the sydney jewish report - june edition

community

FREE

international

shuls/schools

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VOL. 42 Friday, 8 June 2018 / 25 Sivan 5778

sports

Fostering a closer Jewish community

Go North Invites You To Explore

Sydney’s North Shore go north

The North shore of Sydney is a special place. It’s leafy suburbs exude a charm and peacefulness and the environment lends itself to a safe and wholesome family lifestyle. Housing is spacious and affordable, and there are multiple options for an excellent Jewish education.

Take a Look. Feel the Warmth.

Make the Move.

www.GoNorth.org.au | Facebook.com/GoNorthCampaign

Excellent Jewish childcare and schooling options for all ages and affiliations in the public and private sector.

Early Child Care Centres Our partner child care facilities are: • Chabad North Shore - Ganeinu • Masada College - Masada Cottage • The North Shore Temple - Apples and Honey Extensive lists of facilities available on request.

Private Schools Masada College Primary and High School is a co-educational private school welcoming children from ELC to Year 12 in a familial and communal environment.

The College presents a consistent high standard of academic excellence with Hebrew and Jewish Studies part of the mainstream curriculum. This co-exists with a broad spectrum of extra-curricular activities.

An exceptional Torah Stream is offered from Year K – 6 with plans to continue this into the High School. Torah Stream students benefit by participating in all aspects of mainstream secular studies and extra-curricular activities as well as their comprehensive Torah education.

Scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance programs available.

Public Schools There are a number of public schools on the North Shore with a Jewish presence and BJE programs.

After School Cheder Chabad North Shore offers an enriching After School Cheder program for years K-6. It includes a Jewish life curriculum with a Hebrew reading program that is registered with the NSW Department of Education which enables government rebates.

North Shore Synagogue offers weekly Hebrew lessons to students from Year K – High School and to adults. The program is based on experiential teaching methods and caters for all levels.

go north

For more information on the education options go to: www.GoNorth.org.au | Facebook.com/GoNorthCampaign

community

international

shuls/schools

finance

lifestyle

sports

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

FREE

VOL. 42 Friday, 8 June 2018 / 25 Sivan 5778

Fostering a closer Jewish community

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

PARKING CHANGESEVERYONE WINS

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FINANCE SUPPLEMENT

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOT BOOK LAUNCH Photo credit: Giselle Haber

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

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community

June 2018

Australia-wide rollout Glick’s brioche style loaf exclulsively available in Coles supermarkets GLICK’S BAKERY Monday, 16 April 2018 Glick’s Bakery, Clayton South, VIC: Glick’s, the Australian owned family business, proudly announces the rollout of their Brioche style loaf exclusively available in Coles Supermarkets Australia-wide. Renowned for manufacturing quality breads, cakes and fine foods for both the retail and wholesale markets, the mouthwatering Brioche style loaf will be available in more than 750 Coles stores throughout Australia. No ordinary loaf, Glick’s Brioche style loaf, inspired by traditional French bread is made with delicious sweet dough. Thick, soft and golden, the Brioche style loaf is perfect for toasting, making French toast and sandwiches.

Founded in the late 1960s by Mr. Mendel Glick OBM in a small retail shop on Kooyong Road Caulfield, Glick’s is a premium food business committed to the retail and wholesale supply of the finest European and traditional style breads, cakes, pastries, savouries and other food products. It has an exceptional reputation as a retailer within the Jewish and wider communities with retail stores in Melbourne and Sydney.

Commenting on the nationwide rollout, Director Mr. Chaim Glick said: “Partnering

with Coles Supermarkets means Glick’s Brioche Style Loaf can be enjoyed by all Australians. We are thrilled to bring our traditional baking techniques and passion for the great traditions of artisan baking, to Australians everywhere.”

Boasting a diverse selection of sweet and savoury products that has been enticing customers for decades, Glick’s is very proud of its reputation as Australia’s largest and finest kosher bakery. The Brioche Style loaf is now exclusively available only at Coles Supermarkets.

As Mr Glick always used to say; “IF IT’S GLICK’S, IT’S GOOD!”

COA Sydney

Enriching the Lives of Jewish Seniors

Act Now to become an integral part of the COA

Operations Manager

Permanent position / Hours Negotiable We seek an energetic and motivated person with strong organisational and management skills, sensitive to the needs of Jewish aged, to join our small team of dedicated staff.

The successful applicant will have values consistent with the mission of COA, and will enjoy working with the community.

The role oversees the efficient running of centre based programs, events and activities, and outreach programs, such as arranging Shabbat Candle lighting at nursing homes. The position includes coordinating and recruiting volunteers and placing them in a variety of COA volunteer programs.

Skills sought include:

Proficient in Microsoft Office programs; Events organisation; MYOB an advantage (not essential); Demonstrated ability working with volunteers

JOIN US AT OUR NEXT

TEEN TORAH TAG TEAM SHABBAT SATURDAY 7 JULY 2018 Our post B’nei Mitzvah teens are taking a leading - and leyning - role in our Shabbat morning service!

Ice-cream and Tim Tam kiddush to follow

As our ideal candidate, you are:

Enthusiastic with a can do attitude; Compassionate with a friendly demeanour; Highly organised and self-motivated; Able to work independently and in a team; Able to work occasionally after hours at community events COA offers you the opportunity to work in a friendly and supportive team environment. Remuneration based on qualifications and experience

Act Now to be an integral part of the COA Team. Submit a covering

letter explaining why you are interested in the position together with your resume (no more than four pages) by email to coa@coasydney.org.

Applications close 5pm Tuesday 12th June 2018.

For further information contact Julia Golding (02) 9389 0035

HAVE A TEEN INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TAG TEAM? CONTACT INFO@NSTE.ORG.AU

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June 2018

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

JCA Communal Awards acknowledges dedicated service to the community JCA On 29th and 30th June JCA held its 2018 campaign events to a sell out crowd at the Hordern Pavillion. Almost 2000 people attended over two nights to celebrate the community and explore an Evening of Dangerous Ideas with guest speakers Phill Nosworthy, Tamar Krebs, Mark Baker, Max Stossel and Allanah Zitserman.

It was also an opportunity to honour some special people who have made a real difference in our community. Each year JCA acknowledges the contribution of volunteers at their member organisations and recognises their achievements.

This year there were five winners in the four categories.

“Our volunteers at our many organisations are sometimes the real backbone of our community.

They show up – without expectation day after day, week after week, year after year,” said Bruce Goldsmith, CEO of JCA. The Young Social Entrepreneur Award for Innovation and Leadership within the Jewish Community of NSW/ACT was awarded to Candice Shakenovsky. She was nominated by JewishCare for her contribution to both Junior and Senior Camp Sababa’s over the past 11 years. In their submission JewishCare said: “Her deep understanding of the campers and their needs as well as those of their parents. She is highly organised and ensures that everyone on the committee knows their roles and performs all the activities they commit to. She spends hours each week making calls and ensuring that

all the process and risk management is adhered to. She is able to work with and manage a group of volunteers who are highly motivated and dedicated in a way that ensures they all feel like they are contributing. She always has a “campers first” attitude in all she does, making her a pleasure to work with.”.

The Hal Goldstein Lifetime Award for outstanding service to the Jewish Community of NSW/ACT was awarded to Hanni Chalmers.

Nominated by COA Sydney she was a founding

member of the organisation and now works one on one with frail, aged and lonely people creating relationships and ensuring people are cared for and feel connected to our community. In 2000 she created a program dedicated to monitoring geographically isolated and housebound Jewish people which morphed into COA’s current Shalom Connect program of weekly social calls.

Her compassion has ensured that hundreds of seniors in the last 36 years have felt support and connected to the wider community.

The Mensch Award winners were Ruth and Morris Eskin – also nominated by COA Sydney.

For 12 years they have been delivering Kosher Meals on Wheels to the homes of seniors in our community. Their concern goes beyond merely delivering meals – they spend time with each client and connect with them socially and also focus on their extra needs – often reporting areas of concern to social workers to follow up to ensure that their people are able to remain at home as long as possible. The Shofar Award for outstanding service to the Jewish Community was awarded to Dr Allan Shell and accepted by fellow Wolper Hospital Board member Richard Glass in his absence. Allan has greatly contributed to the successful operation of Wolper Jewish Hospital over many years as a Board member, as an officer of the board and as a member of the Medical Advisory Committee. He has served in every capacity other than President.

He was instrumental in developing Wolper’s very successful Wellbeing educational program that promotes good health and educates the community and other medical professionals on the latest research and thinking on the most relevant health related topics of the day.

He has served Wolper for over 28 years. Allan is a man that Wolper and our community can be proud of.

In addition to their trophy all award winners received a Raymond Weil watch.

Bruce Goldsmith congratulated all the award winners and expressed his great appreciation for the work they do for the community.

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Artist’s impression

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community

June 2018

National small business champion!

MOVING ON Moving On from Bondi Junction has been named Champion Services at the Australian Small Business Champion Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held on Saturday 21st April at The Star – Sydney, with over 1,100 guests in attendance.

The Australian Small Business Champion awards is the only national recognition program for Australia small businesses. The program aims to recognise outstanding Australian small businesses and encourage high standards of excellence in small business practise.

The Director, Lisa Oshlack started Moving On 13 years ago after discovering a niche in the market place when assisting with the downsizing of her grandparents’ home. Lisa also has a wonderful highly trained team that are passionate about offering a stress free moving experience.

She has previously won the Waverly Brightest and Best and has been a finalist in the Telstra business woman awards, NSW my business awards amongst others over the years.

Moving On provides a variety of services to assist people in all aspects of moving and relocation into residential

aged care. They have been working in this field throughout Sydney for coming up to 13 years. They aim to always take the burden out of people’s lives during what can be a daunting, overwhelming and stressful time. Often people have very little family support, so they feel it is their responsibility to make the move as fuss free as possible with our compassionate and experienced Moving On team.

The services include: • Downsizing and Relocation to any type of retirement or aged care facility • Clearing deceased estates with compassion and care • De-cluttering homes before the move or whenever there is a need • Stress free home relocation, locally, interstate and overseas This includes but is not limited to packing; moving; removal of goods to auction, charity, rubbish and storage; unpacking; cleaning; and repairs. Moving On project manages a range of services uniquely tailored for each client in order to provide them with a seamless and stressfree experience.

You can find out more about Moving On in Life at www.movingon.com.au or calling 1300 HELP ME.

Fiona Kennedy-Turrell- Manager (left) and Lisa Oshlack – Managing Director (Right)

Emunah Aussies in first ever Israel Chesed Day EMUNAH AUSTRALIA Just a few days after Pesach a group of hardy Australians gathered early on a drizzly Jerusalem morning.

This mixed group - young, old and everything in between, came together to partake in the first Emunah Australia Chesed Day. And what a day it was.

The heavens opened and we enjoyed a wet send-off from Jerusalem. We headed out through the desert to the Jordan Valley, and left the clouds behind.

After a beautiful drive we arrived at our first destination, Kibbutz Gesher. Here we enjoyed the story of the Hydroelectricity station built on the Jordan River. An amazing sound and light show, as well as a personal tour to one of the remaining bridges, kept us fascinated.

We then headed back on the bus to complete our journey to Afula. The Emunah Sarah Herzog Children’s Center in Afula has been around since 1949.

It has seen a lot, but never a group of Aussies this large!

We were welcomed by Shlomo Kessel, the Director of World Emunah. He spoke with us and showed us videos of some of the children at the Center. Sixty children live full-time at this particular Emunah home, having been removed from their own homes by Welfare agents for a variety of reasons. They are then joined by another 90 children who attend afterschool programs.With these fresh stories of neglected and abused children in our minds, we stepped out into the courtyard and saw happy children on the basketball

courts, shouting and playing with an apparent sense of carefree abandon.

Next we joined the children for lunch, their standard Tuesday menu of chicken and couscous (with a few extras thrown in for our special appearance!) All were impressed by the standard of the meal, and enjoyed the delicious tastes whilst we sat and chatted with children and Sherut Leumi girls who volunteer at the Center.

After our bellies were full it was time to get down to the work that we had come to perform. We divided into groups: we had painters, gardeners, bakers and animal workers!

Everyone worked very hard at their respective tasks; planter boxes were weeded and new flowers were planted, a tired looking caravan was given a fresh coat of paint, delicious desserts were created, and a petting zoo was cleaned and mucked out!

To finish off the day, a troupe of dancers made up of girls from the Center entertained us with some choreographed dance numbers. It was a wonderful show and we enjoyed a lovely dance all together with the children to end off our day.

We all came home a little bit more appreciative of all that we have, and with a little bit more compassion for those who have not. Emunah provides not just a bed, and food, and clothes, but so, so very much more. By visiting the Children’s Center in person we all were able to feel the one thing that Emunah gives these children that no money can buy – love.

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June 2018

Changes to parking: everyone wins WAVERLEY COUNCIL After significant community consultation, Waverley Council has agreed to roll out some exciting changes to parking over the next few months.

Council agreed at an extraordinary meeting last night to implement three of the proposed parking changes – parking meters will be turned off in commercial areas of Bondi Junction after 6pm, residents in RPS areas will be entitled to a free Residential Parking Permit and 15 minute free ‘drop in’ zones will be introduced in selected areas at Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction.

Mayor John Wakefield said the community consultation process was a unique opportunity for residents and businesses to tell Council what would make a difference to them.

“Parking is the biggest single issue for many residents and these results show the community has a great understanding of the many complex issues surrounding parking in Waverley,” Mayor Wakefeld said.

“This is really the first time we have gone out to the community and asked residents what we should change to make their daily lives easier,” he said.

The community was consulted on six proposals:

Removing the fee for the first residential parking permit Providing a free beach parking permit for residents Turning off all parking meters in Bondi Junction after 6pm Turning off all parking meters in Bondi Beach after 7pm 15-minute free parking in meter zone 15-minutes free ‘drop in’ zones near/in local shopping strips.

Community consultation took place in

CELEBRATES

ISRAEL’S

April 2018, including a phone and online survey, with a comprehensive information guide published online to help residents understand the benefits, impacts and cost implications for each proposal.

“This is a new approach to parking where residents come first, Mayor Wakefield said.

“I am pleased the community feedback shows strong support for many of the proposals, three of which will now be implemented,” he said.

Mayor Wakefield stressed that Council is committed to delivering a balanced budget for 2018/19 and that the decrease of revenue to Council of $790,160 each year for the implementation of the three approved proposals will be found through increased efficiencies and will not result in a cut to existing services or an increase in rates.

Implementation will take place from 1 July 2018 with the ‘drop in’ zones expected to be implemented in August.

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June 2018

Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Fund supporting Medical Elective term at Hadassah LIESEL WOON UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY STAGE 3 MEDICAL STUDENT The aim for my elective placement was to expand on my passion to immerse myself in different communities. Israel and the Middle East was an area of the world that I had yet to explore in my travels and it was through heard experiences and my own research that encouraged my decisions.

I anticipated many personal and professional obstacles including language barriers, and cultural and resource differences, of which I hoped would present a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem is an 800-bed tertiary care hospital, serving as a major national referral centre for many complex and challenging medical cases both locally and internationally. My decision to participate in a 4-week paediatric surgery rotation stemmed from my interests in paediatrics and surgery separately and I hoped to develop my skills in both areas, and to do so in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment. Without a doubt, Jerusalem is one the most holiest cities in the world, particularly for Christians, Jews and Muslims. It has a rich and complex history with destruction, conquering and dispute that has nonetheless shaped the lifestyle, culture and even healthcare of today.

This sparked great interest, and I wanted to gain a more thorough understanding of this in person.

I was warmly welcomed into the university, hospital and department from day one of my placement with the help of the kind reception of the student union who helped organize the placement. The team was very accommodating of me, conducting their ward rounds, meetings and teaching sessions in English instead of Hebrew.

The student to doctor ratio was similar to Sydney Medical Program, thus facilitating an encouraging and active teaching environment for students. The team consisted of 5 consultants and 2 registrars, and 3 – 4 other medical students.

Monday was a non- elective surgical day and involved a ward round, department meeting to discuss interesting cases, radiology meeting, as well as teaching sessions specifically for the students.

Topics for teaching included an approach to common paediatric presentations such as an acute abdomen, vomiting, and abnormal masses.

This was an interesting learning opportunity as most of the case scenarios reflected typical life in Jerusalem. For example, one personal case scenario reflected by one of the consultants was when he was interrupted one night during Shabbat by his neighbour whose son had vomited earlier that evening. This presented as an ethical dilemma to break his traditions of observing Shabbat and drive his car straight to the hospital as a surgical emergency for malrotation of the gut.

The rest of the week, I was invited to follow the consultant in surgery where there was ample

(from left) Liesel Woon, Victoria Cook and Grace Swain, the recipients of Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Fund Roger Sebel Fellowships opportunity to scrub and assist on elective cases.

These included inguinal and umbilical hernia repairs, pyloric stenosis repair, Glenn procedure for Ebstein anomaly, port-a-cath insertions for oncology patients, and male circumcision for cultural reasons. Where applicable, these surgeries were performed laparoscopically, and this is testament to the technologically advanced, and highly resourced setting. And whilst I have yet to experience paediatric surgery in Australia, the department was very smoothly run and I felt very fortunate to have been given the oneon-one and hands on opportunity to assist with the consultants. I received very encouraging feedback from the team and undoubtedly, this experience has positively impacted my interests in the profession.

From a medical student perspective, there were also several comparators that I reflected upon. All Israeli school-leavers are required to do 2 years of national service. Alternatively, some students can receive a scholarship to delay this service until after they’ve graduated from medical school to then serve as a field doctor of any posting. Whilst national service is not compulsory in Australia, I am aware that similar army scholarships do exist.

Further, as the major academic medical institution in the country, many students have travelled from their hometowns to attend medical school. I could personally relate to this having relocated from Melbourne, however Israel is a much smaller country and commuting from one place to another takes comparatively less time. Lastly, female Jewish medical students, especially the less secular and more traditional ones, generally get married earlier in their 20’s and start having children. Some of my colleagues in my team

during my placement had 2 or 3 children at the age of 25 years.

Outside of the hospital, I also engaged in various activities that allowed me to integrate within the community as well as have a deeper understanding of their culture.

I lived in a trendy neighbourhood where I was able to buy fresh produce from the market, and enjoy the lively restaurant and bar scene in the area with many other locals. This was also a great setting to meet new friends, and shop like a local before it all shuts down for Shabbat on a Friday morning. I also had the most amazing opportunity to get to know my local colleagues outside of the hospital setting.

I was invited to observe Shabbat with a fellow student where we attended her local synagogue service, then enjoyed an evening in, eating ourselves until we couldn’t move. It was nice to disconnect from all phones and even electricity, and get to know these girls better.

On another occasion, a Palestinian anaesthetic registrar invited us into his home suburb within the Westbank where he and his friends were able to give us an experience we could not have otherwise had and discuss what it’s like to live as a young Palestinian. Whilst tourism in Palestine is less advertised than Israel, it offers equally as much of a cultural and lively experience as anywhere else. We had the opportunity to embark on a guided tour through Hebron, an occupied Palestinian territory under military control.

We also visited Bethlehem during Christmas, and Ramallah with a Palestinian colleague. Each trip involved checkpoints back into Israel areas, which did not prove to be an issue for our travels.

We also took full advantage of our time off on

weekends and the small country that is Israel by hiring cars and touring the country, including the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv-Yafo, the Sea of Galilea and Tiberias. Within Jerusalem, we visited the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Israel museum and the Yad Vashem museum. Both museums were highly informative and interesting and undoubtedly provided further insight and understanding into the current situation of Jerusalem and Israeli people today.

This elective experience offered me more than I anticipated for and has undoubtedly broadened and influenced my attitudes and understanding of medical practice. The reflections from this experience are ones I will continue to cherish into my future career, both locally and globally.

I gained an incredible understanding of how cultural and religious factors play significant roles in the health care system. For example, many traditional and religious people have families early and do not generally consider terminations of pregnancy.

Consequently, there is a relatively higher prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities including Down’s syndrome. Another notable Jewish ritual is circumcision performed on all male neonates at day 8 of life. Whilst often performed by practicing rabbis’, it can sometimes be performed if a child is having an elective corrective surgery, for example hernia repair Lastly, Jerusalem is not only a city populated with a younger age group, but is also one of the most religious cities in Israel and this was illustrated through day-to-day life. Shabbat is observed throughout, and the direct implications include lack of public transport, Shabbatobserving lifts, as well as the lack of shops and restaurants opened during this time. The added complexity in Jerusalem is that political and social factors that have stemmed from the rich culture and religious differences also impact on healthcare as discussed earlier.

I would like to extend my utmost gratitude toward the Trustees of the Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Fund for their support in making this invaluable experience possible. I have no doubt that these experiences have had an incredible impact on my personal and professional growth, and would gladly recommend this elective for future students. I have developed long lasting friendships and networks during my time there, and very much look forward to visiting Israel again. I feel honoured to have been able to represent my university, the scholarship, and my local community here in Australia.

The Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Fund was established in 1978 to raise funds for medical & scientific research and to lay the foundation for cooperative work between the University of Sydney and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for the mutual benefit of both institutions.

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

The Goldene Medina - 175 Years of Jewish Life in South Africa B’NAI B’RITH NSW VIVIENNE RADOMSKY And the streets would be lined with gold” – The Goldene Medina exhibition which was on at the B’nai B’rith Centre seems to have hit a sentimental spot in our community. In the first two weeks, over 200 people visited either just popping in to view the exhibition, have a cup of tea and watch the videos or attend one of the events. Visitors recognised friends and family in the panels, and storyboards sparked shared memories of years gone by. Organisations like Jewish Care, Montefiore, B’nai B’rith Villages and Burger Centre organised group visits. elderly.

Events were coordinated to enhance the exhibition and were well attended. Around 50, people enjoyed Havdalah and braai with the Maroubra Synagogue congregation.

Maureen Mendelowitz discussed growing up in

the early 50’s and how this influenced the writing of her new book, “The Rock”.

“The Piano Diaries” with cabaret artist Joanna Weinberg had drama-lovers crying and laughing with empathy over the musical journey of her Piano (and herself) from London to Johannesburg and eventually onto Sydney.

As a last blast, Mark Ginsburg spoke about the Jewish influence on the Jazz scene in South Africa.

The exhibition captures unique moments in time and evokes nostalgia of the Jewish experience, from Lithuania to South Africa and perhaps on to a new world. There was something for everyone to hold on to.

B’nai B’rith NSW is keen for this exhibition to travel to Melbourne and Perth.

Please contact Vivienne Radomsky for more information. Email: vivienne.radomsky@bbnsw.org.au or call 9321 6307

June 2018

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Sydney Young Families Celebrate a Day in Jerusalem with UIA UNITED ISRAEL APPEAL UIA’s Young Families Division celebrated Yom Yerushalayim and Mother’s Day with over 1,000 people at its 2018 event, ‘A Day in Jerusalem’ at the Entertainment Quarter Market Canopy on 13 May. Children were entertained with a variety of activities including camel rides, bungy, obstacle course, CodeCamp, motorised cars and a petting zoo. The activities were marked out as part of a ‘mini Jerusalem’ on a map given to each child at the event.

Families enjoyed delicious Israeli-style pastries, Felafel and coffee by Shuk and Amaze in Taste, as well as shopping for unique homewares, food and gifts for Mother’s Day at the replica Machane Yehudah Market.

Each family also received a complimentary Mother’s Day family portrait taken by Daniella Stein Photography.

Funds raised on the day will support the Fund for Victims of Terror (FVOT), which provides financial assistance to help victims and their families in Israel to improve their quality of life.

At the event, families had the opportunity to write notes at the ‘Kotel’, which will be taken directly to the victims and their families in Israel.

“It’s so special to see parents and their young children forming strong bonds to

Israel through the UIA - and especially to Jerusalem on Yom Yerushalayim - in such a fun and memorable way! And we loved the extra pleasure of sharing Mother’s Day with all of these wonderful mums and grandmas!” UIA Young Families Chair, Caroline Bolot said.

To donate to UIA’s Young Families Division and 2018 Campaign, please visit uiaaustralia.org.au/donate-now

Like the bees in a hive, a healthy society is made up of individuals who work together for the greater good.

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June 2018

Save A Child’s Heart wins 2018 United Nations Population Award SAVE A CHILD’S HEART AUSTRALIA Global charity Save A Child’s Heart (SACH) has been named one of two institutional winners of this year’s 2018 United Nations Population Award.

The international non-profit organisation, founded in 1995, raises funds worldwide to help save as many children as possible with heart disease from developing countries regardless of nationality, religion, race, gender or financial situation.

Save A Child’s Heart Australia CEO Sharonne Antonir said the UN Award was a significant acknowledgement of the charity’s work providing life-saving cardiac surgery for children.

“The UN Award raises important awareness of the work of Save A Child’s Heart globally - and the role Australians can play to help children worldwide who are in great need,” Ms Antonir said.

“SACH treats children suffering from heart disease - including many children from areas ravaged by war or natural disaster, including Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and Haiti.

“SACH simultaneously creates centres of medical expertise in developing countries to enable local physicians to treat patients from their own communities independently.

“The work our organisation is able to undertake globally is all thanks to support from our donors, and our paediatric cardiac care team - who volunteer their time and medical expertise.”

To date, Save a Child’s Heart have saved the lives of more than 4,740 children from 56 countries in Africa, South America, Europe,

Asia, and throughout the Middle East, and trained more than 150 medical team members from these countries.

SACH doctors all volunteer their time to the organisation - which means that the full cost of life-saving heart surgery through SACH is only $20,000 per child.

“We are inviting all Australians to partner with us to raise funds and support the incredible work of our charity to help children and families around the world,” Ms Antonir said.

“This is a remarkable opportunity to be part of helping save the lives of children suffering from heart disease - as recognised by the UN Population Award - which recognises outstanding achievements in population and health.

“Congenital heart defects are responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defect - but we can work together to do something about it.

“Australians can financially support SACH projects, including the International Paediatric Cardiac Center in Israel, SACH Medical Missions and Training Doctors.

“I invite all Australians to consider partnering with us, to enable this significant work worldwide.”

Australians can donate directly to Save A Child’s Heart Australia online via www.saveachildsheart.com/take-action/ donate/ and clicking through to the ‘Australia’ link.

More information about Save A Child’s Heart is available at saveachildsheart.com.

Dr. Yayehyirad Mekonnen (Yayu) The first paediatric heart surgeon in Ethiopia Save a Child’s Heart has trained Dr. Yayehyirad (Yayu) Mekonnen Ejigu from Ethiopia to become the first paediatric heart surgeon in his country - which has a population of 40 million children under the age of 18.

Dr. Yayu joined the Save a Child’s Heart outreach training program at the Wolfson Medical Center, Israel, in June 2012 for a five-year training program in cardiac surgery.

Now in Australia, Dr. Yayu is completing a fellowship program at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, developing his specialised skills before returning to Ethiopia to work as the country’s first full trained paediatric cardiac surgeon, in 2019.

His training has been made possible thanks to SACH, and its supporters and partners around the world.

“I am 30 years old and was born and raised in Ethiopia. I have dedicated my life to achieving my dream of becoming a doctor.

My career in paediatric cardiac surgery will be a challenge, but nothing will keep me from realising my life-long goal, to return to Ethiopia with this knowledge and skill.

I had a fortunate chance of being taught by a professor of paediatric cardiology who was trained by SACH, in Israel. It was through this connection that I came

to know about the incredible organisation - Save A Child’s Heart Foundation.

I was accepted to start a fellowship in paediatric cardiac surgery by the end of 2012 and since then I have been studying in Israel. Throughout my stay I have gained an abundance of knowledge and experience to bring back to my home country.

In addition to my training, SACH will also sponsor doctors and nurses in the fields of paediatric cardiology, paediatric intensive care, anaesthesiology, paediatric cardiac nursing, and perfusion to complete a team to work in Ethiopia.”

Israel’s 70th continues to be a year of celebrations with UIA UNITED ISRAEL APPEAL UIA is very proud of the resounding success of our two Yom Ha’atzmaut missions. From the guides to the speakers, the visits, to the accommodation and the food to the participants everything was fantastic.

For UIA the celebrations are not over as we continue to mark Israel’s 70th and her endless triumphs. We have a number of missions planned for later in the year.

Our Missions, not only give participants a unique perspective unavailable to the average tourist, it affords us the opportunity to show you all the vital work that you support in Israel through UIA .

Participants meet with the highest echelon of Israeli decision makers in politics, military, culture and business.

Visits to many sites are inaccessible on your own!

You will witness firsthand the significance of the UIA’s unique contribution to the social fabric of Israel. You will meet an Ethiopian family in an absorption centre, teenagers at risk in the Youth village and participants in some of our other projects including Lone Soldiers, Net@ and Amigour. You will experience the sense of partnership and the importance of the relationship that exists only through the UIA between Israel and the Jewish people.

UIA missions to Israel are simply the

best way to see Israel, to learn about her successes and challenges. Enjoy a 9-day glimpse into our Homeland, revealing almost every aspect of Israeli life, culture, history, security, society and even gastronomic score- it is an invaluable experience.

“Wow, what an experience being on a UIA mission! John and I have been to Israel many times, but have never been quite this hands on! From visiting an air force base in the Golan and up close and personal with M16’s, to being in the midst of Mitzpe Ramon and its amazing

crater to listening to Gal Hirsh on the Syrian border. Our guides were more than amazing and so incredibly knowledgeable.

Grab your friends and make up a group for an experience you will never forget.”

Commented Wendy Milston a UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut participant.

Upcoming missions include the inaugural Medical and Dental mission, incorporating visits to key medical facilities and meetings with leading healthcare professionals and innovators. The Golden Age mission will be a specially tailored experience for senior participants. The Women’s Division Mission

will focus on the impact of Women in Israeli society. UIA and JJunction’s singles’ mission for 26-40 year olds will include authentic cultural experiences, food, art and nightlife; along with private parties, speed dating and the chance to meet singles from around the world.

These missions will be as exciting as our previous ones as we explore and experience the miracle that Israel is – 70 years of achievements.

9-18 October 2018: Medical and Dental Mission, Golden Age Mission, Women’s Division Mission, Singles Mission with JJunction 25 December 2018 - 3 Jan 2019: December Mission For more information about UIA’s 2018 Israel Missions, contact NSW: (02) 9361 4273, missions@uiansw.org.au or VIC: 1300 ISRAEL (1300 477 235) or info@uiavic.org

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JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Hand-Up not Hand Out for those in financial crisis JEWISHCARE CLAIRE VERNON JewishCare has re-written the ‘welfare’ model of support for those in the community facing challenging times, especially financial hardship. No longer is it just a matter of ‘hand outs’ but a carefully devised strategic approach to alleviating financial stress. The majority of clients seeking help from JewishCare are experiencing financial distress arising from; health problems (mental and physical), divorce, domestic violence, redundancy and business failure.

Part of the remedy can include assisting with emergency relief (Coles and Shell vouchers or payment of certain medical or pharmaceutical or accommodation expenses) funded by the Chai Foundation to address an immediate crisis, however the focus is on longer term strategies and more enduring solutions.

To this end JewishCare employs two qualified and accredited Financial Counsellors, Lynette Brailey and Zimra Segall who advocate on behalf of clients who have institutional debts, in order to negotiate sustainable payment plans.

Lynette and Zimra also advise on the implications of bankruptcy and the procedures for pursuing this avenue of debt management.

For those clients who are having difficulty paying utility bills, JewishCare has the facility to provide vouchers from the government funded Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme.

In addition, JewishCare is a sponsor organisation for the State Revenue

Department’s Work and Development Order (WDO) which assists eligible clients to reduce traffic fines through participation in a course or treatment program.

According to Lynette, the most rewarding aspect of her job is “seeing the immense relief on clients faces when they have a sense of control over their finances and in particular their debts. The best news is when the creditors agree to a substantial debt reduction.”

To assist clients with longer terms solutions to their financial difficulties, JewishCare has an employment support program, Companies that Care, in order to match candidates with suitable positons in the community.

According to the Coordinator of the program, Charmaine Silove, the largest demographic of those seeking employment are middle aged men, often highly skilled and experienced, but just needing a lucky break to re-enter the workforce.

“We know that the best solution to financial stress and to enhancing psycho-social wellbeing is to have gainful employment.

We see lives being turned around whenever we have a successful employment link. It also means that clients regain their autonomy and their dignity. It is a win-win for both employers and job seekers and no recruiters’ fees for employers!” said Charmain Anyone needing support from JewishCare can call 1300133660 and you will be assessed and allocated to a caseworker who will co-ordinate the support that you need.

“As donors to JCA, you give willingly of yourselves through your generous donations and open hearts.

Those that receive will never forget your kindness.”

PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TO JCA TODAY TO SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

WWW.JCA.ORG.AU

9360 2344

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Ohr Hatzafon: The Light of the North “Getting to know one of Go North’s organisations”

Fire of Torah, Warmth of Chessed Ohr Hatzafon, the driver of growth and learning is now 10 years old.

This community organisation is the hub on the North Shore for Jews who are Shomrei Mitzvot. Its broad and diverse group of congregants embrace all who walk through the doors, making everyone feel at home.

There is an unconditional acceptance, love and sense of community that is tangible amongst all who engage themselves. The chessed, sense of communal obligation and constant desire to support each other is never ending.

With the warm embrace of this environment, it is no surprise that the 8 new families who joined the community over the last 2 years have easily made St Ives their new home.

The annual calendar is full, with the aspiration to create a Makom Torah in which observant Jews can live a life without having to compromise on their Torah and Mitzvot. The full and diverse range of exciting events around chagim facilitate family engagement and involvement drawing in everyone from the very youngest members to the Senior

crowd too.

A constant commitment to bringing International guest speakers to Sydney with their Shabbos feature happening on the North Shore has been a driver for growth and inspiration.

These stand-alone events are the frills that compliment the continuous learning programs with a buzzing beis medrash both in the evenings and mornings. The new and innovative professionals kollel has introduced a regular schedule of learning for professionals before they leave for work in the mornings.

This carved out time is an opportunity for community members to delve, undisturbed in the current sugiyah the group are learning.

The members of Ohr Hatzafon are driven to grow their community with more dynamic people who want to learn and grow in their avodat Hashem. They welcome all to get in touch, visit and spend a Shabbos, see the shul and school and get a taste of what being in this warm, growing and inclusive community is all about! You are formally invited, drop us a line at info@ohrhatzafon.com.au

Shining Leaders Rabbi Barak and Rebbetzin Rachel Cohen moved with their family to St Ives in 2013 from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada where they served as the Rabbi and Rebbetzin for a small congregation affiliated with the Seattle Kollel.

Victoria was the type of community where the Rabbi and his family were pretty much required to “do all” and “be all”, from running the shul to being the Jewish Chaplain at the University of Victoria, from teaching at the local Jewish Community Centre to entertaining hundreds of people in their home each year.

Barak and Rachel moved to Victoria in 2008 together with their daughter Eliana straight from Jerusalem and it was quite the change of pace and transition from kollel life to the life of a Kiruv family. After 5 years of adventure and new experiences and with a new Canadian son named Shai, the Cohen’s decided it was time for a change, mostly due to the lack of schooling and community for their children but were also looking for new professional challenges as well.

That’s what ultimately brought the Cohens to Australia and St Ives. They found a warm and welcoming community with a real sense of energy and ambition. The Cohens were hired

by Ohr HaTzafon, a small, but vibrant observant community tucked away in the suburbs of the North Shore. They were hired to come and teach, to lead and inspire. The board of Ohr HaTzafon had a vision - a vision of a Torah observant community where Torah is a central part of its members’ daily lives. Where all of the Jewish necessities like minyanim, Beis Midrash, Chesed and meaningful davening could be found. A community where a family could raise their children with confidence in its surroundings, a communal environment that engendered modesty and good middos and one that is helping secure the future of Sydney

Jewry with solid, well balanced, and Torah educated Jews.

Now, together with their third child, this one an Aussie named Odeyah, the Cohen family have found its home. Both the Rabbi and Rebbetzin have found their places in the community teaching and building. Rachel teaches locally and led the first North Shore JWRP trip to Israel this past year. Rabbi Cohen has helped build the Torah Stream of Masada College. The Torah Stream is an innovative and highly successful accelerated Jewish Studies program on offer together with the outstanding secular offering of Masada College to combine for one of the finest Jewish and secular educations available here in Sydney.

St Ives and the Ohr HaTzafon community would love to welcome you and your family to the North Shore to come see what we’ve been up to. Come for a Shabbos, come for a tour of the Torah Stream, come for a chat and a stroll, whatever you’re looking for - there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

For more info: Visit www.ohrhatzafon.com.au

In Their Words: What Makes Ohr Hatzafon Shine COHEN FAMILY:

BENDER FAMILY:

PAT CEMAL:

“We moved from Rose Bay to St Ives about 10 years ago looking for a more wholesome & modest environment consistent with Torah values in which to raise a family.

Since then the Torah infrastructure on the North Shore has grown exponentially with the establishment of an Eruv, a Torah-true education option at Masada and a selection of kosher bakeries & restaurants. Rabbi & Rebbetzin Cohen provide a diverse range of shiurim and learning opportunities, ensuring that the spiritual needs of the community are well catered for”

It is a community with heart and soul. A community that will warmly embrace you from day one. We took the plunge 4 months ago and have never looked back.

It is incredible being a part of the Ohr

COHEN FAMILY:

various ages and everyone looks out for one

Deciding on where to raise a family isn’t

the community to continue growing. Come

Pictured: Micah, Dovi, Noah and Rafi Bass “We’ve been part of Ohr HaTzafon since it began and have always felt that it’s a very special community. After starting with just a core group of families, it has been inspirational watching the community grow and diversify. Each and every family that we’ve welcomed from overseas, interstate or over the bridge has added to the unique fabric of what we’re creating and it’s so exciting to imagine the potential that still lies ahead.”

in Australia. The level of religious and secular education on offer at Masada, combined with a young, frum community at Ohr Hatzafon made it an easy decision to move to St. Ives, and join Ohr Hatzafon.

The giving nature of people, the constant generosity of spirit to lend a hand is inspiring, and so appreciated.

We are truly grateful that we made the move, and are so lucky to be able to raise our children within such a

unique

and

special

community.

Great

friendships

have been built and the community offers support in all areas of life. It embraces another. Everyone cares and really wants

easy, especially without other family

BASS FAMILY:

Hatzafon

community.

visit!

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June 2018

Heritage brings families together after school in St Ives CHABAD NORTH SHORE There’s a lot of activity after school at Chabad North Shore. Apart from Cheder classes offering a strong understanding of Jewish history and culture through interactive games, craft, cooking and songs, children can now enjoy cutting-edge Hebrew reading classes.

This year, “Gan Izzy After School Care” has introduced the internationally renowned Aleph Champ program, a Hebrew reading system based on the learning levels of martial arts. Offering the same motivation used to advance through Karate, children from kindergarten through to Bar/Bat Mitzvah Prep strive to earn different colours to represent the levels they have achieved.

There are ten levels to master, with appropriate games and workbooks to be completed before the children can progress to the next. Beginning at White, children must learn the first 18 letters of the Aleph Bet before accelerating through to the ultimate Black level where fluency is attained with more100 words read a minute.

The revolutionary program was launched more than a decade ago, and has produced outstanding results with children worldwide.

Chabad North Shore’s Rebbetzin Fruma Schapiro is delighted to introduce Aleph Champ, describing it as fun, interactive learning through experience, ‘a world away’ from the traditional methods used to teach Hebrew.

“We have our own Black level champion

teaching and of course, that’s the level all our children aspire to,” Rebbetzin Schapiro said. “Being able to learn and reach each level at their own pace gives them a wonderful sense of achievement and drives them on to advance to the next level.”

Nestled in quiet, leafy St Ives, Chabad North Shore has offered a safe, community environment to Jewish North Shore residents for nearly 30 years.

The centre provides a non-judgemental and welcoming environment, with a multitude of community and outreach services, including a shul, educational and social programmes for all ages. Gan Izzy After School Care was opened to help children develop a love and warmth for Judaism and provide an avenue for gaining

a strong sense of Jewish identity, pride and belonging.

The popular Cheder classes bring to life Jewish tradition with animated, creative programs and provide a great opportunity to build and enhance the BJE classes offered in public high schools.

“Gan Izzy helps our children develop a long-lasting love and connection to their Jewish heritage,” Schapiro said. “Our families come from all walks of life and their children attend a multitude of different schools, public, private and Jewish. Families who may have never met before are now united through their children, giving them a greater sense of belonging and community.

“As a result, this wonderful mix energises our Chabad Community Centre to continue

to serve as a lively and vital hub for our very connected and very caring North Shore community. It’s a chance to celebrate our Jewish heritage together. We are close here in the northern suburbs of Sydney, we look out for each other.”

Gan Izzy After School Care is a government approved OSCH (Out of School Hours Care) facility with eligible parents able to claim rebate.

The classes for younger children are held on weekdays from 3.30 pm while Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes begin at 4pm To learn more about Gan Izzy After School Care visit chabadhouse.org.au or contact Rebbetzin Fruma Schapiro on 0433120981, or Kerry Saloner, parent coordinator on 0424676766

Interested in an Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah Ceremony at NSTE? NSTE We’d love to offer you the opportunity!

There are many reasons to consider celebrating bar or bat mitzvah in your adult years. Maybe you weren’t Jewish when you were 13. Maybe your family didn’t belong to a shul that offered you the opportunity. Maybe you are approaching the traditional age for celebrating a second bar mitzvah. Maybe you simply relish the thought of engaging in a program of study, towards a meaningful Jewish ritual, celebrated in community.

If you’d like to explore the possibilities, please reach out to Rabbi Nicole at nicole@nste.org.au. We are now taking bookings for 2019!

“I chose to celebrate my 50th birthday by doing an adult bat mitzvah, and to use the occasion to start wearing a tallit, which I’d never done before. The preparation and the experience on the day were deeply meaningful to me - I couldn’t have imagined a better way to mark that milestone birthday.” - Judy Campbell (pictured)

“I chose my 52nd birthday (which is 13 x 4!) to become Bat Mitzvah. As a choir member, I had observed many young people become B’Mitzvah and marvelled at their ability to read from the Torah and understand the order of the service. My own son was studying for his Bar Mitzvah in the same year, and he was able to help me!

So during my first trip to Israel to visit my daughter who was spending a year there with Netzer on Shnat, I bought myself a tallit and returned to study at NSTE for my Bat Mitzvah. It was transformational for me. I learnt so much, feel so much more comfortable with the order of the service, can read from the Torah (with a lot of practice!!) and now I wear my tallit with pride and lots of wonderful memories.

The drash I gave was totally from the heart and enabled me to express feelings that were very deep inside me. I can recommend this process to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, deepen their Jewish connection and achieve something very significant in their life.”

- Michele Shadler

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Volunteering OBK giving back in with Friendship Circle FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE Winter holidays are just around the corner and Friendship Circle is planning an amazing week of activities for young people with special needs from 9 to 13 July 2018.

Volunteering with Friendship Circle is a great opportunity for young people to have fun, feel great about themselves and make a difference.

The best part is that volunteers can have fun too!

Volunteer option 1 - Volunteer as a 1-1 Buddy If you are 13 or older and are looking to make a difference during Winter school holidays, then please sign up to be a buddy for a young person with a disability. Your role will be to engage and befriend your buddy throughout the planned activities and experiences. You will be supported by a team of experienced leaders. The minimum commitment for new volunteers is 3 days plus Orientation on Sunday, 8 July 2018.

Current volunteers please sign in and complete the following form on our webste: www.sydneyfc.org.au/volunteeratdaycamp New volunteers please complete this application form on our website: www.sydneyfc.org.au/volunteerapplication Volunteer option 2 - Volunteer in food prep, set up and pack away

We are looking for adult volunteers (18 years and older) to cut, spread, sort and pack 60 delicious and healthy lunches and snacks for Friendship Circle Day Camp.

Once the kids are off on their outing it would be great if you had another hour to pack up and prepare the lunch area for the next day as well as tidy the hall for the children’s return.

For more information, please visit www.sydneyfc.org.au

Montefiore celebrates National Volunteer Week MONTEFIORE Montefiore joined in National Volunteer Week 2018 celebrations with a garden party in honour of the more than 400 dedicated people who give their time to bring help, companionship and joy to the older members of our community. Guests were treated to a delicious morning tea as they heard from two inspiring volunteers, Holocaust Survivor and self-proclaimed ‘Happiest Man on Earth’ Eddie Jaku OAM, and distinguished academic and writer Professor Colin Tatz AO. The remarkable 98-year-old Jaku, who runs his popular ‘Mondays with Eddie’ catch-ups at Montefiore Randwick, reflected on how his experiences as a survivor had taught him the value of being a mensch.

“Anyone who wants to be my friend, is my friend,” he explained. “Tolerance, understanding and friendship are the most important aspects of life.”

Mr Tatz, 84, explained how the topical discussion group he hosts at Hunters Hill represents the pinnacle of his long teaching career. “The residents’ thirst for interaction and discussion with a live human being is wonderful – they don’t want to watch a video or a screen like younger generations, they want to connect with other people.”

Montefiore President David Freeman AM and CEO Robert Orie presented 89 volunteers with awards for long service on the day, who together have dedicated 928 years to the community.

Award recipient Michael Rabin gave an impromptu thanks on behalf of the crowd, affirming that “You get back so much more than you give. Coming here to Montefiore grabs you by the heart and takes you in, and it’s a real pleasure to spend time with the residents.”

To find out more about volunteering at Montefiore, visit: montefiore.org.au/beinvolved

National Volunteer Week

OUR BIG KITCHEN On any given day, Our Big Kitchen in the Sydney suburb of Bondi is bustling with an assembly line of chefs.

The community-run project churns out dozens of meals each day for the homeless, women’s refuges and others in need.

It is the brainchild of Brooklyn-born rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin and his wife Laya.

Ms Slavin says the kitchen’s team of nearly 1,000 volunteers are always ready to help.

“Whenever there is a crisis the kitchen will be called upon to work around the clock. We will be told by the SES, the ambulance service, what food needs to go out and where it has to go to,” she tells SBS News.

The kitchen opened its doors in 2005.

The idea stemmed from the couple’s belief that everyone should have the right to a good meal.

In order to cater to the masses, they needed a large industrial kitchen and building it was expected to be both a lengthy and expensive task. But remarkably, the locals came to their rescue.

“For the construction, we had a heavy representation from the Australian Greek community, Australian Lebanese community [and] the Jewish community as well,” Rabbi Slavin says.

Solidarity is now the theme of the kitchen.

The rabbi says it has become a melting

pot of diversity, made up of international students and local migrant communities.

“Here in the kitchen is really a microcosm of what we hope Australia can be, which is where people from all walks of life come in,” he says.

“We will encourage people who otherwise would not normally meet in the course of their business lives. Jewish and Muslim kids, Indian and Pakistani kids, and bring them together, almost prove to them that we can all share and join together for a greater good.”

Labour of love Last year, the kitchen distributed almost 80,000 meals to those in need.

Rabbi Slavin says giving back to the community is just as rewarding as the friendships made in the process.

“While the meals are being made, there’s such incredible connections that happen with people around food ...

Cooking food is an incredible journey in it’s own right, sharing a meal is another and both of those happen in and around the kitchen.”

Ms Slavin says the project unites communities.

“We had a beautiful group of Jewish and Muslim women, one in their singlets and the Muslim women in the burquas, and at the end of the day they just gave each other a hug and said ‘you’re just like me’.”

“And what did they talk about? ...

Getting the kids off to school and not wanting to do homework.”

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JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER The depth and breadth of services provided to the Jewish community by JCA member organisations continues to make a positive impact day after day, year after year. The expression “cradle to grave” is given a literal form when describing the array of resources that exist because of the continued funding and support by the community through JCA for the community.

It enables our continuity and ensures we are stronger together.

Shalom to Love SHALOM Shalom is a member of the JCA family of organisations. Their mission is to increase the vibrancy and engagement of the Sydney Jewish community by fostering Jewish life and learning in an inclusive way. Shalom enables people to enrich their life, culture, education and professional endeavours through Jewish activity. They engage people of different ages and backgrounds through a variety of targeted programs and special events focussing on people living in Sydney and building connection and community. Shalom is about possibilities and opportunities, challenging and inspiring individuals.

It was through Shalom that love blossomed for Julia Glass at one of their event’s last year. She had never heard of Tu B’Shvat but was attracted “to the beauty of a festival being about nature and trees” and so climbed to the rooftop terrace of a city bar to share a drink and make terrariums in

honour of the occasion. It was in this charming atmosphere that she met her now-partner. So it is not surprising that Shalom now has a special place in her heart. “They can take different people within the community of different levels of belief and make them feel comfortable and welcome at their events.”

Shalom has also given Julia something else: acceptance. Having now attended three other Shalom events, from Limmud to a forum for professional women, Julia is in awe of the diversity of people, thoughts and opinions that Shalom brings together. Her story is a reminder that for people, at least of her age, who did not go to a Jewish school finding a natural sense of community was not so easy. It is what makes Shalom so unique. Not only do they specifically cater to people in their 20s and 30s but they promote the idea that Jewishness is a feeling, a way of thinking, and a thread that runs through all of us regardless of upbringing.

To support Shalom through this year’s JCA Community Fundraising Campaign go to www. jca.org.au/donate

Education is not only learning, education is life BJE

“Education is not only learning- Education is life,” says Sara Grossman-Haba. Sara has four children that have been part of BJE programs. “I always tell my children that life is a school. Every day you learn something different, you learn how to accept more people into your life, and if it’s someone that knows what you’re going through, it’s easier for you to connect. Language builds bridges, culture gives stability. BJE fosters this possibility.

Through BJE, people like us, who come from other countries, can connect ourselves with our surroundings. It’s allowed us to feel a sense of inclusion.”

The NSW Board of Jewish Education’s aim is to provide quality Jewish education to children in state and non-Jewish private school systems across NSW and to ensure social integration into the Jewish community. They provide enrichment and informal education

opportunities for students and their families.

For Sara Grossman-Haba ensuring that her four children retained a connection to Israel was as important as ensuring they finished high school. She needed them to know where they came from, not just where they were going. Thanks to BJE this was made possible.

Sara’s children have been on camps, found friends to speak with in Hebrew and had a safe network to speak about Israel, with all its complexities.

To ensure quality education, BJE provides professional and curriculum development for teachers across the whole spectrum of education in areas related to Judaism, Hebrew language, Jewish History, Israel and other generic education fields. In addition BJE’s high school program, run by qualified madrichim aims to actively promote Judaism, create an affiliation with the State of Israel, and strengthen Jewish identity through informal education and cultural and social activities.

To support BJE through JCA’s 2018 Community Fundraising Campaign go to www. jca.org.au/donate

Shaare Zedek: invest in your unique health AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS ZEDEK INC MIRIAM PACANOWSKI

OF

SHAARE

A revolution is emerging in the diagnosis and provision of modern healthcare.

Increasingly, your unique genetic makeup is considered key to providing personalized targeted medicine to prevent and cure disease.

The Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Inc is delighted to announce that it is registered for tax deductible donations as a Health Promotion Charity. Donations over $2 to AFSZ Inc are now tax deductible.

And donations to AFSZ Inc are a true investment in your personal health and the health of the Jewish community worldwide.

With 1000 beds, and with over 750,000 patients per year, doctors at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Centre have a profound understanding of specific genetic challenges facing our community.

This unique knowledge base is set to transform medical diagnoses and treatments across the spectrum of human life.

Geneticist and Deputy Chair of the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Inc

Professor Agi Bankier OAM says, “The Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek are ideally placed to blend the medical expertise of Shaare Zedek Medical Centre Jerusalem and world-class Australian medical professionals to bring improved health outcomes to the Jewish community around the world.”

“This year, we plan to raise funds to purchase a state of the art genetic sequencer for the hospital in Jerusalem. This sequencer

will greatly enhance Shaare Zedek’s ability to identify and treat genetic diseases.

“It will enable doctors to initiate risk reduction interventions and personalized treatments for individuals with a broad range of genetic illnesses.”

At a recent forum conducted by the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Inc, Prof Bankier OAM and Prof Martin Delatycki described the high rate of genetic mutations in the Ashkenazi Jewish community

associated with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Prof Delatycki outlined an Australian research project which will offer genetic testing to 2000 people in Sydney and Melbourne to screen for these genetic mutations.

It was Dr Ephrat Levi Lahad, Director of the Medical Genetics Unit at Shaare Zedek who led the research that discovered that breast and ovarian cancer risks are high in women who carry mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, even if these women did not have a family history of cancer.

Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Inc Chairman, Dr Allan Garfield says, “Shaare Zedek is playing a crucial role at the cutting edge of medical innovation and the benefits are felt around the world.

“With the end of the financial year approaching, we urge the Australian community to take advantage of our new tax deductible status and invest in a thriving, well managed institution that is preventing and treating diseases in Jerusalem and our local community.” www.shaarezedek.org.au facebook.com/shaarezedek

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How do we move on in life?

WARREN GOLDSTEIN Public figures have been famously reluctant to admit the error of their ways. It’s a practice that goes all the way back to the beginning of human history.

How do we respond when we are confronted with our own moral failings and misdeeds?

Do we acknowledge openly what we have done wrong and take full responsibility? Or do we withdraw into our defenses, deflecting our wrongdoing, turning a blind eye and maintaining the façade? As it turns out, how we answer that question can change both the past and the future.

On March 4, 1987, then-US president Ronald Reagan addressed the American people from the Oval Office about the Iran-Contra scandal.

It involved senior government officials secretly facilitating the sale of arms to Iran, which was the subject of an arms embargo.

Taking full responsibility for his role in the affair, Reagan famously said: “Now, what should happen when you make a mistake is this: You take your knocks, you learn your lessons, and then you move on. That’s the healthiest way to deal with a problem....

You know, by the time you reach my age, you’ve made plenty of mistakes. And if you’ve lived your life properly – so, you learn. You put things in perspective. You pull your energies together. You change. You go forward.”

Unfortunately, this honest, unflinching admission of wrongdoing is often the exception rather than the rule. From Cambridge Analytica to the Panama Papers, Watergate, Harvey Weinstein and Lance Armstrong, public figures have been famously reluctant to admit the error of their ways.

It’s a practice that goes all the way back to the beginning of human history.

When God confronts Adam after he has eaten from the forbidden tree, his response is to avoid accountability: “The woman whom you gave to me, she gave from the tree to me and I ate it.” Rather than accept responsibility and acknowledge his wrongdoing, Adam’s first instinct is to shift the blame.

In his commentary on this verse, the Sforno contrasts Adam’s response with that of King David – who, when confronted by the Prophet Natan with regard to his sin with Batsheva, immediately responds: “I have sinned to God.” This is how we should respond when we realize that we have done wrong.

In this week’s Torah portion, Nasso, we learn the mitzva of confession. The verse states simply: “If a man or a woman commits any sin... they shall confess their sin that they committed.”

The Rambam, in his Laws of Repentance, defines the process of repentance and sets out its various components: regretting the mistakes of the past, desisting from that wrongdoing in the present, and resolving not to return to this course of action in the future.

But there’s a fourth element, no less crucial to the repentance process – confession. Vidui in Hebrew, it is simply a verbal expression to God of our errors of the past and our resolve for the future, an acknowledgment of full responsibility and accountability for our actions. And to confess requires real courage and honesty.

WHY IS verbal confession central to repentance? The Sefer Hahinuch emphasizes the element of transparency – that God knows all and sees all, and that by verbalizing our wrongdoing, we are acknowledging that our lives are an open book before our Creator.

Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik has a different take. He compares vidui to the mitzva of reciting the Shema and the mitzva of prayer to God. These mitzvot have deep internal, emotional,

spiritual and intellectual components, and yet all are made concrete and tangible through verbal expression, which strengthens, gives form, shapes and makes impactful the deep internal processes taking place.

So to explain, the internal process of the Shema is to accept God as the Master of the Universe and to crown Him as king in our lives.

That is a very deep internal process, which is given expression by the reciting of the words of the Shema.

Prayer is defined by our sages as the “service of the heart” – deep feeling of emotional and spiritual connection to God – yet this hidden aspect is made concrete and tangible through verbal expression by using a siddur, or prayerbook. By vocalizing the prayers, we reinforce, and give shape and form to the deep internal processes happening beneath the surface.

In a similar way, the mitzva of confession gives verbal expression to the deep internal psychological and emotional process of personal change and repentance. The words of the vidui help us articulate and concretize the deep feelings of regret for the past and resolve for the future.

Confession is also about repairing the damage our actions have caused, specifically

to our relationship with God and with those we have wronged. The repentance process is about healing those rifts and restoring our connection to the people we have hurt, and also to our Creator. The Hebrew word for repentance is tshuva, which literally means “return.” Through tshuva, we return to that pristine state in which there was no distance or disconnect in our relationships.

The Rambam says that when it comes to wronging other people, it is sometimes necessary to confess not only privately to God, but to make a public confession and apology to the people harmed in order to rectify the damage. In addition to confession, we are also obliged to ask those we have wronged for forgiveness in situations where we have caused harm to another. The Rambam further writes that the victim of our misdeed needs to act with compassion and graciously grant forgiveness, and in this way, the relationships that have been damaged by our wrongdoing can be fully restored.

When it comes to restoring our relationship with God, our confession is made before Him alone. The purpose, says the Maharal, is to help us restore our closeness to God, a natural state of being disturbed by our wrongdoing.

Through the process of confession, we pour out our heart and affect a deep emotional reconciliation with our Creator.

TSHUVA IS an incredible God-given gift to restore that which has been broken. Our sages teach that through the simple act of taking responsibility, of doing tshuva – acknowledging and sincerely regretting our wrongdoings, desisting from them in the present, resolving not to repeat them and confessing before God – we are given the opportunity to travel back in time and undo what has been done.

Through honesty, accountability and true humility we return to a point in time in which our relationships were undamaged, and we renew and reinvigorate our connection with God and with those around us.

It’s a second chance, the gift of a new start, an opportunity to begin afresh so the future is not destroyed by the past – and so we can look ahead with fresh energy, new hope and optimism.

The author is the chief rabbi of South Africa.

Two-State delusion divides American and Israeli Jews WWW.ISRAELNATIONALNEWS.COM MATTHEW M. HAUSMAN, J.D Perhaps Diaspora Jews are alienating Israelis and not vice-versa.

Ronald Lauder’s recent New York Times editorial, “Israel’s Self-Inflicted Wounds,” exposed a growing rift between American and Israeli Jews over the elusive two-state solution, which has been further exacerbated by the violence currently roiling Gaza. Israelis from across the spectrum seem to recognize it as a chimera without historical foundation, whereas secular and progressive Jews in North America increasingly view it as doctrine to be imposed on others 5,700 miles away, regardless of the consequences.

Two-state advocates often demand that Israel make concessions despite the antiSemitic rejectionism which permeates Palestinian society. But if forced on Israel, their solution would leave her with enemy sovereigns at her doorstep – as has been graphically demonstrated by the Gaza

situation.

Americans who believe that most Palestinian Arabs accept the concept of “two states for two peoples” seem undeterred by surveys showing precisely the opposite or by the PA and Hamas Charters – though both deny Israel’s right to exist and one calls for genocide. Foregoing critical analysis, many accept the dubious Palestinian narrative while overlooking anti-Israel rhetoric that is revisionist on its face and anti-Semitic at its core. Whereas many proclaim they are saving Israel from herself, their seeming tolerance of Palestinian revisionism would suggest otherwise.

Though generally assumed to be liberal policy, the two-state paradigm is increasingly accepted by self-identified conservatives (e.g., Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress) who are secular and/or affiliated with the non-Orthodox movements.

Unfortunately, the paradigm is compromised by conflicting narratives that are irreconcilable. It presumes the authenticity of Palestinian national claims

that lack provenance, but which Palestinians legitimize by denigrating the Jews’ ancient connection to and continuous presence in their homeland. While Israel could agree to any resolutional framework for political reasons with an entity that accepts her existence, she cannot validate a myth that repudiates Jewish history and sovereignty. n his New York Times piece, Lauder suggested that Israel risks becoming repressive absent a Palestinian state, writing: “If current trends continue, Israel will face a stark choice: Grant Palestinians full rights and cease being a Jewish state or rescind their rights and cease being a democracy.

To avoid these unacceptable outcomes, the only path forward is the two-state solution.”

He also took issue with the orthodox establishment, suggesting its pervasive influence on Israeli society will alienate diaspora Jewry and lead to semitheocracy. Nobody can argue with his proIsrael bona fides. But what is concerning when such claims come from conservatives is that they invoke presumptions often

associated with progressives.

These presumptions, however, begin to crumble when parsed against the “March of Return” and subsequent violence orchestrated by Hamas in Gaza, which though clearly rejectionist and anti-Semitic have been regarded favorably by the western media. Sympathetic bias was evident in news commentary that compared the Gaza protests to Martin Luther King’s 1965 march in Selma, Alabama, and thus analogized Hamas-inspired violence to American civil rights advocacy. Whereas Dr. King sought to unite people in the spirit of human dignity, however, Hamas aims to demonize Jews and encourage genocide. Any comparison between Selma and Gaza bespeaks either ignorance or artifice.

Sympathy for the Gaza protestors has also been expressed by liberal groups like J Street, which issued a press release stating,

CONTINUED PAGE 17

June 2018

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international

Let’s abolish Jewish celebrities JNS JONATHAN S. TOBIN Our willingness to treat Roseanne Barr as a Jewish voice worth listening to was a problem long before her racist tweet.

JLike any embattled minority that needed positive role models, early- and mid-20th-century Jews living in the United States embraced celebrities with any sort of tie to the tribe. In that era, Jews were still largely excluded from many sectors of power and society, as well as subject to anti-Semitism. So American Jews were happy to treat any of their co-religionists who broke through to the big time—whether in entertainment, sports or any other endeavor—as heroes of a sort.

Though most were not Jewish heroes in the sense that they used their celebrity to stand up for their people or to promote Jewish values or faith, they were still lauded for somehow succeeding in a world where the odds seem stacked against them.

Subscribe to The JNS Daily Syndicate by email and never miss our top stories Happily, over the decades, the circumstances of American Jewry have changed for the better.

Though the virus of anti-Semitism persists and motivates much of the hatred expressed against Israel, the barriers to Jews throughout American society have collapsed. Even as hatred continues to be a factor, it’s also true that Jews do not cower in fear at the power of enemies. We don’t need Jewish baseball legends to prove that we aren’t weak any more than we need songwriters or comedians to prove that we fit in, or Supreme Court justices and senators to establish the importance of our many contributions to society.

So why are many Jews still obsessed with Jewish celebrities and willing to treat their utterances as important when we ought to know better?

That’s the lesson some of us should have learned from the self-destruction of Roseanne Barr.

The point here is not to add to the chorus of

Roseanne Bar speaking at the 2018 Jerusalem Post Conference in New York City. Credit: The Jerusalem Post. condemnations of her disgusting and racist comment about Valerie Jarrett, a key advisor to former U.S. President Barack Obama. There’s no excuse for that kind of verbal ugliness, which was neither funny nor cogent, about a person’s background or heritage, even if, in this case, she was a public figure whose work is fair game for criticism. Nor is the decision of ABC to cancel Barr’s recently rebooted hit television sitcom a question of free speech or related to her support of President Donald Trump. No one has a right to a television show, and if the network understandably doesn’t wish to be associated with her, that is its choice.

What is worthy of discussion is the way the Jewish world, especially in the pro-Israel community, was willing to treat Barr as not merely noteworthy, but somehow possessing some insight into the world of politics or even the Middle East. As anyone who followed her Twitter account before the slur at Jarrett was published, the nicest word one would apply to Barr could

be “eccentric.” (Most of the time, “unhinged” was more apt.)

The odd thing about Barr was that while she was once known as an ardent liberal with little interest in Jewish issues, in recent years she had become an open and vocal supporter of Israel and a critic of anti-Semitism. That was praiseworthy, but along with it came scads of tweets that were either unintelligible or the product of conspiracy theories. While it was nice to see a famous Jew support Israel at a time when so many Jewish celebrities are at pains to distance themselves from the Jewish state, you didn’t have to scroll down very far in her Twitter feed to realize that she was not exactly a reliable source of commentary.

Yet that didn’t stop her from being booked at the annual Jerusalem Post conference in New York and treated not merely as a star, but as someone whose voice should be heard. I don’t so much blame the Post for trying to exploit her celebrity as I do a Jewish community that still labors under the delusion that what Jewish

celebrities say about politics or policy matters.

I know that to some, the original version of her eponymous sitcom was a rare tribute to the American working class. Others liked the new edition because her character, like the actress, voted for Trump, and served as a touch of American working-class realism that made many on the left unhappy. None of that made her an authority on the issues of the day, but that didn’t stop many of us from cheering when her random comments on Twitter sometimes were supportive of Israel and vented anger at anti-Semites.

That’s the thing about treating people who are famous for talents other than those rooted in knowledge and wisdom about contemporary social and political issues. Perhaps it is human nature to do so, but it seems to me that a Jewish community that should have long ago outgrown its infatuation with famous members of the tribe was particularly foolish to give someone like Barr this sort of treatment.

The object lesson to be learned is not just that we are obligated to condemn hatred wherever we encounter it, especially when it comes out of the mouths of those who identify as Jewish.

It’s that in a free society where Jews need no heroes in the way we once did, we should stop obsessing over Jewish celebrities—whether it means making lists of Jewish actors or tallying up how many of those suiting up for Major League Baseball can count as Jews (halachically or not).

Difficult as it may be to do in a culture that glorifies notoriety for its own sake, it’s especially important for Jews who care about the furtherance of Jewish values to eschew the cult of celebrity.

It may be a lot these days to ask to expect American Jews to find our heroes among the ranks of our great scholars and thinkers. But when you realize what comes from godding up the likes of Roseanne Barr, perhaps it won’t be so difficult.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNS — Jewish News Syndicate. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin.

Two-State delusion divides American and Israeli Jews FROM PAGE 16 among other things, the following: “J Street is saddened and disturbed by renewed violence today at the Gaza-Israel border…

“While there are reports of a small number of Palestinians attempting to breach the fence or otherwise attack Israeli soldiers, the vast majority of those who have gathered appear to be exercising their legitimate and important right to engage in nonviolent protest…

We call on Hamas to stop inciting violence within peaceful protests. We call on Palestinian leaders to resume efforts to negotiate a path to political reconciliation. And, echoing numerous Israeli peace organizations and political parties, we call on the Israeli government to ease the siege of Gaza, help alleviate the suffering of its people and actively pursue a two-state resolution to the underlying conflict…”

The implication that Hamas usurped the protests of a peaceful majority does not jibe with facts on the ground. There was nothing incidental about the involvement of Hamas, which planned the violence in Gaza, knowing mainstream journalists would whitewash its coordinated mayhem, mischaracterize its intentions, and criticize any Israeli response as disproportionate. Apparently, Hamas could also count on western progressives to vouch for its supporters’ integrity and raise the false specter of Israeli culpability.

On-site reports described widespread violence, with participants burning tires, pelting IDF soldiers with rocks, hurling incendiary projectiles, and breaching the security fence at the border. The unrest has been pervasive and not limited to extremist

outliers; and notwithstanding fatuous reports of Israeli soldiers killing young and elderly Arab civilians, almost all casualties have been identified as terrorists or adults of fighting age, including members of Hamas’s “Nukhba” commando unit. Moreover, the renewal of violence to coincide with the US embassy opening in Jerusalem has been described by non-Israeli military experts as a coordinated, tactical terrorist operation.

Despite Hamas’s admission that most of those killed were terrorists, liberal Jewish groups nonetheless have publicly mourned the deaths of “innocents.” And news reports from Gaza continue to portray the violence as an understandable expression of frustration over “the occupation.” Although Israel’s complete disengagement in 2006 illustrates the absurdity of such claims, it is ignored by activist reporters who persist in characterizing Gaza as occupied despite the lack of any Israeli presence or rule Dishonest reporting and claims of disproportionate Israeli reactions are intended to evoke false images of Jewish colonial repression – images that are reinforced by liberals who support the revisionist myth that Israel’s existence without a Palestinian state violates the intent of the original Mandate for Palestine. Such arguments are nonsense, however, insofar as the San Remo Convention of 1920, the Transjordan Memorandum of 1922, and the Palestine Mandate of 1923 never advocated creating a state for “Palestinians,” who had no sovereign existence and whose national identity would not be invented for decades. To the extent these enabling documents may have contemplated an Arab state alongside a Jewish one in the ancient Jewish homeland, that intent was fulfilled by

the creation of Transjordan (Jordan) in 1921.

This history – not Palestinian mythology – should set the parameters for any resolutional framework. It is well and good that Israel is a vibrant democracy that respects minorities and encourages free participation in the electoral process. Israel’s primary existential purpose, however, is to provide national autonomy for Jews in their homeland. Her equal treatment of all citizens, whether Jewish or Arab, is a projection of her ancestral values and starkly contrasts with the ethnic and religious persecution and strife that characterize the rest of the Mideast.

And yet, progressives never condemn countries like Saudi Arabia for financing extremism, subjugating women, and suppressing speech, or Iran for persecuting non-Muslims, killing gay people, and exporting terrorism. They prefer instead to denounce Israel using an assortment of unsupportable straw arguments.

One of easiest calumnies is to accuse Israel of apartheid, because the mere use of the word inflames passions beyond reason, especially among those who are unaware that it is a crime with a specific definition. The International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute of 2002 defines “apartheid” as consisting of acts “committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime.” This definition hardly fits Israel, however, where Arab citizens have the same legal rights as Jews, live where they want, and serve in government as Knesset members, cabinet ministers, and judges.

Another common subterfuge is the “demographic time-bomb” argument, which

claims Arab population growth will displace Jews and result in the suspension of democracy to maintain Jewish supremacy. But Israel’s population last year totaled approximately 8,680,000, broken down by percentage as 75% Jewish, 20% Arab, and 4.5% “other.”

Moreover, Jewish birthrates are higher than those of Arabs, even among secular Jews, and they continue to rise as Arab birthrates decline, both in pre 1967 Israel and in Judea and Samaria.

Finally, those who believe two-statism is necessary to preserve Israel’s democracy also tend to represent orthodoxy as a threat to democratic freedom, though orthodox hegemony does not seem to bother average Israelis. The anti-religious fervor of secular non-Israelis seems to ignore the fact that orthodox influence is maintained through Israel’s political process and is ultimately subject to domestic political pressures. It seems, however, that what secular progressives really want is to remake Israel in their own image from afar.

Perhaps it is diaspora Jews who are alienating Israelis, and not vice versa.

Regardless of motivation, secular Americans often sound presumptuous in declaring what would be best for Israel – oblivious to how their partisan ideals might threaten her sovereign integrity. If they are truly concerned about Israel’s survival, however, they would do well to learn her history, acknowledge the reality of Palestinian rejectionism, understand what is really happening in Gaza, and recognize that Israeli citizens are capable of determining their own national needs and priorities.

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international

June 2018

Reviewing a month of hypocrisy and moral decadence WORDFROMJERUSALEM.COM ISI LIEBLER Never have we witnessed such morally decadent political behavior as what has transpired these past weeks.

Paradoxically, this occurred in the wake of a series of incredible Israeli achievements.

It was Israel’s founding leader David BenGurion, an avowed secularist, who stated, “In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”

Kibbutz galuyot – the ingathering of the exiles – has become a reality. Israel has emerged as a military and economic superpower, is water-independent and is a major high-tech powerhouse. Its standing on a global level is unsurpassed.

The Donald Trump administration, in contrast to its predecessor, treats Israel as a genuine ally. It abrogated the bogus 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, imposing tough sanctions on them despite the bleating of the Europeans who are desperate to continue appeasing the Iranians.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded that the Iranians pull out of Syria and desist from engaging in international terror and explicitly warned them to cease calling for Israel’s destruction. No longer is Israel facing Iran alone.

At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been able to maintain a friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also called on Iran to withdraw from Syria. Today, Israel is in great demand and sought out by many countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

Last month, Israel scored a remarkable military victory against the Iranians and virtually destroyed their infrastructure in Syria in overnight raids, suffering no casualties.

This was followed by the dramatic disclosure of the Mossad, which, having incredibly purloined literally half a ton of Iranian classified documents, demonstrated to the world with conclusive evidence that the Iranians were lying when they claimed that they had no intention of creating a nuclear bomb.

The peak of Israel’s jubilation came with the American administration’s opening of its embassy in Jerusalem in a gala ceremony that thrilled the nation.

Despite repeated criticisms and condemnations of this by European and other countries, Israelis were in an exuberant mood that climaxed with Netta Barzilai’s spectacular win for Israel at the Eurovision song contest.

Now we turn to Gaza. There have been continuous complaints about the appalling living standards and high level of unemployment in Gaza. The bulk of funds

from Israel and other countries flowing into Gaza are siphoned off by Hamas to produce rockets, dig tunnels and prepare for a military confrontation with Israel. The most obvious example is the concrete – allowed to enter Gaza by Israel – being diverted to terror tunnels in lieu of building homes. As recently as last month, Hamas rejected vital medication from Israel to avoid showing Israel in a positive light.

If Hamas would cease its obsession to destroy the Jewish state, Israeli and global aid would pour into the country and could transform it into a Middle Eastern Singapore.

But the abject living conditions of those under its rule do not concern Hamas, whose primary aim remains “armed conflict” and the destruction of Israel.

After its efforts to undermine Israel with rockets and tunnels had been thwarted, it used the opening of the U.S. Embassy and 70 years of the Nakba as the pretext to launch a new campaign against Israel, enlisting thousands of Gazans to storm the borders and actualize their claimed “right of return” to Israel.

Hailed to the outside world as “peaceful, nonviolent demonstrations,” the participants were provided with maps of nearby Jewish towns and encouraged to bring weapons in order to kill as many Jews as possible and take Israelis as hostages. Peaceful farming communities only a kilometer beyond the border were intended as their initial targets.

They descended en masse to the borders hurling rocks and Molotov cocktails, and bringing pipe bombs, grenades, machetes and guns as well as sending burning kites, some emblazoned with swastikas, to destroy Israeli fields.

Hamas proclaimed that the purpose of this campaign was to bring an end to the Jewish state and that the casualties would be celebrated as martyrs, their families compensated.

The Israeli government responded in the same manner as any nation whose borders were attacked by swarms of terrorists seeking to murder their civilians. The IDF was instructed to ensure that no terrorist cross the border. While doing their utmost to avoid needless casualties, soldiers had no choice but to resort to live fire when terrorists tore down the barriers and penetrated Israel.

Hamas operatives were instructed to dress in civilian attire. Extras and their families were also bused in and promised payment for their services and larger sums if they became injured. Maps were posted on Facebook displaying locations of Israeli homes, schools and daycare centers adjacent to the border.

Many youngsters and even infants were pushed to the forefront, forced to assume

the role of human shields. During almost two months of rioting and attacks on the border, over 100 people were killed and thousands allegedly wounded. Although Hamas itself proudly proclaimed to its followers that the majority killed were Hamas activists, it announced to the world that this was a massacre of innocent people peacefully demonstrating. The higher the number of casualties, the more Hamas rejoiced.

Despite clear visual evidence of the violent Hamas attacks to break through the borders, the liberal media – which had been frustrated with Israel’s recent run of successes – totally adopted the Hamas lies and carried screaming headlines describing callous, bloodthirsty Israelis killing peaceful protestors, including women and children.

Political leaders joined in the hysteria, accusing Israel of responding disproportionately, implying that if 500 Israelis had been killed, the death of the Hamas thugs would have been more justified. Some, like Turkey’s anti-Semitic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused Israel of war crimes and even of treating the Palestinians worse than the Nazis treated the Jews.

It was only the U.S. that stood by Israel’s right to defend itself, vetoing a call for a commission of inquiry by the U.N. Security Council. It was joined by Australia in the U.N. Human Rights Council, where the hypocrites passed a resolution calling for a commission of inquiry into Israel’s actions without even referring to the Hamas provocation.

This has been one of the worst examples of double standards and the pogrom atmosphere generated against Israel. Fourteen countries, including five EU member states, to their eternal disgrace, stooped to the depths of depravity when they stood aside and abstained. Included among these were purported friends of Israel like Germany, the United Kingdom and Hungary. Their complete passivity when Israel is condemned for defending itself against terrorists committed to its annihilation is nothing short of moral turpitude. Shame on them!

Despite the monstrous ongoing massacres in the region, purported human rights NGOs, the U.N., the leftist media, and most government leaders used this episode as a pretext to demonize and condemn Israel.

Setting aside this despicable behavior and the echoing of the incendiary murderous script crafted for them by Hamas, what is truly macabre is the behavior of sections of Diaspora Jewish communities. Fringe groups in both the U.S. and U.K. have been publicly demonstrating in favor of the Hamas killers and even holding surreal recitations of the

mourner’s kaddish, naming the individuals killed. This is the equivalent of reciting kaddish for dead SS soldiers who shared the same genocidal objectives against the Jews as Hamas – truly a chilul Hashem, a desecration of God’s name.

Even beyond this demented fringe, many Jews are publicly expressing grief at the death of the terrorists. Yet they do not express any sadness that our adversaries are obscenely providing human sacrifices by positioning women and children in the line of fire to capitalize on casualties so as to demonize Israel for public relations purposes.

Rabbinical sermons have referred to the bulk of those killed as innocents, even though Hamas leaders themselves claim that 85% of them were their operatives. On May 14 at its graduation and ordination ceremony, the Reform movement’s Hebrew Union College shamelessly chose as its guest speaker the fiercely anti-Zionist author Michael Chabon.

Anti-Defamation League head Jonathan Greenblatt wrote that “it is a horrific tragedy that so many people have been killed and wounded at the Gaza border.” Would Greenblatt have said this about the masses of Nazis and German civilians killed in the course of World War ll?

There is a serious sickness among Jews when so many feel more concern about the death of those seeking to kill us than anxiety for their own kinsmen.

No country facing such attacks on its borders would act with greater restraint than the IDF. No country would fail to take such steps to protect its territorial integrity and the life and limb of its citizens.

Nevertheless, the world is clinging maliciously to the lies promoted by Hamas, a terrorist organization that does not even try to hide its goal of murdering Israelis. Hamas claims its supporters are engaging in peaceful demonstrations and being butchered by Israelis with a lust to massacre Palestinian children.

Yet, Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al-Zahar explicitly told Al Jazeera TV, “When we talk about ‘peaceful resistance’ we are deceiving the public.” And in the midst of the campaign, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar told his people, “We will tear down the border and we will tear out their hearts from their bodies … and eat the livers of Israelis.”

Peaceful demonstrations?!

This column was originally published in the Jerusalem Post and Israel Hayom

Seeing the light unto the nations SIVAN RAHAV MEIR I looked up the full text of the speeches delivered here in Israel in recent weeks, and I thought, as I have done in the past as well, that we had let the grandiose words slip through the net. It happens almost every time a highranking guest comes to Israel. The media is on the lookout for the instant headline concerning the political or diplomatic situation, or about Hamas or Iran. However, in the quest for a newsworthy comment, we tend to miss out on an important message being conveyed, for it is not considered “newsworthy” enough. The following are sentiments expressed by three presidents and one businessman in recent weeks in Israel, and their comments certainly are newsworthy. Read these speeches and take note of what drives Israel’s guests. It is not mutual interests, but rather justice, morals, and doing the right thing.

Juan Carlos Varela, the president of Panama gave a powerful speech at the President’s Residence last week. In a voice trembling with emotion, he spoke of his university roommate who was murdered in an airplane terrorist attack committed by Hezbollah in

1994: “I lost one of my best friends because of Hezbollah terrorism. This is the reason why you can be assured that wherever I go, I will always support you. I will always defend the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Panama is the only Latin American country that joined the coalition against ISIS. I made this decision because in life one has to do what is right. The right thing was to join the coalition against ISIS and the correct thing is to defend Israel’s right to defend herself against terrorists who are trying to infiltrate her borders. I admire this country, I admire her people and I admire her leaders. You are always fighting for an ideal and a purpose and I want to learn more about you.”

In a later interview, Varela added: “Even someone who is not a believer becomes a believer when he visits Israel.”

Horacio Cartes, the president of Paraguay echoed these sentiments when he spoke at the opening ceremony of his country’s embassy in Jerusalem: “Many people ask me why I decided to move our embassy to Jerusalem and I answer that we want to be in the right place. We do not owe you anything and you do not owe us. It is simply the right thing to do.”

Panama has a population of 4 million, and Paraguay’s population numbers 7 million.

Another country that moved its embassy to Jerusalem is Guatemala, which has a population of 17 million. President Jimmy Morales spoke at the opening ceremony: “I ask you to also honor the president of our parliament and our chief justice because all three presidents supported the embassy move. I feel at home here. We admire the spirit of Israel. We share brotherly love. You are a light to the Nations, God bless you.”

Maybe the reason we suppress these compliments is that they obligate us or pose a challenge to us. No Israeli leader would go to Guatemala and tell the hosts that they are a “Light to the World.” So why do our guests say it to us? What does it mean for us?

This brings us to another visit a few weeks ago that barely received any media coverage. I cannot understand why no one has prepared a short video clip with choice quotes from these speeches. Jack Ma, the founder and owner of the Chinese e-commerce website Alibaba made a request to the organizers of his visit to Israel: “I do not want to only meet people from the business community, I want to have some

Judaism as well.”

During his meeting with Nobel Prize laureate, Professor Yisrael Auman, Ma said: “You have brought a unique spirit to the world and the power to change it and so I want to learn about your story. I hope that one day we will also have a similar story to tell.” n his acceptance speech upon receiving an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University, Ma noted: “You are a miracle. I asked people why you are all so smart and they said it is because we were homeless and the only thing that cannot be taken away from such a person is their intelligence. You people remind us that education is of paramount importance. We have to appreciate our brains and not our property and money.”

We are world champions in giving media prominence to the criticisms heaped upon us.

While it is certainly important to listen to our critics, should we not also take good notice of the compliments we receive? How can we ensure that they also get prime coverage?

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June 2018

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Challenge accepted!

MORIAH COLLEGE Moriah College students have shown they’re all heart by raising more than $30,000 for the Halachic Organ Donor Society (HODS) with their ‘Student Principal’ initiative.

The students managed to persuade six Moriah Leaders, including the College Principal, John Hamey, to ‘transplant’ themselves into students for a day if they could raise $10,000 for HODS in just one week. The College Leaders had to dress in full school uniform, sit with students in classes and give up their offices and parking spots for one whole day.

The five High School students who raised the most money for HODS during the week also competed in a game of Operation during a School assembly. The winner, Year 12 student Tiffany Levine, was awarded a trip to Israel to participate in the 2019 HODS fun run!

Whoever saves a life saves the world Moriah’s Rabbi Benji Levy, Dean of Jewish Life and Learning, discovered firsthand the importance of organ donation when his baby daughter, Lital, required a lifesaving liver transplant earlier this year.

‘The Student Principal initiative was created in honour of my daughter’s

miraculous recovery thanks to the generous liver donation of a kind Australian,’ says Rabbi Benji. ‘It is always inspiring to see our students educate the community.

There’s a common misconception that Halachic organ donation is not acceptable within Judaism, but this is just not the case.

And anyone who registers to become an organ donor could be the one who saves a life. It’s so easy to register online through the HODS website and it only takes four minutes.’

Rabbi Benji is extremely proud of the students and what they have achieved. ‘To have raised well over $30,000 the week my daughter is celebrating her first birthday is absolutely heartwarming,’ he said. ‘We hope that this initiative saves the lives of people in need of organ transplants around the world.’

Head of High School, Jan Hart, said that the students impressed her with their maturity and understanding of the joy of giving.

‘The Student Leadership Council came together as one and worked as a collective,’ she said. ‘They took responsibility for the campaign and inspired others.’

The students are continuing to raise funds and awareness for HODS through other initiatives.

Teachers underwent a ‘transplant’ to become students for the day

Year 12 student Tiffany Levine won a trip to Israel

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schools / shuls

June 2018

An Evening of Harmony – At The North Shore Synagogue NORTH SHORE SYNAGOGUE The “Nations Bless Israel” Service held on the 29th April 2018 at the North Shore Synagogue in Lindfield was an historical and memorable occasion for over 400 Christians and Jews alike. This event was run by The Rev. The Hon. Fred Nile MLC and his wife Silvana, to build love, respect and unity between the Christian and Jewish communities of Sydney and beyond and to show their desire to see Israel and its people blessed. The main focus of this event, according to Silvana, is to acknowledge that Christians are genuine in choosing to stand together with the Jewish community, to praise God and to bless Israel.

Rabbi Lewin, Senior Minister of The North Shore Synagogue hosted the event, with Cantor Zvi Teichtahl and Ben Oxley singing beautiful Hebrew and Australian renditions of their National Anthems.

Jewish guest speakers included Dr. David Adler, President of the Australian Jewish Association, Yair Miller OAM is the CEO of the NSW United Israel Appeal and Dr Ron Weiser AM Member of the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency.

The Christian speakers Rev Hon Fred Nile, Pastor Peter Walker, Judy Russell and Sister Gideona from the Evangelical sisters of Mary delivered in their speeches strategic action plans and offered hope, support, encouragement and love to the Jewish audience on their 70th anniversary of the rebirth of the State of Israel.

Early Learning Shavuos Shabbat with Pride Event at KTC NORTH SHORE TEMPLE EMANUEL

KESSER TORAH COLLEGE AVIVA YESGAR KTC Early Learning Mums and Dads had a fantastic morning with their little ones at the Shavuos Learning Experience. Fun Shavuos - themed activities which they

participated in including Build-your-ownTorah, creating and decorating Har Sinai out of clay, and making a loose parts collage out of Aleph Beis letters and stones. The children had a great time with their Mums and Dads, and the morning ended with a beautiful morning tea.

Members of North Shore Temple Emanuel (NSTE) made history recently, as the congregation celebrated its inaugural “Pride Shabbat” service on Friday 25 May. The date was chosen by its proximity to Sydney’s Pride Festival which celebrates LGBTI art, cinema, and events, however, as pointed out in Senior Rabbi Nicole Roberts’ welcoming words, it was also opening night of Vivid, “when a rainbow of colours annually lights up the Sydney sky and cityscape.

What better time for a celebration of diversity and inclusion!”

Rabbi Roberts continued, ”A few years ago, Vivid first came to Chatswood. Tonight, Chatswood welcomes Pride Shabbat.”

Organised by members of NSTE’s Inclusion and Diversity Task Force, including NSTE staff members Dave ‘Dudu’ Gottlib and Sarona Perez, the evening began with Kabbalat Shabbat led by Rabbi Roberts and Cantor Ted Labow on guitar. Special guest speaker, Dayenu (Sydney’s Jewish LGBTI group) President, Kim Gotlieb, delivered the d’rash, just before Rabbi Nicole invited all newcomers to the shul to ascend the bimah for Aleinu.

After the service, everyone joined in a delightful wine and cheese gathering, lingering awhile to chat and meet new people.

“Our closing song was Ani V’atah (“You and I”) which has lyrics that speak of changing the world, one by one,” says Rabbi Roberts.

“One person at a time, one partnership at a time, one service at a time, we will draw people in from the margins of Jewish life and

help them feel they are an integral part of our community.”

Embracing diversity was a prominent theme in Mr Gotlieb’s address, as well.

He said “It is fitting on this inaugural Pride Shabbat that our Torah portion concludes with a beautiful ritual in which each of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel brings an offering for the inauguration of the altar.

While their gifts are identical, they are brought on different days and each one is individually described. For me, this calls on us to be very mindful of our individuality and uniqueness, while also realising that at our core…we are all identical in the eyes of God.” NSTE’s first annual “Pride Shabbat” service is part of the work of the NSTE Inclusion and Diversity Task Force, which seeks ways to make our community more accessible and inclusive.

“It was really lovely to see and meet new smiling faces at shul,” says Immediate Past President, Mark Ginsburg. “Seeing everyone up on the bimah during Aleinu was heartwarming.”

For more information about NSTE, visit www.nste.org.au or contact the office on 9419 7011

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Musical Director Appointed at North Shore Synagogue NORTH SHORE SYNAGOGUE The North Shore Synagogue is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Joseph Toltz as its Musical Director and Consultant.

Dr Toltz will be working closely with Cantor Zvi Teichtahl and choirmaster Michael Rosenbaum in refining the repertoire and introducing more contemporary and enjoyable tunes to the services. He will also be collaborating with the choristers to upskill voice production and harmonies. In addition, Dr Toltz will be working closely with a soon to be appointed Assistant Choirmaster, who will ultimately conduct the choir on a regular basis.

Joseph Toltz is a music researcher and administrator at the University of Sydney. He was recently co-investigator for “Performing the Jewish Archive”, a four-year British Arts & Humanities Council project, based at the University of Leeds. As part of this project, he directed the 2017 festival “Out of the Shadows: rediscovering Jewish music and theatre” at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the fourth of five performance festivals sponsored

by Performing the Jewish Archive.

The festival featured the Goldner String Quartet, Vox Ensemble (Sydney Philharmonic Choirs), Sydney Children’s Choir, SCM Chamber Choir, SSO Fellows, Luminescence Chamber Singers and staff and students of the SCM. A former fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial

Photograph by: James Humberstone

Museum, he is co-authoring a book with Dr Anna Boucher on the first collection of Holocaust songs; co-writing a stage work with Guta Goldstein about her musical experience and memories as a child survivor of the Łódź Ghetto; working with the University of Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna on the Austrian-Jewish

refugee composer, Wilhelm Grosz; and working with the University of Akron, Ohio, on musical recordings made by Dr David Boder in Displaced Persons camps in Europe, in mid-1946. Joseph has recently returned from speaking engagements in London, New York, Toronto and Chicago.

Regular weekly rehearsals will

commence on Wednesday 6 June in the Rev. Katz Library at the North Shore Synagogue in Lindfield.

For more information or to register your interest in joining our expanding choir please contact Cantor Zvi Teichtahl at chazan@nss.asn.au or phone 9416 3710.

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

A personal message from Wendy Barel, Masada College Principal

THANK YOU WENDY and Lehitraot

MASADA COLLEGE Dear Masada Family It is with a great sense of sadness that I end my seventeen years at Masada College.

It has been a great honour to lead our special school and there were many times that I felt I had to pinch myself to see if it was real that I had been given this huge responsibility and privilege.

I would like to acknowledge the current and past Board presidents and Boards of Management for their support and belief in me which allowed me over the years to move forward and introduce a range of initiatives to the College, both large and small, that have I believe put Masada College on the educational map.

The last few months have only further reinforced my feelings about the strength of Masada as so many of you, parents, staff, students and alumni, have reached out to me and supported me and my family with their words, thoughts and actions. This highlights the community that is Masada College.

I have been in regular contact with Mr Martin Tait and his leadership team over the year and know what a wonderful job they are doing. We are so fortunate to have a leader of Martin’s calibre to step into the role, as he is such a gentleman, professional, empathetic and energetic, in all he does.

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

And no one individual embodies the HIVE values more than Wendy, our outgoing College Principal. We thank you, Wendy, for your 17 years of leadership - 12 of them as College Principal, all of them filled with tireless dedication to our children and your fellow members of staff.

While I may now officially be stepping down from Principalship, I am certainly still planning to stay very connected to Masada College and to be there to support it in any way I can from the sidelines.

I urge you all to recognise what a privilege it is to have a school that offers so many opportunities, so strong a sense of community, such a great team of educators and staff, a lifetime link to our heritage and by doing so and doing so publicly, you will ensure that Masada College remains the “jewel in the North Shore”.

Thank you for all your support over the years and may you and the College continue to go from strength to strength.

Wendy Barel College Principal

You have seen 935 children graduate from Masada under your care, who - thanks to programs you introduced like ‘A Culture of Thinking’ and ‘Leader in Me’ - have left to join the adult world as progressive thinkers who are helping the broader Jewish and Australian community thrive.

We are deeply grateful for your legacy. And now, as it is your turn to depart, we wish you the best of health and success in your endeavours.

Todah Rabah, Wendy, from all of us at Masada College.

ELC-Yr 12 College Campus: 9-15 Link Road, St Ives T +61 2 9449 3744

hiveofpotential.com.au

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schools / shuls

June 2018

Australian Rabbi Sends Message to Germany Amid Rise in Anti-Semitism CHABAD ACT RABBI SHMUELI FELDMAN Chairman of Chabad in Australia’s Capital, Canberra, Rabbi Shmueli Feldman, had an important meeting with the Ambassador of Germany to Australia, Dr Anna Prinz.

The meeting comes after Rabbi Feldman held discussions with Rabbi Yisroel Diskin, the Head Chabad Rabbi to Germany, about the alarming rise of anti-Semitic incidents.

Germany has been in the spotlight lately due to a video of a man beaten for wearing a Kippah.

Whilst the Kippa beating incident went viral, most incidents are not made public.

Figures from the Berlin Research and Information Centre on Antisemitism showed a massive increase of 60% in anti-Semitic attacks from the previous year. 2017 saw 947 recorded incidents whilst 2016 recorded 590.

Chabad in Germany operates in 19 cities with 31 Chabad Rabbi/Emissary families serving more than 10,000 Jews. Chabad is also Australia’s largest Jewish outreach movement, with over 100 Emissary families serving thousands of Jews in some 100 community organisations.

After Israel, Australia has the highest number per capita of Holocaust survivors in the world, making these reports all the more disturbing to Australia’s vibrant Jewish community.

Rabbi Feldman formally expressed his community’s concern with the increase of anti-Semitism in Germany, as well as solidarity with Germany’s Jews. The rise in anti-Semitism seems to be stemming from both the “far-left” – including from refugees importing prejudices from Northern Africa and the Middle East - and the “far-right” – including the rise of Neo-Nazi parties and activities. The hateful anti-Israel BDS movement has also played a significant role in the worrying trend.

Dr Prinz said: “As German Ambassador I take the concern of your communities very seriously and would like to stress that the German government is fighting strongly against any act of antisemitism.

One recent example underlining this is the appointment of Dr. Felix Klein as Federal

Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Anti-Semitism, effective, 1 May 2018. (the relevant press release is attached).

In reaction to the anti-Semitic incident in Berlin, around 2500 people of all backgrounds came together in front of the Jüdisches Gemeindehaus (Jewish community hall) in Berlin-Charlottenburg on the evening of Wednesday 25 April 2018, to show their solidarity with the Jewish community.

Berlin was not the only city showing support in this way. Jews and non-Jews also gathered in Köln, Erfurt, Magdeburg und Potsdam, wearing the kippa as a sign of solidarity. Inspired by these events, the city of Frankfurt, led by Mayor Uwe Becker, scheduled a ‘Frankfurt Kippa Day’ during which men and women wore the kippa in solidarity. The Federal Foreign Office has also released a short video showing colleagues wearing the kippa.

Both the Federal Chancellor as well as our Federal Foreign Minister stressed that the German Government and State will fight antisemitism with strength and determination. The government feels a never-ending responsibility to protect Jewish life in Germany.”

Regarding the comments by the head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, that he was advising individuals “against showing themselves openly with a kippa

in a big-city setting in Germany, and wear a baseball cap or something else to cover their head instead”, Rabbi Feldman told the Ambassador that “the firm Chabad position is that Jews should continue to proudly and openly wear their Kippas and not succumb to fear”.

“The responsibility however to address the justified fear of the Jews, who are being increasingly targeted, sits primarily with the German Government and their policies. It is the Government’s duty to understand why it is happening, to implement a tough zerotolerance approach to anti-Semitism and to do their utmost to prevent its spread”.

Rabbi Feldman added that “whilst Chabad in Germany are very pleased with the steps taken by its Government to address the rise in anti-Semitism, Chabad in Australia’s Capital would like to formally register its disappointment that it has come to this. We pray that Germany’s renewed efforts will be successful and Germany’s Jews will be able to resume their lives in peace, free from any kind of further harassment”.

Notwithstanding the seriousness of the matters discussed, the meeting was especially warm and friendly. The Ambassador and Rabbi made plans to meet for a follow up once the Ambassador returns from Germany.

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Emanuel School families explore the Northern Territory EMANUEL SCHOOL Emanuel School Primary students and their parents recently returned from a trip to the Northern Territory, visiting amongst others, Mataranka and the Jilkminggan community and school.

The first trip of 14 participants was in 2011. The number of participants has grown exponentially to approximately 80 Year 6 students and their parents attending this year.

The jouney aims to build the children’s understanding of Aboriginal Australia. In Years K-5 the students’ learning focuses on local Aboriginal education and connections.

The Year 6 trip provides an opportunity to gain an insight and understanding of remote communities first-hand.

Jasper, one of the Emanuel students, said: “The trip was an eye opening experience. I learnt a great deal not only about the wildlife but also about the people amd community of Jilkminggan. After the trip I felt as if I was now more connected to Australia than I have ever felt.”

Each child who is part of the Emanuel School Northern Territory trip is accompanied by a parent, allowing for a beautiful familial experience at this pivotal age. The group is also able to visit some beautiful sites in the Northern Territory to

gain an appreciation of its charm.

As part of the experience, they spend 3 days at Jilkminggan School, interacting and learning with the local students in a class and community setting. Emanuel families enjoyed a session with Kurun Warun, a celebrated Aboriginal artist, and produced group Aboriginal-inspired paintings, reflecting their experiences.

Lisa Sarzin, who accompanied her son Gideon on the trip, was overwhelmed by the positive experience: “Jilkminggan was exceptional. I felt as though I was standing on the shoulders of giants. If it wasn’t for all the hard work, commitment and loyalty of the School (over many consecutive years), the respect shown by previous groups and the generosity and hospitality of the community, I would never have had this amazing experience. I felt very lucky to go.”

Andrew Watt, Principal, is a strong supporter of the program and the positive outcomes that it brings: “The Northern Territory and specifically the Jilkminggan experience allows our students to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture. They have the unique opportunity of spending time with children in a very different setting. Although their visit to the Jilkminggan School was short, the Year 6 students developed strong connections with the children and will have lasting memories of their time together.”

Kurun Warun with his daughter, Poet Pedretti, Lisa Sarzin and her son Gideon. Kurun Warun painted the featured Sherrin football which was later auctioned at a function in aid of the GO Foundation. The Foundation was founded by Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin to empower Indigenous Australians to build a bright future for themselves.

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June 2018 JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Moriah students selected for Naase: Scholars in Entrepreneurship Scholarship to Israel MORIAH COLLEGE Moriah College has announced that five Year 11 students have been selected as the 2018 Naase Scholars in Entrepreneurship recipients.

David Blau, Judd Katz, Jaime Levine, Joshua Todes and Sabrina Zulman will participate in a week-long trip to Israel, meeting innovators and exploring new opportunities for creative business and social endeavours that will create positive change.

This incredible ‘beyond the classroom’ opportunity underlines Moriah’s commitment to help students become future-ready, groundbreaking young adults that are prepared for a world that’s changing fast.

‘Where the Australian workforce once focused on individuals honing singular job-specific skillsets, today, many industries favour those with a diverse range of knowledge, expertise and enterprise skills’, says College Principal, John Hamey. ‘A diversity of portable skills is critical to succeeding at school and in a globalised workforce that values an enterprising spirit and can-do attitude. The Naase Moriah Scholars in Entrepreneurship program provides students with the opportunity to diversify their skills and interests, developing solutions to real-world problems. It also tests their ability to perform under pressure, develop a compelling argument for their ideas, and use their persuasive power to garner support. This year’s scholars exemplified these skills, showing confidence, curiosity and passion.’

The Scholars will enjoy a unique itinerary

(L-R) David Blau, Judd Katz, Jaime Levine, Joshua Todes, Sabrina Zulman and CoFounder of Kelly+Partners Scholars, that has been created with the assistance of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

They will be on the go non-stop, meeting key innovators from a diverse range of organisations including Aleph VC, Impact Labs, TechforFood, The Nalaga’at Centre, SparkBeyond, TerraLab Ventures, Augmedics, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Unistream, MindCET, Tel Aviv University Pears Program for Global Innovation, aMoon Fund, Innovation: Africa, Dualis Investment Fund, The 8200 Social Program,

Intuition Robotics, OurCrowd, PresenTense, ALYNnovation, Mobileye, OrCam and The Milken Innovation Center, as well as participating in a Student Innovation Workshop at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Forty students submitted proposals to be chosen as Scholars this year, and 11 finalists were chosen to pitch their concepts to a selection panel comprising Moriah Foundation President, Judy Lowy; business leader, Jon Shein; CoFounder of Kelly+Partners Scholars, Brett Kelly;

Principal of Ivany Investments, Peter Ivany AM; Commonwealth Bank Executive, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, and Moriah College Principal, John Hamey.

Brett Kelly described the selection process as ‘an amazing day and a huge credit to the school and parents.’

‘The program is going from strength to strength and I am particularly pleased to see the vision growing. The Kelly+Partners Scholars Program has been designed and funded to encourage young people to develop themselves and understand the positive social impact of building a business’.

The winning ideas included technology innovations for sanitation solutions in third world countries, using rejected bananas to make banana flour, assisting people with mobility challenges, correcting curvature of the spine, and giving a voice to those who are non-verbal.

Moriah Foundation President, Judy Lowy said: “The Moriah Foundation is proud to collaborate with Kelly+Partners to deliver this exclusive opportunity for Moriah College Year 11 students.

The week in Israel exposes the scholars to entrepreneurs from a wide range of internationally recognised start-ups who will inspire our students, develop their ideas and enterprising skills, and encourage them to share their experiences with their peers. This initiative is one of several supported by the Foundation and our donors, that continues to offer Moriah students unique opportunities to extend their learning.”

Healthy Mind, Body and Soul: Ladies Rosh Chodesh Evening at Kehillat Masada KEHILLAT MASADA This month’s ladies Rosh Chodesh evening at Kehillat Masada was all about replenishment. With welcome smoothies at the door and gifts of Pilates mats and healthy snack packs, the ladies of our community were treated to a night where they could relax, learn and rejuvenate minds, bodies and souls.

Rebbetzin Rachel Cohen started the evening with some insightful words on the Jewish perspective to nurturing both body and soul, explaining that our bodies are a reflection of the Divine and that taking care of our physical selves is therefore an integral part of our spiritual growth as a well as an expression of “Hakarat HaTov”gratitude for all we have been given.

Guest speaker Yvette Collins then took us on her journey of transformation, explaining how she lost 60 kilos in 18 months. It turns out that Yvette has no mind-blowing secret to shedding the pounds. Instead, she did it through hard work, exercise and changing the way she thought of herself and her body. Besides taking us through her journey to becoming healthy and fit, Yvette also explained the difference between emotional and

physical eating and presented simple ways to stay motivated along the journey.

Finally, it was time to put our words into action as qualified Pilates instructor Robyn Goldin recharged tired muscles with an energizing Pilates class.

While our raffle winners walked away with prizes, every lady left the room feeling inspired to replenish mind, body and soul - just in time for Shabbat!

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finance

June 2018

FINANCE Timing The Market 1ST STREET TIMING THE MARKET, OR TIME IN THE MARKET? Property investment is still at a high point in Australia right now, and more and more people from all walks of life are striving to commit to an investment strategy to generate future wealth.

However, with house prices having skyrocketed in the last 5 years, a major point of confusion amongst investors is whether timing the market or time in the market is more important to increase wealth generation.

Despite a whopping growth in property value in the last few years, with Sydney in particular experiencing up to 50% growth since 2013, investors rest assured that you haven’t necessarily “missed the boat.”

The key when investing in property is to look at the bigger picture - and the bigger

picture involves a much longer investment cycle than a few years in a booming market.

TIMING THE MARKET Fluctuations in property values occur in cycles and there’s no denying that when you get the timing right, you can fast-track your profits. Alternatively, if you get the timing wrong, your financial return can be heavily delayed.

Timing the market effectively can mean that you benefit from two growth cycles rather than just one, creating a completely different outcome as the years go by.

However, the timing is never going to be perfect so waiting for that ‘perfect timing’ can simply mean wasted opportunities. It is true that those investing in property now will have to wait far longer for their property to experience oversized growth than buyers a few years ago, however this should not deter wannabe investors.

TIME IN THE MARKET It’s true that time in the market is the most crucial factor when considering purchasing investment property. Long-term plans must be front of mind when investing and if this is the case, the performance of your property over the first few years should be irrelevant in comparison to the eventual financial gains you will make.

So what is considered a “long term” investment? A minimum of 10 years is generally a good rule of thumb, with the hope that you would experience two significant growth periods during that time.

The key take home message is that for those serious about building a profitable property portfolio, focus on your end goal and remove any fixations on perfectly timing the market. Acknowledge where you are now and where you want to be in the future.

Utilise your knowledge and assets wisely to get there, whether on your own or with the

help of a mortgage broker. That is ultimately the difference between genuine and lasting investment wealth, and those hoping to earn a quick buck through property.

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finance

June 2018

Are Business Growth Risks an Oxymoron?..

And 5 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make BAS & MORE BOOKKEEPING AND VIRTUAL CFO AVI BENDETSKY Every business owner dreams to grow their business.

You dream about it.

I do, too. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.

However, dangers are lurking in such hopes. So… should you just forget about expanding? Never! But avoiding the common mistakes of rapid growth can save and scale your business time and again.

RISK 1: Not Watching Your Cash Flow As your business expands, it’s easy for expenses to exceed revenue. If you then have a quiet time or a bad economic period it can do your business in.

Avoid bandwagons like “managing by objectives” or “team-based decisionmaking”. There’s nothing wrong with the basic premises of many “new business operations” but unfortunately, in our zeal for bigger and better, we tend to throw out what’s tried and true.

RISK 2: Not Maintaining High Standards of Leadership During the Time of Change When you get committed to expanding your business, sometimes, important things like employee satisfaction, team building, and customer relations get neglected.

As your business grows, you can expect more revenue, and it’s tempting to go on a “spending spree.” Growth may require building capacity or hiring new staff or purchasing new equipment.

But proceed with caution and keep in mind that your customers and your employees don’t always adapt to change as quickly as you’d like. Be sensitive to their anxiety. Be reassuring that your business still values them.

Expansion may involve outsourcing and handing over some of the day-to-day operations to someone else. However, it’s essential to keep your finger on the pulse of your company.

Keep a keen eye on things your leadership role may need when you are expanding. As your company grows so, too, you need to be sensitive to lapses in your leadership skills.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Anything

worth doing should be done gradually and with a carefully crafted plan.

RISK 3: Not Keeping Track of Business Trends and Forgetting to Delegate As a small business owner, it’s easier to be an all-rounder, but as the company grows, can you handle it on your own?

Remember, it’s not your job to make all the decisions 24/7. Take time to understand how your role may change as the company expands. As a CEO, you have to spend your time effectively, know how to plan, communicate clearly where the business is going, motivate and delegate.

For instance, ask yourself whether you have a solid plan for collecting accounts receivable. If you’re billing and not collecting quickly, it’s easy to find your business in a state of needing a debt collector.

That’s why, it’s vital to have a trusted bookkeeper to analyse your figures and ratios while you can focus on further development, client retention or upskilling staff.

Another pitfall is thinking that success is measured in increased sales. More sales don’t always mean higher profits; what matters more is how much money is left in your bank account at the end of the day.

So too, don’t rush to hire new staff.

Introducing Key Performance Indicators,

known as the KPIs, might help to upskill your existing staff and increase their productivity while saving your overheads by one more salary at least.

RISK 4: Not Staying on Top of Your Clients’ Mind Bigger does not necessarily mean better or even more profitable. Don’t let the quality of your customer relations slump because of attention to rapid expansion. Even if you are out there winning over new clients, it is vital to keep your present, loyal customers happy.

As a leader, you need to do what Steve Jobs called “thinking differently”. Stay on top of mind of your existing clients, identify new customer niches and develop products winning against the competition.

You may have gotten into growing your business in an economic boom or upturn for your company, but you need to be prepared for a business downturn, too. We all know what happened to fibre optics companies and dot.com enterprises.

RISK 5: Putting Your Company on Cruise Control Finally, when things seem to be progressing swimmingly, don’t rest on your laurels and put the company on cruise control. There is a tendency in businesses and organisations to take a breather, sit

back, enjoy the success, and pat yourself on the back. Meanwhile, your competitors might develop a solution that will overtake the market.

There is always a need to consider what you should be doing to take your company to the next level. As a business owner, you need to have a growth mindset.

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Anticipate the growing needs and interests of your clients.

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finance

June 2018

Why Now is a Great Time for First Home Buyers 1ST STREET For young Australians with their sights set on buying property, now is the time. As housing demand continues to fall and property prices plateau, there is great opportunity for first time buyers to lock down a somewhat ‘affordable’ piece of real estate. So what is causing the market to change and open doors for the younger generation to finally spend their hard earned savings on property?

Investors are slowing down The huge force that has stood as the primary competition for first-time buyers has been investors. To even out the real estate playing field, banking regulators have tightened their rules, to limit the availability of credit for investors. Similarly, governments have also started to increase taxes for foreign buyers and banks have become stricter on these individuals trying to get home loans in Australia. These protocols have cut out a solid chunk of competitors within the market for younger Australians to pursue their property dreams.

Banks are offering special loan products Banks have started coming out with specific loan products tailored for first home buyers. An example of this is a 3 year fixed rate loan at a slightly reduced rate. This option means that first home buyers feel certainty about their repayments for the first 3 years

of their loan with no surprise rate increases.

This option also allows for an offset feature, which is essentially a savings account linked to the home loan. For new mortgage holders, it means the interest payment due on the loan is calculated only on the net balance of the loan less the savings account.

Government incentives Government incentives for first-home buyers have been around for numerous years. However, in previous years whilst the property market was booming, these incentives held little relevance due to the hugely inflated property prices. Since prices have fallen over the last 12 months, the incentives hold more appeal. In NSW, there are three options for first home buyers*: Stamp duty exemption for properties under $650K and concessions for properties up to $800K First home owners grant of $10K for new homes not exceeding $600K or for those building their own home where total cost does not exceed $750K First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme allowing voluntary contributions to be made into ones super fund, with a maximum of $30K to be released to use towards the purchase of a first home * For incentives in other Australian states and territories, check the Office of State Revenue website.

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June 2018

finance

29

2018 Federal Budget CATALYST FINANCIAL PTY LTD JARED BALKIN On 9 May 2018, Scott Morrison delivered his third budget with a forecast budget deficit of $14.5 Billion for 2018-19.

The treasurer announced that this budget is about creating a stronger economy, creating more jobs, guaranteeing essential services, and the government living within its means. The treasurer said that the economy will be strengthened by providing tax relief, backing business to invest and create jobs, guaranteeing essential services, keeping Australians safe, and controlling government expenditure.

Key Change for Small Business The treasurer announced that in this budget the government is backing business to create jobs.

The key small business tax benefit announced is that the immediate tax deduction for assets costing less than $20,000 will be extended until 30 June 2019 for businesses turning over less than $10m per year.

In addition to this, the government

proposes to enact the following measurers, commencing 1 July 2019, which will impact small businesses: Remove tax deductions for wages where a business fails to withhold PAYG; Remove tax deductions for payments to contractors that don’t provide an ABN and the business does not withhold PAYG; Limit cash payments made to a business for goods and services to $10,000.

Key Changes for Individuals The key announcements that impact on individuals are: From 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022, a new “Low and Middle Income Tax Offset” will be introduced to provide tax relief of up to $530 per year. Taxpayers earning under $37k will get a $200 offset, taxpayers earning between $37k and $48k will get an offset up to $300, and taxpayers earning between $48k and $90k will be eligible for the maximum offset of $530. The maximum offset will phase out between $90k and $125k; From 1 July 2018, the top threshold of the 32.5% tax bracket will increase from $87k to $90k; From 1 July 2022, the top threshold of the 19% tax bracket will increase from $37k to $41k; From 1 July 2022, the top threshold of the 32.5% tax bracket will increase from

$90k to $120k; From 1 July 2022, the maximum Low Income Tax Offset will increase from $445 to $645; From 1 July 2024, the top threshold of the 32.5% tax bracket will increase to $200k, removing the 37% tax bracket completely. At the same time, the top tax bracket of 45% will start at incomes over $200k; The previously proposed Medicare Levy increase from 2% to 2.5%, commencing 1 July 2019, will not proceed.

Key Changes Relating to Superannuation The government has announced the following superannuation changes, effective 1 July 2019: The maximum number of members in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) will increase from 4 to 6; Individuals aged 65 to 74 will be exempt from passing the work test in order to make voluntary contributions, if they have superannuation balances below $300k in the first year that they do not meet the work test.

SMSFs that have a history of 3 consecutive years of clear audit reports and have lodged their tax returns on time, will only need to have their financial statements audited every 3 years instead of annually;

Fees charged by superannuation funds will be capped at 3% for accounts with balances below $6,000; Superannuation funds will not be allowed to charge exit fees when a member decides to rollover to another fund.

Key Change Relating to GST From 1 July 2019, foreign tour operators selling Australian hotel accommodation will be required to register for GST and charge GST on their hotel accommodation sales, if their annual turnover of Australian accommodation is $75k or more per year. Foreign tour operators have been exempt from being obligated to register for GST and charge Australian GST on their Australian hotel accommodation supplies since 2005. Australian hotel accommodation is increasingly being booked online from offshore based suppliers and this change will bring them in line with Australian accommodation suppliers.

How much can you borrow?

PRINCIPAL MORTGAGES Many people have no idea how lenders determine a persons or couples borrowing capacity for residential lending yet this is the most common question asked of a mortgage broker. When a lender considers how much money they will lend a customer they consider two items, item 1: what is the percentage of the property value being borrowed (otherwise known as the loan-to-value ratio (LVR)) and item 2: do the borrowers meet the lender’s servicing requirements?

Issue 1 is simple to calculate as you simply divide the loan amount (say $800,000) by the property value (say $1,000,000) and the resulting ratio (80%) is the LVR ratio. If the LVR ratio is above 80% the lender will require the borrower to pay mortgage insurance which is a one-off insurance premium to insure the lender against losing any money should the borrower be unable to repay the loan. If you are in the medical (Dentist, GP, Specialist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Veterinary Practitioner), accounting (Accountant, Actuary, Auditor, Finance Manager, Chief Financial Officer), legal (Barrister, Lawyer, Judge, Solicitor) or mining (Surveyor, Mine Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor, Geologist) industry there are lenders that will waive mortgage insurance and allow you to borrow up to 90% of the property value without paying any insurance premium. This can save you up to $60,000.

Item 2 is generally more complex as item 1 as lenders servicing calculators require a broker to input income, existing debts, living expenses and credit card limits. As you can appreciate some of these inputs are not simple to calculate and the experience of your mortgage broker can play a big part. The majority of lenders will assess existing debts at an assessment rate using principal and interest repayments (currently around 7.5%) and will allow the applicant to estimate monthly living expenses so long as it is higher than the national average of the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM). This estimate takes into account factors such as the application type (single or joint) and the number of dependants that the application

support. Living expenses is currently a topical issue as the Banking Royal Commission has raised concerns about lenders not taking any action to verify expenses disclosed by customers.

As a result many lenders are now reviewing bank statements and credit card statements of applicants and questioning living expenses if they appear to be too low. The table below provides an example of the borrowing capacity for a couple using different monthly living expenses.

As highlighted above a couple with living expenses of $5,000 per month can currently borrow $293,000 less than the same couple with living expenses of $3,000 per month.

The information above has been provided to assist consumers in understanding the complexities when applying for a home loan or investment loan. By using a mortgage broker with appropriate experience you can understand the different policies of the different lenders as well as the likely implications of submitting an application to a particular lender.

If you would like a free consultation with a highly experienced mortgage broker please call Shaun Bettman on 0416 074 956 or email at Shaunb@ principalmortgages.com.au.

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June 2018

Praxis praxis praxis!!

KICKSTART KIDS THERAPY

for

efficient,

skilled

and

co-ordinated

movements to occur.

How do we learn to run, jump, zip up our coat, brush our teeth, write our name or find our way to the shop?

Praxis praxis praxis!!

Assessment & Intervention As Occupational Therapists we assess praxis using both our clinical observations of the child during novel tasks and standardised assessments.

What is Praxis?

Praxis (sometimes referred to as motor planning) is a child’s ability to organise, plan, and then execute new or unfamiliar motor tasks. The development of sensory systems and effective sensory processing especially the tactile (touch), vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (body awareness) systems are of primary importance for the development of praxis.

There are 3 steps to effective praxis: Ideation is the ability to formulate a goal for action, eg coming up with multiple ways to play with a toy. It is the cognitive and creative part of play.

Motor planning involves figuring out how to get one’s body to carry out the goal for action. This step of planning and sequencing of motor tasks requires body and spatial awareness.

Execution is the actual performance of the planned action. It involves gross and fine motor coordination to accomplish the task. A child can have difficulty in any one or combination of these areas.

• seem clumsy, accident prone and messy • struggles in attempting to master a new skill • have difficulty imitating the actions of others • find it difficult to follow verbal instructions •have difficulty forming a plan to reach the goal of a task • not initiate a task or they may rush through it and produce messy, haphazard work • avoid activities or choose less challenging or sedentary activities • become frustrated when they cannot keep up to their peers which may result in disruptive behaviour or poor self esteem.

What does it look like?

A child with praxis difficulties may:

What sensory systems help with praxis?

Children with praxis difficulties need

We look at the child’s • underlying sensory processing which may be impacting on praxis • gross and fine motor skills which may be reduced/delayed as a result of poor praxis For best results intervention is carried out in the clinic setting and in the child’s home and or school environments. Clinic enhanced sensation through the following sensory systems: • Tactile (touch) - the input the child receives through their skin and touch receptors helps them know where their body is in space and in relation to objects around them.

• Vestibular (movement) - this system helps children move and adjust their movements and their posture according to the activity demands. It helps the child with balance and co-ordination of their body parts.

• Proprioception (body awareness) - works closely with the tactile and vestibular system. As the child receives input through their muscle receptors it helps them with an awareness of their body parts; as single parts and as a whole entity. This is required

intervention may involve a one to one or group therapy setting. Aims of therapy will be individual and will take place in a playful and sensory rich environment to provide a ‘just right’ challenge.

Therapy may take a sensory integrative approach to work on underlying sensory processing difficulties and a sensory motor approach to assist with learning new motor tasks.

A program for home and school may also be advised by the Occupational Therapist to incorporate activities and strategies across the child’s day to enhance his/her learning and skill development in other environments.

Common Sense Parenting CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST MARC BLOOM The sheer volume of theories and research papers on parenting is overwhelming. Parents have often drawn my attention to something interesting that they have read. Something which they have found deeply profound and as making a whole lot of sense about parenting and child development. It would seem that with the sheer volume of material on parenting out there, that in the 21st century, we should be able to say that we are actually starting to get it right. Given what we now know, it stands to reason that parenting children of today should be a synch. Furthermore, we should be faced with far fewer problems than in years gone by. Yet this is clearly not the case. The youth of today, together with their parents are faced with significant challenges. This phenomenon puts us in paradox. Why is it the case? Some insight may be found in the following quote: ‘Children of today love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.’

This quote was written by the Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates thousands of years ago.

It would seem that the ancient Geeks shared similar sentiments to modern day Australians.

Unfortunately, I have little information about their particular parenting styles. What is clear however is that throwing our textbooks out of the window starts to seem more tenable, and that our anxieties should concurrently increase.

I am by no means a prescriptive therapist. I often find myself in the paradoxical position of being asked to supply tools. My philosophy of parental counselling is to help parents find their own solutions. I do this by encouraging them to

explore their own values and draw on their own insights. Humans have been able to successfully parent even before they could speak. There are as many views about parenting as there are parents. Imagine if a formula were developed in some or other laboratory which purported to be the ultimate answer. Over the last hundred or so years, there have been numerous theories. Each has had its decade of glory before being replaced by a better model.

I empathize with parents who come to see me, and tell me how despite their parenting efforts, guided by a host of manuals, their child presented with problems. These parents often find themselves wondering what they did wrong.

They may have their theories, but more often than not they feel tremendous guilt, and their views of themselves as adequate parents are challenged.

How is it that the pathway to hell can be laid with only the best of intentions? Only the other day, a colleague told me a story about how her son’s revelation that he had only ever felt conditionally loved turned her family upside down. Previously she had considered herself a good mother who had only ever done the best for her children.

I think that good parents have the capacity to

make decisions which although may turn out in the long run to be wrong, were made at the time because it was honestly believed they were best.

Being a good parent is a choice. Being a good parent may also involve seeking guidance when he or she is confused. Guidance may come from speaking to a psychotherapist, another parent, good friend or even be in the form of a redoubtable manual. As the psychoanalyst Donald Winnicot suggests, being a good parent is not about being ‘too good’, but rather about being ‘good enough’.

Most parents have the capacity to know what does and what does not constitute good enough parenting, even if some of them may disagree with each other. It is fair to say that different parents have different views, and that no one particular view can be proven to be more correct than the next. There are those parents who may clearly be less informed and less capable of reaching logical solutions, yet for them I think that it is only fair to say that they did the best that they could given their less than desirable circumstances.

Sometimes despite what may be defined as bad parenting, children actually turn out ok. I do want to clarify that there is no excuse for obviously bad parenting. If it is good intentions that bring

us to hell, then so be it. Despite their best efforts, parents cannot control unfortunate circumstances.

When I look at the youth of today, I am greeted with many problems, many of which however, are not new to the scene as we would like to believe.

Growing up is a challenge in itself, as is parenting.

Being young does not constitute being blissfully happy and ignorant as many parents would like to believe. Good old fashioned common sense is what drew man out of the cave, gave him the capacity to learn from mistakes, and help him realize that he does not always learn from them. It liberated children from the Industrial Revolution, and helped the modern world realize that child slavery is wrong. If it were not for good old fashioned common sense, society, not withstanding all its problems, would not be at the point that it is at today.

My aim in parental counselling is to help parents trust in themselves. My advice is consistent: ‘Take time to think about your children and how you allow yourselves to be provoked by them in the ways that you do. Never allow yourselves to be dictated to, despite the apparent legitimacy of your dictators. There is no excuse for obviously bad parenting decisions. Seek out many opinions and form your own informed ones. When things do not work out as you had hoped, realize that the pathway to hell can be informed by apparent good decision making. Allow yourselves to learn and grow from your mistakes, as ultimately that is what will make you a better parent and human being in the long run.’

Marc Bloom is a Clinical Psychologist who works in Double Bay in private practice.

He has nearly two decades of experience working with children and their families. He has worked and consulted in a wide range of child related settings. He has extensive experience working with the Sydney Jewish community. In particular, he was one of the school counsellors at Moriah College for eight years between 2006 and 2014.

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June 2018

Love hugs and kisses increase your child’s brain power

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THE SLEEP COACH CHERYL FINGLESON There have been many tests, papers written and endless studies carried out over the years, all illustrating the connection and linking love, hugs and kisses with a child’s brain power, better health and often improved sleep habits.

From the moment a baby enters our lives the universe as we knew it changes dramatically. We hear people admit how fulfilling it is having children in their lives.

Comments like “I couldn’t live without them!” and “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my kids!” are frequently heard. It seems we have the capacity for unconditional love, love them dearly and want them to flourish and succeed throughout their lives.

David Brookes (a writer for the New York Times) commented that much focus and pressure is placed upon children by their parents to achieve greatly whether in school, on the playing fields or the arts. The child often comes to realise that if they don’t succeed they lose their parental love. Unconditional love does not depend on high scores. It is one gift we can give our children, one that cannot be bought nor should be earned.

So how does love and affection help our children to succeed?

Children with loving, caring parents who interact with them, are often more secure and confident. When they are faced with adversity they know they can turn to their parents for guidance and support. Knowing they have this strong backup system, it often allows them to venture easily into new situations – like changing schools or trying something new.

Without parental pressure they are nurtured and feel safe. Without this positive belief, it has been shown they turn to different ways in order to feel “good” about themselves.

Frequently, as a study from McGill University shows, this may lead to obesity.

A loving environment has been shown to increase memory and brain development! It also develops strong bonds within this family.

It can make kids smarter. It cannot increase their IQ, but love and security can help them use their brain power fully. This will have an impact on their future lives, their careers and their own family relationships.

They learn to enjoy physical contact. Those tiny fingers holding your finger so tightly whilst feeding, from that very first smile of recognition at about 6 weeks, to lifting their arms to be picked up, they learn positive contact messages. Again, if children don’t get hugs and warmth from parents as they grow older they look for it elsewhere.

Security comes in diverse ways. If they have been scolded for doing something wrong (touching an electrical outlet or hot cup of tea) that could cause harm, a loving hug immediately after this discussion lets them know they know that they are still loved.

Falling asleep after a cuddle, or being patted, reassures the child of the love you have for them as they drift off. Especially if they are sad or ill, this reinforcement and demonstration of love works wonders.

Now that we have learned that research results suggest that from the earliest age loving hugs, kisses and like experiences can affect and influence your children throughout their lives. The importance of care and nurturing cannot be over emphasized.

Here are some simple ways to communicate your love for your kids.

I believe in the million mark. You need to get one million kisses into the first few years because as they grow older it may get harder to get hugs and kisses.

Don’t wait for birthdays to make them feel special – each day is a gift. So, show your love with a kiss as you walk past or whisper I love you!.

A gentle massage after baby’s bath is very special.

That extra bedtime story occasionally shows how special they are.

Just before lights out share something they did that day to make you feel loved.

Place a photo of some moment you shared in a frame in their room.

As they grow older a treat in their lunchbox with “I love you” can lift a gruelling day.

Laugh with them at their jokes. But never laugh at them.

Choose the right times for hugs and kisses as they grow older. Perhaps just a hug after the soccer match when the game is over, says well done, whether they won or lost!

Consistency and reinforcement are the key factors here.

This is definitely a WIN - WIN story as everyone, parents and children, get to share in the love, hugs and cuddles.

Every day is precious with your baby.

Cheryl Zzz For more sleep tips and advice, please visit www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au Or why not like our facebook page? www. facebook.com/thesleepcoach Cheryl Fingleson is a paediatric sleep consultant. As a mother of two, she very well knows the feelings of agony and desperation when you have a child that struggles to settle and sleep. She doesn’t believe in leaving babies or children to cry it out, nor in the practices of controlled crying. Her approach is to empower parents with the right tools and techniques to teach their babies and children to go to sleep calmly, happily and independently.

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

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

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president Egypt’s new - what it means for Israel

Pick up a

community

SO EXPLOSIVE

AARON DAVID MILLER

is above all a matter of faith, of belief and of religion. The notion that the three Abrahamic faiths -- Islam, Christianity and Judaism -share common values concerning peace, Even back in the days when you could still social justice and humanity may well be use the term “peace process” true. But that has never with a straight been the case when face, the odds of solving the Jerusalem issue it comes to this city.

History is filled with were already pretty long.

Then, I would have claims, conquests, crusades, occupations, put those odds a bit north massacres and violence of impossible and in the name of a little south ofI 14, 5774 Things hopeless. possessing Jerusalem, are even 2014 / Adar not sharing it. worse now.

Friday, 14 February And nowhere has the religious complexity FREE VOL. 1 I remember day eight of the Jerusalem issue of the Camp David been clearer than summit in July 2000, when on the question of who discussion turned controls and what to Jerusalem. That day, will happen to the Haram it was clear to me al-Sharif (Noble that as far Camp David Enclosure) and Har was concerned, it Habayit (Temple was game over. There Mount). That platform, were some intriguing situated within the moves on Israel’s part, walls of Jerusalem’s Old but nothing that could City, is in essence a have settled the issue. physical manifestation Indeed, Ehud Barak, of overlapping sacred but globally, too; and as Yasser Arafat and Bill the last few months space.

Clinton could have but not always a result suggest, it is also fallen into the yawning of the perception a matter of security Atop activities gaps that separated sits the goldened Dome among Palestinians Tu B’Shevat of the Rock, fraught and framed now Israelis and Palestinians that including Israel is trying aNSW by an intimacy of Boardcentury Islamic seventh on this issue and to change the activities, shrine built by by the killing reflected in the never have been heard status of some slayings of Israeli and aspect of the Caliph Abd al-Malik from again. a project initiated Jerusalem. The and that houses the Palestinian teens this Fast forward a decade reason for this latest past summer and of round foundation and a half, and stone, a massive rock that figures of tensions, violence of Deputies. last week’s savage Palestinian being a part not much has changed. and ourselves on Jerusalem is still attack on a a perfect is prominently in Jewish and Islamic pride bloodletting report but synagogue in west Jerusalem. tradition. storm of We weAnd insoluble we it now seems factors that include on which news’ butand nearby there’s a site of the more explosive sense of isolationtheand communities even greater news is good then ever.inSoa what don’t pretend frustration on theandsignificance is it about Jerusalem/ that They say ‘no -- the al-Aqsa mosque part of the Palestinians be everywhere We believe PROXIMITY CAN BE started Yerushalayim/al-Quds we can’t of East Jerusalem by Caliph Abd lot DEADLY. that makes it so think differently. there is a al-Malik in the seventh who don’t have the know everything.

Ben Franklin quipped that community potentiallyitcontentious to benefit of the social century.bravery, to the will proximity breeds and deadly? thriving Jewish services and economic Quran, it is reputed a story of dedication, According children, and contempt, Three things stand out: and that sharing If there’s advantages of towhich too. In this regard, be theinspires ascension point where Israelis in the west; Israel’s of good news; even further. the Prophet achievement, Jerusalem is unique in or to effort that it is one of the Mohammed expand also leadership our community inspire others. rose to heaven on his Jewish their communities and strengthen it will only places where Israelis growing Night IT’S A PERFECT STORM OF been chances are and Palestinians Jerusalem; in East Journey. a vibrant and Below you, presence COMPLEXITY. (the you’ve the platform are the remains Sydney has connected Hamas’ efforts to know. vast majority who aren’t Similarly, if Jerusalem us are is a microcosm of almost Arab citizens the flames; forgotten Let us incite and fan of both temples, which housed or Jewish but few of or all of Israel) mix and the grim the the community issues in the Israeli-Palestinian bureaucracy, every day and have realization relationships that over by the Ark of theIf Covenant there’s and the Holy almost future seems immediate packed conflict unrestricted of Holies. know. almost walked certain to be more access to one another. beyond our into While letofus The one small place that is participate. area is so the It is a the same. With marked stunning by the system, in which we by a big to a sector of sensitive to Jews that they the Israel-Gaza testament to the pragmatism be well war sub-groups were until or enjoined not campaign a over enable us history. It combines territory (who self-interest and the next round, ourto set foot on the Mount cause, throw internet a and and will the should of control West often Israelis and Palestinians Bank relatively out of fear that they could the news we areland in the east and west, not you think we -- as quiet, it’s Jerusalem be treading on that citizens’, well as the imbalance And if you community to mention that has emergedlet know. ground. the four quarters -of power -- that the as us sacred informed ‘global Jewish, city has remained the epicenter of unrest. what is happening or want to weight behind, unaware ofMuslim, Armenian, as quiet and functional down Christian -- of the It is quite completely some advice extraordinary that despite as old it has these many few Ithouses living a city). involves have a solution, years given such passions incidents community political identity (conflicting Telling of violence -- October important an to someone OVERLAPPING to bridge!). and politics.

1990, SACRED claims to the city as a your voice over the add SPACE. September 1996, September to change capital); it is driven by Things in Jerusalem would (never mind 2000 and of But it should be no us know. course one way letenough be bad (see below) involving surprise that given if stories isreligion and children what’s and debate, transpired in recent not just Jews, those shuls the perfect each other’s year --begins storm were driven weeks politics and passions Muslims and Christians new by attend different that the themselves thatmembers As the only Jerusalem area has not been a proximity as well as nationalist Report, in the Middle East, has often become scene of this. alike are opening a bloodywhen and political and strengthen flash point, often conflict.

Sydney Jewish adults the and and But that inaugural enlighten was not to be. Jerusalemchapter of learning Continued on page In compiling of schools. create a newspaper 34 from this, our • Connect, Page 20

Candle lighting times have been taken from www.chabad.org

Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Sydney Jewish Report is provided as general informations only. The articles in this paper have been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content here are presented solely by the author, and The Jewish Report assumes no responsibility for them. It is not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. We do not make any representation or warranty that any material in the papers will be reliable, accurate or complete, nor do we accept any responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions. We will not be liable for loss resulting from any action or decision by you in reliance on the material in the papers. By reading the papers, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for, and accept no liability in relation to, any reader’s use of, access to or conduct in connection with the papers in any circumstance. Photographs submitted by individuals or organisations are assumed to be their property and are therefore not otherwise credited. All articles in this paper have received the expressed consent of the author to publish in this paper.

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June 2018

MDA Launches First Aid Training for Youth AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM Many people know Magen David Adom, MDA, for the lifesaving services they provide in Israel but closer to home, in Australia, we face situations where family, friends and colleagues experience an accident or serious medical emergency. Would you know what to do in that situation?

Magen David Adom understands just how important the right knowledge and training is when responding to any medical situation, no matter how minor or serious.

MDA, for the first time, has launched its Medical Response, Safety and First Aid Training programs designed for school students aged between 12-16.

Courses are conducted by certified trainers and range from the very basics to certified CPR training. Course content may include CPR and the use of a defibrillator, choking, asthma, anaphylaxis and seizures, fractures and joint injuries, poisons, bites and much more.

CEO of MDA Doron Lazarus commented, “Each and every day MDA

saves lives with their fleet of emergency ambulances, medicycles, emergency response teams, paramedics and blood supply services. MDA also provides international humanitarian aid, often being the first on the ground when disaster strikes anywhere in the world.

We are committed to ensuring that we not only provide funding for vital emergency services in Israel but that we contribute to the welfare of our local community. Even a little knowledge could make all the difference. These courses will ensure that each participant can confidently utilise new skills when needed in an emergency at home and in the community. This begins with students knowing how to respond in a medical crisis and perhaps even being able to save a life.”

A number of courses have already been conducted with great success. Students feel they have done something really worthwhileFor more information and bookings please contact Rivkah on (02) 9358 2521 or email events@ magendavidadom.org.au

Jewish International Film Festival Announces 2018 JIFF SHORT FILM FUND RECIPIENTS The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) has announced Michael Weisler and Richard Moore as the recipients of the 2018 JIFF Short Film Fund.

The two filmmakers will each receive a $5,000 grant to make a short film to premiere at the 2018 Jewish International Film Festival.

“The overall standard of entries was extremely high and it was a challenging decision to come to. In the end, we awarded the prizes to two particularly strong and creative entries that are both highly original in their subject and perfectly suited to the short film format.” - industry judges Mike Selwyn and Gal Greenspan “After the success of our inaugural Short Film Fund, we are thrilled to once again be a catalyst for the production of two new Australian films, and are looking forward to sharing them with audiences at JIFF 2018” - JIFF Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir In 2018, JIFF is thrilled to support Australian filmmakers with their second Short Film Fund: a funding initiative aimed to encourage and support the production and exhibition of diverse short films on themes that engage with Jewish life, history and culture. JIFF is committed to supporting and championing local filmmakers, and stories reflecting the global Jewish experience.

The high calibre entries from around Australia were adjudicated over by industry professionals Mike Selwyn, former Managing Director Paramount Australia and Vice President Australia/ New Zealand and current Distribution Consultant; and Israeli producer Gal Greenspan, best known for feature films Menashe (2017), A Quiet Heart (2016) and Youth (2013) and as Managing Director of GreenProductions.

Meet the recipients: An alumni of the MIFF Accelerator program, Michael Weisler is a director and writer known for Missing Her (2011), Love Me Like the Devil Do (2016) and Hunter Finkelstein (2005), which starred You Am I frontman Tim Rogers as an alcoholic Orthodox Jew. Michael’s film, The Birth of Hunter Finkelstein, is a taut domestic drama that unfolds within the confines of a maternity unit at a hospital.

Richard Moore has extensive experience in the film and television industries as a festival artistic director, a curator, an executive producer and documentary film maker.

Richard’s film, Thank God, is written by and starring Deborah Leiser Moore, and presents a humorous exploration of the woman’s sexual role, and power, in the Jewish religion.

The Jewish International Film Festival will run nationally from October — November 2018: visit jiff.com.au for details.

Dystopian thrills UPGRADE (MA) REVIEW BY ALEX FIRST Big Brother is watching in this futuristic horror thriller from Leigh Whannell (Insidious: Chapter 3).

Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green – Spider-Man Homecoming) barely makes a living fixing old cars.

His attractive wife Asha (Melanie Vallejo – TV’s Winner & Losers) works in IT. The pair has a good relationship.

All that changes though after Grey delivers a vehicle to a highly credentialed but off the grid tech guru, Eron (Harrison Gilbertson – Fallen), who has invented a chip called STEM. It is more powerful than anything before it, so powerful in fact that it may change the world.

On the way home, when Asha’s self drive car malfunctions and refuses to yield to instructions the consequences are dire.

Asha is killed and Grey is left a paraplegic without hope in a mugging.

That’s when the tech guru’s chip comes into play.

Although reticent at first, Grey agrees to have it implanted into his all but lifeless body, giving him back the ability to walk and much more.

Suddenly he is able to function at a very high level.

He even has a permanent voice in his head (Simon Maiden – The Dressmaker) that only he can hear and that he can call upon at any time to lend a helping hand.

Together, Grey and STEM embark on a mission to avenge his wife’s death.

Superior artificial intelligence has been championed in many dystopian films, such as I Robot, and as cinematic technology continues to evolve the stakes are constantly

upped.

By the end the mind games being played here well and truly do your head in.

I was highly involved from the outset.

I really appreciated the representation of the future – the production design was first rate – and the development of the story arc.

Revenge is always a great driver, but sometimes it is handled better in film than on other occasions. Such is the case in point in this one.

It is not difficult to sympathise with Grey’s predicament and state of mind thanks to a considered performance from Logan Marshall-Green.

I dare say that many will pick the real villain of the piece relatively early, but even if you do there are more surprises in store.

Rated MA, Whannell has crafted an engaging and absorbing thriller with bite that scores a 7 out of 10.

33

lifestyle

June 2018

Testing family ties KODACHROME (M) REVIEW BY ALEX FIRST Noticeably manipulative, but easy to watch, comes this father/son story – a pair on a road trip, with the former’s nurse in tow, attempting to reconcile their considerable differences at the end of the dad’s life.

Music executive Matt (Jason Sudeikis – Downsizing) is going through a rough patch.

Kept in his job due to past successes, he is now very much on borrowed time.

Long out of sight, out of mind, is his philandering photographer father Ben (Ed Harris – Mother!).

The two are estranged and haven’t spoken or seen each other for years.

Suddenly, out of blue and when at a low ebb, Matt is contacted by his dad’s nurse Zooey (Elizabeth Olsen – Wind River).

Ben is dying and wants Matt to drive him across the country to the last place in the world that still develops Kodachrome film.

You see there is a short-term use by date on both Ben and on traditional photographic processing (the film outlet is short on chemical supplies and is calling a finite halt to proceedings).

Most reluctantly and cajoled into doing so, hauling half a lifetime of baggage and resentment with him, Matt hits the road with Ben and Zooey.

This is going to be a rough ride.

On 29th December, 2010, The New York

Times ran an article by AG Sulzberger under the headline For Kodachrome Fans, Road Ends at Photo Lab in Kansas.

It was about the discontinuation of Kodachrome film.

Sulzberger, who wrote from the US Midwest, received a tip from a New Yorkbased reporter, who’d heard that the last machine in the world that could develop Kodachrome film – in a lab in Parsons, Kansas – was being retired.

In this era of high-speed tech obsolescence, the story was an endearing

Simcha HIRE

footnote in the evolution of film.

What lifted it up from being yet another technobituary, was the pilgrimage nature of the event.

The individual stories of photographers that sent rolls of film or had travelled to Kansas (from across six continents), which Sulzberger focused on, humanised what was happening.

It also tapped into the cult love that accompanied Kodachrome film processing.

Novelist and screenwriter Jonathan Tropper (This Is Where I Leave You) was

tapped on the shoulder to develop the concept of one generation giving way to the next using the discontinuation of Kodachrome as a backdrop.

Canadian director Mark Rasso (Copenhagen) – the film was shot in Toronto – came on board.

I dare say you will be able to readily pick the pathway, but without wishing to sound twee, it is the journey that matters.

What initially hits you is the strength of the language used by these two bears – Matt and Ben – locking horns. They are often particularly harsh and unrelenting.

While Sudeikis and Harris’ performances are decent, Elizabeth Olsen more than holds her own as Ben’s carer.

She exudes warmth without the role turning syrupy sweet.

One of Kodachrome’s features is the score. Many of the softer tunes really tug at the heartstrings.

In fact, the whole film – not just the music – is predicated on consciously playing with emotions.

As the credits start rolling a number of superbly photographed images strike a chord. The movie was, in fact, shot on Kodachrome stock.

The best way to enjoy Kodachrome is to simply go with the flow, rather than questioning the obviousness of the filmmaking or even the integrity of the story.

Rated M, it scores a 6½ out of 10.

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34

sports

June 2018

Telling the Triumphs & Tragedy of Jews and Sport in Australia PEOPLE OF THE BOOT ASHLEY BROWNE AND DASH LAWRENCE The stories of Australian Jews and their connection with sport has been captured for the first time in an edited book. People of the Boot: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Australian Jews in Sport released in May draws together some of the country’s finest sports journalists, writers and broadcasters to tell 26 unique stories.

From Australian rules football and rugby league to lawn bowls and mountain climbing People of the Boot explores the country’s greatest acts of sporting triumph on and off field.

Collection co-editor Ashley Browne, a senior writer with AFL Media, says the collection is long overdue.

“These are genuinely remarkable sporting stories. You’ve got Sir Frank Lowy who saved Australian soccer in the early 2000s and put the Socceroos on the world stage. Lowy offers some very

honest and candid reflections.

“Jessica Fox, a teenager who emerged from obscurity in 2012 to claim silver in canoe slalom at the London Olympics,

shares her inspiring journey. She’s claimed another Olympic medal since and remains one of the best canoeists in the world.

“And then there’s Todd Greenberg. The most powerful man in the NRL. Whose sporting journey began playing cricket for Maccabi in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

He’s a rugby league outsider with a compelling story.”

The collection charts early 20th century discrimination experienced by Jews in Australia’s sporting clubs and institutions through to integration across all codes, culminating in AFL premierships, world championships, baggy green caps and Olympic medals. It also shines a light on the profound legacy of Jewish sporting administrators, commercial leaders and even doctors, whose stories have never been published.

Co-editor Dashiel Lawrence a longtime researcher and writer on Jewish community life in Australia says the collection breaks new ground.

“The literature on Jewish life and history in Australia is outdated. It pays very little attention to the role of sport and its part in individual or collective Jewish identity.

“In conceiving this book, we wanted to cast aside some very well-worn assumptions

and

stereotypes

what it means to be Jewish. We wanted to introduce new ideas about Jewish experience.”

Published by Hybrid Publishers and funded through the support of website Plus61J and philanthropic group the Pratt Foundation, the collection includes contributions journalists Cherny,

from

Timna

emerging Jacks

award-winning

The 2017 Maccabiah Games is now a wonderful memory for so many athletes, volunteers, management and the community as a whole. We now look towards the 2021 games for new memories to be created.

It takes years of rigorous planning and a dedicated team to prepare and send more than 500 Australian delegates (including athletes, coaches and officials) to the Games in Israel.

In preparation for the Games, Maccabi Australia recently undertook a recruitment process to search for a General Manager to lead the team. We thank Sharon Marlow for her work in bringing together many

high-quality candidates.

Maccabi Australia is delighted to announce that Simone Cohen has been appointed to the role of General Manager, Maccabiah 2021.

Simone is highly enthusiastic and passionate about Maccabi. She has held various management roles in Maccabi Basketball and Ajax Cricket Clubs and most recently played a critical role in the organization of Junior Carnival 2018.

Simone has a finance and marketing background and brings to the role exceptional organisational and project management skills, having worked for over 20 years in multinational companies. Simone is a natural leader and has a wonderful ability to build strong

Herald

Sun

reporter Sam Landsberger, veteran radio broadcaster Mark Fine, novelist Lexi Landsman and respected historian Dr Judith Buckrich.

The book is available at peopleoftheboot.com.au

relationships. We know our teams and our clubs will enjoy working with her.

We look forward to seeing Simone bring together a cohesive team with a strong work ethic and culture to provide an athlete-centric experience.

Simone is a valuable addition to the Maccabiah Executive Team, which includes Barry Smorgon OAM as Head of Delegation, Mikki Silverman, Chair of International Sport, Sydney Kahn as Finance Manager and Ellana Aarons, Executive Director of Maccabi Australia.

“The Maccabi Australia board are thrilled with Simone’s appointment and know that she will lead our Australian Delegation with integrity, respect and passion” Mikki Silverman, Chair of International Sport.

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and Daniel

Simone Cohen appointed GM, Maccabiah Games 2021 MACCABI AUSTRALIA

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