The Sydney Jewish Report - June Edition 2021

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VOL. 76 Tuesday, 22 June, 2021 / 13 Tamuz 5781

Fostering a closer Jewish community

NO LAUGHING

MATTER In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, teenagers around the world have experienced significant health challenges. p12

ISRAEL'S NEW GOVERNMENT p14

MAGEN DOVID ADOM IN SEARCH OF 91 YEARS p10 SONTAG SISTER

p6

HITTING THE HEIGHTS

p20

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

HE ALT H Y

LIVING NAAMA BARAK Courtesy of ISRAEL21c

Israeli digital health startup OutSense, whose IoT device detects clinical conditions by analysing toilet contents, has announced it will begin piloting its technology in the United States later this year.

The pilot follows the extension of the company’s Series A financing round to $2.7million with an investment by Longevity Venture Partners. It will run in conjunction with Longevity’s parent company, CommuniCare Family of Companies, a healthcare enterprise with more than 90 facilities in the US.

“The access to real-use environments that the Longevity investment brings to the table is invaluable,” Currently undergoing clinical trials in Israel and a pilot in Japan, OutSense’s optical IoT device attaches to the toilet bowl. It identifies the optical footprint of feces and urine components and sends the data for AI cloud-based analysis

Health monitors coming to a loo near you before providing indications of various diseases in real-time.

The device can identify blood in stool, often a sign of colorectal cancer, and can also diagnose and monitor dehydration, urinary tract infections, diarrhea and constipation. Production and commercial sales are planned for Q1 2022.

The OutSense device is meant to replace the manual collection of human waste and its delivery to labs, a procedure which leads many people to defer and delay lifesaving tests.

OutSense works discreetly and continuously and provides automatic alerts, either via a mobile app or to the control screens of medical teams at elderly care facilities and medical institutions.

“The access to real-use environments that the Longevity investment brings to the table is invaluable,” says OutSense CEO Yfat Scialom.

“The ability to partner with a major US healthcare provider serves as a signal to the market that the rules of the game can be changed. It signals that early detection of more diseases through our technology can save huge amounts in healthcare costs, and more importantly save lives.”

OutSense’s US pilot to run in conjunction with a healthcare enterprise with almost 100 facilities.

Photo by Danilo Alvesd on Unsplash

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

There when you need us most JCA With four school-age children, Nadia was still able to manage when she was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa more than 10 years ago. “Over time, the retina deteriorates. It’s like tunnel vision,” she explained,” and a few years ago my ophthalmologist said, “ ‘Nadia, it’s less than 10 degrees. You are legally blind,’ and I had to stop driving.”

At first, Nadia was in denial, “It was huge.

I just didn’t want to go there.” But reality set in quickly. “It was hard for the children to see mum with a cane.”

The practical impact on her family was immediate. For her children, then aged from six to 16, it meant a one-hour commute – a 20-minute walk, a bus, a train, and a bus – each way to school every day from Wahroonga to Masada College.

But then, just as quickly, the Jewish community around Nadia’s family extended a warm embrace. “I started getting calls from teachers, from office staff and from other parents offering to drive the kids and it’s been like that for the past four years. You get hit with something, but then there’s just this amazing support and then what you’re going through doesn’t feel so bad because it’s okay, they’ve got your back … and they’ll be friends for life.”

Nadia’s disability made her eligible for an NDIS package and has services through

this from JewishCare. They helped her with the application process and now assist her weekly with services under the social and community participation category – taking her shopping, to appointments and to meet people socially.

Last December, on the final day of Chanukah, Nadia was thrown another of life’s challenges when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and began treatment that is expected to continue through the end of this year.

AR OUND

T HE

COMMUNITY “Again, the people at Masada have been amazing,” she said. “The principal was on the phone straight away saying if there’s anything we can do for you, please let us know. Teachers and office staff were calling, giving me their personal mobile numbers in case I needed anything. The parents from the school also gave me incredible support at this time. It's such a caring, nurturing school. I feel very blessed that we’ve been able to go there. And that’s thanks also to support provided to the school and community by JCA.” JewishCare, too, continues to help Nadia and her family cope with what she describes as “these little challenges”.

Nadia was extremely grateful that, again through JCA and the Y2i program, two of her children have also had the opportunity to visit Israel and connect with their history and Jewish identity – a journey that, for her, was truly life changing.

“As part of the local St Ives Jewish community you’re loved. You really feel that sense of care. I wasn’t all that aware of it because I was just living my life normally, but when it hits you, you know – you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else really. We are so blessed and I will be forever grateful.”

To be part of JCA’s 2021 campaign that supports 24 organisations providing programs and services to our local Jewish community, go to www.jca.org.au/ donate.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

BACK GROUND

BRIEFING

In the Heights: 6 Jewish Facts about Washington Heights named Salomon the Superintendent of Finance for the new United States of America.

Over the next four years, Salomon raised $650,000 for the country, a staggering sum in those days. During the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, the Continental Army was completely broke and unable to pay American troops. Soldiers threatened to mutiny.

Salomon raised the funds required to keep the army going, securing the loans himself. Unable to repay him, the new US Government defaulted on these loans, plunging Salomon into ruin. He died in 1786, at the age of 44, in a debtor’s prison. Meanwhile, the area around Fort Washington became a desirable place for New Yorkers looking for housing.

DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER Courtesy of aish.com

In the Heights, Lin Manuel Miranda’s joyous Broadway play and new film, focuses on Manhattan’s Washington Heights large Latino community. The neighborhood has also long been home to thousands of Jews. Here are six littleknown Jewish facts about Washington Heights' vibrant Jewish history and community today.

Jew Fighting for the Revolution The highest point on the island of Manhattan is in Washington Heights.

During the American Revolutionary war, Continental Army troops constructed a sturdy fortification at its peak and named it Fort Washington after General George Washington. The site was a key base in defending Manhattan from British forces.

One of the key American patriots fighting in New York was a Jewish immigrant from Poland named Haym Salomon. Soon after arriving in America 1775, Salomon became an enthusiastic backer of American independence.

He settled in New York and joined the Sons of Liberty, supporting himself by setting up a brokerage house. Much of his financial acumen went to finding

ways to raise money to support the revolutionary cause.

When war broke out, the British arrested Salomon as a spy. Imprisoned for a year and a half, Salomon worked as a translator between the British and the German mercenaries who were fighting in the war during that time.

Unbeknownst to his British captors, Salomon used his skills of persuasion to encourage British soldiers to desert and for German mercenaries to support the

cause of American independence.

Released then arrested again, Salomon was sentenced to death but managed to escape the British jail. He and his family moved to Philadelphia where he started a new brokerage house. In addition to speaking German, Salomon knew French and he soon became a major point of contact between the Continental Army and French forces who fought the British with them. In 1781, George Washington

Yeshiva University Washington Heights was gradually built up in the 1800s; many of the area’s residents built grand estates and homes.

By the early 1900s, when the subway connected Washington Heights to the rest of Manhattan, the neighborhood began to feel more urban. Waves of impoverished European immigrants began pouring into the area, including

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

World Peace, No More Hunger, Poverty, or Sickness

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

In search of the Sontag sister

LO NG

ABSENCE SHARON RYBA-KAHN The last time my grandmother Madeleine Woloch-Kahn saw Bronia Sontag and and her younger sister was before the Sontag sisters departed for Sydney. This was sometime between 1947-1948. They visited the family in Paris, before emigrating to Australia. It is hard to say if the Sontag sisters and my greatgrandmother Rosa Sontag-Woloch had met since the end of the war. My grandmother, Madeleine, was about 14 years old. Bronia was the elder sister and already married, whereas the younger sister, whose name my grandmother does not remember, was only a few years older than my grandmother. She was, maybe, 17 or 18 years old. Based on the surnames and my grandmother's memory, we believe that they were most likely maternal cousins.

Indeed, Madeleine's mother's maiden name was Rosa Sontag, before getting married to Abraham Woloch and becoming Rosa Woloch. Rosa's mother and Madeleine's grandmother's name was Rachel Haber. She was married to Mendel Sontag, whom Madeleine never met. In other words, he died before the war. Rachel Haber, Mado's grandmother, however suffered the fate of many Romanian Jews. She died in the camp of Transnistria of Tuberculosis. Very few know that about 120,000 Romanian

Jews shared that same fate.

The only reason why my grandmother Madeleine shared the fate of the Romanian Jews is because she visited her grandmother Rachel in Standesti-de Jos in 1939.

Her mother, Rosa Sontag Woloch, was pregnant and wanted to give birth, without having to take care of her five-year-old daughter at the same time. So, she sent her daughter to her

grandmother’s place. The war broke out and if Madeleine survived the Shoah, it is thanks to her aunt, Rosa's sister, Della Sontag Gabor and her French passport.

Only in 1945 did my grandmother Madeleine return to Paris after having been separated from her parents for six years. Her mother and her newborn brother were hiding in France during the war.

Madeleine does not remember if

she met the Sontag sisters before the outbreak of the war in Stanesti de Jos. What has remained in my grandmother's memory of the post-war encounter is the name Bronja Sontag, the fact that the meeting took place at 14 rue Caffarelli in Paris in her parents’ apartment, it was most likely in 1947-48 and that they were on the way to Sydney. She has also never been to Australia. It is unclear if her mother Rosa kept in touch with the family in Sydney.

Today, my grandmother Madeleine is not the teenager in the photograph with Bronia, but an 87-year-old woman. More than 80 years have passed since that encounter at her parents’ house in Paris.

If my PhD would not have led me to researching about Australia, maybe she would have never shown me the photograph, or spoken to me about the Sontag sisters. And while I do worry that it may be too late for the two to meet again, I had to at least try.

So, any information that will lead us to know about the fate of the Sontag sisters or their families would be a blessing.

The fact that these families survived the Shoah is a miracle and I can only hope that the Sontag sisters had a chance to live a happy life in Australia, or somewhere else. To me, this is first and foremost an attempt to fulfil my grandmother’s wish, someone who has always tried to fulfil mine.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

AR OU ND

What Is The Cure?

RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY

I write these words in proximity to two fast days: the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av. On both dates, we commemorate the great calamities that have befallen the Jewish People throughout our history, including the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem and the destruction of both the First and Second Temples.

The end of Jewish sovereignty over the Land of Israel came with the destruction of the Second Temple. Save for a short period between the First and Second Temples, that authority had been largely uninterrupted from the time Joshua entered the land until the final destruction wrought by the Roman Emperor, Titus.

After almost two millennia, with G-d’s great kindness, we have regained control over our Holy Land, including the Old City of Jerusalem. However, while acknowledging all the great miracles that HaShem has performed for His people, Israel continues to exist under threat from all sides.

Most significantly, our Temple remains destroyed and our ultimate freedom

and independence, marking the true end of our exile – both physical and spiritual – can only occur with the arrival of the Moshiach. As only then can the Temple be rebuilt.

Why has this not happened yet? Amidst all the other miracles, couldn’t there be the one our collective hearts truly yearn for – the Nes Gadol – the great miracle of seeing our Temple rebuilt?

COMMUNITY For no other reason. You just can’t bear for to see them succeed and in a moment of honesty, you may have even forgotten exactly why. You just can’t cope with their very existence. Sure, you may find a plethora of reasons to justify your action – but it all just boils down to one thing - baseless hatred.

Sadly, in my forty years in the Rabbinate I have seen baseless hatred rear its

"Each of us shares a spark of divinity which transcends far beyond any of our physical attributes."

The answer is in the teachings of our sages. Our initial exile of seventy years, commencing with the destruction of the First Temple, was instigated due to the sins of idol worship, immoral acts and even murder.

What can possibly underlie our current exile of nearly two thousand years? Our sages respond: Sinat Chinam – baseless hatred. This means deliberately seeking to harm someone, whether it be a business competitor or an ideological foe – purely because you hate them.

T HE

ugly head in various guises, and the consequences are usually disastrous for everyone concerned. The most heinous behaviour is typically justified with many reasons, sometimes even when it is said to be, l’shem shamayim for the sake of Heaven.

The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi wrote, “Woe to us are the disputes ‘l’shem shamayim’ they are the cause of all the troubles”.

So, what is the cure? Ahavat Chinam – love without reason. Each of us shares

a spark of divinity which transcends far beyond any of our physical attributes.

Recognising the unique soul of every Jewish person makes it impossible to view them through a prism of hatred. After all, we are talking about your brother and sister - we share one Father.

Once I was privileged to hear the Lubavitcher Rebbe speak on this topic (in Yiddish) and what he said was so profound it has guided me ever since: “How far must we extend ourselves in the love of a fellow Jew? In our generation we have a special imperative.

In the same way that as soon as you were a son of Avraham, Yitzchak or Yaakov or daughter of Sara, Rivka, Rachel and Leah, for no other reason, the Nazis did to you what they did, so too for us to cure that hate, we must replace it with boundless love that must extend to every Jew unconditionally, just because they are Jewish”.

Let us resolve during this challenging period to put aside any differences we may have – real or perceived.

In tandem with the vaccinations we must all have for COVID-19 when we are permitted; we must endeavour to spiritually vaccinate ourselves with Ahavat Chinam – only then will we merit the rebuilding of our Temple speedily in our days.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

In the Heights: 6 Jewish Facts FROM PAGE 4

Jews from Germany. The neighborhood’s Jewish community got a big boost in 1929, when Yeshiva College restructured and relocated to “The Heights” from the Lower East Side.

Today, Yeshiva University is one of the world’s major Jewish places of learning, educating approximately 7,000 students each year in its many undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s one of the central institutions in Washington Heights.

European Jewish immigrants arriving in New York in 1887 (Frank Leslie illustration) The institution exemplifies the ideal of Torah Umadda, the study of sacred Jewish texts along with the secular wisdom of the world at large.

Chicago lawyer Ira Piltz, 48, first came to Washington Heights to attend Yeshiva University in the 1990s, and described his experiences in the neighborhood to Aish.com. “I remember walking through the neighborhood and how vibrant it was. There was a lot of life… There were people outside, in the parks, playing music.” Despite the neighborhood's busy character – and the high crime rates that plagued Washington Heights in the 1990s – Piltz recalls the many small mom and pop stores that dotted “the Heights”. “It was a fun neighborhood: vibrant, alive, and colorful.”

Frankfurt on the Hudson While Yeshiva University was turning Washington Heights into one of most significant Jewish locales, another move was on the way: thousands of German Jews who were fleeing Nazi Germany started pouring into Washington Heights.

By 1934, the German Jewish community was so numerous that they began a newsletter that evolved into a newspaper called Aufbau. The paper published work by well-known German Jews including Albert Einstein and Hannah Arendt. In its inaugural issue in 1934, buried among the many German-language articles is a stirring English language article about the story of Hanukkah, evoking parallels with the dangers in which German Jews found themselves at the time.

During World War II, Aufbu was one of the only newspapers in America to report on the Nazi crimes against Jews during the Holocaust.

After World War II, many Holocaust survivors joined the German-speaking Jewish community in Washington Heights, and for years Washington Heights was dubbed by some New Yorkers “Frankfurt on the Hudson”.

“Torah in the World” – and in Washington Heights In the 1800s, the Jewish community in Frankfurt in Germany was one of the world’s most distinctive, shaped by longtime Jewish leader Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsh (1808-1888). Under Rabbi Hirsh’s leadership, Frankfurt’s Jewish community was proud and selfsufficient, with its own schools and other Jewish communal institutions. Rabbi Hirsch called for Torah im Derech Eretz – rigorously following the path of Torah, while participating in the world.

“The need to strive for absolute human perfection, Kedusha (holiness),

is addressed to each and every member of the (Jewish) nation,” Rabbi Hirsch wrote. “No station in life, no gender, no age, no state of personal fortune is excluded” (Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, Parshas Kedoshim). He encouraged his congregants to live full lives as Jews. A generation later, in 1939, Rabbi Hirsch’s grandson, Rabbi Joseph Breuer (1882-1980) found himself in grave danger from the Nazis. He managed to escape in 1939 and moved to Washington Heights, where he got a job as rabbi in a newly built synagogue there called K’hal Adath Jeshurun. He brought his grandfather’s vision of Jewish self-sufficiency with him.

K’hal Adath Jeshurun In time, the synagogue would be known simply as “Breurer’s Shul” or just “Breuer’s.” Like his grandfather, Rabbi Breuer encouraged his congregants to build a vibrant community, establishing schools, a mikvah, a chevra kadisha (Jewish burial society) and other communal institutions, which endure to this day. He continued his grandfather’s philosophy of Torah im derech eretz – Torah in the World – insisting that Jewish learning and mitzvot influence daily life.

Alan Ettinger grew up in K’hal Adath Jeshurun synagogue and serves as its president. His parents managed to escape from Germany in the 1930s and eventually made their way to Washington Heights where they built a life together. He described what it was like growing up in the neighborhood to Aish.com.

“It was a bustling, thriving community.”

Mr. Ettinger attended the local Jewish school and notes “there are still a number of boys – well now they’re men, older men – who still live in Washington Heights.

It was a very cohesive community. I have classmates who I’m still very close with.

My classmates’ children and my children were in class together also. There were a lot of Holocaust survivors, people who came right before the war or right after or who escaped the Holocaust.”

He notes that one of Washington Height Jewish community’s unique qualities is that “you can’t tell whose wealthy and who’s not. People here are simple, not ostentatious… It’s a very harmonious community.” There have been many changes in Washington Heights, but that quality of being low key and modest has remained a constant in the Jewish community.

Thriving Jewish Community Today In 1992, The New York Times reported that the Jewish community in Washington Heights was on its last legs. In an article titled “The Last of Frankfurt-on-theHudson; A Staunch, Aging Few Stay On as Their World Evaporates”, the paper painted a picture of a Jewish community in its death throes. “The Jewish people that live here now are the old ones and the poor ones,” a local charity worker said: “They are… dying out.”

Yet news of the demise of Washington Heights’ Jewish community proved to be premature. In the 1990s, the area became invigorated by an influx of Jews from the former Soviet Union. Today, the Jewish community is bursting at the seams with younger Orthodox Jews.

“The biggest recent change," notes Alan Ettinger of K’hal Adath Jeshurun synagogue, “is that a lot of Jewish singles now live in Washington Heights. It’s all part of the gentrification of New York City.” As New York’s Orthodox Jewish population has flourished, increasing numbers of young religiously observant Jews have chosen to make their homes in Washington Heights, revitalizing the area. Being one of the most affordable places to live in Manhattan has helped draw younger residents. “Young couples and families are flooding into Washington Heights,” the New York Jewish Week reported over a decade ago, “drawn by affordable rents, convenient commutes and a vibrant Jewish community.”

“I never thought I’d stay this long,” chuckles Rabbi Yaakov Hoffman of Washington Heights Congregation.

He first moved to Washington Heights

from his native Maryland for college at Yeshiva University, and has called the neighborhood home ever since. “I’ll tell you what makes my shul special,” he noted in a recent conversation with Aish.com. “There’s a lack of emphasis on materialism. It makes it very pleasant to live here. There’s no keeping up with the Joneses.” His synagogue contains a wide variety of congregants, from young children to people in their 90s. There’s also a very wide range of religious styles and levels of observance. “We respect the diversity.”

Lin Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights and the Jewish Community Lin Manuel Miranda wrote his stage musical In the Heights while he was in college. He later explained that he was unaware of Washington Heights’ Jewish history at the time, but soon learned. “(T) he summer after I wrote it, I got a job at the Manhattan Times. I started writing articles, and I learned a lot about the history of our neighborhood. I saw that even if there were no Latino people in Washington Heights, it would still be a classic immigrant community, given the large numbers of German and later Russian Jews,” he told The Jewish Week in 2008.

When In the Heights had its first stage run in 2008, Miranda described “older (Jewish) women who come up to me after the show and say ‘I lived on 173rd and Pinehurst in 1943, and it felt just like that.’ We all have immigrant parents and grandparents who did a difficult job that nobody wants to do, so that their kids could do better. And people are responding to the universal nature of that.”

The stage version of In the Heights did have one clue to the neighborhood’s Jewish past. In the last act, when a sign saying “Rosario’s Car and Limousine” is removed from a storefront, underneath can be seen the German word for bakery, Backerei. It’s a hint to the neighborhood’s German Jewish past. One that recently seemed on the brink of extinction, and continues to thrive today.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

The People of Israel Need Our Support

AR OUND

T HE

COMMUNITY

UIA UIA programs support vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Israel, many of whom are located exactly where the rockets fell during the recent 'Operation Guardian of the Walls'.

While there may be a ceasefire, in the aftermath of the conflict the People of Israel continue to need our support more than ever.

Residents of the south, in particular, continue to experience immense challenges. They are in desperate need of psychological support, including children who suffer post-traumatic stress, housing, especially for those whose homes were attacked by rockets, repair of bomb shelters, respite and more.

Examples of how Keren Hayesod-UIA provided support during the Operation include: • Food baskets sent to the elderly who live in our Amigour Sheltered Housing to ensure that they did not have to risk their lives to get groceries; • Families, whose homes were destroyed by rocket attacks, assisted through the Victims of Terror Fund; and • Children, who recently made Aliyah from Ethiopia, who live at KH-

UIA absorption centres in Ashkelon (at

However, the need continues.

Donate to UIA before 30 June to

the centre of the recent attacks), given

Show your solidarity with the People

respite from the conflict on an excursion

of Israel through UIA by making a

to Jerusalem, where they could enjoy

contribution before the end of the

now, phone 9361 4273 or email info@

playing outdoors.

financial year.

uiansw.org.au

receive your tax deduction.

Go

to

uiaaustralia.org.au/donate-

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

IS RAE L

NEWS

Magen David Adom celebrates 91 eventful years

TAMARA LOWBEER The month of June marks 91 years since MDA was officially founded, on June 7, 1930 with just one ambulance available.

In 1950 MDA’s activities were regulated through the Knesset which passed The Magen David Adom Law stating that MDA would function as Israel’s National Red Cross, in accordance with the Geneva Convention.

91 years later, MDA is still going strong, promoting and developing emergency medical services, blood services and humanitarian activities in the battle to save Israeli lives every single day. MDA staff and volunteers work, day in and day out, under all circumstances, in routine and emergency situations, for the people of Israel.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, even more than ever, MDA has been on the frontline saving lives in Israel. MDA was tasked by the Israeli Government to lead the COVID-19 response because of its unique experience as Israel’s national emergency, blood, ambulance and disaster service.

MDA medics, EMTs and volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last eighteen months experiencing the most stressful and confronting situations. They are the heroes who have battled on, to overcome what at times seemed like a hopeless situation.

Much of the population of Israel has been vaccinated and COVID-19 numbers were on the decline, however, in May 2021, MDA faced another life-

threatening challenge - missiles from Gaza and Arab-Jewish riots and tension.

Operation Guardian of the Walls may have only lasted 11 days, but it was one of the most intense wars between Israel’s military and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

From the beginning of the fighting, 4500 missiles were fired towards Israel causing a large number of injured, property damage and fear especially to the residents in the southern sector and in Israel in general. 12 people died. MDA teams provided medical assistance during 7030 red alert sirens and treated over 600 physically injured people and 300 who were suffering from stress. 374

MDA lifesaving vehicles were deployed during that period.

Twelve ambulances and one medicycle were damaged by stones thrown during the riots that took place in cities where Arabs and Jews co-existed.

MDA was in the thick of it, tending to the injured, often while being in danger themselves and at the same time they continued to provide medical assistance for routine cases such as accidents, illnesses, births and more.

MDA blood services teams worked day and night to maintain the national blood supply setting up emergency blood drives around Israel ensuring that more than 1000 blood units and components

could be supplied to hospitals.

We wish mazal tov and give thanks to the tireless MDA heroes, the staff and volunteers, as they often put their own lives on the line in order to save the precious lives of everyone in Israel regardless of their race, religion or gender. We are so proud of our organisation, which is a symbol of the most important values saving human life, helping others, unity, and brotherhood.

We thank all those who have dedicated their lives to the past and present of Magen David Adom and to the future generations who will continue the sacred work of saving lives.

of so much – from targeting children to apartheid. Upon hearing this, how many Jews knew how to respond? How many saw the light?

We need to each personify all that the menorah represents. How many of us, upon reading or hearing that pop culture figures such as John Oliver and Trevor Noah publicly accused Israel of being an apartheid state, knew to respond? It is hard to have the statistics on hand but … knowledge is power!

After all, in Israel, seventeen per cent of the doctors, one-quarter of nurses and over forty percent of the pharmacists are, in fact, Israeli Arabs.

On social media, and via more traditional modes of communication, I read of many Jews who vocalised how ashamed they were of Israel’s defensive response. I pondered as to whether the metaphorical menorah had gone missing from their lives.

So, where does this symbol come from?

When the State of Israel chose the Menorah as its national emblem, it was inspired by the sculptured reproduction of the menorah on the Arch of Titus, built when the Romans exiled us from our land. How apt. This reminds us that out of the symbol of the destruction and humiliation of our people, we were able to find a symbol of rebirth.

The side of the Arch is engraved with images of precious, holy Temple vessels - including the menorah - being taken into exile. In fact, the Latin words “Judea capta - Judea is captured” were also printed on commemorative coins from that epoch.

As a nineteen-year-old, I visited Rome and stood beneath the Arch of Titus. I recall a wave of emotion sweeping over me as I imagined the sheer terror and devastation faced by Jewish mothers and fathers who came before me, reflected in the horrific moments that were being celebrated on the marble.

I looked up again and noticed yet another engraving etched upon the ancient stone. A Jew with a dose of chutzpah had audaciously inscribed three Hebrew words deep within the marble’s surface: “Am Yisrael Chai”.

Suddenly my mood changed from one of despair to one of jubilation! I then cried out through the darkness and rain: “Evil Titus, Take a good look at me!

I’m still here! The Jewish people is still here! Where is that glorious empire you thought would rule the world forever?

Where are you?”

In every generation a ‘Hamas’ rises up to destroy us. Yet through it all, L’yehudim hayta ora v’simcha – for the Jews there was light and joy.

Kein tihiyeh lanu – so shall it be for us.

Turn on the lights RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER, THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

I would wager that if I conducted a quick ‘vox pop’ asking what the State of Israel’s official symbol is, most would respond, “the Magen David – the Star of David.” Yet, while it adorns the Israeli flag, the fact is, that is not the top answer. Rather, it can be found in a recent Torah portion, beha’alotcha, which explores the kindling of the menorah in the Tabernacle.

Yes, the menorah is the official symbol of Israel. In fact, a replica of the golden candelabrum that stood in our holy Temple, now proudly stands today outside the Knesset in Jerusalem.

And yet, the exact specifications are shrouded in mystery, with Maimonides offering a completely different depiction of what the Temple menorah actually looked like.

What happened to the menorah?

There was no Apple AirTag attached!

We know it was taken into exile, but then what? Theories abound.

So, we couldn’t track it but surely we can define its purpose? Not so fast … there’s a difference of opinions here

too. Some say the menorah is symbolic, representing that Israel is a “light unto the nations?”

Others say that the seven lights allude to the seven attributes of human knowledge. One thing I know with certainty: The menorah’s raison d’etre was to provide light in the Tabernacle. It didn’t burn constantly, rather it was in use each evening as it was so darkly lit within the Temple. And as we know all too well, darkness can also descend upon the world.

Drawing from this, we have a Ner Tamid – an Eternal Light that glows in every synagogue. In addition, many poetic and mystical reasons are offered to explain our sacred ritual of lighting Shabbat candles in our home – yet it all links directly back to our menorah. In a practical sense, we are not allowed to activate light switches on Shabbat.

And if theoretically we absentmindedly forget to prior to the commencement of Shabbat, our homes would be enveloped by darkness.

HaShem does not want this for us. In fact, the Torah itself is referred to as: “Torah Ohr – the Light of Torah.” And as an extension, Jews must be aware, informed and indeed, enlightened.

Unfortunately, that is often not the case.

We saw how public opinion kept moving away from Israel during the recent Gaza conflict. Israel was baselessly accused

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

Teenage Eating Disorders: No Laughing Matter

IS R AE L

NEWS

MIRIAM PACANOWSKI In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, teenagers around the world have experienced significant health challenges.

From the perspective of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem’s most central hospital, the effect of the pandemic, combined with the stress caused by the recent military conflict, has had a significant effect on the wellbeing of young people.

In response to this serious issue, the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek are focusing their fundraising efforts this year on supporting the hospital’s Adolescent Medicine Service.

The service, headed by Dr Shelly Ben Harush Negari, was the first of its kind in Israel and is a multidisciplinary service drawing on the skills of physicians, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, teachers and consultants.

As a holistic service, it also overlaps with many other medical disciplines and it advocates on behalf of adolescents with a range of severe medical needs.

The service includes innovative and creative therapies, such as medical clowns, animal assisted therapy and music therapy.

One of the primary activities of the Adolescent Medicine Service is the treatment of eating disorders. There has been a significant increase worldwide in the incidence of eating disorders amongst teenagers.

This year to date, Shaare Zedek has treated more than double the number of teenagers with eating disorders compared to the same period in 2019.

Patients are presenting with more severe symptoms of malnutrition and associated medical complications, and there are long waiting lists with patients

needing specialised medical treatment.

The Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek are also committed to improving the health of the Australian community, creating medical collaborations between Shaare Zedek and their Australian medical counterparts.

In the lead up to winter camp, the AFSZ, in collaboration with the Australian Zionist Youth Council are coordinating a webinar geared at madrichim and madrichot of seven Zionist youth groups across Australia. This webinar, in the leadup to winter camp, will be presented

by psychologist Dr Toni Pikoos and will educate Madrichim of youth groups to identify and deal with potential eating disorders at camp.

Dr Pikoos recently completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology, specialising in the treatment and research of body image disorders. She was also a Beni Akiva madricha in her home town of Perth and is currently conducting research into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image.

Dr Pikoos will address the audience about how eating disorders may play out at camp and how to create body image safe environments. She will advise on how to incorporate healthy attitudes into the camp activities and to empower her audience to help campers who are struggling at meal times.

One of the primary roles of madrichim at camp, she says, is to set a healthy example and to take care of their own wellbeing while working at camp.

Madrichim need to let their campers see that they are taking care of themselves whilst working hard to ensure that camp is a success.

For more information about how Shaare Zedek is improving the lives of teenagers in Jerusalem and to support its crucial work, please visit our website at www.shaarezedek.org.au

JEWISH EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT The Sydney Jewish Report will be publishing a Jewish Education supplement in its NEXT EDITION – deadline for submission, 13th July.

The supplement will cover important aspects relating to providing your child with a Jewish education, including research, testimonials and interviews from experts. The supplement will also provide information on extra-curricular activities in your area, ranging from sports to academic tutoring.

We are offering all businesses associated with children’s schools and education the opportunity to promote their services, which could include articles, adverts, photos and interviews.

To register your interest in appearing in the supplement or for more information on rates please contact: Alex on 0418 660 660 or advertising@thejewishreport.com.au

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

Brad Meltzer Teaches New Generation about Anne Frank

BOOK

A N A LY S I S

DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER Courtesy of aish.com

“I’ve never seen a reaction like I’ve seen for I am Anne Frank,” explained bestselling author Brad Meltzer in a recent Aish.com exclusive interview.

Brad Meltzer is a familiar name to millions of readers around the world. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for adults and kids, Brad has hosted television programs and is also the creator of the 27 books in the Ordinary People Change the World series of biographies of notable people written for young children. These books, written in the first person, bring famous figures such as Amelia Earhart and Abraham Lincoln to life, describing what their life was like from the time they were children to the fame they earned as adults.

One of his most successful books in the series is I am Anne Frank. “I started this book series to give my own kids heroes to look up to,” Brad explains. He tries to write about historical figures who modeled “kindness, compassion and perseverance,” and with I am Anne Frank he also tried to convey hope.

“Who better to teach hope than Anne Frank?” Brad asks. “This is the girl who hid from Nazis in an attic and still felt that people were good at heart.”

Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt on June 12, 1929. Her parents Otto and Edith Frank were cultured and middle class; Anne also had an older sister named Margo. In 1934, after Hitler came to power in Germany, the Franks fled Germany, finding relative safety in nearby Amsterdam. But when Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1942, life changed drastically or Jews there. Unable to work or go to school, Dutch Jews were forced to wear a yellow star whenever they went out in public.

After local Nazi officials notified the Frank family that Margo was to be deported to a labor camp, the family had no choice but to hide. Along with another family of three, then another man as well, the Franks spent over two years living in a secret set of rooms behind her father’s business office. Aided by some non-Jewish Dutch neighbors, the Franks and other Jews in the secret annex had to live in near silence most of the time.

Even a footstep or an overheard whisper would have alerted the workers toiling in the building and would have led to the Jews’ discovery and arrest.

Anne spent much of her time writing in her diary. Her words have been inspirational to generations of readers.

In August 1944, the Franks and other Jews were discovered, probably because a local worker or neighbour heard or observed their presence.

Arrested and sent to concentration camps, almost all of the Jews in the secret annex perished at the hands of the Nazis. Edith Frank died in Auschwitz.

Both Margo and Anne Frank suffered from overwork, malnutrition and disease; they died of typhus in the Bergen Belsen

concentration camp. Of the eight Jews in the annex, only Otto Frank survived.

He oversaw the publication of his Anne diary after the Holocaust.

With the current alarming rise in antisemitism around the world, Brad Meltzer wrote I am Anne Frank as a way of combatting global Jew-hatred. “The real truth is that antisemitism is at this brand new high,” he explains. “There are millennials who don’t know basic facts about the Holocaust, let alone that six

Brad Meltzer grew up in Brooklyn. A trip to Israel at the age of 19 changed his life. Visiting the Jewish state made him feel like he was “part of something – I started going to synagogue and saying Shabbat prayers.” As he’s grown older, Jewish practice has become a more central part of his life.

“As a father I realize that our kids need hope again.” Telling Anne Frank’s story to a new generation of children is a way to give readers hope.

“Who better to teach hope than Anne Frank?” Brad asks. “This is the girl who hid from Nazis in an attic and still felt that people were good at heart.”

million Jews died.”

A recent poll found that 63% of young adult millennials and Generation-Z didn’t know that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. Shockingly, 11% believed that Jews had caused the Holocaust. More information about the Holocaust and the horrors of Nazi persecution of Jews and other groups is more crucial now than ever.

“When I read that statistic about millennials who don’t know about the Holocaust, I knew I had to write for nonJewish readers too,” Brad notes. He points out that he has no memory of hearing Anne Frank’s story for the first time; her story has always been a part of his life. "Knowing about the Holocaust was part of growing up.” Today, the majority of youth do not have this same understanding and base of knowledge.

Anne Frank’s diary contains some moving passages, a few of which Brad quotes in his book. In one inspiring section, he shows four passages from Anne’s real-life diary: Who knows, maybe our religion will teach the world and all the people in it about goodness.

As long as this exists, this sunshine and this cloudless sky, and as long as I can enjoy it, how sad can I be?

As long as you can look fearlessly at the sky, you’ll know that you’re pure within and will find happiness once more.

I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.

Brad observes that Anne was “born with this light in her,” an ability to be optimistic and inspiring despite the traumas that he endured in her short life.

“Great horrors in our lives don’t just take

us apart,” Brad notes, “they also reveal us. Anne’s situation revealed her unique ability to look at life with positivity."

After I am Anne Frank came out, Brad recalls that his sister phoned him up to say she’d just read the book to Brad’s sevenyear-old niece. He asked how it went and his sister replied, “I don’t believe it – I just had an hour-long conversation with her about the Holocaust.” At the end of this long emotional talk, Brad’s niece confided, “I’m proud to be Jewish.”

"Your book worked,” his sister told him.

Readers have told him it’s the most important book they’ve ever read with their children. “I’ve never seen a reaction like I’ve seen for Anne Frank. I think there’s something about this book that’s necessary – we get the heroes we need.”

The book tries to give parents the tools they need to teach children about the Holocaust in age-appropriate ways.

Notice of Anne’s tragic death at the age of just 16 is placed at the end of the book in a section that can be skipped over when reading the book to younger children. Aimed at elementary school readers, Brad has found the book has wide appeal.

At the end of his book, Brad notes, “In the Jewish faith there’s a saying: If a person saves one life, it’s as if they’ve saved an entire world.” This beautiful concept, found in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a), is a lasting message that Brad wants readers to understand.

As soon as he began working on the book, he knew he was going to use that quote. I am Anne Frank is the first book in Brad’s Ordinary People Change the World series in which the hero doesn’t grow old. She lives on in her writing. And thanks to Brad Meltzer, Anne’s life and words continue to be read by young readers around the world today.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

Israel's New Government Is Among the Most Diverse in the History of Democracies ALAN M. DERSHOWITZ Courtesy of Gatestone Institute

• United States and Europe, insist on characterizing Israel as an apartheid state. Nothing could be further from the truth. Israel has real diversity, not the kind of phony diversity that characterises many American institutions. American diversity is simply a euphemism for more Blacks, and especially more Blacks who hold the same views about political and racial matters.

• The best evidence of this truism came from Google's appointment of a chief diversity officer who had expressed anti-gay and anti-Jewish views.... He is Black and that is all that diversity means at Google and many other American institutions. It is different in Israel, because Israel is such an inherently diverse nation that takes its diversity seriously.

• Every Muslim majority nation is officially a Muslim state that bestows considerable benefits on members of that faith. England is an Anglican Christian state with an established religion. Catholicism is the official religion of several European countries.

Many national flags and emblems have crosses, crescents or other distinctly religious symbols.

• So stay tuned to see how the now government manages to survive the challenges of diversity. In the meantime, however, stop singling out Israel for demonisation by mislabelling it as apartheid or undemocratic.

I challenge anyone to name a parliamentary democracy that has had a more diverse coalition government -racially, religiously, ethnically, ideologically, politically, national origin -- than the current Israeli government. It includes people of nearly every colour

Israel stands among the countries of the world most committed to achieving real equality for all its citizens. Pictured: Members of Israel's new cabinet attend their first meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Israel on June 13, 2021. (Photo by Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP via Getty Images) from Black Ethiopians to brown Muslims to swarthy Sephardim to pale Russians.

It includes a modern Orthodox Jew as Prime Minister, along with fundamentalist Muslims and atheist and agnostics Jews.

It has a gay cabinet member, a deaf member of the Knesset and people who trace their roots to Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

A record number of nine women will be serving in the new Israeli cabinet. The current Prime Minister is a right-winger. The Prime Minister designate who is currently Minster of Foreign Affairs, is a left-winger.

Every shade of political opinion -- and there are many in Israel -- is represented in this government. The old expression "two Jews, three opinions" can now be changed to "20 Israeli cabinet members, 30 opinions" -- because each cabinet

member represents multiple opinions within their parties.

All the same, bigots, particularly on the hard left in the United States and Europe, insist on characterizing Israel as an apartheid state. Nothing could be further from the truth. Israel has real diversity, not the kind of phony diversity that characterizes many American institutions. American diversity is simply a euphemism for more Blacks, and especially more Blacks who hold the same views about political and racial matters. It has little to do with diversity of attitudes, experiences, views.

The best evidence of this truism came from Google's appointment of a chief diversity officer who had expressed anti-gay and anti-Jewish views. It is inconceivable that Google

with its vast resources and ability to check everything, did not know of his bigoted views. He is Black and that is all that diversity means at Google and many other American institutions. It is different in Israel, because Israel is such an inherently diverse nation that takes its diversity seriously.

Does this mean that perfect equality has been achieved in the nation state of the Jewish people? Of course not.

Like every democracy struggling with racial and ethnic issues. Israel is far from perfect. Its laws mandate equality, but discriminatory practices persist against certain groups of Jews and Muslims.

Israel's courts consistently render CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Pivotal moment in strategic funding AUSTRALIAN JEWISH FUNDERS The Australian Jewish Funders (AJF) in collaboration with seven AJF strategic donors have announced a new partnership with Catchafire to gift 100 Jewish for-purpose (not-for-profit) organisations access to a year of professional services from a worldwide network of skilled volunteers and advisers.

Since August 2020, AJF has used Catchafire’s virtual platform to complete 24 projects with expert volunteers from the United States, Israel, Australia and the United Kingdom, to the value of more than $120,000 AUD in pro bono services.

Access to Catchafire has expanded AJF’s ability to imagine what is possible, with endless new opportunities, as they strive to inspire strategic philanthropy and strengthen community.

“Amid the pandemic, communal organisations have struggled with challenges such as operating with

decreased volunteer support, shifting how they deliver their programs and dealing with event and fundraiser cancellations, while facing skyrocketing demand for their services,” said Tracie Olcha, AJF CEO. “Extending our partnership with Catchafire will allow

continue to recover from this challenging year and thrive into the future.”

AJF has spearheaded the partnership with Catchafire, by forming a national donor collaborative with Besen Family Foundation, Erdi Foundation, Loti & Victor Smorgon Family Foundation,

“Amid the pandemic, communal organisations have struggled with challenges such as operating with decreased volunteer support, shifting how they deliver their programs and dealing with event and fundraiser cancellations, while facing skyrocketing demand for their services,”

our Jewish for-purpose sector to access much - needed professional services funded by the donor collaborative, allowing them to build capacity,

Spotlight Foundation, Hermann Golan Foundation, Stanley & Charmaine Roth Family Foundation and Orah Fund. Together with program partner

Shalom, this groundbreaking initiative will elevate the sector by driving positive change through the giving of time and talent for the benefit of the for-purpose community.

Catchafire volunteers offer assistance on a wide variety of projects, including fundraising, data management, business systems development, technology, technical writing and graphic design. All the volunteers are skilled professionals thst apply to work on organisations' projects and are matched when both parties agree to work together.

“Catchafire is excited to partner with Australian Jewish Funders to help Jewish for-purpose organisations across Australia meet critical needs, as they continue to adapt and recover after an incredibly challenging year,” said Catchafire CEO Rachael Chong. “With the support of AJF, we’re thrilled to help more Australian change -makers save time and money so they can focus on serving their communities.”

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

I Moved to Israel, Alone, When I was 15

I SR AE L

NEWS

CHAYA ARBIV Courtesy of aish.com

It wasn’t easy. But it was worth it.

Announcements blared over the loudspeakers; people pushed past us to get to their flights. I didn't notice. Despite the bustle and noise around us at JFK airport, I could only focus on my family. It was August 28th, 2012, and I was about to move to Israel. Alone.

Until that point, I had lived in a sheltered and comfortable Jewish community in Chicago. I was surrounded by people who looked and acted like me, people who spoke the same language and held similar beliefs. It was hard to imagine leaving my community, especially when moving away had never been on my mind.

All that changed when I heard about Naale, a program that provides Jewish teenagers a free high school education in Israel. Somehow, I felt that this was something I was meant to do, which was hard to explain to other people.

“Why not wait until after high school?” some asked me, while others couldn’t understand the appeal of Israel in the first place.

My original reasoning was that I wanted to explore beyond my community’s bubble. I wanted to experience a new culture, to taste a life I’d never lived. I also figured that if I eventually made aliyah (immigrated to Israel), it would be easier if I had already acclimated to the country.

But standing at the airport looking at my family, these reasons felt hollow.

Moving halfway across the world didn’t seem like a necessary step to experience something different or to prepare for maybe making aliyah. I could have just gone to summer camp in Israel instead.

My conflicted thoughts were interrupted when Naale’s representative told me it was time to leave. I hardly got the chance to hug my family one last time before I was ushered into a long line for security. I looked back at them, tears filling my eyes, but I had a flight to

catch. I waved one last time and turned the corner. They were gone.

I was 15 years old and I was leaving my old life behind.

On My Own Becoming Israeli took a lot more work than I had originally expected. I stuck out in every way. I dressed like an American, had an American accent, and asked for things too politely.

Learning to speak Hebrew caused me the most embarrassment. I always made mistakes, stumbling over my words. I ended the school days with a headache and kept wondering when I’d finally get it. I couldn’t imagine myself managing to have a full conversation in Hebrew without messing up. It seemed so impossibly distant.

I also had to learn independence.

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but I’d never done my own laundry. Or washed the floors. Or anything much beyond clearing out the dishwasher and matching socks after the laundry was

done. For the first time I was completely responsible for myself. I needed to make my own doctor’s appointment. I needed to call host families for Shabbat, week after week, looking for places to stay.

The hardest part for me was the distance from my family. I always knew what time it was in Chicago and waited until I could call them. I missed having the support system of people who put me first. As much as the staff at my high school was there for me, they couldn’t replace my parents.

Despite the challenges (or because of them), I was changing for the better.

Naale constantly took us on new outings and hikes, exposing us to Israel’s beauty. I was hosted by Israeli families all over the country, where I learned about different cultural practices and tasted food I’d never even heard of, like jachnun and petitim and injera. I met people from all over the world, from South Africa and Holland and France and so much more.

And I was learning that much of Israeli slang was just words in English pronounced with an Israeli accent.

My first year in Israel was an adventure.

That’s how I held on when times were tough; I remembered how much more there was to do the next day. And I always told myself that if I wanted to, I could come back home. To Chicago.

It wasn’t until my second year in Israel that my resolve was truly tested. It was the very first day of 11th grade, and I’d just come back from an incredible summer in Chicago.

While I was there, I didn’t have to worry where I’d spend Shabbat every week, or if I sounded stupid when I spoke.

Returning to Israel no longer was a shiny new toy, with adventures to be had and experiences to gain. As I looked around at my dorm room, at the joint bathroom I shared with seven other girls, at the cafeteria food I hated, I ached for the life I used to have and wondered why I

gave it up.

That was when I called my parents, sobbing. “I can’t do this,” I said, gasping for air through my tears. “I gave up my childhood. And for what? I don’t want to do this anymore. I want to come home.”

My parents listened sympathetically, and after a long discussion, came up with a solution: I would stay in Israel through the holidays, until the end of Sukkot. If I still wanted to go back to Chicago, they’d buy me the next flight out.

I had to question my logic once again. Why did I really move to Israel?

And beyond that, why should I stay? I was sure I’d be on the first flight back to Chicago after Sukkot was over.

It was Rosh Hashanah that brought new understanding. I watched in awe as the entire country transformed. The stores all sold apples and honey, holiday cards, and honey cakes.

The buses announced the New Year’s arrival on their screens.

And everyone was preparing for the holiday. I had seen it the year before but was too overwhelmed then to properly appreciate it. But in that season, my second year in Israel, I felt a tremendous sense of peace. I suddenly knew that I was doing something right. I was used to living in a country where my religion was an afterthought during the Christmas season, if that. But in Israel, being Jewish was normal.

That was the year Israel was not just an adventure, but where I truly lived.

Suddenly, the challenges that I had seen as unnecessary and painful were now helping me grow into the person I was supposed to be.

The language I couldn’t understand was becoming accessible, my Hebrew and English vocabulary slowly merging into one. And the culture I’d found so confusing was becoming my own.

I could no longer say that when I went back to Chicago, I was going home.

I was already home.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

TO R AH

THOUGHT RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN Test your knowledge of Israel, Jewish prayer, the Bible, Jewish literature, Jewish History, Australian Jewry and famous Jews in the arts, sciences, politics, sport and religious affairs with a special, monthy quiz.

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

1. Which is the furthest west, Eilat, Beersheba or Haifa?

2. Ephraim Katzir (the fourth president of the State of Israel) was the first president: a) To be born in Israel b) To be from Mizrachi or Sephardi background c) To be born in the 20th century?

3. In which century did the false messiah Shabbetai Zvi live?

4. Most months in the Jewish year are either 29 or 30 days long. Which months can be both?

5. How many MK’s make up the Knesset?

6. Which Biblical king said to which Biblical king? “Behold my elder daughter Merav, I give her to you as a wife.”

7. The book on Jewish philosophy

Judaica Quiz #1 entitled The Book of Refutation and Proof on Behalf of the Despised Religion written in the Middle Ages by Yehuda HaLevi is better known by what name?

8. Which Biblical personality, who according to tradition was given the name Tov or Tovya by his mother, is

Test your knowledge ...

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

generally known by a name given to him by a foreign princess?

9. What are the main ingredients of Shakshuka?

10. In which book of the Tanakh would you find the following: ‘A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace’?

11. After whom is Bar Ilan University named?

Israel's New Government FROM PAGE 14

decisions moving the country toward complete equality, but courts alone can never achieve that result.

Moreover, Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people and as such can give equal civil, legal, religious, linguistic and political rights to its non-Jewish citizens, but it cannot give them equal national rights. The state was created to be Jewish in character and to never discriminate against Jews in immigration or religious rights. It is the only Jewish state in a world which discriminated against Jews for thousands of years and which stood by as six million of them were murdered.

Many other nations, states and provinces around the world, with far less historical justification, have even greater national and religious characteristics.

Every Muslim-majority nation is officially a Muslim state that bestows considerable benefits on members of that faith.

England is an Anglican Christian state with an established religion.

Catholicism is the official religion of several European countries. Many national flags and emblems have crosses, crescents or other distinctly religious symbols. Several particular national anthems refer to religion.

Many countries have laws of return that favour certain ethnic and religious groups. Several Arab countries have religious restrictions and citizenship and land ownership.

And on and on. But Israel is the only nation that is routinely condemned for

12. Binyamin Netanyahu began his second spell as Prime Minister in 2009, who did he replace?

13. In which year was Captain Alfred Dreyfus convicted of treason and sent to Devils Island?

A) 1875

its law of return, its observance of Jewish holidays, its flag and its exemption from military service for most Arabs (and Jews learning full-time in religious seminaries).

Even with these limited and historically justified exceptions, Israel stands among the countries of the world most committed to achieving real equality for all its citizens.

The good news is that Israel has finally achieved a government, and that the government is among the most diverse in the history of democracy. The bad news is that its very diversity -- particularly its political and ideological differences -- also make the government one of the most unstable in the history of democracy.

It prevailed in the Knesset by a vote with 60 votes out of 120, with one abstention. So stay tuned to see how the now government manages to survive the challenges of diversity. In the meantime, however, stop singling out Israel for demonization by mislabelling it as apartheid or undemocratic.

Alan M. Dershowitz is the Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law, Emeritus at Harvard Law School and author of the book, The Case Against the New Censorship: Protecting Free Speech from Big Tech, Progressives and Universities, Hot Books, April 20, 2021. His new podcast, "The Dershow," can be seen on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. He is the Jack Roth Charitable Foundation Fellow at Gatestone Institute.

Follow Alan M. Dershowitz on Twitter and Facebook

B) 1885 C) 1895 14. Which is the odd one out? a) Billy Crystal b) Harrison Ford c) Bruce Willis d) Dustin Hoffman 15. Which is the highest town in Israel?

16. Which Jewish newspaper was first published in 1932?

17. Who was Midian’s father?

18. Name a city or town in Israel that begin with the letter A. 19. According to tradition some of the Jews exiled by Nebuchadnezzar went to live in the Iberian Peninsula. They settled initially in a city which they called "the pomegranate of Spain." Is this city: a) Cordova b) Granada c) Toledo?

20. Isaac Isaacs was the first Jewish Governor General of Australia. During which decade did he serve?

21. Where would one find the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space?

22. Complete the line from Amy Winehouse’s hit single – “They tried to make me go to rehab …”

23. How many times has Israel won the Eurovision Song Contest?

24. What did the Romans rename Jerusalem after the Bar Kochba revolt?

25. Which Jew was Speaker of the UK House of Commons from 1997-2019?

If you would like to write to Rabbi David Freedman with your feedback and suggestions on the new quiz you can reach him at rabdaf@yahoo.com

ANSWERS PAGE 18

Kesser Futsal team wins KESSER TORAH COLLEGE Kesser Torah College's representative Futsal team has won the Sydney Schools’ Cup Futsal competition for the third year in a row.

It secured victory against Moriah College, with a score of 5-2 in extra

time in the game held at Moriah College.

KTC’s participants in the game, from Years 9 and 10, were Aaron Levy, Arrial Levy, Menachem Kavka, Menachem Scuri, Nehorai Malka and Shmuli Hatzvi.

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

Maroubra Synagogue Hosts Inaugural Biggest Morning Tea MAROUBRA SYNAGOGUE Maroubra Synagogue, along with the dynamic and productive members of Maroubra Knitwitz, joined forces earlier this month to host the shul’s inaugural Biggest Morning Tea. This event was part of a national Cancer Council initiative, raising money for a cancer free future.

With a generous, freshly baked kosher morning tea on hand, along with impressive knitting samples on display, invited speaker, Ramona Freedman, delivered a heartfelt speech to many in attendance about her breast cancer journey and life lessons learnt.

Rabbi Yossi Friedman reflected, “It was such a pleasure to hear Ramona’s very personal and inspiring story, during which she encouraged and motivated us to truly appreciate the daily blessing of life that we have each been gifted”.

The kind-hearted Knitwitz crew are busy bees! With Susan Sznajer at the helm, these talented souls produce knitwear that is lovingly delivered to many organisations around town. These include: the Montefiore Home; Jewish House; Country Women’s Association of NSW; National Council of Jewish Women’s Association; WIZO and more.

AR OU ND

COMMUNITY

This ‘mitzvah morning’ left all feeling an elevation of spirit, emanating from positive messages for such an important and meaningful cause.

Ramona Freedman has not only lived through breast cancer, she also volunteers her time to confidentially speak to, and support other women in our community navigating a similar path.

This ‘mitzvah morning’ left all feeling an elevation of spirit, emanating from positive messages for such an important and meaningful cause.

The amazing, knitted pieces are made with love to envelop the young and old – Ramona reminded audience members that in addition to these physical pieces, we are all also spiritually swathed by our connection to, and faith in G-d.

Kol Hakavod to all!

Left to right: Ramona Freedman and Susan Sznajer.

My Mushroom Blintzes REBBETZIN ESTY GUTNICK Ah how we collectively love blintzes!

The blintz originated in Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Central and Eastern Europe and is commonly linked to the festival of Shavuot with a sweet cheese filling.

However, this is also delicious as a savoury sensation. With so many in our community requesting dairyfree options, keep in mind that these mushroom blintzes are heavenly as a Pareve dish as well as Milchig! The recipe below is a Gutnick family favourite - they

T HE

opt for Pareve blintzes - give them a go and you'll see why this is on high rotation!

Crêpe Recipe Ingredients: 1 cup plain flour 2 eggs ½ full cream milk or (soy milk) ½ cup water ¼ tsp. salt 2 Tbsp melted margarine Place all in blender and blend until smooth. Using a crêpe maker or frypan, coat with canola oil spray and then lightly cover the entire surface area with batter to make thin crêpes.

Yield: 10-12 crêpes

FOODI E S

CORNER Add sliced mushrooms and remaining ingredients.

Mushroom filling: 500 gm button mushrooms 2 onions diced 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 Tbsp white wine 1 Tbsp cornflour mixed with 1 Tbsp water Salt to taste Pepper to taste 1 clove fresh garlic crushed 1 tsp. Pareve chicken stock powder 1 Tbsp. olive oil Sauté diced onions in 1 Tbsp olive oil, until lightly browned.

When sauce thickens, remove from the flame and then discard thyme sprigs.

Once cooled, place (approximately) 1 Tbsp filling towards the bottom centre of each crêpe, tucking edges in as you roll.

When filled, lightly pan fry in 1 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil, seam side down to start and then flip to finish when golden brown.

Best when served warm but also enjoyed cold!

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

HE A LT H

&

FITNESS

The Many Faces of Addiction

TZACHI ROSMAN, PSY.D. Courtesy of aish,com

I asked a group of nursing students to write down the first thing that comes to their mind when they hear the word “addict”.

Their responses included: loser, thief, liar, pathetic, homeless, failure, poor, disabled, hopeless, guilty, shameful.

This exercise, and the responses it elicited, reinforced my belief about the enduring stigma of addiction. Rather than provide the planned clinical lecture on addiction, I pivoted away from my prepared remarks and shared my own word associations connected with the term addict. These descriptions were based on the individuals that I worked with throughout my years of clinical work.

Successful. I spoke about Cindy,* a 40-year-old CEO of a successful company who presented to treatment after being arrested. While driving drunk, she hit a traffic barrier and because her 5-year-old daughter was in the car, her actions met criteria for felony DUI. By societal standards she was living the dream. She had an amazing job, a beautiful home and well-behaved children. She also drank alcohol daily.

Cindy knew her drinking was not ideal, but considered herself functional, given her ability to maintain a perfectly manicured outward appearance.

During treatment she shared about growing up in a rigid home with very high expectations, which she always met. But she found no personal sense of accomplishment despite these successes. Until she began drinking.

Drinking allowed her to feel as if she achieved despite being handicapped.

Her drinking made her feel successful both outwardly and emotionally. Cindy was addicted to alcohol.

Traumatised. I shared the story of Jeffery, who had the most horrific childhood. Aside from the physical abuse he endured at the hands of his mother, he also lived with his alcoholic father whose emotional abuse rivaled the physical scars Jeffery received from his mother. Jeffery ran away from home at 15, lived on the couches of various friends until 18, joined the military and watched his friend die when his Humvee ran over an IED while fighting overseas.

Jeffery was physically injured in the attack and was prescribed an opiate to help manage the pain. In addition to alleviating his physical pain, he noticed how it also helped him black out the

memories of the past and allowed him to rest his always vigilant mind.

When his prescription ran out, Jeffery began buying pills on the street. Because the cost was exorbitant, he decided to try a cheaper alternative to pills: heroin.

Jefferey was addicted to opiates.

Valedictorian. Monique was raised by her parents who were both physically and emotionally available. Her family was upper middle-class and she lived in a tree-lined suburban neighbourhood.

Monique enjoyed dance and was a part of her local dance troupe. In school she was liked by teachers and popular among her peers. She found academics to be easy and thrived in her classes. She began to struggle in tenth grade when she found math to be challenging. Always used to excellence, this “ordinary” challenge elicited a great deal of stress. She confided in a friend who offered Monique one of her Adderall pills, which the friend was prescribed for treatment of her ADHD. The Adderall proved a “game changer” and Monique, taking Adderall when studying for all her future exams, eventually was appointed Valedictorian of her high school class. Her unprescribed use of Adderall escalated in college and resulted in Monique self-referring to a neuropsychologist with the hopes of attaining an ADHD diagnosis of her own so that she might get her own ADHD prescription. When this plan failed, she began buying pills on campus and was eventually caught buying from an undercover officer. Monique was addicted to stimulants.

Lonely. Dave never felt like he belonged. Throughout grade school he never fit in. If there was a party, he wasn’t invited. If kids were hanging out in the park, he was sitting in his room at home, all alone. He reluctantly began 9th grade assuming he was destined to four more years of a similar unsocial existence. Until he met Steven who, on the first day of school, invited Dave to sit with him at lunch. They hit it off and is was not long before Dave and Steven were hanging out after school.

One evening, while watching videos on Steven’s laptop, he pulled out a joint. He lit up and offered Dave a hit.

At first Dave was taken aback. He had never seen anyone smoke weed. But Steven was his friend, he didn’t want to jeopardize his relationship, and if Steven was doing it so flippantly, maybe it was okay. This was the first time Dave smoked marijuana, but his use escalated quickly.

He started smoking only with Steven, but then transitioned to smoking every night in his room. He left his window open and his parents were never the wiser.

Until the school did a random drug test on all of the 9th graders in April and Dave tested positive. Dave was addicted to marijuana.

I spoke about the countless numbers of fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, husbands, and wives who I have treated over my years in practice. Each person with their own intricate life story. Each human being whose life was made more difficult because of their addiction. Each member of an extended family who was suffering from their inability to break free

from the clutches of their addiction.

In order to adequately assist an individual struggling with addiction, it is important to approach them from a place of caring and concern. Viewing them in a denigrating manner is not only erroneous but creates a shaky foundation for help that is unlikely to be successful.

Noted addiction psychiatrist Dr. Gabor Maté explains this point beautifully: “In relegating the addict to the bottom of the social and moral skills and in our contemptuous rejection of him as a person, we have created the exact circumstances that are most likely to keep him trapped in pathological dependence on drugs. There is no island of relief, only oceanic despair.” (In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, p. 319).

I left the nursing students with the following thought: “As you each go out into the clinical world you will undoubtedly encounter addicts. They are often the most difficult cases to treat.

Your task is to not think of the person in front of you as an addict. If you identify them with that label, the description you wrote on your index card, then you are likely to provide suboptimal or possibly detrimental care.

“Rather, think of them as someone’s family member who could use your care and support, a human being in dire need of your help.”

While my presentation was targeted at nursing students, it is just as relevant to those not in the health profession.

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the United States the incidence of substance use disorders for individuals 12-years-old and older is 7.4%. For those between the ages of 18 and 25 the rate is over 14%.

How a person believes they will be perceived plays a role in their willingness to seek assistance. Your friend, spouse, sister, brother, child, or co-worker may be dealing with addiction and suffering in silence in fear of how they might be judged. This may even be true of you, yourself.

Seeing the person behind the behaviour makes caring easier. It dismantles the stigma around addiction and paves the way for one to seek help for themselves and provide support to those who may need. Choose to relate to the human not the addict. After all, they are one and the same. *All names and potentially identifying details have been altered to protect the privacy of the individuals mentioned above.

JUDAICA QUIZ #1 ANSWERS 1. Beersheba 2. c) Born in the 20th century 3. 17th century 4. Cheshvan and Kislev 5. 120 6. Saul to David 7. The Kuzari 8. Moses (Moshe) 9. A dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions,

which is often spiced with cumin 10. Kohelet/Ecclesiastes 11. Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan (originally Meir Berlin), a Religious Zionist leader 18801949 12. Ehud Olmert 13. c) 1895 14. c) Bruce Willis is the only one of these four actors who does not have Jewish roots. (Billy Crystal and Dustin

Hoffman have Jewish parents, Harrison Ford’s mother was a Russian Jewess.)

15. Sefat at an elevation of 900 metres (2,953 ft) 16. The Palestine Post (now known as The Jerusalem Post) 17. Abraham (Midian mother was Keturah) 18. Ashdod, Ashkelon, Arad, Acre, Ariel, Afula, Arraba and Ar’ara

19. b) Granada 20. The 1930s. (He was the 9th Governor General of Australia and served from 1931 to 1936.)

21. Haifa 22. “But I said, No, no, no” 23. 4 24. Aelia Capitolina 25. John Bercow

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

Kosher KApers RAMONA FREEDMAN THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY

The KA has some great news – for the first time ever in Australia, there is now a kosher certified distilled non-alcoholic spirit! Introducing the award-winning Seadrift Distillery, combining the pristine beauty of Sydney’s Northern Beaches with the London-based tradition of gin-making (minus the gin)!

There is a growing global movement for non-alcoholic spirits with our collective increased focus on wellness. Enter: Seadrift. There are two signature varieties: Seadrift Classic, offering refreshing top notes of lime and coriander and Seadrift Coast, artfully infused with basil, juniper and lemongrass. This craft process is expertly produced by hand in small batch runs and won the prestigious Silver Medal at the 2020 London Spirits Awards.

Made with natural ingredients such as seaweed and fresh botanicals, Seadrift products impressively contain zero calories and no added sugars or sweeteners. These two unique, refined products elevate the drinking experience, allowing all who consume it to slow down, unwind and most importantly, feel guilt-free! These two products are often perfectly paired with tonic water and crushed ice.

Many kosher consumers have communicated they are interested in part-taking in Dry July, a fundraiser that encourages people to go alcohol-free over one month to raise money for those affected by cancer. Well, substituting alcoholic spirits with this modern, liquid excellence is a great start!

Sticking with the sophisticated and stylish theme for a moment, KA-certified Dave’s Food Co.’s premium, unique

range of Gravlax Bites and Gravlax Slices are firm favourites around town. Keep in mind that these artfully cured Pareve products can be featured on a larger scale at catered events too – a magnet for many! The four varieties within the Core range include: Honey Mustard; Sweet Sriracha; Classic (salmon & onion) and Lemon & Cracked Pepper. The Seasonal range features three deeply infused flavours comprising of two in oil: Pepper & Dill and Orange Beetroot with White Onion, with one in mayonnaise: a Dill Sauce. And if a gorgeous Gravlax Board is what you envision, Dave’s Food Co. can cater for that too with three flavours: Pastrami; Pepper & Dill and Beetroot. All are Pareve and all guaranteed to elevate your next event.

There is a KA-certified company in our midst called DJ&A and it is growing exponentially – for good reason. The DJ&A team is committed to preserving nature’s creations to bring out its best qualities – and what a success this is.

Kosher products are vegan, Pareve and all ready-to-eat including Veggie Crisps; a range of Nature’s Protein such as the lightly cooked and seasoned Edamame; Crispy Vegetables; Shiitake Mushroom Jerky; Veggie Crackers and Kale Chips.

You can also find Potato Wedges; ParFried & Baked Chips; Vegan Chocolates; Apple Chips such as Baked Apple with Cinnamon Crumble; Crispy Fruits; Dried Fruits; Coconut products and more.

In fact, sometimes the overarching company name DJ&A won’t be front and centre on packaging and you’ll see these products under various DJ&A brands including Back to Basics and The Three Chefs. And there is more good news: every single kosher certified product features the KA’s trusted logo on the packaging. For the first time, kosher consumers can now shop the entire kosher range online at DJ&A’s website.

Have you ever heard the phrase: The

condiment is king? Never has it been more apt than in reference to a new KA- certified product. Introducing Kura Sushi Ginger in two varieties, Pink and Natural. Its sweet, spicy flavour makes it a perfectly versatile condiment to add to your favourite dishes. These are both vegan with no artificial colours or flavours and no added sugar. Many deem this an essential part of the sushi meal, and The KA Team agrees! With added kosher convenience, the trusted KA logo can be found on the labelling of every jar.

From the savoury to the sweet – it is a joyous happy first birthday to KAcertified Sweet Chick at its Surry Hills HQ! Offering artisanal baked goods and fine foods to our local and wider community, it is a true celebration with biscuits, cakes, tarts, slices, confectionery and even in-house home-made jam.

And balancing the sweet, you can also purchase savoury options including the ever-popular spanakopita, the spiced Pumpkin and Feta ‘Sausage Rolls’ and more! When it comes to gift-giving, a favourite amongst private and corporate clients has been the delectable Biscuit Boxes. And the most recent offering has been a new dairy product that families will love: Sweet Chick Cookie Dough (not Chalav Yisrael). As a bonus, this is eggfree, which has been a recent request of many families around town. If you are time-poor and want to serve and savour authentic best-quality cookies straight out of the oven … this is simply perfect for anyone, any age.

There’s more good news, with the NSW Government extending the Dine Voucher program until the end of July, so if you haven’t used your vouchers yet, you can still redeem them from KAcertified: Simply Hummus Bar; The Bagel Co. Rose Bay; Mendy’s & Jesse’s Bakery.

The KA looks forward to sharing more kosher news and views in the next edition – stay tuned!

Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town: To shop the kosher DJ&A range, visit www. djaproducts.com, or call the DJ&A HQ on 02 9666 8797 for stockist information – from Krinsky’s to Coles Westfield Bondi Junction to Costco, KAcertified DJ&A products are available in more stores around town every day.

To purchase the newly certified Kura Sushi Ginger in Pink and Natural flavours, you can shop online at: www.premiumgourmetfood. com.au or call HBC Trading on 02 9417 5525 for stockists in your area.

Seadrift Distillery’s two award-winning nonalcoholic spirits, Classic and Coast, can be purchased at www.seadriftdistillery.com/shop and will also be available for purchase in 20 stores of the Australian liquor supermarket chain - Dan Murphy’s from this July. To find one closest to you, call owner Alastair Whitely on 0410 448 044. In addition, there is free postage to anywhere in Australia with the purchase of two or more bottles!

To talk all-things Gravlax for your upcoming

simcha, call Dovid Nussbaum on 0411 843 437 from Dave’s Food Co. You can also purchase retail portions at Krinsky’s daily and every Friday from Jesse’s Bakery.

Visit Sweet Chick's online shop, located at www.thesweetchick.com.au to purchase from the entire range or visit the Sweet Chick HQ in person at 45 Hutchinson Street, Surry Hills. You can also call owner Rebecca Balkin on 0410 105 018 for more information about all artisan baked goods and more.

L-R: Dave's Food Co. Gravlax Slices, Sweet Chick Cookie Dough, Kura Sushi Ginger Pink and Seadrift Non Alcoholic Spirit.

KOSHE R

KApers KA PRODUCT UPDATES • Only two flavours of Tic Tacs are currently kosher: Peppermint and Orange – both need to be Made in Australia. The KA is investigating more flavours and will have updates about this shortly.

• Kirkland Signature Crinkle Cut Himalayan Salt Chips sold at Costco have been labelled in error with the Chof-K logo but are all kosher, certified by the London Beth Din. • Four kosher Callebaut chocolate products are now sold at Harris Farm Market stores. These include one Pareve: Dark 55% Cocoa & three Dairy products (not Chalav Yisrael): Chocolate Gianduja; Chocolate Milk & White Cooking Chocolate.

• Five new Pana Organic products are kosher certified by Kosher Australia: 100% Cacao Powder; and four varieties of Choc Pieces – Caramel; Dark; Mylk and White.

• Newly KA-certified: H2COCO Pure Coconut Water + Collagen (gluten free).

• Nippy’s Oat Milks (certified by Kosher Australia – Pareve Made in Dairy Vessels) in two flavours: Dutch Chocolate & Golden Turmeric.

• Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin is certified kosher and Pareve.

• Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky 14 years Rich Oak Maturation is certified kosher and Pareve.

• Brookfarm’s PuffCorn gluten free range in three flavours (all must have OU-D logo on packaging):

Sea Salt with Coconut Butter

Ancho & Kashmiri Chilli with

Coconut Butter

Maple & Hazelnut with

Coconut Butter • The following alternative cheese products from The Vegan Dairy are certified Pareve by Kosher Australia and many varieties are available at Harris Farm markets around town:

Aged & Smokey

Ashed Chevre

Chilli Chives

Dill Chevre

French Onion & Chive

Fruit & Pistachio

Herb & Garlic

Persian Fetta

Red Bell Pepper Boursin

Smoked Hemp Mozzarella CLARIFICATION • Three licorice products at The Nut Shop are no longer acceptable: Licorice Pieces; Licorice Sticks and Raspberry Licorice.

• Southern Comfort was previously listed as Dairy but is now Pareve when the words: “HM Revenue & Customs Stamp” or “Produced for Hi Spirits” appear on the back label.

• Weis frozen products are only acceptable when bearing a KA logo on packaging. Many items within this range that were previously Pareve are now listed as Dairy Equipment.

NO LONGER PRODUCED: • The Aldi Baker’s Life Bakehouse Multigrain Extra Soft Bread Rolls – 6 Pack.

• The COYO coconut ice cream chocolate flavour; COYO Organic Probiotic Banana & Mango Coconut Milk Yoghurt Dairy Free 75gm pouch & Organic All Natural Vanilla 75gm pouch.

• Mission Foods Peppery Lime Corn Chips & Unsalted Corn Chips.

• Sakata Plain Rice Crackers Gluten Free, Product of Thailand.

• Rosella Fries Dippers in three varieties: Basil Pesto; Capers & Dill and Smokey

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the sydney jewish report | june 2021

M O V I E

REVIEWS

Hitting the Heights

ALEX FIRST In the Heights (PG) – 143 minutes Making a go of it against the odds.

That, in short, is the essence of In the Heights, a feel-good musical based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s (the man behind the international smash hit Hamilton) Broadway show (2008).

Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), whose unusual name came about in amusing fashion – which is explained well into the movie – owns his own corner store or bodega in culturally diverse Washington Heights.

He employs his teenage cousin Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV).

Usnavi’s parents have passed, but he dreams of moving back to his native land, the Dominican Republic, which he associates with the best years of his life (he left when he was only eight).

Enmeshed in the lifeblood of his US neighbourhood, Usnavi gets that chance after lawyer Alejandro (Mateo Gomez) secures Usnavi’s father’s old premises – a bar by the beach – which has been flattened by a hurricane.

Usnavi also has designs on a pretty aspiring fashion designer, Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), who works in a beauty and hair salon, but is too shy and awkward to ask her out.

Usnavi grew up with the talented and high achieving Nina Rosario (Leslie Grace), whose proud father, Kevin (Jimmy Smits), owns a private taxi company.

Nina has just returned from Stanford University.

Everyone’s expectations of her were sky high, but she didn’t have the

experience she wanted or expected.

She takes back up with the gregarious Benny (Corey Hawkins), who works for her father.

Also big in the frame is Abuela Claudia (Olga Meredith), who is a grandmotherly figure to all.

That is not to overlook the feisty Daniela (Daphne Rubin-Vega), who owns the hair and beauty salon, and who is being driven out of the hood by financial pressures.

Another key plot thread involves a missing US$96,000 lottery ticket, sold at Usnavi’s store, that can’t be found.

The movie’s timeframe is set against a heatwave and blackout affecting the neighbourhood.

The full tale emerges as Usnavi relays

the stories of the earlier years to four eager youngsters. Much of the narrative evolves through the music, a significant part of which – like Hamilton – is fastpaced, but readily understandable, hip hop.

It is delivered seamlessly, often accompanied by breathtakingly choreographed dance numbers, as good as any I have seen on film.

One of the many standouts in this regard takes place in a massive swimming pool.

Attention to detail is a distinguishing feature of all the dance sequences.

The screenplay is by Quiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the book of the musical, while the picture is directed

by Jon M. Chu, the man at the helm of

Crazy Rich Asians.

In the Heights has a warm, homely feel throughout. While it tells personal stories, it is also about Latin Americans’ struggle for recognition.

Anthony Ramos comes across as effortlessly natural and likeable in the lead role.

The other standout for me was Leslie Grace, who readily channels the conflicted Nina, looking to find her place in the world and carrying the community’s weight of expectations.

While a long sit at close to 2½ hours, In the Heights is an enjoyable watch, notwithstanding the fact that it doesn’t have the gravitas of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s later work, Hamilton (2015).

Rated PG, it scores an 8½ out of 10.

lock and key) and that will do the trick.

But truth be told, he has taken Perlassi for a ride, for he has gotten wind of the financial collapse that will be triggered in the country by the next day.

That means Perlassi and the other members of collective will only be allowed to withdraw very small amounts of money at any time for the foreseeable future.

Then, to make matters worse, a councillor has fleeced the bank of all its cash reserves, so there is no money left to withdraw at all.

Things go from bad to worse for Perlassi, until he and the other members of the collective hatch a plan to get back at the councillor who ruthlessly exploited them (and other depositors) while the economy was in freefall.

Heroic Losers is a delightful example of yarn spinning.

Suspend belief, strap yourself in and allow yourself to take the rollicking ride with Perlassi and friends.

As part of the fanciful but enjoyable script, it is the colourful characters that make the film the joy that it largely is.

Some aren’t the full bottle or have their limitations, but, for the most part, they are rowing in the same direction – quirky though they may be – and happy

to help each other out.

We get a taste of each of their respective personalities and peccadilloes.

Perlassi is the glue that binds the production together and Darin steps effortlessly into his shoes.

Llinas is buoyant in realising his largerthan-life wife.

Each of the principal and secondary players do well realising their respective personas.

My only reservations amounted to what I saw as a stretched running time (of nearly two hours), which really wasn’t necessary … along with a spoiler midway through.

As to the latter, the second half is shamelessly signposted.

While the way that is realised remains humorous, to me Heroic Losers could readily have attained the same goal without signalling its punches and would have been better for having done so.

Still, the movie will undoubtedly put smiles on a lot of dials.

Rated M, written and directed by Sebastián Borensztein, based upon a novel by Eduardo Sacheri, it scores a 7 out of 10.

Funny Business ALEX FIRST Heroic Losers (M) – 116 minutes Set in a small Argentinian community in the early 2000s, Heroic Losers is a feelgood comedy.

Fermin Perlassi (Ricardo Darin) and his wife, Lidia (Veronica Llinas), determine they will take over an abandoned grain store facility that has lain dormant for more than 10 years and form a cooperative.

Doing so will require financial input from many of the locals who are also their friends.

They find traction, with amounts ranging from US$2,000 up to US$15,000, but still fall well short of their quarter of a million dollar target.

Input of US$100,000 by the most successful businesswoman in town pushes the figure up to US$158,653, which they deposit into a safety deposit box at the bank.

The problem is doing so won’t generate a loan from the institution to secure the outstanding funds.

An accountant advises Perlassi to deposit the money in the bank (rather than simply paying for it to be held under