational principles of women’s organisations around the world. While it’s too late to document Hamas’ sex crimes in Israel in a manner that could result in legal prosecution, women’s groups can still make the right choice and condemn Hamas’ barbaric assaults. Dozens of Jewish women’s organisations have gone on record condemning Hamas’ attacks. It’s time for the major women’s groups to follow suit.

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

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COMMUNITY

Lifting our game in combatting antisemitism

DR DAVID ADLER PRESIDENT AUSTRALIAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION The Australian Jewish community remains in deep shock. We are not okay. The barbaric, savage terrorism unleashed in southern Israel has had major impact on our community. Nearly all Australian Jews have family and/or friends in Israel. There is a soul level connection between Jews and Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. We are also deeply shocked at the explosion of overt antisemitism in Australia. This, coupled with the celebration of the October 7 terrorism by some segments of the Muslim community, failure to unreservedly condemn Hamas by some political leaders and gross bias by some media have left us shaken. This is not the Australia we thought we knew. Former Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z’l, eloquently described how antisemitism is like a virus that morphs. During the Inquisition it was hatred of the Jewish religion, the former USSR hated Jewish culture and practice and applied bans, the Nazis hated the Jewish race and now the hatred is directed towards the Jewish State. It was the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) that exposed ugly

Popular Israeli restaurant Shaffa – in Sydney – targeted last month

antisemitic chants at the Sydney Opera House. The one-minute video clip the association was sent exclusively and released has been seen more than six million times on social media and upwards of 50 million times via major media outlets worldwide. We have seen calls to boycott Jewish businesses, antisemitic graffiti, chants of “From the River to the Sea…”, calls for an Intifada and convoys

into suburbs with Jewish communities in Melbourne and Sydney. Jewish students on university campuses report harassment and feeling unsafe. There were attempts to block Israeli ships at ports. There is a “teachers4Palestine” group and recently there have been organised student protests in Melbourne and Sydney. AJA has received dozens of incident reports and threats, and is in frequent

contact with federal and state counter terrorism authorities. Some more serious incidents have resulted in arrests. These are unprecedented times. The Jewish community is resilient, intelligent and resourceful. We deal with challenges. Indeed, it is a Jewish value that Hashem will not send a challenge that we do not have the capacity to deal with. We now need to lift our game in dealing with antisemitism. Recently, AJA was successful in establishing an associated charity, AJA Tzedakah (AJAT), which is registered in the category of harm prevention. The principal AJAT objective is to combat antisemitism. While the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism is a potentially useful tool and has bipartisan support, it is yet to be effectively implemented in any jurisdiction. This must change. AJA has identified the top two priorities for implementation as educational facilities and media. We will be holding a Charidy fund raising campaign for AJAT to be able to undertake this important work. We ask for your support. To do so, go to charidy.com/ajat

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

COMMUNITY We will get through this – together AROUND

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this as survivors. I admit that they crushed our hearts; we are heartbroken. But I

UIA I am Michal Uziyahu, a mother of three. We live in the Eshkol Regional Council farmlands, which consists of 32 communities along the Israeli border of Israel and Gaza. Out of the 65 kilometres that borders with Gaza, Eshkol takes up 40 kilometres. Before I get to the massacre that we had to go through and the fact that we are survivors today, I want to share the narrative of our amazing community. Eshkol is not a territory under dispute. Eshkol is part of the 1948-established borders of Israel. For 20 years this community has lived under an emergency routine. This was always part of our life. I can’t say that we accepted it, but we lived side by side with it. We’re not always in a state of emergency; it can be several rockets, it can be infiltration such as balloons or kites with explosives attached, but life moves on. We always say that our goal is to thrive and to bring more people to live in our community. Life on the border with Gaza is 95 per cent heaven and five per cent hell, and we focus on the 95 per cent because if we focus on the five per cent, it will become 100 per cent – it will become all consuming. So, we do our best to focus on the good side of life: on our communities,

want you to remember that we are also strong. We will mourn. We are grieving, but we will rebuild. Yes, it’s hard but we know we are not alone. We know that when we look back and to the sides, we have you – Jewish communities and friends of Israel around the world, including Australia and the UIA – next to us … giving us hope and comfort. There

are

174

people

from

our

community that we know have been murdered. There are a further 120 people from our community that are in Gaza or dead, but we don’t yet know.

Michal Uziyahu on our children, on education, on the economy, on rebuilding and thriving day by day. These are amazing, proud, capable communities. People that are aspiring for peace. The head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, Ofir Libstein, who was murdered in the 7 October massacre, worked to better the lives of the Palestinian people in Gaza. He was making plans for an industrial area that would better the quality of their lives. The people of Eshkol are people that would even volunteer to bring sick children from Gaza to Israeli hospitals.

How many common words of 5 or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all 7 letters and have a direct Jewish connection. Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish word that uses all 7 letters. Rating: 9 = Good; 11 = Excellent; 14 = Genius

Still, just like we sing ‘hope is still strong’ in On October 7, our world fell apart. At 6.30am, we heard massive explosions. We ran to the shelter and for hour after hour we heard Hamas massacring our people. Our soldiers fought bravely to defend our communities. And then we heard of captive children, mothers and elderly people who were taken as hostages to Gaza. It’s something we could not have imagined would ever happen in our lives. Suddenly, we were placed in a position in which we need to mourn, while learning how we can grow out of

the Israeli national anthem, they will not kill our hope. We will rebuild ourselves. The answer to this darkness is to light a candle … and another. Soon Chanukah will be here and we will show them that we are the people of light. How can we do this from the crisis and devastation? Together (yachad). To support victims of terror in the South, including the Eshkol Regional Council, visit uiaaustralia.org.au/donate-emergency

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JOIN IN SOLIDARITY YOM HA’ZIKARON. YOM HA’ATZMAUT. IN ISRAEL. TOGETHER. AS ONE.

Mission dates 7-16 May 2024 Yoni Glatt has published more than 1,000 crossword puzzles worldwide, from the LA Times and Boston Globe to The Jerusalem Post. He has also published two Jewish puzzle books: "Kosher Crosswords" and the sequel "More Kosher Crosswords and Word Games". ANSWERS PAGE 18

Expressions of interest Estelle 9272 5533 or estelle.wytwornik@uiavic.org.au

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION

While my husband fights in Gaza Pharaoh?” she asked, with a glimmer

REBEKAH MOR COURTESY: AISH.COM

of recognition in her eyes. “Yes, very much like Pharaoh” “And then there was Moses,” she

My three little children and I wrestle with good, evil and living through a war.

said,

nodding

her

head,

putting

things together. “Yeah, I guess he was a lot like Moses,” I answered. I

“Is this a playground, Mama?” Gefen asked me. “No, it’s not a playground'', I answered, manoeuvring the stroller along the rocky ramp leading up to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery. I watched her serious, three-year-old eyes taking in the scene around her, trying to understand the world as much as possible. I half hoped that it would all go over her head. I wondered how much she realised life had changed since October 7, when my husband had returned quickly from synagogue to pack his army bag. Before I knew it, I was standing outside our house with our three kids, watching my husband drive off. He has been working hard training and performing missions ever since. At home, the kids and I were slowly adjusting to day-to-day life in a state of war. Chananel squirmed in his seat, itching to escape the stroller and follow the stream of people walking quickly and solemnly past the tombstones of fallen soldiers, each one carefully arranged and lovingly attended to. I wasn’t entirely sure that it made sense for me to be in the military cemetery with my three small children, but I continued to make my way

felt connected to the Jews who had been at the shores of the Red Sea with nowhere else to go, when God had split the sea. “Why

are

they

sad,

Mama?”,

Gefen asked, pulling me back to the cemetery full of mourners. I looked at all the red, devastated eyes and didn’t know how much to answer. “Because the world is a bit broken right now and we really need to fix it.” She was quiet. And suddenly I was overwhelmed with everything – with the way we were slaughtered, our women raped, our babies murdered, our children dragged away to tunnels deep in Gaza. I felt the weight of everything that had unfolded in the past weeks, flipping the world upside down and somehow leading me to Mount Herzl cemetery with my children, as my husband was fighting somewhere in or near Gaza. A lump rose in my throat. I looked at the deceased’s friends and family, Uriah Mash, of blessed memory

and then looked at my own little kids who were now playing quietly with

towards the funeral of Uriah Mash, a

funeral and how he had fallen fighting

soldier from the settlement next to

in Gaza the night before.

ours. I didn’t know him personally. I had seen the message about his

Before October 7, he probably wasn’t an active soldier. He was a husband to a loving, devoted wife and the father of four children, with another one on the way. His mind, like my husband’s, had probably been far away from the world of the army. But like so many other loyal men in this country, he threw himself back into our military the second that it called him. I parked the stroller a bit of a distance away from the ceremony and prayed that our presence wouldn’t be an intrusion. Gefen looked up at me. “Why are I bent down next to her and said, here

because

fists grab at the small Israeli flag I had draped over our stroller. Thank you, I said to Uriah, the soldier killed in battle, realising why I had come. Thank you, for everything. Thank you. Because of you, Hamas is further away from the reach of my children. Because of you, my kids will God-willing never need to fight them. Thank you is not enough. I thought of my own husband and I thought of every soldier. I thought of every wife and family in this country and I felt overwhelmed and suddenly determined. “Are we afraid, Gefen?”, I asked her and then hoped I hadn’t scared her with the randomness of the question.

there a lot of people?” she asked. “They're

Eliav, the baby, watching his little

many

She looked up at me and answered “no”.

people loved a man who was brave

“Why are we never, ever, ever

and good and strong. He was a

afraid?”, I pressed her, because if

soldier and he wanted to keep Israel

there is one thing I must inculcate into

very safe.” I hoped my answer would

my children, it is this. “Because we have Hashem,” she

satisfy her.

answered simply.

“Like Abba?” “Yes, like Abba”

“That’s right,” I said.

“Why did he go to keep Israel safe?”

And He can split seas. I guided my children away from

she asked. I explained that there are many good

people

this

world,

but

some are bad … very bad. “Like

the funeral, back to our car, offering another prayer to God to protect my husband and all the soldiers.

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COMMUNITY JNF In times of crisis, the strength of the community shines brightest. JNF is grateful for our community's swift and generous support in response to the urgent call for help from Israel's southern communities. The allocation of funds has been directed towards critical needs, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the thousands of displaced residents of southern Israel. From mental health support to children's activities and relocation costs, to the provision of temporary kindergartens and bomb shelters, the support provided to people who have lost everything is invaluable. With your help, JNF has been able to provide an immediate and critical round of funds to the hardest hit communities in Sderot, Sha’ar HaNegev, Eshkol and Hof Ashkelon municipalities. It has also supported communities and councils that are hosting evacuees. These include Ramat HaNegev, Central Arava regional councils, Yerucham and Ofakim. JNF’s commitment extends beyond immediate aid, focusing on longer-term rebuilding programs. Since the tragic events in Israel, JNF Australia has conducted a series of webinars to connect our community with Israel and to express solidarity, resilience and unity. These informative sessions, featuring esteemed figures such as senior military journalist Yoav

Uniting community in support of Israel's resilience

JNF stall at Festibyit 2023

Limor, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, survivors, mental trauma therapists and local Sky News reporters have provided vital insights. A further symbol of solidarity was the supportive letters written by children at UJEB and Bialik students to the

When duty calls, the Hebrew U is always there AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY The Jewish world was shattered on Saturday, October 7 when Hamas terrorists entered Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis, kidnapped 240 innocent people and wounded many more. Jews everywhere have risen to the occasion, raising money, sending much needed supplies and providing moral support. How has the Hebrew University reacted to the gravest situation faced by Israel since the Yom Kippur War … and for the Jewish people, the largest slaughter of Jewish lives in a single day since the Holocaust? The Hebrew University is not only Israel’s first and foremost university, but it is also the university that has the most important ties and collaboration with the Israel Defence Force (IDF). Housed on the Givat Ram campus is the elite Talpiot IDF training program for talented recruits that have demonstrated leadership potential and outstanding academic ability in the sciences. Graduates of Talpiot have been involved in major military developments such as the Merkava tank and the Iron Dome. The Hebrew University also runs the Havatzalot program, training intelligence officers for key roles in the IDF's Intelligence Directorate. Havatzalot's cadets complete a three-year Bachelor's double major. In addition to academic studies, they undertake rigorous military and

intelligence training, including visits to IDF units, combat recruit training and an Officers' course. Havatzalot is regarded as one of the most prestigious programs in the IDF. The Institute for Research in Military Medicine (IRMM) at Hebrew U was established in 2013 to develop new treatments and technologies relevant to operational military medicine and disaster management. The Bina Elite Dentistry Reserve Track sees students of dental medicine committing to serve five years in the IDF after finishing their dental studies. Bina cadets go on to become dental officers in various units in the IDF Dental Corps. Exclusive to Hebrew U is the Tzameret program, which allows students to serve in the IDF while studying for a medical degree. Although this entails a longer commitment to the IDF upon graduating, while studying Tzameret students are offered opportunities in areas beyond regular medical studies. They are prepared to deal with casualties of war as well as disaster relief. Following the Hamas attack on October 7, the Hebrew University, together with Friends’ organisations around the world, has created a special campaign under the banner of “We Are One”. It is aimed at promoting comfort in community and strength in solidarity. Australians’ tax-deductible donations will be directed towards medical assistance and counselling for families that have lost loved ones or have loved ones held hostage by Hamas. To contribute, go to https://austfhu. org.au/donations-bequests

evacuated children from Kfar Aza. At the Festibayit JNF stall in late November, children painted bag tags for children in Israel. Handmade blue and white candles from Sderot were sold to support the Gaza border communities. As Chanukah draws near, let us reflect

on the universal message of resilience and the profound power of a small light to dispel darkness. Please visit JNF’s website – www.jnf. org.au – to learn about the Emergency Campaign and watch past webinars.

Chanukah Sameach Bringing hope and light to Israel’s South communities.

DONATE HERE

Call 1300 563 563 or email office@jnf.org.au

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

COMMUNITY Building bridges AROUND

T H E

AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY For many years, the Hebrew University’s Youth Division (YUJI) has run a special program for gifted school students enabling them to participate in active laboratory research. Australian Friends of the Hebrew University CEO Rob Schneider was particularly impressed with one such student – Niv Gronovich – who he met at the 2022 Board of Governors meeting in Israel and invited him to visit Australia. After finishing school, Niv was accepted into the Tzameret program. Niv, now aged 19, is studying medicine, while serving in the IDF. Niv was scheduled to start his Australian tour on October 13, but with the outbreak of war on October 7, that appeared to be out of the question. However, his superiors in the IDF and supervisors in the Faculty of Medicine felt differently. To Rob’s surprise, permission was granted for Niv to visit Australia in the hope that his trip would boost the morale of the Jewish community here, in particular young Jewish Australians. Niv’s visit achieved that and more. He impressed audiences in Melbourne and Sydney in synagogues, at youth

events, in schools and at community presentations. Niv not only inspired those with whom he came into contact, but he was deeply moved by attending a Shabbat morning service in Caulfield Shule, listening to Cantor Dov Farkas and the choir recite the prayer for Israel and the IDF. Niv told Rob that he could return home with a strong message for his IDF colleagues, fellow students and all Israelis that Australian Jews stand steadfastly with their brothers and sisters in Israel. Rob said Niv’s visit exceeded his expectations. “The

unassuming,

yet

confident

manner in which he delivered his message gives us faith and reassurance that with universities such as the Hebrew University producing such outstanding young leaders, the future of Israel will be in good hands.” In referring to the current state of war,

Hebrew

University

president,

Professor Asher Cohen said: “These are

challenging

days,

marked

anxiety and uncertainty. The university is determined to be a beacon of hope and to make an unequivocal promise to our university community that better days lie ahead.”

Rabbi Levi Woolf, Niv Gronovich and Rob Schneider, CEO of Australian Friends of the Hebrew University at Central Synagogue in Sydney

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

COMMUNITY The Technion is calling you AROUND

T H E

TECHNION AUSTRALIA Following the surge of antisemitism and antiIsrael rhetoric around the world, the Technion invites undergraduate and graduate students and academic faculty residing abroad to attend their campuses in Haifa to carry out their research, teaching and learning. Israel’s just and unavoidable response to the massacre of October 7 spawned a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests around the world. These vile reactions are based on denialism and false information about the horrible crimes committed by the Hamas terrorists against babies, children and adults, including the elderly. “Unfortunately, faculty members from many universities in the West joined this wave, as did student organisations and professional associations,” said Technion president Professor Uri Sivan. Given the feeble responses of quite a few presidents of leading universities in North America, Europe and Australia, many Jewish and Israeli students and researchers currently face physical and verbal threats that cause them to think twice about everything they do and prevent them from participating in academic activities in those institutions. As a result of this situation and given the Technion’s important role in the history of the Jewish People during the last 100 years, we have announced a program for the rapid integration of students and faculty members from around the world looking for academic refuge during these difficult times.”

Last month, the Technion published a Call for Proposals, inviting faculty and students from around the world to join the Technion and pursue their studies, teaching and research activities on the Technion’s campuses in Haifa. Faculty members of all ranks are invited to come to the Technion for a period of teaching and research. Researchers with a PhD degree are invited to join Technion’s post-doctoral program under the guidance of Technion faculty or joint guidance with a mentor from their home institution. Students are invited to join research projects in Technion’s labs, under the guidance of Technion faculty for a period of two months to a year, by joining the Student Exchange or Study Abroad programs that offer a wide range of courses, mainly for recipients of graduate degrees. These courses are taught in English in numerous Technion faculties. Suitable students are invited to apply for a full research degree (Master’s or PhD), under the guidance of Technion faculty or joint guidance with a mentor from their home institution. The Technion has already received a number of inquiries from students and faculty interested in this opportunity. “The Technion will continue to serve as a supportive and safe research university for everyone and I invite students and faculty from all over the world to join us during this difficult time, and to be part of our academic community at the forefront of global research and education.” For further information, contact Technion Australia CEO Yoash Dvir via email at yoash. dvir@austechnion.com

The main Technion campus in Haifa (photo courtesy of Technion)

New volunteer Israel program ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA Since October 7, many Jews from communities around the world have expressed their desire to volunteer to assist Israel on the ground. As a result, Masa Israel Journey has initiated a new, six-week program designed for volunteers aged 18 to 40. It focuses on rehabilitation and assistance for the people in the south of the country and includes elements of leadership development. There will be three intakes during December 2023 and January 2024. Volunteers will take part in activities including cooking, food packaging, picking crops, assisting in evacuation centres and teaching (in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Education). They will be positioned in Tel Aviv and move around the Dead Sea and Eilat.

Masa CEO Ofer Gutman says the organisation is excited by the level of support for the new program. "We consider the eagerness of the young generation of Jewish communities as a testament to our strength as one people. All of us understand how important it is to keep Israel strong and the only way to do this and prevail is together. Am Yisrael Chai!". Those interested in participating in the program should contact Masa Israel Journey at https://www.masaisrael.org/ volunteer-israel/ or find more information on the Masa website: www.masaisrael.org Masa Israel Journey is the largest immersive, long-term educational experience for young adults. Its programs range in duration from two months to one year. Masa offers an authentic, unmediated and challenging journey into Israeli society, culture, politics and history. In its 20-year history, Masa has served more than 200,000 young people from more than 60 countries. Leaving a legacy to the Technion supports the next generation www.austechnion.com

Nurturing Innovation and Progress in Challenging Times Masa Israel Journey volunteer

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY THE JOINT AUSTRALIA On October 7, Osi Glick's life turned upside down when terrorists reached the gates of her community near the Gaza border. After long hours trapped in her house, she escaped with her family, leaving behind her home and her clothing business. "We were in trauma and mourning – who could think about a business?", Osi said of the first weeks after she had been evacuated to a hotel in Jerusalem. Still, over time, Osi began to think about the five women she employed in Netivot. The streets of Netivot were deserted and her store and fashion design studio shuttered. Nor could she keep her internet business operating. Despite the obvious pressures, Osi did not want to put her employees on furlough. With no sign of revenue, she chose to keep paying their salaries. The Joint partnered with the Azrieli Group to offer free retail space in its malls to small businesses from the south that were forced to close by the war. The Joint approached Osi to take advantage of this opportunity, namely

Creating solutions for small businesses in Israel’s south

Osi Glick in the Azrieli Mall to sell her goods from the Azrieli Mall and Osi agreed. Osi is one of the first small businesses from the south that was reestablished on free space in Azrieli malls. Your emergency funding is supporting this initiative.

Remembrance Day 2023 VAJEX It is 105 years since the end of World War I. “Lest we forget” is our eternal promise to all who have worn the uniform, defended our democracy and risked their lives to preserve the Australian way of life. It is vital we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice, those that were maimed, lost their marriages and became psychologically disturbed. This year’s VAJEX Australia’s annual Remembrance Day Commemoration was held at Burnett Grey Gardens in Ripponlea on Sunday, 12th November. Among the veteran’s taking part was

Maurice Smith who is about to turn 100 and his son Ross. Maurice served in the RAF as a Warrant officer in WWII. Maurice took part in laying a wreath at the VAJEX Jewish War Memorial. The commemoration was attended by Federal and State MPs, councillors from Port Phillip and Glen Eira, the RSL Victoria president and the presidents of Caulfield RSL and the New Zealand subbranch. Rabbis and the presidents of several synagogues also came together to remember our fallen Jewish soldiers. VAJEX president Marvin Bude spoke of the price paid by Jewish service men and women in all wars and conflicts. LEST WE FORGET

Rabbi Philip Heilbrunn at the VAJEX Remembrance Day Commemoration 2023

To help, go to: www.thejoint.org. au and click onto the Donate Now tab. The Joint is also assisting small businesses impacted by the war through a "Pay now, Receive later" initiative, in partnership with online

platform Zap. Customers prepay for their products and services with the understanding that they will receive them at a future date. Sixty small businesses have already taken advantage of the plan.

Chabad silver anniversary CHABAD BRISBANE "The relevance and guidance of the Rebbe’s teachings are more important than ever now and your job is to support and strengthen your community at this time." That was the message that Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin shared at Chabad Brisbane’s 25th anniversary gala dinner last month. Ryvchin was the keynote speaker at the event, held at the newly renovated Jewish Communal Centre Queensland. He shared the vision and message of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory.

That included how we must stand strong against our enemies, continue to express pride in who we are, bring goodness to the world and do all we can to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people. More than 100 guests attended, with musical entertainment provided by the Chutney Band, along with Rabbi Cantor Chaim Koncepolski, of Cremorne Synagogue in Sydney, who attended with his wife, Dina. Among the encouraging news delivered was the intent to establish Chabad on Campus in Brisbane in 2024, to service the needs of university students. The evening – hosted by Chabad directors Rabbi Levi and Devorah Jaffe – included an auction, with half the proceeds going to Magen David Adom.

From left: Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry with Chabad Brisbane founder Rabbi Levi Jaffe

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION ALIZA ZEFF

I live in a country that is struggling to balance the emotion of intense relief and joy with fear and distress for those still held captive. I live in a country where each soldier is connected to us. He is our nephew, the son of our neighbours, a colleague; she is the wife of an old friend. I hold my breath when lists of fallen are published because I am afraid to see the name or determine by how many degrees we are separated. I feel guilty when I am relieved that there is no known connection. Because in fact, we are all connected. I live in a country whose borders are so condensed, our land is so small, that each loss is existential and the tears of each mother are my tears as well. Each soldier is fighting for each one of us. For our right to live as Jews, enjoy Shabbat, vote, travel, love, exercise. All the things I expect of a “normal” life in a Western country. Only I live in a country that is not located in the West. I live in a country where the amount of help, support and volunteer work is exponential. I picked lemons, baked Challot for soldiers and hosted evacuees in my home. I buy produce from farms

“I live in a country …” near Gaza, not knowing what will be in the box and not even necessarily needing it, but just out of desperation to help. And then I feel pride when the box arrives laden with gorgeous tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. And I feel proud not only to help a local business, but to know that we are still sowing the seeds that built this beautiful country 75 years ago. I live in a country where moms (mostly) have been holding down their homes alone while their husbands are in Miluim/reserves. They work, carpool, cook, worry, do not sleep, answer the impossible questions their children ask while trying to keep it together and find clean laundry amidst the chaos. I live in a country where we go back to our jobs, compare stories with one another, cry together and then laugh at things that are so dark and macabre because we have no other choice. And we wonder how we can switch so immediately between our joy and our pain. And then we remember that this is what it is to be human, to show our emotions, to share them with others, to hug, yell, meditate, stress-clean your sticky stovetop. Anything to avoid watching the news. I live in a country where our young children understand the word “Hatufim,” (hostages) because they hear us talking about them all the time. And they see

their photos plastered onto every tree, bus stop, fence and building. I live in a country where our teenagers have no teachers because they have all gone to war. Where they come home sadly stating that their high school has lost more soldiers than any other in the country. Where our teens begin considering the incredible responsibility that will fall upon their shoulders in a short amount of time. And we hope we’ve raised them to uphold the morals and values it will take to lead this country to a better time. And though these 17-yearolds feel a sense of pride and honour to be a part of this, their parents and parents in every past generation pray for a time when we won’t need an army to send our children off to … I live in the only country in the world where more people came into it than left it in our time of war. People living overseas rushed to get here to do their part. I live in a country where my daughter tried to enlist early out of a desperate need to help, to be active, to feel that something, even if trivial, has been accomplished. I live in a country where our friends’ son is captive and injured and they are desperate for him to return home, an innocent victim just trying to enjoy music at a party. And yet. They rejoice for every single family whose loved one has returned. We know that it could have just

as easily been us whose child is in hell. Us who are mourning our child murdered at an army base or in their bed. Us whose precious child is fighting for our survival amidst the worst conditions and lack of respect for human life and dignity. I live in a country that was built up from nothing. Our stones and our Torah remain deeply embedded in the very ground we walk upon and deeply embedded in our hearts in too many varieties to count. We pray, or we don’t. We eat kugel or we eat sfinge. We lay the Torah on a table or read it upright. We come from pretty much everywhere and we were kicked out of most of those places. We are white, black and so many other beautiful colours. I live in a country where we are all in some form of trauma. We tend to trivialise our pain because we know there is someone hurting, suffering, giving, grieving, praying so much harder than we are. But, ultimately, we are all living in this country. My pain is yours. My grief is yours. My joy is yours and so is my hope. Aliza is an educator and serves as the Director of Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim, a high school study abroad program in Jerusalem. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she made Aliyah in 2012 and lives in Jerusalem with her husband and four children.

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION

The high-stakes dilemma of journalism

RICHARD HECHT The rush to report is always at odds with the imperative to get the story right and the Israel Hamas war is no exception In today’s media landscape, the rush to break news is pitted against the need for accurate, reliable storytelling. This tension is by no means new. In a 2015 paper on this topic, Reiko Saisho, a Reuters Institute Fellow at the University of Oxford said that “the test is whether journalists have made appropriate efforts and taken reasonable steps to verify and triangulate the pieces of information available at that time.” This takes time. Nowhere is this tension as pronounced or mistakes as costly as in conflict zones, where reporters need to satisfy the increased appetite of an accelerated news cycle. Some publications have found workarounds when facts are still emerging, publishing breaking news under the guise of opinion pieces. As the RAND Corporation pointed out in 2019, “News coverage has shifted from a more traditional style characterised by complex, detailed reporting … toward a more personal, subjective form of reporting that emphasises anecdotes, argumentation, advocacy, and emotion.” Faster, more opinionated and ultimately less substantiated publication of news can be disastrous. This is evident in the war Israel is fighting against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. In one example, on October 17th, 2023, reports emerged of an explosion at the AlAhli Hospital. Within minutes, trigger-happy newsrooms reported that the explosion was caused by an Israeli airstrike on the building. Demonstrators poured into the streets across the Middle East. The truth emerged a few hours later. The IDF presented evidence

Hamas terrorists bring a hostage into Shifa Hospital (as seen on surveillance footage from October 7, 2023) (Photo from IDF) showing that the strike was caused by a misfired rocket launched from Gaza by the Palestinian terrorist group, Islamic Jihad. But corrections at the bottom of articles can’t send demonstrators home. Other examples require days before the truth emerges. Take the IDF’s activity against Hamas in the Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza. On October 27th, the IDF published intelligence about Hamas’s decadeslong exploitation of the hospital. The IDF issued public warnings and facilitated an evacuation process. This wasn’t just about following protocols; it was doing our best to protect lives at a massive cost – losing the element of surprise among other tactical implications. Hamas took advantage of the warning, spending weeks burying evidence, redeploying forces, and moving hostages. The IDF began to uncover the evidence, slowly and methodically, to protect the

Melbourne Jewish Report Disclaimer: Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Melbourne Jewish Report is provided as general informations only. The articles in this paper have been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content here are presented solely by the author, and The Jewish Report assumes no responsibility for them. It is not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. We do not make any representation or warranty that any material in the papers will be reliable, accurate or complete, nor do we accept any responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions. We will not be liable for loss resulting from any action or decision by you in reliance on the material in the papers. By reading the papers, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for, and accept no liability in relation to, any reader’s use of, access to or conduct in connection with the papers in any circumstance. Photographs submitted by individuals or organisations are assumed to be their property and are therefore not otherwise credited. All articles in this paper have received the expressed consent of the author to publish in this paper. The Jewish Report; ISSN 2204-4639 Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981) Distributor: TJR Distribution Pty Ltd ACN 165158029 Comments or suggestions to: editor@thejewishreport.com.au Article submissions to: www.thejewishreport.com.au/article-submission-guidelines Advertising: editor@thejewishreport.com.au Website: www.thejewishreport.com.au Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES Friday, Dec 8, 2023

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hospital’s patients and the soldiers involved. Yet, the hunger for on-demand evidence doesn’t always align with the ground realities. Verifying facts takes time. A terrorist organisation can release false information about a hospital blast in seconds but the military in a liberal democracy needs hours – at the very least – to show the facts. Terrorists can entrench under a hospital, bury evidence and categorically deny all. A Western democracy must live up to the burden of proof – tunnels, weapons and more – even if it takes time. And it does take time. With decades to plan and weeks to bury evidence, it can take longer to reveal the extent of Hamas’s abuse of Shifa. But in just days, the international press began clamouring for immediate proof of Hamas’s activity under the hospital. These demands – while understandable – literally play into Hamas’s hands. Don’t get me wrong. The

proof is already emerging. But complex reality doesn’t always fit into 24-hour news cycles. In situations like Shifa Hospital, there’s a clear right or wrong. Either there are weapons and terrorist infrastructure or there isn’t. Until then, the cost of hasty reporting is misinformation, its impact on both public perception and operational strategies, and lives that are in heightened danger as a result. Of course, there is infrastructure there. We took journalists behind the blast-proof door, showing them dozens of metres of tunnels and another tunnel shaft right against the Qatari building in the Shifa complex. We showed them how deep under the hospital was a bathroom, a kitchenette, an air-conditioned barracks and more. The evidence that this was terrorist infrastructure is irrefutable. But, notably, not instantaneous. I’m on the frontline of military communications. I understand the pressure media outlets face to keep the public informed. But some stories, especially those in conflict zones, demand patience. It’s not just about losing a few clicks; it’s about ensuring that reporting doesn’t unwittingly play into the hands of those who use civilians and hospitals as shields. The media must balance the urgency of reporting with context-rich, accurate narratives. In a world of breaking news and TikTok headlines, the world needs patient conflict reporting more than ever. The world needs the prompt revelation of truth but never at the cost of depth and accuracy. Such an approach not only serves public knowledge better but is a moral imperative in the high-stakes world of military operations and conflict journalism. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht is the Head of the International Branch at the Israel Defense Forces. He can be followed via his regularly published newsletter or on Twitter/X.

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

RABBINIC

T H O U G H T The miracle of Jewish continuity RABBI DR BENJI LEVY Each year I am asked a similar question – should a couple getting married on Chanukah light a Chanukiah at their wedding? Rather than answering this year, I took advantage of the educational opportunity and asked if one can even get married on Chanukah. The answer is yes, but why? The Talmud states that we do not mix two different joyous occasions, as they can detract from, or be confused with, one another, preventing adequate attention to each. For this reason, for example, the custom is not to get married on Purim and some forbid it. Then, with so many similarities between these two festivals, why do people get married on Chanukah but not on Purim? Purim represents the ultimate miracle of survival against a physical threat. Haman hated the Jewish people and therefore wanted to exterminate every one of us. The gallows that were set did not discriminate against female or male, young or old, believer or non-believer. The very existence of Jews necessitated their eradication. Jews were never welcome in society, regardless of what they could potentially add or remove. Chanukah, on the other hand, was very different. Jews were not hated for who they were, but for what they did. It was not their existence, but practice that threatened Greek culture. Jews

that acted as Jews were different to those that were prepared to assimilate. Indeed, they were loved as people and only hated as Jews. If they could express their humanity through Greek society and abandon their particularity as Jews, they would be welcome to not simply survive, but thrive. When read this way, the miracle of Purim is a celebration of the most basic human need – the ability to live and breathe. The miracle of Chanukah, however, is a celebration of the most basic Jewish need – to live freely and

actively as Jews. The enemy of Purim hated us so much that they would kill us regardless of what we did. The enemy of Chanukah loved us so much that they wanted us to subscribe to their Hellenistic way of life. Returning to our question, celebrating the miracle of Purim represents a different type of joy to getting married. The former represents being alive, the latter how we choose to live. Celebrating Chanukah is indicative of the same type of joy as getting married – we actively choose who we love to continue our people.

A Jewish wedding is becoming rarer, not because of hatred, but because of love. Universalism is more embracing than particularity and assimilation is more accommodating than distinction. It is for this reason that it is common to get married on Chanukah, as essentially the joys are two expressions of the same source – choosing to love, rather than falling in or out of love, celebrating the perpetuation of our destiny and celebrating Jewish continuity. Therefore, while there are questions around the blessings, one can light Chanukah candles at a wedding for the purpose of publicising the miracle, because, indeed, the miracle of a Jewish wedding is the perpetuation of the miracle of Chanukah. “The strong were delivered into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few.” Chanukah is a time to learn from our past, as we spark, ignite and shine through the next generation, illuminating the path ahead for a brighter future! Moed Katan 8b. Magen Avraham (696:18) forbids it, citing the Talmudic statement around mixing different types of joys, while some, such as Rashba (3:276) and the Shulchan Aruch (696:8), do permit it for technical reasons (defining the type of joy as one that is only experienced on a biblically mandated festival). 1 2

Let Chanukah shine brightly as a beacon of hope RABBI DANIEL RABIN Recently, a shule member approached me and said: "Rabbi, with the rise of antisemitism and the ongoing conflict in Israel, I'm struggling to find the spirit to celebrate Chanukah this year. The story feels so distant from what we are facing now. I don’t know if I have the ability to get out there and enjoy the holiday?" This honest admission of disconnection, shared in a moment of vulnerability, is a sentiment that echoes within many of us. In an era where global and local challenges loom large, the festive spirit can sometimes feel disconnected from the pressing realities of our world. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of struggle and uncertainty that the message of Chanukah holds profound significance. The festival, with its story of the Maccabees' resilience and triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds, is not merely a tale from the past. It is a narrative deeply ingrained in the Jewish experience, resonating powerfully with our present-day challenges, such as the alarming rise of antisemitism and the enduring threats that challenge Israel’s existence. Chanukah offers us a dual lesson in education and dedication. The root of Chanukah, 'chinuch', emphasises the importance of education in our understanding of and connection to our Judaism. This education is not just a scholarly pursuit; it's a tool that

Rabbi Daniel Rabin lighting the Chanukiah at police headquarters in 2022

empowers us to navigate and address the challenges of our time. It involves deepening our understanding of our rich history and teachings, which in turn strengthens our ability to confront antisemitism and support Israel in its complex geopolitical struggles. Education also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between our community and the broader society. It allows us to articulate the nuances of our history and beliefs, fostering a dialogue based on understanding and respect. This dialogue is essential in combating the misconceptions and prejudices that often fuel antisemitism. Dedication, the second key lesson of Chanukah, is embodied in the unwavering devotion of the Maccabees. Their dedication to preserving their faith

and identity in the face of oppression is a powerful model for us today. In the context of the modern Jewish experience, this dedication translates into a steadfast commitment to our values, to each other and to the broader cause of justice and peace. It's about actively standing against hate, advocating for truth and supporting initiatives that promote peace and understanding. As we light the candles of the menorah this Chanukah, let us reflect on their significance. Each flame is a symbol of hope, a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, a small light can dispel a great shadow. These candles are a call to action – to educate ourselves, to stand firm in our dedication

and to spread the light of understanding and compassion. In embracing Chanukah this year, we acknowledge the struggles that many of us feel. I know it won't be easy. The challenges we face are real and can seem overwhelming. Yet, I urge each of you to take the time to push yourselves. Light the candles each night, attend events, engage with the stories and teachings of our tradition. Do it for Israel, do it for yourself and, most importantly, do it to show the world that we will not allow darkness to overcome the light. Allow the power of the festival to inspire and uplift us. Chanukah is an opportunity to reconnect with our heritage, to find strength in our collective history and to reaffirm our mission to facing the challenges of today with courage and unity. Let the festival of Chanukah be a time of renewal and reconnection. As we gather to light the menorah, share in the festive customs and recall the heroism of the Maccabees, let us also look inwards and ask ourselves how we can embody the lessons of Chanukah in our daily lives. May the lights of the menorah illuminate our path, guide our actions and bring warmth and hope to our hearts. May the spirit of Chanukah empower us to face the challenges of our times with renewed strength and resolve. Together, let us commemorate not just the miracle of the past, but the enduring spirit of resilience and dedication that continues to guide us today.

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

RABBI NI C

THOUGHT RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN AM In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, the Jewish community in Melbourne and, indeed, Jewish communities around the world have redefined our strength of unity. The emotional impact of the assault reverberated through all, transcending differences that existed previously. People who held divergent views on matters of faith or tradition found common ground in grief and heartache. This tragedy became a catalyst for a renewed sense of interconnectedness, emphasising that, at our core, we are one people with a shared history and destiny. A few days after the horrific massacre, St Kilda Shule hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who delivered a message of solidarity with Israel and with the Jewish community. Whilst that was a meaningful moment and one that attracted significant media attention, it was an event that occurred only two hours later at the same shule that truly inspired me. Eight hundred people, including some who were not Jewish, packed the pews of the synagogue to connect through

A unified and resilient people song and prayer. They also heard deeply emotional reflections from parents of children currently serving in the Israel Defence Forces. There was not a dry eye in the room. The indomitable spirit of the Jewish people, forged through centuries of hardship and resilience, was again on display. Despite the pain and sorrow, the Melbourne Jewish community finds strength to overcome adversity. This collective resilience serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to stand together, as our ancestors before us have done. The unity experienced by Melbourne's Jewish community is not just symbolic; it translates into tangible actions. Fundraisers have been organised, not only for victims of the attack, but also for initiatives promoting peace and understanding. So, despite the shadows cast by recent events, I would like to think that a bright future awaits. Unity – knowing that we can face up to any challenge with unwavering determination – can turn to optimism. In the face of tragedy and hatred, we as a community will continue to rise, with strength, resilience, dignity and an indomitable spirit. Am Yisrael Chai.

Rabbi Yaakov Glasman with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at St Kilda Shule

Not in my backyard RABBI GABI KALTMANN Not in my Caulfield. Those were the first words that jumped into my mind as I saw the footage of pro-Palestinian and proIsrael groups fighting each other on a Shabbat evening last month. Caulfield is a place that is multicultural. Caulfield is a place where people can be the best versions of themselves. Caulfield is the kind of place where you say “hi” to your neighbours and where people perform random acts of kindness. And yet, when I saw the video footage from that Friday night, I felt an overwhelming sense of dread. I don’t know who burned down Burgatory. Judging by the CCTV footage, it appears to be arson, but it is now up to police to do their work. Those responsible must be charged and face the full consequences of the law. What I do know is that on the eve of the Jewish sabbath, on the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Jews felt unsafe in Melbourne. I know that a synagogue that is adjacent to the park was forced to cancel its services because of the threat from the protestors. I know that hundreds of them came to Caulfield to stir up ethnic tensions that have no place in Australia. Our grandparents came here to start a new life after the Holocaust. I grew up with the constant refrain of blessing Australia for the safety it

provided my family. I’m glad that my grandfather, who died a few years ago, is not around to see antisemitism on the rise, Jews feeling unsafe and Holocaust survivors signing a letter asking the world not to forget what happened to them. This is a real shame. There is no reason why Jewish and Muslim Australians cannot live in peace. Our communities should be able to get along. Our communities have much more in common than the provocateurs on either side would like to have us believe. But coming into our suburb and coming to our homes and parks to make us feel intimidated and scared is not on. It stirs trauma for so many of us who are the descendants of Holocaust survivors and came to this country seeking peace and serenity. Life is good here. We don’t want to bring the tensions of far away into our most sacred spaces. Whichever side people are on, Israeli or Palestinian, I’m not sure how it helps to end up in fistfights and cat calling at each other across a police line. How does anyone overseas benefit from these actions? How does it help Israelis or Palestinians? And yet here we are in 2023, where the cycle of violence from the Middle East is spilling over into our homes and parks. It doesn’t have to be this way. It was not always this way. And hopefully, we can move on together without it continuing.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann at Federation Square

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

Team spirit thrives

Happy 100th to Maurice MELBOURNE HEBREW CONGREGATION Melbourne Hebrew Congregation’s longest standing member Maurice Smith celebrated his 100th birthday on November 15th. Then, on the last Shabbat in November, surrounded by family and friends, he marked the occasion by reciting his

Bar Mitzvah Maftir, which he learned and

practiced

with

Rabbi

Shlomo

Nathanson. Maurice had his Bar Mitzvah at Melbourne

Hebrew

Congregation,

where his father Sam was a board member. Maurice’s son Ross and grandsons Simon and Josh also celebrated their Bar Mitzvahs at the shule.

Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson (left) with Maurice Smith

Last month, The King David School held its Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival. With it came a great deal of excitement, especially amongst the preppies, who were participating for the first time. Students were encouraged to push themselves to achieve their personal best times in individual events and to work together in the team relays. New heights were scaled and distances achieved in long jump, discus,

shot put, triple jump and hurdles. There was no shortage of fun to be had in the skipping, hula flip and sack race. Parents and teachers didn’t miss out either, joining in the festivities with their own races. King David has had a triumphant year in the Balaclava District Primary School Sports’ Association. Its students were crowned Athletics champions. They also topped the league in softball, soccer and Aussie Rules. Mazal Tov to Negev House who took home the trophy at the Carnival.

From left: Hendy and Felix (Year 3)

From left: Millie and Mia (Year 3)

THE KING DAVID SCHOOL

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the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

CO NS I D E R E D

OPINION

NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: THE DAILY BEAST

How Orthodox Jews get through Sabbath in our tech dystopia

In an increasingly technological world, Shabbat is becoming more and more difficult to navigate. Here’s how the Jewish community is learning to adapt and get by. Several years ago, my husband and I were looking for an apartment to lease in our neighbourhood in Melbourne. We spotted an advertisement in a local newspaper that appeared to be an ideal match. The place was modern, it had expansive windows and was equipped with new appliances. We promptly scheduled an inspection, but before we even entered the front door of the apartment, it became evident that this apartment was not for us. How did we know? Because it was so modern, it didn’t use keys; it only had electronic fobs to open and shut the doors. As Orthodox Jews, we observe Shabbat each week. During this time, it is forbidden to engage in 39 activities known as "melacha”, which encompasses a range of tasks, such as lighting fires, constructing or demolishing structures and various forms of agricultural work. These prohibitions stem from the Torah’s commandment to “rest” on the Sabbath and refrain from any actions that resemble God’s creative work during the six days of the week. In the 21st century, most of this “work” results in the prohibition of electricity, handling or spending money, utilising public transit, writing, sewing, cooking, using a computer and watching television. So, electronic fob activated locks – the only way we could enter or leave the apartment – were a no-go for us if we wanted to observe Shabbat each week. Estimates suggest that those who observe Orthodox Judaism constitute around 10 to 15 percent of the global 15 million Jews. As the world becomes more technologically integrated, Orthodox Jews are likely to face challenges in maintaining the sanctity of Shabbat in a world filled with technology. Dovid Tzvi Kalman is a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania who specialises in the intersection of Judaism and technology. When a new piece of technology surfaces, Orthodox Jews diligently assess its permissibility on Shabbat. So, since they have a deep appreciation for the sanctity of the day, they have also become experts at adeptly navigating the challenges of technology. “Shabbat is and has long been on the front lines of the Jewish response to technology,” Kalman told The Daily Beast. “This is because Shabbat law divides all human activities into permitted and prohibited, so every time a new technology comes along you can ask whether the new activities it generates are permitted or prohibited.” Electric Feel Of all things that have been deemed impermissible on Shabbat, the most difficult is the prohibition of the use of electricity. A historic rabbinic ruling, established over a century ago, determined that the utilisation

Quiz answers 1. Mattathias (in Hebrew, Matityahu) 2. John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan and Judah 3. Kislev 4. Philip of Macedon 5. 329 BCE 6. 29 7. Bucephalus (or Bucephalas) was the horse of Alexander the Great, and one of the most famous horses of classical antiquity 8. Out of gratitude to Alexander, the Jews agreed to name every male child born the next year “Alexander.” That is why the name Alexander, or Sender for short, became a common Jewish name even to this day 9. a) Ptolemy b) Alexandria 10. Epimanes means ‘madman’=

of electricity during Shabbat and Jewish festivals was forbidden. “This prohibition stands on very thin legal footing, but it has been upheld because electricity is a reasonable standin for modernity and because, for a first approximation, restricting its use does indeed preserve the character of the day,” Kalman said. Nonetheless, with ongoing technological progress advancing at a rapid pace, and the emergence of non-Shabbat-friendly options, like electronic fob-activated locks on doors or the encroachment of so-called smart homes, Orthodox Jews will face the challenge of how to navigate their lives. Just take a look around your own house or apartment and you’ll quickly see these hurdles. Apps to control your thermostat, or RFID scanners to enter or exit buildings, or apps to unlock your doors or even open your windows all pose a hurdle for observers of Shabbat. “I don’t know if this heuristic is going to last forever,” Kalman said. “Electronics are in many different kinds of devices today and many tasks that don’t technically require electricity use the smartphone as their interface.” However, Kalman added that he thinks “it is going to remain important for a while longer and perhaps the serenity of Shabbat – which has already been the subject of multiple books – will be a force pushing back against this trend.” Sometimes, various workarounds can be found. For instance, within Orthodox Jewish households, there is a widespread use of timers on Shabbat, particularly for controlling lighting, heating and cooling. Or others commonly use hotplates, which are plugged in before Shabbat, to reheat pre-cooked food for consumption during Shabbat meals.

Exploring the inventive ways in which Orthodox Jewish households adapt to Shabbat restrictions continues to occupy the minds of many rabbis and Jewish scholars. In Israel, Rabbi Shai Simanovsky is the head of the content and explanation department at the Zomet Institute. This institute is at the forefront of offering halachic [Orthodox Jewish law] guidance on a range of subjects concerning the intersection of Judaism and technology, as well as producing and disseminating articles. Simanovsky told The Daily Beast that he believes that there’s an argument to be made that there are many ways that technology can fall within the rules of Shabbat. “Technology, which is the ability to harness the forces of nature through human ingenuity for the benefit of humankind and the world, is a blessing from God,” Simanovsky explained. “The task of humanity is to develop the world and technology enables us to do this on a massive scale. Therefore, the basic faith approach is that it is good and right to use technological innovations for the benefit of humanity.”

11. Maccabee means hammer, from the Hebrew word for makav. Judah the Maccabee was so called either because his features somewhat resembled that of a hammer, or because his earlier occupation was that of a blacksmith. Alternatively the name came from the initial letters of a famous verse in Exodus, Who is like You among the mighty, O God – in Hebrew the four words of this verse begin with the letters mem, chaf, bet and yud which spell out Maccabee. 12. Dedication 13. E ight days, as upon relighting the Temple Menorah with the only cruse of pure oil that was found intact, it remained alight for a miraculous eight days until new oil could be manufactured and brought to the Temple 14. T he Temple Menorah had seven lights; the Chanukah Menorah has space for nine

15. They are cooked with oil 16. This is the ‘serving’ candle, with which one kindles the other lights 17. The Apocrypha 18. The Book of Psalms 19. Al Hanissim 20. According to Hillel, one should begin by lighting just one light on the first night, increasing by one on each subsequent night. Shammai suggested the reverse, begin with eight lights and reduce the number by one on each subsequent night 21. Chanukah lights. If one were to light the Shabbat lights first, one would not be allowed then to light the Chanukah lights due to the laws of Shabbat 22. I t should be placed near a window or door from where it can be observed outside one’s home. This is due to the principle of Pirsuma Nissa – the requirement ‘to publicise the miracle of Chanukah’

Shabbat vs Silicon Valley Zomet stands at the vanguard when it comes to identifying and, in coordination with rabbis and engineers, ascertaining the permissibility of using various devices on Shabbat. The institute’s engineers engage in comprehensive examinations of new technological products. Through collaboration with the halachic research team, they evaluate whether the product aligns with the requirements of Jewish law for use on Shabbat, and if not, they analyse the specific issues at hand and explore potential solutions. “Over the course of 45 years, the Zomet Institute has developed numerous

technological products and applications tailored to the needs of halachic observance,” he said. Notable examples include the Shabbat light, a lamp that turns on before Shabbat and off on Shabbat without manual adjustment; the Shabbat lift, an elevator that stops on all floors during Shabbat, eliminating the need to press buttons; and the Shabbat switch, which enables the use of electrical appliances on Shabbat by employing indirect mechanisms to control electricity. Major companies also create Shabbatspecific modes built into everyday devices such as ovens, which can maintain a constant temperature without violating the prohibition of lighting a fire. However, sometimes the speed at which technology develops and the solutions on offer from a Jewish law perspective may not be in sync. The fast-changing world of technology can often clash with Shabbat observance. This misalignment can create challenges when Jewish laws and traditions need to catch up with changing technology. “It’s a lot easier to tell people not to do something, before they do it,” Rabbanit Liz Shayne, an Orthodox female rabbi, told The Daily Beast. “You cannot wait until things have been out in the world for five years and then say, ‘Actually, I don’t think you should be using it on Shabbat.’ You have to be thinking proactively: What does Shabbat mean?” Shayne’s question is a pertinent one. Two hundred years ago Shabbat observance was a much simpler affair. With no electricity, motorised travel or instant communication, people would walk to synagogue, stay at home with their families, eat their food and spend time with friends who were within walking distance. Perhaps our Jewish ancestors would be surprised to find that in the 21st century, Shabbat is often characterised as a day with no screens or smartphones. To many people today, Shabbat represents disconnecting from the digital world to maintain a balance between technology and the sacred values such as rest, family and spirituality – something the rest of us could very well benefit from. And so, the fine balance of determining the parameters of the day continues, even if some of the conveniences of modern life, like access to keyless doors and electronic fobs, are withheld. “I think it’s a really interesting moment that the Jewish people and the rabbinate are working with, how do we protect Shabbat?” Shayne said. “It’s a very difficult thing to be doing as a rabbi, because if you’re too far ahead, it sounds like science fiction. You can’t write Jewish legal rulings if the technology does not yet exist, but you can’t do it retroactively because no one will listen to you.”

23. Maoz Tzur (Yeshuati) is a description of God, it means Strong Rock (of my Salvation) 24. Sevivon – it is a spinning toy 25. The Chrysler Building in New York

Spelling bee answers Jewish Answer: MALCHUT. Here is a list of some common words (“yes”, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common to today’s vernacular): ACTUAL, CLUTCH, LATCH, LUACH, MULCH, MULLAH, MUTUAL, MUUMUU, TALCUM, T’CHUM, TUMULT and UMLAUT. Questions/comments – email Yoni at koshercroswords@gmail.com

the melbourne jewish report | Dec 2023

THE AT R E

REVIEWS

Oy Humbug!

A VERY JEWISH CHRISTMAS CAROL ALEX FIRST Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge has never seen the likes of it. Take the classic tale A Christmas Carol and put a Jewish twist on it. That is what writer Elise Esther Hearst has done with Phillip Kavanagh … and they have absolutely nailed this world premiere. Oy Humbug! Channel Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) on the US TV series The O.C. (2003-2007). Christmas and Chanukah come around the same time each year. You mash the two together and you get Chrismukkah. That is what Elysheva Scroogavitz’s (Miriam Glaser) family is trying to celebrate. Problem is, Ely doesn’t want a bar of it. She is in no mood to rejoice. She runs a failing bakery named Ada’s, having taken it over from her dear departed grandmother (Bubi). So, here Ely is, toiling away without customers trying to turn out the perfect gingerbread man, the recipe for which she never received from Bubi (Evelyn Krape). Her family is ready to get all festive with her, but she is in a foul mood. She has just lost the love of her life, her Christian fiancé Ben (Michael Whalley), who was taken far too soon … with their

Photo by Pia Johnson baby due to arrive at any moment. Imploring her to let them lend a helping hand are Ely’s mother Fran (Natalie Gamsu), sister Sarah (Emma Jevons) and intended mother-in-law Carol (Louise Siversen). In too, trying to calm the waters, is the rabbi Rikva (Jude Perl), who also happens to be Sarah’s special friend. But all this is to no avail and Ely kicks everyone out, intent to go it alone … and that extends to not having support when giving birth. Mind you, everything is about to change when she is visited by spirits past, present and future. That provides context to Bubi’s background and why she never

passed on to Ely the gingerbread recipe that saw customers flocking through the door. Mostly importantly, the story showcases the importance of family. A Very Jewish Christmas Carol is warm, inviting, joyful, triumphant and hilarious … with poignancy in the run home. The smart one liners come thick and fast, starting with a delightful opening musical number, in which a pair of carolers embrace both the Christian and Jewish holidays. From thereon in, there is barely a moment’s let up from the frivolities, save for the scenes that hark back to Bubi’s upbringing in Poland.

The piece has much mirth and merriment going for it. It has been beautifully composed and executed as part of MTC’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program. It is a fresh take on a readily recognised work … and the performances knock it out of the park. All except Miriam Glaser fill more than one role, whether that be as other characters or as members of the ensemble or, in some cases, both. Some of the best lines go to Evelyn Krape when she assumes the persona of a child-like Golem. Louise Siversen’s comic turn as a rein Dybbuk of Chrismukkah Past is priceless too. The ever-cheery roving carolers add heart throughout. And A Very Jewish Christmas Carol wouldn’t be the same without a sprinkling of Yiddish and a smattering of Polish for good measure. Jacob Battista’s bakery set design, with machinery that moves and lights up – where most of the action is set – is creative and utilitarian. Dann Barber has let his imagination fly with some of the colourful costuming. Four years from conception to reality, A Very Jewish Christmas Carol hits the mark. Its direction from Sarah Giles and polish are to be applauded. There is so much to enjoy here – simply a winner on every level. So, strap yourselves in for a wild and wooly ride, and embrace the magic. One hundred minutes without interval, it is playing at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner until 16th December, 2023.

Still heartbreaking part of the world. The sets are candy

MISS SAIGON ALEX FIRST Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Miss Saigon* has stormed onto the Her Majesty’s Theatre stage, captivating an enthusiastic audience anew. It last played at the same theatre 16 years ago. Miss Saigon is a deeply emotional work, featuring soaring vocals and exemplary production values – sound, lighting, choreography and visual effects. Based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1904 opera Madama Butterfly, it is an epic love story. It is the tragic tale of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who in 1975 falls in love with American sergeant Chris. But their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. The musical spans three years, from the month the Vietnam War ended (April 1975) to October 1978. The action takes place in Saigon, Atlanta, Georgia and Bangkok. Seann Miley Moore exudes charisma, sass and savagery as the Vietnamese hustler known as The Engineer. He operates the bar and brothel where he has just introduced Kim. Moore’s dynamism is apparent from the opening scene and reinforces his command of a demanding role throughout. His “look at me” persona is enriched by Andreane Neofitou’s colourful

for the eyes – detailed, elaborate and evocative, and they are wheeled in and out seamlessly. From when the curtain first goes up, the staging and myriad moving bodies transport us to the hustle and bustle of Saigon (renamed Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the war). Richard Jones’ choreography is a feature. The world-renowned helicopter scene remains an eye-catcher more than 30 years after the musical first opened in London’s West End. The

music

Claude-Michel

Schonberg, with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr and Alain Boublil, and additional lines from Michael Mahler, is outstanding. Concertmaster Sulki Yu and Orchestra Victoria ensure the numbers continue to

Photo by Daniel Boud costuming. 18-year-old Abigail Adriano is a real find as sweet-voiced Kim (who is 17 as events in Miss Saigon take off). Nigel Huckle’s vocalisation as her lover Chris sears with emotion. Kerrie Anne Greenland has immediate impact as Ellen when she appears towards the end of the first act. Ellen’s presence jolts Kim and The Engineer’s plans. Greenland’s vocal proclivity is impressive. Nick Afoa is commanding as Chris’ fellow GI and friend John.

resonate. Laurence Mossman exudes menace as commissar Thuy, Kim’s cousin, to whom she was promised when she was 13. Kimberley Hodgson brings a big voice to experienced hooker Gigi. There are eight alternates as the young child Tam. On opening night it was five-year-old Archer Wang and he was adorable and polished. In fact, the entire principal cast is from Australia and New Zealand, which just goes to show the depth of talent in this

Director Jean-Pierre Van der Spuy and musical director Laura Tipoki have done a superb job with the 42-strong cast. The full company is well and truly on song. The demonstrative nature of this show – a Tony and Olivier Award winning production – makes it a must see. Miss Saigon, which is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 16th December, 2023, is triumphant – no less than a musical masterpiece. *This Cameron Mackintosh production opened in London in May 2014