“Don’t fear failure. Fear being in the same place next year as you are today.” (source: unknown)
As we are already into the second month of 2023, I wonder how many of us have acted on any resolutions we made. I am sure they were well intentioned, but why have they resulted in no action?
Humans inherently fear change because the outcome is unknown. Our brains are designed to find peace in knowing. When we don’t know what will happen, we make up scenarios, which then results in worry and inaction.
Fear of change in its extreme form is known as metathesiophobia and it causes persistent, unrealistic and intense anxiety when facing new situations or experiences.
Take a moment to consider how many times you have thought of making a change, no matter how small, and then something stopped you from following through. What thoughts and feelings did you experience when considering this change? Were you overwhelmed? Did you worry excessively about different
way. You need to think about it. It may, at first, seem difficult and weird, but if you persist it will become easier and feel more comfortable.
• Be honest about what is holding you back. If you tried the above activity, did you become aware of what you were feeling and thinking? Was it negative? Did you think or use words like “this is too hard … this is so uncomfortable, I can’t do it, why bother?”
• Learn to develop an internal cheer squad, which has you saying “this is hard, but it’s what I want to do. I’ll keep on trying. I can do this.”
scenarios? Did you experience such a high level of distress that you decided not to proceed?
This fear of change is based as much on evolution (nature) as it is in our individual experiences (nurture). We are conditioned and naturally programmed to like to be in control. So, the fear of change is both an outcome of nature and nurture.
Despite this, we can gain insights into our own behaviours around change and this can be better understood, managed and altered.
Think back to when man first inhabited Earth. At some point everyone was an unknown. It takes courage and action to
tread a path of positivity and beneficial outcomes. We need to work towards a mindset that welcomes and embraces change.
Some steps to help bring about change:
• Identify what you want to change.
• Break it down so that the change is realistic and manageable. We can only cope with one thing at time so don’t try and change your whole world. In this case the adage Rome wasn’t built in a day is true.
• Embrace the discomfort, rather than shut it down by not making changes. Try this simple activity: Cross your arms. Easy and comfortable. Now do it the other
3. Which is the only fast day that can fall on a Friday?
4. Rosh Hashanah La-ilanot falls in which month of the Jewish year?
Welcome to the first edition of our Judaica Quiz for 2023! We hope you had a happy and safe summer. We are so excited that once again, Rabbi David Freedman lends his broad-based Judaica knowledge to this unique quiz for the benefit of us all! It is simultaneously educational and enjoyable and he always explores a plethora of pathways to garner this interesting and inspiring information.
The following questions cover many themes, from our joyous festivals to history to Israeli culture to geography to the Hebrew language and so much more! Make sure you ask your Shabbat guests to join in at your table so you can answer this quiz as a group, learning and laughing along the way!
1. The Shammash (either the role of someone in synagogue who assists with the service, or the name of the candle used to light all other Chanukah lights) is connected linguistically to which astronomic feature?
2. On a Hebrew keyboard which of the following three letters is found on the bottom row of letters:
a) Mem
b) Final Mem or
c) Dalet?
5. ‘Tagin’ are scribal strokes drawn above certain Hebrew letters. Where would one most expect to see these features?
6. True or false, a person who has just lost a parent is entitled to an Aliyah (a
10. Who warned the future King David of imminent danger by shooting three arrows into a field?
11. Which famous 18th century Lithuanian rabbi is well known by the acronym – the Gra?
12. Which song written by Jack Yellen and Lew Pollack, first recorded by Willie Howard, was made famous in Vaudeville by Belle Baker and by Sophie
• Engage an actual squad of supporters. Get family and friends on board. Get a therapist or life coach. It’s very hard to make life changes on our own, so having a team with us to motivate and navigate the tough times encourages us to keep going.
In the words of Billy Cox, Jimi Hendrix's bass guitarist: “Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone.”
Are you stuck in the discomfort of your comfort zone? Don’t find yourself in the same place 12 months from now.
Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
16. Two Israelis, Esther and Abi Ofarim, had an international smash hit record in 1968. Complete the second word of its title: ‘Cinderella ---’?
17. Kadur-Mayim is the Hebrew for which Olympic sport?
18. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein was one of the leading rabbis of the twentieth century. Born in Belarus, in which country did he live for most of his life?
19. The biblical king Rehoboam famously said, “My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” Who was Rehoboam’s father?
20. St Paul, otherwise known as Paul of Tarsus was originally Jewish – what was his Hebrew name?
call up to the Sefer Torah) during the week of mourning?
7. Which famous Zionist, born in Russia in 1856 and died at Degania Alef in Mandate Palestine in 1922, was influenced by Leo Tolstoy and founded Hapoel Hatzair? This person claimed that working the land was a sacred task, not only for the individual but for the entire Jewish people?
8. Which Chasidic personality said, “If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow?”
9. Which member of the current Israeli government almost caused a riot by visiting the Temple Mount recently?
Tucker, and was also sung by artists Neil Sedaka and Tom Jones?
13. The first television channel opened in Israel in which year?
a) 1956
b) 1966
c) 1976?
14. Throughout the first four lines of the liturgical hymn, Ein Keloheinu, four Hebrew words are repeatedly used as names for the Almighty: God, Lord, King and Saviour. Why were they written in this order?
15. The following neighbourhoods: Bat Galim, Kiryat Eliezer, Neve Sha’anan and Ramat HaTishbi, are all part of which city in Israel?
21. Which geographical feature that measures 7,000 kilometres from the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon to Mozambique in Southeast Africa runs along the eastern side of Israel?
22. How many chapters are there in the biblical Book of Esther:
a) 8
b) 9
c) 10?
23. In which era of Jewish history would one come across the name, Tomás de Torquemada?
24. Name the seven countries in the Americas with the highest Jewish populations.
25. Who wrote the Israeli song, Yerushalayim Shel Zahav?
Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition.
RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN
JUDAICA QUIZ
Last month 39 Australian teachers spent 18 days in Israel as part of the Gandel Holocaust Studies Program for Australian Educators (GHSP).
While at the International Holocaust School at the Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem, they were taught how to educate their students about the Holocaust in a professional, factual and age-appropriate manner.
The teachers heard survivor testimonies, learnt about the links between the Holocaust and antisemitism, and discussed the challenges of teaching this topic in the social media age, where misinformation is rife.
So far, nearly 400 Australian educators have been trained and equipped to teach Holocaust studies as a result of the Gandel Program. They have, in turn, reached out to thousands of students in the classroom and throughout the Jewish community.
How many common words of five 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 seven letters and have a direct Jewish connection.
Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score one point for each answer and three points for a Jewish word that uses all seven letters.
Rating: 11 = Good; 17 = Excellent; 21 = Genius
COA’s Harbour Cruise
Wednesday 6 March 11am - 2pm
Enjoy a delicious Kosher Lunch, live entertainment from Tony Mazel, and all the fun of a cruise on iconic Sydney Harbour. Arrive by 10:30am for boarding at 11am
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 16
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 the most common): Jewish Answers- TRADITION, ORDINATION. Other words: ADORATION, RADIATION, ADDITION, RADIATOR, DONATION, DONATOR, RADIANT, ANDROID, TORNADO, ORDAIN, INDOOR, INROAD, DOODAD, TORRID, INDIAN, ADROIT, RADAR, TRIAD, RONDO, RADII, RADIO, DONOR, DRAIN, ARDOR, DROIT, ADORN, DINAR, NADIR Questions/comments- email Yoni at koshercroswords@gmail.com
Boarding: Rose Bay Wharf, Lyne Park, Rose Bay.
Cost: COA members $50, non-members $60.
Transport: to Lyne Park $7 for COA Members only
Booking Essen al: Please book with Jackie Ryker at j.ryker@coasydney.org or phone 83675051.
Sponsored by
Annual Model Seder
Wednesday 15 March 11:45am - 2pm
A Seder style lunch at the COA Centre with your family of friends, prepared by our volunteers, with Haggadah reading, Pesach songs, and matza kneidlach for all.
Cost: COA members $20 non-members $25
Transport: to COA $7 for COA Members only
Booking Essen al: Please book with Jackie Ryker at j.ryker@coasydney.org or phone 83675051.
A endance is limited to please book asap
COA Krygier Centre, 25 Rowe St, Woollahra
Ph: 9389 0035
Em: coa@coasydney.org
Www.coasydney.org
The only Jewish Burial Society in NSW - Since 1817
Funeral Enquiries & Arrangements
C all 9363 2248
Cremations are strictly prohibited under Jewish law. The Sydney Chevra Kadisha alone provides services according to Jewish tradition and Halacha.
Cnr. Oxford & Wallis Streets, Woollahra
Email: info@sck.org.au
Website: www.sck.org.au
Gallup’s 2022 World Happiness Report proves that while Israel is thriving, its enemies are among the world’s most miserable.
Israel, home to 53 per cent of world Jewry, is a happy place. Yet, you wouldn’t know it if you believed the headlines about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government or saw the latest antiIsrael resolution at the United Nations and the current wave of Jew-hatred propagated by American celebrities.
After all, between the International Court of Justice, Whoopi Goldberg, Kyrie Irving and Kanye West antisemitism appears to be off to a good start in 2023.
Yet in the antisemitic worst of times, there are aspects of Israel that represent the best of times. The Start-up Nation continues to innovate and flourish. The Abraham Accords continue to deliver positive security and global trade rewards. Israeli companies continue to make a massive impact on the quest to alleviate humanitarian disasters around the world.
Moreover, in the face of a tsunami of traditional and social media hatred, Israel is one of the happiest places in
the world. It’s true. Last March, Gallup released its 2022 World Happiness Report and the survey showed Israel improving its ranking from number 12 to number nine.
The survey, which is based on GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy and freedom to make life choices, assessed 146 nations. The countries ahead of Israel were Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden and Norway. Israel was ranked ahead of New Zealand, Austria, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Countries that signed normalisation agreements with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords were also ranked in the top 25: Bahrain was at 21 and the United Arab Emirates at 24.
In contrast, the country that daily threatens Israel’s existence, Iran, was ranked 110. Iraq was 107 and Lebanon 145. The “Palestinian Territories” were at 122.
In other words, no matter how much cacophony is heard in the Knesset, Israeli society is strikingly happy. Most people familiar with Israel understand that cacophony is a by-product of a free, diverse society. After all, the
Knesset has always been the home to shouting, arm waving and theatrical chaos. Israel recently exercised its voice by electing Netanyahu in an election universally acknowledged to have been free and fair. Yet, the media around the world, including in Israel, will continue to push the narrative of corruption, even as they seldom examine corruption in Palestinian society.
They will call Jewish settlements illegal, even when they’re not – unless you believe the sovereign state of Israel is illegal – but never challenge the illegality of Palestinian settlements or the usefulness of the so-called “refugee camps”.
The media will ratchet up the cries of “apartheid” and “occupation” to full volume. They will endlessly refer to Judea and Samaria as the “occupied West Bank”, even though they didn’t consider it “occupied” while it was occupied by Jordan from 1948-1967.
The world needs a strong dose of context. At a time when the world faces increasing antisemitism, Jews nonetheless understand that they have faced much worse over more than 3,500 years of history. What we are experiencing, of course, doesn’t make us happy. We would be happier if the media didn’t deny or ignore 3,500 years
For
of history. We would be happier if Gen X Jewry and public and civil servants took 3,500 years of Jewish history into consideration. We would be happier without false narratives and revisionism.
But I’m afraid that, unless people become aware of the treacherous past of antisemitism and seek to understand Israel’s importance to Judaism, some forms of the scourge are here to stay.
The least happy countries on the Gallup list are fatigued by Middle Eastern wars. Ironically, they have a good – and happy – model of what could be the future in the form of Israel.
It’s not surprising that relatively few people in the world pay much attention to the Happiness Report or even know about it. Anyone, including Jews, who promote the BDS movement on college campuses or wishes to splinter and split Israel by appeasing the very unhappy Iran may want to learn more about the Jewish homeland and leave their bad karma at home.
Charles Kaufman is the past president of B’nai B’rith International and serves on the boards of the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod. His opinions are his own.
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Thanks to a relentless commitment to Jewish education from an extraordinary man named Abraham Rabinovitch and his fellow visionaries, the College officially opened its doors on 14th February 1943, as the North Bondi Hebrew Day School and Kindergarten with just one class of 25 students aged three to six.
Professor Bettina Cass OA was three years old when she joined that first North Bondi class 80 years ago. “Going to the Moriah kindergarten and experiencing the sense of friendship with the other children there was an extension of the happiness we felt in the community,” said Professor Cass. “There was an enriching experience in the kindergarten that enabled me to move into school feeling really prepared.”
Over the past eight decades, Moriah has become a cornerstone of the Sydney Jewish community. Today, the school is home to more than 1,700 students from Early Learning to Year 12, with an impressive and diverse network of experienced educators and support staff, as well as thousands of alumni who have found success in all walks of life.
While much has changed in the past 80 years, the vision that the school’s founders had for Moriah College
remains the same. It is to provide the Sydney Jewish community with a modern orthodox Zionist school where Jewish children, regardless of academic aptitude or financial standing, can access an excellent general and Jewish education. It is also a school
where heritage, tradition, culture and identity are infused into the day-to-day experiences of each student.
Having several grandchildren attend the College, Professor Cass has seen firsthand how the school has grown and flourished. “The teachers are excellent,
there are amazing extra activities and, of course, Jewish studies and the chance to learn Hebrew. To have both an excellent general education and an excellent Jewish education in the same place is what makes Moriah stand out.”
From Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers), we learn “At Eighty, One Achieves Strength”. Carrying the core messages of pride, strength and looking towards the future, the College’s year-long anniversary celebrations will feature a wide range of activities connecting students and their families, past and present staff members, alumni, Foundation members, grandparents and the wider community.
“We would like the entire community to join us as we celebrate our 80th and the unique way in which Moriah family members have permeated the Australian Jewish community and beyond,” said College Principal, Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler.
“Moriah is as strong as it is today because of the foresight and tenacity of the pioneers and trailblazers who came before us. Looking back and appreciating our history empowers us to recognise the strength and achievements of the present, while clearly seeing the path ahead. There is so much to be proud of and together we will build an exciting and bright future for our College.”
“I feel like I’ve dropped my kids off with family members,” says Lisa Kaplan-Winters as four-year old Marlow smiles and waves goodbye at the Moriah College Early Learning Centre (ELC) gate.
“They’re happy, cared-for and really loved, and always come home having had a beautiful day.”
It’s a sentiment shared by families throughout all three Moriah College ELCs, who experience the undeniable sense of belonging and strong connection to community that provides the foundation for an exceptional early learning program.
There is a wealth of research that considers the early years to be the most important in a child’s educational journey, positioning them for future success.
In 2023, Moriah College is 80 years strong, having opened its doors on 14th February 1943 with one preschool class of 25 children. This year, the College is welcoming more than 200 new ELC students.
For eight decades Moriah has nurtured, guided and supported its youngest students with an outstanding early years education program that is still distinguished by the Jewish values that are fundamentally woven through the day-to-day experiences of every child.
Whether it’s enjoying all the festivals throughout the Jewish calendar, singing
and dancing at weekly Shabbat celebrations or learning from the specialist Hebrew and Jewish Studies teachers, children at the Moriah ELCs develop a strong Jewish identity and an undeniable connection to Jewish heritage, traditions and Israel.
Another unique aspect of the Moriah ELCs is the dedication and experience
of the educators and support staff, who facilitate programs that empower the children to grow into thoughtful, kind, and respectful individuals who foster empathy towards the needs of others and make positive contributions to their community and the world around them.
Applying both explicit teaching and student-led investigations, children are
inspired to grow, flourish and become learners at their own pace. They are given the opportunity to be curious, research, question and explore, while learning how to problem-solve, collaborate, take appropriate risks and think critically.
This year, the College welcomes Student Integration Officer Rozanna Hoffman to the ELC team, to help to identify, track and strengthen the needs of children who require extra support.
The ELC is where the journey through Moriah College begins and families experience a seamless progression through to Primary School and then High School graduation, with smooth, successful transitions along the way.
“My son Max can’t wait to join his brother in the Primary School,” says ELC mum Michelle Heffernan. “We’re not from Sydney and the Moriah ELC has given us a real sense of community.
My children feel very much a part of the Moriah Community and it’s been an amazing experience for Max.”
Moriah welcomes children from two to five years of age at its Early Learning Centres and prospective parents can visit the campuses and see what makes the ELCs so special by registering for the Open Day on Sunday, 26th February. ELC educators will be on hand to answer any questions and provide a tour of the classrooms and outdoor areas. Register via www.moriah.nsw.edu.au/events
THE MORIAH FOUNDATION
Eighty years since inception, Moriah College has become the largest Jewish day school in Australia, with approximately 7,000 alumni.
The college currently provides nearly 1,700 children – from early learning to Year 12 – with an outstanding, wellrounded education and all the lifechanging opportunities that come with Moriah life.
All this would not have been possible without visionaries such as founder Abraham Rabinovitch, who dared to dream big in 1943.
The Moriah Foundation was established in 2011 to coincide with the successful Capital Appeal that assisted the college to purchase the land for the Queens Park campus.
It set out to support as many financially vulnerable families as possible to receive a Moriah education.
The Foundation also brings a world of opportunity to children through programs such as the Israel Study Tour, Scholars in Entrepreneurship Program and Mikolot: Voices of the Future Public Speaking Competition.
As The Foundation celebrates Moriah’s 80th birthday, it welcomes the opportunity for the community to provide the next generation of Jewish children with the best possible start to life by receiving a Moriah education. The college equips all students with a strong sense of Jewish identity, an enduring bond with Israel, a love for Judaism, the tools to succeed and the drive to make the world a better place.
There are many ways for the community to assist in this important work.
Among the ways you can do this is by supporting The Foundation’s transformative campaigns, participating in the Moriah Foundation Grandparents’ Club or becoming a Foundation Member or Foundation Circle Member. You can also leave a gift to Moriah in your will and be the reason a child receives a Jewish education now and for generations for come.
For more information on how to make a lasting impact, visit www.themoriahfoundation.org.au, email foundation@moriah.nsw.edu.au or contact The Moriah Foundation on 9375-1620.
After 13 years of teaching at KTC, Rabbi Chaiton has a new view … and it’s from the top, as the school’s new College Principal.
Nothing is clearer to Rabbi Chaiton than the adapted core vision of the college – a singular statement that drives all direction and decision making under his leadership.
“We grow minds. We nurture character. Guided by the Torah. It is this vision statement by which every decision is made in our school,” Rabbi Chaiton said. “And it’s how we intend to educate and inspire our staff and students … daily.”
Focusing on staff, Rabbi Chaiton knows his educators should be cherished within the school. “Teachers are the true agents of change. They are the lighthouses for young souls. They are the ones who hold the key to unlocking the infinite and unique potential in the minds and character of each of their students. They need to be treasured and know how valued they are.”
Supporting staff with a deep sense of community understanding, Rabbi Chaiton began the school year offering a free camp for the children of staff members.
“A nurtured person will always be in the best position to nurture someone else and that is what we are ultimately here for. I know what it’s like to manage child-care during the holidays. If I want my teachers
to come to staff development days prepared and present, ready to learn best practices and skills for educational growth, then the first step is assisting in their own child-care. Offering a free camp for their children, which will enable them to focus on the students of KTC, was a no-brainer.”
And that’s just the start. With a drive to move the school into the future, centred around the vision, Rabbi Chaiton has appointed new leadership across the school to ensure KTC stays relevant, ahead and focused.
“Our new Director of Teaching and Learning, James Mulhall, will ensure that we continue to grow minds in our High School’s secular academic education,” Rabbi Chaiton said. “As part of our vision of ‘nurturing character’, we have also significantly boosted our leadership in the Welfare Department. We will be introducing a full Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum across our school”.
“School enrolments are up 15 per cent, with an expected 200 plus students set to fill the high school to capacity within two years, Mr Mulhall has his work cut out for him.
“From my experience in leadership roles in independent schools, I am excited to work with KTC to continue developing the teaching and learning program. I am committed to ensuring that KTC is resourced for ongoing academic success,” Mr Mulhall said.
Masada College’s 2022 HSC results were first class.
More than half the cohort made the Distinguished Achievers’ list.
Twenty nine percent of students achieved an ATAR greater than 95, while 43 per cent of pupils received an ATAR of more than 90.
With an ATAR of 99.90, the dux of the year was Christy Li, who joined the school in Year 9.
Christy said the small class sizes at the college enabled teachers to focus on the needs of individual students and pupils to connect closely with one another.
“I would like to thank my Year Patron and all the teachers and staff at Masada for their passion, dedication and support throughout my education at Masada.
“I would also like to thank my Year 12 cohort for being such an amazing grade,” said Christy.
She plans to study neuroscience and statistics at university.
Among other high all-round achievers were Grace Guo and Daniel Slobedman.
The college moved up 29 places to 39 in the HSC NSW school rankings.
Principal Mira Hasofer said she was incredibly proud of the graduating class of 2022. Ms Hasofer noted “the confident, capable young men and women that
are leaving our college, ready to step into the world that awaits them”.
“Our results affirm Masada College’s place as an outstanding Jewish
independent school, leading in its ability to help students from all backgrounds and competencies achieve academic results that we can all celebrate.”
Nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders
There are many facets of social and emotional learning that the school takes into consideration. These include:
•self-awareness (recognising one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges);
•self-management (managing emotions and behaviours to achieve one’s goals);
•social awareness (showing understanding and empathy for others);
•relationship skills (forming positive relationships, working in teams and dealing effectively with conflict); and
•responsible decision making (making ethical and constructive choices about personal and social behaviour).
Mount Sinai College’s nurturing and responsive team of educators is critical in supporting the children in their development. They ensure that the children are on the path to success.
The educators have created an atmosphere where they influence a child's self-confidence, empathy and ability to develop meaningful and lasting friendships, promoting a sense of importance and value to those around them.
At ELCs, children from two to five years of age are educated in a numeracy and literacy-rich environment that is both challenging and fun, preparing them for a smooth transition into Year K. The importance of learning through play is
“
recognised through the National Early Years Learning Framework (NEYLF) and the Reggio Emilia Educational Philosophy guide to teacher practice, which the school endorses. Understanding the importance of nurturing Jewish identity – Jewish values and culture – are embraced and celebrated through song, movement and creative activities, as the Hebrew language is seamlessly integrated into the ELC program.
As of 2023, the college welcomed its three and four-year-old (Joeys) children as they moved up to the main campus, joining its preparatory classes under the Mount Sinai College Maroubra Campus umbrella. Two and three-year-old (Puggles) children will continue to enjoy the nurturing environment at the school’s Early Learning Centre Kingsford campus.
Open Week
Mount Sinai College will hold an Open Week from 6th to 10th March.You can tour the Early Learning Centre for two and three years olds at the Kingsford campus and the ELC for three and four year olds and four and five year olds at Maroubra. Or you might be interested in visiting the year K-6 rooms at Maroubra.
Open Week is a chance to see innovative teaching spaces and the new college playground, as well as meeting key staff –in short, the opportunity to experience that “Mount Sinai” feeling first-hand.
Bookings are essential. For more details go to the website www.mountsinai.nsw.edu.au or register now via www.mountsinai.nsw. edu.au/openweek
For more information, please email enrol@ mountsinai.nsw.edu.au First-round offers for 2024 will be sent out on 20th March, so please register for enrolment now as places are limited.
Mount
“At Emanuel School, we aim to foster a love of Jewish learning and living by embedding Jewish values, understandings and practices within our pluralist context, focusing on respect and inclusion.” – Emanuel School Principal, Andrew Watt
Lily Berger (class of 2022) shares how the school’s values have helped her to step into the world “ready to make a positive and lasting difference to society”.
Emanuel School’s values are engrained into every part of its being.
As an Emanuel student since Year K, these values have helped mould me into the graduate I am today. The values of compassion, justice and community stand out to me the most. Every day, when I walked into the school gates I felt like I belonged, that I could be myself and that I was cared about and capable of making a difference.
Emanuel’s values of justice and community were clearest to me when I visited Villawood Detention Centre in 2020 as part of the school's engagement with refugees. I met some of the loveliest, warmest and strongest people seeking asylum in Australia. The experience was extremely confronting as I tried to grapple with their harsh reality, how many of them were stuck in detention
indefinitely and how this was happening to innocent people in my backyard. Upon reflection, I was able to recognise how Emanuel’s values of justice and community allow us to see the true reality of what our society looks like.
Part of creating a compassionate and respectful environment at Emanuel is the role modelling by Emanuel’s fantastic teachers. My teachers were some of the most supportive, kind and encouraging people I had ever met. They love what they do and genuinely care about every student.
Many of Emanuel’s values have become my own. These values help me feel ready to take on the challenges of the world and make a positive and
lasting difference to society. Jesse Herdan and Eden Glass (class of 2022), share how their daily experiences and opportunities have helped mould and develop their connection to and practice of their Judaism and identity.
Emanuel wouldn’t be Emanuel without the opportunities we have to participate in the overarching Jewish life of the school. It changes Emanuel from just a school to a community and a family.
Weekly Shabbatot provide a glimpse into the supportive and participatory culture that is integral to Emanuel life, with students singing, dancing and celebrating as a community. Planning and leading these activities has taught us lifelong skills.
Through the Social Action and Sustainability Va’adim (Committees), students live the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam. Emanuel’s Jewish spirit is spread across the school, with students being encouraged to get involved, engage and have fun celebrating Chaggim, customs, rituals and traditions.
As an egalitarian, pluralist Jewish school, Emanuel faces a major challenge in its practice of Judaism: how can a school maintain its Jewish identity while fostering growth and individual acceptance? And yet, it is this very struggle that creates such a powerful Jewish education. Through the Shabbatot, pe’ulot, festivals, school camps and general school culture, every student has space to grapple with their personal connection with religion. Discussions about the role of modern Jews, the adaptation of Jewish law and the symbolism behind Torah stories are central to this growth.
Emanuel’s egalitarian values are integral to its culture of acceptance and equality. All religious opportunities are presented independent of gender or sexuality. These values are vital in creating a safe, welcoming space for all.
Emanuel has given us the tools to approach the world from the perspective of acceptance and understanding. Founded on discussion and community, we have forged a powerful Jewish identity.
Do you know that BJE teaches more Jewish children in NSW than any single Jewish Day School?
BJE’s Jewish Journey currently provides high quality, inclusive Jewish learning and opportunities for social connections to more than 1,500 Jewish students in non-Jewish Day Schools in 60 schools across NSW.
BJE’s Educators
BJE’s teachers are highly committed, passionate and professionally developed in delivering its structured, ageappropriate curricula. The organisation employs teachers, rather than using High School volunteers, ensuring continuity and accountability, with excellent educational outcomes.
BJE welcomes Ronnen Grauman as Head of Jewish Life. Grauman has many years’ experience as a senior Jewish educator, most recently as the Acting Head of Jewish Life and Learning at Moriah College. He will be working closely with the Director of Jewish Learning, curriculum writers and the Youth Engagement team, in ensuring students receive the highest standard of Jewish learning across all programs. Grauman acted as the Deputy Head of the Nesiah Program in 2022/23 and will be one of the two Heads of Nesiah in 2023/24.
So, what does BJE’ Jewish Journey offer children in non-Jewish Day Schools?
SRE (scripture): As the only Department of Education accredited educational
organisation, BJE is authorised to teach SRE (Special Religious Education) or Jewish Scripture within Department of Education School curricula. BJE’s teachers deliver engaging and inclusive Jewish Scripture lessons.
Hebrew classes: Culturally, Hebrew is the language of the Jewish people and Modern Hebrew is one of the official languages of Israel.
Hebrew classes run before and after school in several areas across Sydney, providing students with the opportunity to
a develop strong listening, reading and writing skills.
Extension/ Enrichment Jewish Learning classes: BJE’s Jewish Journey focuses on integrating creative experiential educational activities into its formal programs, providing students with further enrichment and an understanding of their Jewish roots.
Bespoke Jewish Learning Programs:
Project Heritage – Over two semesters, BJE and the Sydney Jewish Museum collaborate on an innovative foundational
Holocaust study program for Year 6 students and their parents. They will hear the testimonies of living historians and embark upon the journey of tracing their own family roots, exploring their own stories.
The Natif Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program is an eight-week “Coming of Age” module that is non-traditional, non-binary and inclusive of all practices of Judaism. The program is based on Jewish values of gratitude, kindness and tikkun olam, covering topics such as positive peer relationships, gender stereotypes and navigating the teenage years. Holocaust Study Program – a rigorous eight-week course on Holocaust study for Year 10 students.
Youth Engagement camps and activities – various social opportunities for students across NSW high schools to come together over milkshakes, at a movie, ice skating, hiking and at camps.
Nesiah Israel Program – BJE is the only organisation that sends Year 10 students from non-Jewish Day Schools across NSW to Israel for five weeks at the end of the year. In 2022, BJE’s Nesiah Program sent the biggest group of Jewish pupils on a Year 10 program to Israel.
Parent Engagement – the organisation invites all parents to engage with their children’s learning through a range of opportunities.
Adult Education – educational seminars, talks by professionals, courses and other learning opportunities.
For more detailed information and to enrol your child into a BJE program, go to https://bje.org.au
163 students from 36 different schools were involved.
BJE’s Nesiah Israel Program saw the largest contingent of Year 10 students from Australia visiting Israel in December 2022 and January 2023.
The program is designed to foster a love for Israel, its traditions and culture, and to develop a personal sense of Jewish identity and connection with community.
It is made possible through support from Youth 2 Israel (Y2i).
I recently took my children skiing for the first time. No matter how much I told them about it before, they only really learned when they put on the gear, clipped in their boots and slid down the slopes. Seeing them gain the confidence and go on their own was very special. We all have these moments with our kids. For some, moving from training wheels to a “big kid” bike is a proud milestone, an achievement of great weight for both the child and their parents. But, here again, not one of these children, nor the adult who taught them, would be able to aptly articulate exactly how they performed this action.
Modern psychology explores the notion of memory, using three distinct terms – semantic, episodic and procedural – to differentiate between the way in which we process and remember various learning experiences.
These different types of memory combine to store our experiences and aid us in drawing on prior knowledge to both navigate our way and provide a sense of familiarity when repeating an action. While it is a simple task to recall a specific event or fact, the element that distinguishes the system of procedural memory from the other two cognitive structures is that when trying to recall how to perform something an explanation is always lacking the essence of experience. For example, in trying to describe skiing or riding a bike one would unquestionably leave
out subconscious processes and small details that can only be experienced for oneself. So often we hear of links between influential scientific discoveries and Torah knowledge, and one such example is that of the Behaviourist Theory. Learning is not always a conscious process and is acquired through behaviour.
An interesting parallel can be drawn to the famous proclamation of our ancestors, “Naa’se v’nishma” – loosely translated as “we will do [and then] understand” (Exodus 24:6) – at Mt Sinai. Both science and our Torah call for us to teach our children through experience, to acknowledge that one simply cannot appreciate or grasp the quintessential nature of an experience without undertaking the actions for themselves.
In viewing the theory of these pioneers alongside the immortal promise of our ancestors, the importance of experiential education as a tool to monitor and develop our own actions becomes clear. It is an integral way of maximising our children’s growth and of revitalising our own understanding of the source of our values and actions, allowing us to learn positively and constructively from our own experiences. School provides opportunities to learn formally and through experience, but the emphasis is generally placed on the former. In the home, the order is switched and so, as children have just gone back to school, consider how you are ensuring that the hope allows for experiences that complement their formal learning and develop a wisdom that will shape the lives they experience.
Rabbi Dr Benji Levy and three of his children skiing in Bulgaria Camel riding in Israel’s south
RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE
The great nineteenth century American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson is purported to have once said, "A beautiful soul always dwells in a beautiful world."
These profound words immediately resonated with me and have had a long-lasting effect, especially during this Hebrew month of Shevat. Amongst other things, we reflect on what transpired on the tenth day, Yud Shevat, back in 1951 –the date when the Rebbe accepted the leadership of the Chabad movement.
For years post war, so many struggled to see both the beauty and bounty in their midst. World Jewry was grappling to find its bearings after the Holocaust, simultaneously mourning its incalculable losses and nursing deep wounds and scars. Within all this, the Rebbe was able to gaze into the horizon and see the potential for a beautiful world.
And it wasn’t just semantics.
On a winter’s night, as he sat in the small, overcrowded Brooklyn shule – soon to be universally known by the moniker ‘770’, he addressed an audience begging for his leadership and wisdom. The Rebbe commenced his first-ever Chassidic discourse with the words, Basi L’Gani, incorporating a
verse from Shir Hashirim, Song of Songs, describing the world as, wait for it … a garden. Not a barren desert, minefield, or raging sea, but a soulful space that was both peaceful and verdant.
Over the four-plus decades that ensued, the Rebbe often returned to this theme, highlighting that even though there was often just cause for many to view the world as void of vegetation, oftentimes riddled with hate, violence, sickness, and poverty; our planet had the potential to be a soulful space of bliss and calm. Within that we have the opportunity to define our purpose while here on Earth. Without doubt, one needs to be a beautiful soul to see
past the noise and chaos. The Rebbe humbly granted us permission to view it all through his light-filled lens.
At the conclusion of that initial discourse, the Rebbe placed the destiny of world Jewry in our collective hands explaining that we are the changemakers, the trailblazers. We are the ones who will take care of whatever unfinished business still lingers and we can help heal our fractured world and unite our nation spread across the Seven Seas.
To dwell in a beautiful world has nothing to do with imagination and everything to do with expectations of both ourselves and our surroundings.
The Rebbe insisted that life was not just about personal enjoyment but was also about service.
I recall Rabbi Chaim Gutnick, z”tl, sharing with me that after he escaped the European inferno of World War II and arrived in Australia, he wanted to continue his journey and settle in the United States. Instead, the Rebbe suggested he remain Down Under.
With near-prophetic clarity, the Rebbe explained that a large number of survivors would soon reach Australian shores and young Rabbi Gutnick would need to be here to “restore their faith in a G-d they think has forsaken them”. That is, to show them that, despite everything, the world was still a garden and that every person has an implicit social contract with his or her environment, to help it bloom and blossom.
I feel it is no coincidence that on that same date almost five decades later, in 1998, my wife Chanie and I found our little Australian green space to nurture, first arriving in Perth and settling here on the east coast in Sydney.
We have energetically tilled and toiled the land ever since – this will forever be my greatest honour, as the Rebbe foresaw, the spiritual harvest is bountiful.
Earlier this month on Yud Shevat, we marked a quarter-century since our move to this Great Southern Land. Let us all not only rededicate ourselves to one another but also to G-d. This will ensure the world is the lush garden it was meant to be – for you, for me, for us all.
RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY
Time flies. Looking in the rearview mirror I see the dim glow of the Chanukah lights receding in the background. Looking forward, Purim is almost here. Both are joyous and rabbinic in origin. While Purim is first chronicled in the Bible within the Book of Esther – it was not commanded to us by the Almighty like Pesach or Sukkot, rather it was instituted by Queen Esther.
So too Chanukah was established by the Kohanim, High Priests, not by direct command from Hashem. Both festivals are celebrated as vehicles to show our gratitude to G-d for the miracle of salvation.
Yet there are profound differences between the two. The celebration of Chanukah is primarily one of spiritual salvation. The Hellenists did not issue a decree to physically wipe out the Jewish people. Rather, they sought to create a ‘spiritual Holocaust’ with the intention to obliterate every vestige of Jewish belief. Namely, desiring the Torah to be regarded as secular fiction, within which the stories were mere myths and the commandments ignored, so it no longer illuminated the way for Klal Yisrael.
A handful of brave Jews formed a victorious army until the Temple was recaptured and the Menora lights were
rekindled once again. It was miraculous. As the victory was primarily spiritual, the celebration on Chanukah is a touch understated, rejoicing in the light and its ability to illuminate darkness.
Enter Purim. The evil Haman of every generation sought to unleash a genocide to annihilate us all on one day.
One courageous woman saved the day. Esther. In the face of this horror she could have prioritised saving herself within the palace. Yet strengthened by faith and risking her life, she entered the throne room of the King (and in a Kabbalistic sense, the throne room of the King of Kings) and the tables were turned. Jews were permitted to retaliate and our enemies were crushed.
The celebration exceeds that of Chanukah and we rejoice
wholeheartedly, without the usual restraints and inhibitions. It is impossible to not see the parallels between these two festivals and our time, imbuing me with wonder. The Soviet Union sought to eradicate every vestige of Jewish identity. There were no Jewish schools, nor the legal permission to practice Shabbat, Yom Tov, Mikvah, Bris and more. Yet the light of Judaism was never extinguished – from the Chabad network of secret schools to the covert mohel, performing circumcisions.
From the shochet, ritual slaughterer operating in a clandestine fashion to the refusenik, Jewish light continued to shine. The Soviet Union is no more and Jewish faith is stronger than ever.
Hitler, of cursed memory, was the horrific ‘Haman’, except that unlike
Haman, he partially succeeded in his murderous plans personifying the worst evil in human history murdering six million men, women and children.
Where was the “Salvation will come to the Jewish people,” promised by Mordechai? It did not come for a third of our people and we are left with only questions and there are no answers …
There was one outcome which defies all logic and reason and is our salvation. We rose up. With the ashes still beneath the soles of our feet we marched to Israel. For the first time in human history, a nation returned to its Homeland and biblical prophecies began to be fulfilled in front of our eyes. The desert bloomed. Today, the joy of Jewish weddings echoes the hills of Jerusalem.
As Hashem sets out in a biblical promise, He gathered us in from every continent and returned the treasured Temple site and our City of Gold. With G-d Almighty’s blessing we have become a strong nation able to defend itself against our enemies. Witnessing all this, we are left without doubt that the time will come when the Temple will be rebuilt in all its glory and peace will reign in our Holy Land.
As I cast my gaze into my rearview mirror and also up ahead, I recall the miracles of yesteryear. Yet, my feet are firmly planted in the here and now, rejoicing in our modern day Chanukah and festival of Purim. All-the-while, in the famed words of Reb Nachman from Breslov, “Every step I take is a step toward Jerusalem”.
So many readers have reached out over the summer to share how much they enjoy making the unique kosher recipes featured within this fabulous Foodies’ Corner. Each one is generously submitted by a KA-certified caterer and within this jam-packed edition, you will find the first one for 2023!
Enter Beaches Kosher Catering.
Established in 1995, the talented team has decades of experience, expertly tailoring each event to the size and budget to suit each individual client. When it comes to weddings – a particular focus for 2023 - you are warmly welcomed on Planet Beaches, where your vision will be realised in the most cost-effective and impressive way. There will be a guaranteed ‘wow’ factor at the wedding-of-your-dreams, ensuring it is both memorable and magical too!
Michael Atlas along with Cassy Nathan and their entire crew seamlessly unite to offer so much, drawing on the vast experience garnered within this successful, boutique KA-certified caterer in our midst.
Without doubt, there is immense pride in partnering with each family along their simcha journey. The fantastic fare coupled with perfect presentation will tell the whole story each and every time!
Below you will find the legendary Beaches Famous Fried Fish in Beer Batter recipe – typically made en masse but offered publicly for the first time ever in smaller easy-to-use quantities. Save this and file it under ‘recipe royalty’ – serve and make on repeat, now and always!
INGREDIENTS
For 8 servings:
8 fillets of Hoki (also known as Blue Grenadier) at room temperature (each 200gm)
Canola oil (enough so when frying, the fish fillets are submerged)
Batter
Inner layer:
2 cups plain flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Outer layer:
3 cups self-raising flour
4 eggs
2 bottles of beer e.g. Crown Lager
Aioli
2 cups mayonnaise
Juice of ½ a lemon
4 medium-sized Israeli cucumbers, finely chopped
Half a bunch dill, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Aioli:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
Fish:
Wash and pat dry each fish fillet with paper towel and set aside.
Heat the oil within a deep fry pan to 180 degrees C.
Batter (Inner layer):
Mix the 2 cups of plain flour with the desired salt and pepper to taste and cover each fillet of fish with this flour mixture – this will form the inner layer of batter. Set aside.
Batter (Outer layer):
Sift the self-raising flour into a large mixing bowl.
Add 4 eggs and then pour in beer and gently whisk ingredients to form outer layer of batter.
Then dip each fillet of fish (already thinly coated with inner layer) into the outer batter mixture, allowing the excess to fall back into the bowl. Once twicebattered, slowly and gently place each fish fillet into a fry pan with the canola oil already hot and bubbling at the designated 180 degrees C.
When the battered fish is golden brown on one side, turn each fillet over once to crisp on underside.
Once both sides are crisp and golden in colour, remove carefully and drain on paper towel.
Garnish with lemon slices and add preferred aioli quantity – enjoy!
To contact Beaches Kosher Catering call Michael Atlas on 0419 404 444 or Cassy Nathan on 0430 223 799. Email beaches@bigpond.net.au or visit www. beacheskoshercatering.com.au
1. The Sun – the Hebrew word for sun is Shemesh
2. a) Mem
3. The Fast of Tevet
4. Shevat – Tu Bishvat which falls on the 15th of Shevat, is the date of the New Year for Trees
5. In a Sefer Torah or upon the parchments used for a Mezuzah or Tefillin
6. False – during the first week of mourning it is not appropriate to give someone an Aliyah
7. A.D. Gordon
8. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
9. National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir
10. Jonathan, the son of King Saul
11. The Vilna Gaon (the initials Gimmel, Resh and Aleph stand for Gaon/His excellency Rabbi Eliyahu)
12.
13. b) 1966
14.
15. Haifa
16.
17.
18.
23.
24. USA 5,700,000
Canada 392,000
Argentina 180,000
Brazil 92,000
Mexico 40,000
Chile 18,000
Uruguay 16,700
25.
Jewish Answer: SAVORAIM. 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): AMASS, AMISS, AMIRS, AMORA, AMORAIM, AROMA, ARMOR, ARMORS, AROMAS, IMAMS, MAIMS, MAMA, MARROR, MAMAS, MIASMA, MIASMAS, MIMOSA, MIMOSAS, MIOSIS, OSMOSIS, ROAMS, ROOMS and VROOM.
Questions/comments – email Yoni at koshercroswords@gmail.com
Jewface is overblown. The primary consideration in casting should be believability, not race, colour, orientation or religion.
Comedian Sarah Silverman believes that roles portraying Jews in film and television should go to Jewish actors. The issue has been called “Jewface” and Silverman has spoken out against the lack of Jewish representation in Hollywood, as some major Jewish roles have gone to non-Jewish actors.
Recent high-profile examples of this include Helen Mirren playing Golda Meir in an upcoming biopic Golda and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, which Cooper himself is directing (he received flak for the large prosthetic nose).
It’s a long list: Steve Carell plays a Jewish father in The Patient. Will Ferrell plays a Jewish psychiatrist in The Shrink Next Door. Michelle Williams won rave reviews and an Oscar nomination for her role as Mitzi Fabelman in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, playing Spielberg’s feisty mum. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays the Jewish mum in Jonah Hill’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner remake, You People. Felicity Jones portrays Ruth Bader Ginsburg in On the Basis of Sex.
Rachel Brosnahan is the lead in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, a series replete with Jewish stereotypes.
At a time when people are ultrasensitive to issues related to inclusion, diversity and cultural approbation, a number of critics are pointing out the blatant double standard when it comes to Jews. It’s another example of “Jews don’t count,” to use UK comedian David Baddiel’s title of his book, which shows that when it comes to bigotry and
racism, “Jews don’t count as a proper minority”.
Well, I’m not buying into the whole Jewface controversy.
I see the double standard and hypocrisy when it comes to casting Jews, but I disagree with Silverman’s solution. The answer isn’t to cast only Jewish actors in Jewish roles; it’s to open up the
it’s not essential, if you’re a great actor. The primary consideration in casting is believability. Can this actor convincingly play this role? Michelle Williams pulled it off. Meryl Streep won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Angels in America, where she played a rabbi and a ghostly Ethel Rosenberg – two Jews and one a male!
Casting Emma Stone in Cameron Crowe’s Aloha received justified flak because this very white actress looks nothing like a woman who has one quarter Chinese and one quarter Hawaiian descent. She wasn’t believable – bad casting, not bad politics.
The outrage behind Jewface is misguided. Yes, Hollywood should remove the double standard, but do it by keeping one factor in mind across the board: who is the best actor who can most convincingly portray that role?
Don’t confuse the issue of Jewface with cultural appropriation. Over the past 12 months, we have seen a plethora of mainstream series and films telling authentic Jewish stories. Only Spielberg (and his Jewish co-writer Tony Kushner) could write The Fabelmans and only writer-director James Gray could create Armageddon Time, about a Jewish family in Queens in 1980. If a non-Jew were to write these intimate stories about a minority to which he doesn’t belong that would be cultural appropriation. That is not his story to tell; he can’t do it justice.
casting net regarding all minorities and cast based on who is the best actor for this specific role, regardless of his race, orientation or religion.
Acting is the art of convincingly pretending to be someone that you are not. I’m sure Helen Mirren will make a great Golda Meir – she’s a great actress. And Bradley Cooper will fully inhabit the role of Leonard Bernstein. Neither of them has to be Jewish to play those roles effectively. It may help, but
Kazakhstani journalist? Who else could pull that off? Some people believe that only LGBQT actors should play LGBQT roles, but did anyone have an issue with Neil Patrick Harris, an openly gay actor, portraying a womaniser in the series How I Met Your Mother? He was acting, as were Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain.
But a non-Jewish actor playing a Jew isn’t taking anything that doesn’t belong to him. He’s acting and we all know he’s acting, and when done well he brings authenticity and honour to the role. That’s why a Middle Eastern Jewish actor can convincingly play an Arab role on stage or screen – in fact, Ari'el Stachel, a Jew, won a Tony for Best Featured Actor for playing Haled, an Egyptian jazz enthusiast, in The Band’s Visit.
As Jews, let’s save our kvetching for the genuine crises with which we need to urgently contend.
Summer in Sydney is always sensational and it has been busy here in Kosher Land with so many kosher consumers telling us they are loving the local premium Village Finest beef and lamb goods. Yes, so many buying specifically to make a generous kosher Aussie BBQ – on repeat!
Back in mid-January, The KA was delighted to reveal that a second Sydney Oakberry Acai store is now KA-certified. We introduce Oakberry Acai Martin Place (within the MLC Centre) to our KA Family! All can now enjoy this superb South American superfood in the heart of town. Oakberry Acai afficionados appreciate that it is packed with antioxidants, amino acids, essential vitamins, minerals and fibre – and is a true favourite for so many with the delicious taste of the Oakberry Bowls & Smoothies!
Oakberry Acai bowls come in three sizes: The Classic – Small; The Works –Medium and The Oak – Large. There is a large selection of unlimited toppings including fruits, nuts, seeds, crunch and creamy options. From Passion Fruit to Buckini to LSA to Vegan Granola to coconut chia pudding, there is so much on offer! You can also opt to pay a little extra for favourite extra add-ons including the legendary Oakberry peanut butter, whey protein, pacoca (a natural Brazilian peanut butter snack) and more. Everything on the menu is Pareve except four toppings which are each Dairy (not CY): Natural yoghurt, condensed milk, milk powder and whey protein.
The KA advises that Jesse's Food Truck ceased to operate in its original format earlier this month. The KA is excited to share that the overarching plan is that it will be reinvented into a new ongoing
• 5-pack of Craisins Dried Cranberries Fruit Splash 50% Less Sugar Raspberry Lemonade Flavour and 5-pack Fruit Splash 50% Less Sugar both feature the OU hechsher on the snack boxes
• Kura Konjac Organic Shirataki Angel Hair Noodles is now KA-certified
• Three Ice Cream alternative products are KA-certified: CO YO Chocolate Ripple; Cookies & Cream and Vanilla Bean – all Dairy Free
• Best Foods Real Mayonnaise Made in Australia is acceptable (no kosher logo on jars) – kosher consumers can also find jars with OU logo
'pop up' iteration. It will be remaining a KA-certified valued kosher space and the first Pop Up will be held on Wednesday February 15th. The Point End pastrami professionals at 7 Fat Cows look forward to offering succulent pastrami sandwiches and pastrami boats – both tender, smokey and melt-in-your-mouth magnificent! In addition, hot dogs will be available too.
The KA is pleased to introduce Jesse’s new specialty coffee launched early this month. The Jesse’s team has really done its homework on your behalf and The Little Marionette will delight the most discerning coffee connoisseurs amongst us! Its House Blend is smooth with rich flavours of caramel and chocolate, light citrus fruit notes and a beautifully balanced acidity too.
Long story short: you really need to sample this to believe it. The Little Marionette team advise, “Our coffee hunters scour the world's best coffee regions forming lasting relationships with coffee growers. These partnerships allow us to gather the finest beans from small, naturally-processed lots; never compromising on quality. We manually roast all beans at our specialty coffee
roastery in Rozelle in Sydney's Inner West using a refurbished 1930's Probat roaster. It’s a labour of love which delivers, not only great tasting coffee, but that distinct Little Marionette flavour.” The feedback within our community has been overwhelmingly positive already.
Upper Heights Fine Food Pantry now offers an expanded range of freshly baked pareve products. Sample savoury items such as pizza, or others featuring eggplant and sweet potato. As for the sensational sweet treats, the perfectly spiced gingerbread men will entice you to return again and again, along with cinnamon scrolls, tea cakes, a large range of pareve cakes and more. Just keep in mind there is no need to wait for a designated celebration to order an amazing cake, every day is reason enough!
The KA team is working hard behind the scenes to share many new, helpful and amazing products this year. And we continue to be so grateful to our tireless vendors, caterers and bakers – all helping and giving of their time, energy and expertise to ensure all keeping kosher are supported each and every day!
• Village Finest now offers a Round Bolar Roast for the first time ($46/ kg). Place your orders at www. villagefinest.com.au.
• The 7 Fat Cows Pop Up will be operating from 3pm Wednesday February 15th, within the Food Truck adjacent to Jesse’s Café. Purchases can only be made at the Food Truck on the day – available until sold out.
• To purchase the new range of sweet and savoury Pareve products at Upper Heights, visit 155 Military
Road, Dover Heights. To order specific items, call Joel Barda on 0406 027 194.
• OMG Decadent Donuts East Sydney is offering hot, fresh, gluten free donuts on Wednesday/Thursday between 10am-4pm at the UNSW Quad.
• Oakberry Acai Martin Place is located at 5 Martin Place and is open Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm and it can also be conveniently purchased via Ubereats. In addition you can visit the premier KA-certified Oakberry
Acai @ Shop 1/82-92 Gould Street, Bondi Beach.
• A permanent part-time position for a mashgiach or mashgicha (kosher supervisor) has opened at Pita Mix: Monday 11am-9pm; Tuesday 11am-5pm; Wednesday 11am-5pm or 11am-9pm and Thursday 11am9pm. Call The KA office for further information on 02 9365 2933.
• To purchase a three-month Adamama Pickle Subscription (all KAcertified) visit www.adamama.com.au.
• The A2 Milk Company (Chalav Stam) 2 products: Lactose Free A2 Full Cream milk & the Full Cream Premium Instant Milk Powder
• Maharaja’s garlic paste – pareve OU-certified
• Simhoni – Traditional Amba hechsher is: B’datz of Landau, Bnei Brak
• Westmont Pickle Dill Halves 500g; Pickles Sweet & Spicy 500g – both KA-certified
• The Spice Lab Cooking Inspiration (all OU certified, Pareve)
o Ancho Chili + Coffee Rub
o French Onion + Garlic
o Mediterranean Citrus
o Sicilian Blend
o Smoky Pecan
o Spicy Italian Sun-Dried Tomato
o Sweet Rib Rub
• J.R. Food Products Golden Tahini (KA-certified)
• Metagenics Fibroplex MagActive Neutral Powder (Pareve, Kosher Australia certified)
CLARIFICATIONS
• The KA advises that any Coles tuna tins that feature a Triangle-K hechsher are not recommended –only the tins with an OU hechsher are recommended
• Oatly Barista Oatmilk Made in Singapore is not acceptable
• Chef’s Choice Fresh Harissa Mediterranean In Extra Virgin Olive Oil bears an unorthorised KA logo. The product should not be consumed
• SPC Purée & Simple: Apple & Mixed Berries - 90gm Pouches & 4x90gm Pouch Pack – No Longer Produced
• Sunraysia Australian Mango Juice & Cloudy Apple Juice with Apple Cider Vinegar – No Longer
Produced
• Galiko Basil Pesto No Longer
Produced
The Whale is the film that excites me more than any other since lockdown.
While the story itself is remarkable, it is the acting that has me champing at the bit to recommend it.
It is all set in a small, rundown, first floor apartment in Idaho.
Charlie (Brendan Fraser) is morbidly obese. His blood pressure is off the charts and he is suffering from congestive heart failure.
He can hardly move and barely gets by with the aid of a Zimmer Frame.
Middle aged, he lives alone in the apartment he never leaves.
He gorges himself. He orders his food in and that means lots of carbs and sugar, including daily pizzas.
Charlie is an online university English teacher who encourages his students to be bold and express their honest feelings in writing. One day, out of the blue, he is visited by a young Christian missionary, Thomas (Ty Simpkins), who arrives just as Charlie is having a severe medical episode.
But he point blank refuses to go to hospital (he claims it is because he has no health insurance).
Rather, he relies upon daily visits from a nurse friend, Liz (Hong Chau).
She and Charlie both recognise that the end is near for him. Notwithstanding her frustration at his intransigence in seeking appropriate medical attention she does what she can to help.
Liz is also frustrated by the arrival of the bible basher. During the course of the movie, we find out why.
He brings desperation and stoicism to the role.
He is repugnant and alluring as Charlie.
Sadie Sink mesmerises, too, as his vitriolic, estranged daughter, with a massive chip on her shoulders.
Her delivery is nothing short of astounding, each barb hitting its mark with remarkable clarity and conviction. She has talent in spades and I long to see what she does next.
Hong Chau, who recently captivated audiences with her no holds barred performance in The Menu, backs it up with another “look at me” showing. She is such a rounded and accomplished actor, who seems to have a fine understanding of the human condition.
Importantly, we also discover that Charlie used to be married to Mary (Samantha Morton).
But he left her and their then eightyear-old daughter Ellie nine years ago, after he started a love affair with a male student. He hasn’t seen Ellie since. Unexpectedly, the now wild and angry child (played by Sadie Sink as a 17-yearold) re-enters his life.
That happens after Charlie promises to help her write essays in an endeavour to get her through school, which she is failing.
My descriptor has barely brushed the surface of what is going down here.
But I am not about the spoil the surprise, nor the reward one gets by watching this very special film.
The Whale has the appearance of a totally involving theatrical piece.
Wen (Kristen Cui) is nearly eight years of age – a bright young girl collecting grasshoppers in a large jar so she can study them.
She’s special because she was adopted by her two dads – Andrew (Ben Aldridge) and Eric (Jonathan Groff) – when she was only a baby.
Now they’ve all travelled to a remote log cabin in the Pennsylvania woods for a holiday.
It is there that Wen is confronted by a giant of a man, Leonard (Dave Bautista), who says he wants to be her friend.
In no time, he is telling her that his heart is broken because of what he must do, which he claims is the most important job in world history.
That amounts to holding Wen and her parents hostage and prevailing upon them to make an unthinkable choice to avert Armageddon.
Leonard is not alone. He is joined by three others – angry gas worker, Redmond (Rupert Grint), cook Adriane (Abby Quinn) and nurse Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird). The group has with them hand crafted weapons.
Every time Andrew and Eric say “no”, the collective maintains that a calamity will befall the Earth.
And to prove it, when the couple does so the first time the armed strangers turn on the TV to the news that an earthquake and resultant tsunami have wreaked devastation.
The consequences grow exponentially for each subsequent rejection.
All the while the interlopers maintain they were compelled to do what they are doing in a bid to save the planet.
That is not surprising, given it has been written by Samuel D. Hunter, based on his own acclaimed 2012 play of the same name.
Academy Award nominated director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) has woven a substantive tale, in which the gradual reveals help build the full picture.
The title refers to an essay about Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick that Ellie wrote and could cruelly refer to Charlie’s size.
The film benefits enormously from a series of stellar and memorable performances from the small cast.
They are headlined by Brendan Fraser as you have never seen him.
It is an Oscar-worthy turn, complete with breathlessness and physical impairment.
In this case, in equal measure she brings desperation, anger, love, understanding and acceptance to her persona.
For his part, Ty Simpkins readily channels the dichotomy that is the hallmark of the Christian zealot with a skeleton or two in the closet.
The intense character focus in cinematographer Matthew Libatique’s lens also greatly benefits the production.
It is as if we are eyeing off windows to their souls.
The Whale is a film of rare quality that worked its way into my psyche as only the finest offerings can.
It is “must see” material that deserves to be heavily feted in the upcoming awards’ season.
Rated M, it scores a 9 out of 10.
For quite some time, we – the audience – can only guess at just what is going down here.
All we know is that it is mysterious and scary.
Knock at the Cabin is an intriguing psychological thriller.
Newcomer Kristen Cui does a fine job as the wide eyed innocent. She combines vulnerability with resilience and strength.
I also liked the characterisations of the two dads.
Ben Aldridge channels outrage as human rights attorney Andrew, who has a temper and uses it. As Eric, Jonathan Groff projects a softer and more nurturing image.
Dave Bautista impresses by deliberately softening his tough guy persona. He realises Leonard as a man driven by circumstances to pursue the path he is on.
With a screenplay by director M. Night Shyamalan, Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, Knock at the Cabin is based on Paul Tremblay’s book The Cabin at the End of the World. The chilling music over the opening credits is a portent of what is to come.
This is a home invasion with a decided difference.
In fact, early on we learn a little of the backgrounds of each of the adversaries, their diverse backgrounds and personalities.
M. Night Shyamalan has layered the offering to ensure the screws are tightened, turn after inevitable turn.
The result is an engaging and chilling tale.
Rated M, Knock at the Cabin scores a 7½ out of 10.
Naftali Bennett will be the special guest of honour at UIA NSW’s 2023 Campaign Gala event, celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary.
This will be one of the former Prime Minister’s first engagements since leaving office.
Bennett became Israel’s 13th Prime Minister in 2021, leading the most diverse government in the nation’s history. He included left and right, religious and secular, and – for the time in Israel's history – an Arab party in his coalition.
Bennett's government delivered rapid results, which included bringing the quietest year to Israel’s residents along the Gaza border and the Negev.
Bennett successfully dealt with two waves of COVID, moved the conflict with Iran to its own soil and reduced unemployment and the national deficit to record lows.
He also attempted to mediate a peaceful solution between Russia and Ukraine, travelled to Moscow to hold talks with President Putin and spoke with President Zelensky on the phone. Following the historic Abraham Accords, Bennett became the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Before moving into politics, Bennett enjoyed a successful career as a hi-tech entrepreneur.
During his years in the IDF, he served as a combat soldier in Sayeret Matkal
and as a company commander in the Maglan Special Forces Unit. There, he commanded a series of operations in Lebanon.
During the Second Intifada in 2002, Bennett took a hiatus from his duties
as a CEO to join “Operation Defensive Shield”. In 2006, he commanded search and destroy missions during the Second Lebanon War.
As Prime Minister during the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, there are few people
better placed to reflect on the impact of Keren Hayesod-UIA’s life-saving work. With the arrival of 75,000 olim last year, most of whom were not budgeted for, the importance of UIA’s efforts will be a key theme of the Campaign Gala.
Moving from the emergency rescue phase to the long-term integration phase requires substantial funding to ensure the smooth absorption of these olim. Funds raised at the event will support this national priority area. UIA Australia CEO Yair Miller OAM said Keren Hayesod-UIA is proud to be part of this process.
“We are continuing our commitment to providing olim with life-long skills. The number of absorption programs and services provided in the past 12 months, such as Ulpan Hebrew classes, fast tracking of professional qualifications, mentoring and integration support initiatives, is remarkable,” Mr Miller said.
Guests at the Gala will be immersed in the sounds and tastes of Israel, with a performance from The IDF Ensemble and a shuk-inspired light dinner.
The UIA Young Leadership division will be hosting a pop-up bar in the shuk.
“We encourage our community to come together and show unwavering support for our brothers and sisters in Israel,” Mr Miller said.
To book for the 2023 Campaign Gala event, visit uiaaustralia.org.au, email info@uiansw.org.au or call 9361-4273.
Follow UIA on Facebook and Instagram (@uiaaus) for updates on its 2023 Campaign.
