the sydney jewish report - july 2022

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VOL. 88 Tuesday, 19 July, 2022 / 22 Tamuz 5782

Education Feature middle pages

Chelsea (left) and Orly Lahav at Mount Sinai College’s Winter Wonderland (photo: www.oferlevy.com.au)

THE JERUSALEM DECLARATION

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SIR SIDNEY NOLAN EXHIBITION p5

A SPECIAL SHABBAT

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MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL p19

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the sydney jewish report | July 2022

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COMMUNITY

Who am I?

ANNE-MARIE ELIAS One of the common themes that regularly arises in therapy sessions has clients struggling with their identity. There are five key components to identity and each is equally important.

1/ Roles and titles. Take some time to consider what roles and titles you have.

Some roles are that of family member, friend, colleague and/or teammate. You may have a professional responsibility, or fill a sporting role, or both. Titles refer to job descriptions and nicknames.

Be careful not to invest all your time into one particular role, which could be work or personal related. When that role changes, we leave it or it leaves us, we may then be left feeling that we have nothing, no identity and no sense of self.

2/ Physical attributes. We inherit these attributes from our parents. You could say they are as a result of the luck of the gene pool. Sure, there are ways to change your appearance, but for most of us it is a question of developing an acceptance of how we look.

If you struggle with body image, body dysmorphia or your appearance in general, then it is important to seek counselling.

3/ Personality type or structure. Again, you can start by thanking your parents.

We undoubtedly “pick up” certain personality traits from our folks. I speak

of introversion/extraversion, relaxed/ anxious, submissive/aggressive, rule bound/rule breaker and leader/follower as but some examples.

Psychologists use personality questionnaires to help people better understand themselves. This can also influence their employment choices.

Whilst we cannot change our personality structure, we can change our behaviour. An introvert can become an accomplished public speaker. A rebel can learn to live comfortably in society and adhere to living within the law. This rule breaker may indulge their rebellious inner nature by following the road rules, but have a hobby or profession that satiates their “wilder” side e.g. racing car driver.

It is vital for us to understand our personality traits, so we can make more informed decisions about how we live our lives.

4/ Strengths and limitations. Our strengths should make for a longer list than our limitations. Examples of both can be empathetic, kind, stubborn, creative, impatient, honest etc. Can some limitations be turned into strengths?

“Yes”. One of my clients at first identified stubbornness as a limitation. Upon reflection though, he discovered that a part of being stubborn could be a strength when it was applied to something he truly believed in or was passionate about.

5/ Values and belief. These are the things that are important to you … that you believe in. They speak to your ethics and morals. Think of a value system as a jigsaw puzzle, in which all the interlocking pieces sit on a backing board. Don’t glue them down, as some values change over time. Our first value system is the one we adopt from our parents in childhood. As adolescents, we may start

to question this system. Some teenagers become rebellious at this stage of their lives.

As adults we may also question and change some or, indeed all, of our value system. Sometimes this is called a midlife crisis, but that can happen at any time and may occur more than once.

In fact, it is not a crisis at all, rather a reevaluation of our values and beliefs … what we hold to be true and valuable.

These five components constitute the changing map that help forms our identity. Lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote the title song for the movie The Greatest Showman, gave “who am I?” voice, when they opined: “I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies. This is me.”

Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.

US and Israel sign strategic partnership joint declaration ARYEH SAVIR COURTESY: JWIRE.COM.AU US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Yair Lapid met in Jerusalem earlier this month and adopted the historic Joint Declaration on the US-Israel Strategic Partnership, known as the Jerusalem Declaration.

In the declaration, the US and Israel “reaffirm the unbreakable bonds between our two countries and the enduring commitment of the United States to Israel’s security.”

The countries “further reaffirm that the strategic US-Israel partnership is based on a bedrock of shared values, shared interests, and true friendship.”

Furthermore, the US and Israel “affirm that among the values the countries share is an unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the calling of ‘Tikkun Olam,’ repairing the world.”

The US reiterates its “steadfast commitment to preserve and strengthen Israel’s capability to deter its enemies and to defend itself by itself against any threat or combination of threats.

The US further reiterates that these commitments are bipartisan and

President Joe Biden (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid sign the Jerusalem Declaration (photo: Koby Gideon/GPO) sacrosanct, and that they are not only moral commitments, but also strategic commitments that are vitally important to the national security of the United States itself.”

The US “stresses that integral to this pledge is the commitment never to allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, and that it is prepared to use all elements of its national power to ensure that outcome.”

“The United States is proud to stand with the Jewish and democratic State of Israel, and with its people, whose uncommon courage, resilience, and spirit of innovation are an inspiration to so many worldwide,” the declaration states.

The declaration also touched on the Abraham accords, US military assistance to Israel, boycotts of Israel and antiSemitism, the diplomatic process with the

Palestinian Authority, and military and technological cooperation between the countries.

“With this record of remarkable achievement and with a sense of the incredible promise that the unparalleled US-Israel relationship holds for the future, the United States and Israel warmly welcome entering the 75th year of this extraordinary partnership,” the document concludes.

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A once in a lifetime opportunity New CEO UIA With overseas travel back on the agenda, why not visit Israel with UIA? On our upcoming October mission and 2023 Yom Ha’atzmaut mission, you will experience Israel like never before – from its culture, history and security to its innovation, creativity and cuisine. Most importantly, you will see UIA’s lifesaving work firsthand.

Here is a glimpse of what is in store: FEEL ISRAEL Enjoy the incredible food and energy of Israeli culture. The Yom Ha’atzmaut mission will provide the opportunity to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in the Holy Land, which will be extra special on Israel’s 75th anniversary of independence.

EXPLORE ISRAEL Enjoy first class accommodation and gain access to restricted areas, borders and military bases, as well as iconic Israeli sites. Examples include the Tel Nof Airforce Base, IDF tank base on the Golan Heights, Seam Line, Kotel Tunnels, Druze villages, Peres Centre for Israeli Innovation and the borders with Gaza, Syria and Lebanon.

HEAR ISRAEL Hear from beneficiaries at UIA’s projects and see first-hand how powerful your impact is on the People of Israel. Some of the projects visited may include an Absorption Centre, Youth Futures, Net@ and Youth Village.

UNDERSTAND ISRAEL Meet high calibre analysts, politicians and military leaders who have shaped Israel from the fields of politics, security, culture and business. Past speakers have included Gil Hoffman – Chief Political correspondent at The Jerusalem Post, Avi Melamed – Middle East Geopolitical Intelligence Analyst and Gadi Ezra – director of Public Diplomacy in the Prime Minister’s office.

Yom Ha’atzmaut 2022 mission participant Evie Gareb said: “[The mission] has given us such a well-rounded and new knowledge of how Israel has been able to win wars, protect its borders, absorb its immigrants and generally make Israel the most exciting, innovative and beautiful country it has become today. I strongly suggest you go on a UIA mission to get to know and experience Israel in a way you wouldn’t if you came on your own.”

Bookings are now open for UIA’s October mission (25th October – 3rd November 2022) and Yom Ha’atzmaut mission (25th April – 4th May 2023).

“UIA missions are unlike any other mission you may have participated in.

They are innovative, engaging and offer unique access to people and places that are unparalleled. If you have the opportunity, make sure you sign up today as places are limited,” UIA Australia CEO Yair Miller OAM said.

For more information about UIA’s missions, visit uiaaustralia.org.au, contact Philippa in the UIA office on 9361-4273 or email missions@uiansw.org.au.

COA SYDNEY COA has appointed of Sabina Kovadlo as its new CEO. Sabina had a successful 15-year career in finance and banking.

She began her association with COA in 2017, starting as a volunteer for Shalom Connect.

That is a service offering social connection over the phone to geographically isolated and housebound Jewish seniors.

As a Russian speaker, Sabina dealt mainly with Russian speaking members needing regular contact.

(Sabina was born in Ukraine. COA sympathises with the plight of her many friends who remain in Ukraine.)

Sabina obviously enjoyed working with COA, because in 2018 she gave up her former career and became the organisation’s Operations Manager.

She later assumed additional responsibilities and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020.

Working closely with the then CEO, Sabina proved herself to be responsible, practical and flexible.

She also had the right character and skills to deal with both staff and client situations.

Sabina had real dedication to COA Sydney and its defining principle – to provide services to help seniors remain independent in their own homes for as long as practical.

In welcome Sabina as the new CEO, COA President Frank Marks said he was pleased she had been prepared to step into the role on an acting basis at short notice last March.

Mr Marks said she had acquitted herself so well that the Committee was able to select her as a permanent internal promotion.

“Sabina is a highly intelligent, engaging and dedicated senior manager and is well liked by our members, staff and the Committee of Management.

“In the short time that she has been in the acting role, Sabina has built important bridges for COA with other community organisations.

“She tackles every task happily and enthusiastically and is a pleasure to work with.

“We wish her many years of worthwhile endeavour in promoting the important work of COA in our community”, Mr Marks said.

Responding to her promotion, Sabina said: “It is a privilege to serve the Jewish seniors of Sydney, helping them to maintain their personal independence and cultural connection.

“I also want to take a moment to praise the team I will be leading, all of whom are skilled, dedicated and a pleasure to collaborate with.

“We often refer to COA as a family of friends and there is no doubt our staff, volunteers and Committee of Management are a vital part of that family, ensuring COA members are cared for, healthy, happy and able to pursue their best lives.”

For the People of Israel

Eat well with Meal Services

delivered at home or at the COA Centre Kosher Meals-on-Wheels.

Available to anyone who is finding it difficult to prepare a meal on their own due to age, injury, ongoing illness, or on return from hospitalisation.

Club COA Every Monday and Wednesday we offer a full day of activities and a lunch in company at the COA Centre. Booking is essential and transport is available .

COA Fresh A unique and award winning program supported by Jenny & Peter Wohl and family, offering a weekly bag of fruit and vegetables to those in financial hardship.

COA Krygier Centre, 25 Rowe St, Woollahra Ph: 9389 0035 Em: coa@coasydney.org www.coasydney.org

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COMMUNITY

Caring for the long-term unemployed

JEWISH HOUSE JOBS Jewish House Jobs is a newly created initiative aimed at supporting individuals who’ve been unemployed for a year or more.

Job seekers on the federal government’s Jobactive program will be moved to a new service called Workforce Australia, which comes with new rules and obligations. To retain their payments, job seekers will need to earn at least 100 points a month through tasks and activities on a new Points Based Activation System (PBAS).

Jewish House Jobs has launched a program designed to work with the PBAS and will provide support and the 100 points a month through group sessions, career coaching, work experience and skills training.

The approach is supportive and inclusive, designed holistically to ensure individuals have the necessary skills to gain valuable work experience and a pathway to permanent jobs in their chosen fields.

The program offers a six-month, jobs-ready outcome with retraining and upskilling options, workshops to help develop interpersonal skills and mentoring from industry experts to assist job seekers gain confidence in an ever-

evolving jobs’ market. Being out of work for long periods can have far reaching consequences for job seekers, their families and the community, not just financially, but in all areas of their lives.

While the overall jobless figure in Australia is the lowest it has been in almost half a century, the long-term unemployment rate remains high.

These figures are no surprise for Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel and Jewish House Head of Social Services, Rosana Coelho, who identified a need in the community to support the longterm unemployed.

Ms Coelho said she has been working with vulnerable people for a long time.

“There are many hurdles which make it difficult to find a job. Many people

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have no skills or training or dropped out of school, while some live with mental illness. The job market is failing people who are most in need. Jewish House Jobs offers a program that will give people some qualifications and help build their self-esteem and confidence.

People need to know they matter and they will have the support they need to succeed.”

Michelle McEwing, who has worked with Rabbi Kastel on community projects for more than 16 years, has been appointed Project Coordinator and will work closely with Ms Coelho.

“When someone’s been out of work for a year or more, they have less chance of finding a pathway to permanent work,” Ms McEwing said. “Unlike other initiatives, the new Jewish House Jobs program will take a long-term supportive approach to make sure participants are job ready.

Mentoring and support for six months will give them the best chance to turn their work experience into a permanent job.”

Applications are now open for the new Jewish House Jobs program.

If you’re a job seeker, interested in being a mentor, or an employer who can offer job opportunities, visit www. jewishhouse.org.au/jobs or email jobs@ jewishhouse.org.au.

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the sydney jewish report | July 2022

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Sir Sidney Nolan’s Auschwitz

SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM Sir Sidney Nolan’s Auschwitz This month, the Sydney Jewish Museum will display a collection of 50 artworks by famous Australian artist, Sir Sidney Nolan, that have never been seen before in Australia.

The series was painted with great intensity in late 1961, during the trial of the infamous Nazi Adolf Eichmann, as Nolan prepared to visit Auschwitz on an art commission.

Until recently, these paintings remained mostly hidden away, their stories untold for over half a century. Yet, they reveal a darker side of the late artist, who was best known for his depictions of the mythology of bush life in Australia, including his paintings of bushranger Ned Kelly.

Nolan first painted images of concentration camps as early as 1939.

Yet, his preoccupation with the camps was heightened in 1961. That is when he was invited to Poland to accompany a journalist from London’s Observer newspaper to illustrate an article about Auschwitz.

In the months leading up to the visit, Nolan grappled with how he might paint the camps, agonising over whether the incomprehensible horrors of the Holocaust could ever truly be the subject of art.

Then, in April 1961, the Adolf Eichmann trial began. Nolan, like the rest of the world, was captivated by the global televised coverage. Eichmann – who was responsible for the ruthlessly efficient

railway system that used passenger trains and livestock carriages to transport Jews to the concentration and death camps – was being brought to justice. The trial reignited international awareness of Nazi atrocities and brought the voices of Holocaust survivors to the fore.

It also compelled Nolan to paint. In the final weeks of the trial, between November 27th and December 10th, Nolan created about a dozen portraits of the war criminal – each with subtle variations on the last – some in simple outline and others fully formed. The images depict Eichmann’s receding hair, thick rounded glasses, thin lips and buttoned shirt, mirroring the newspaper photographs of the Nazi behind bulletproof glass.

In late 1961, Eichmann was found guilty of crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

He was sentenced to death.

The verdict seemed to give Nolan the release he needed to switch focus from Eichmann to the faces of victims of the Holocaust. He painted prisoners screaming and shrouded in smoke, and crucified on smoking crosses. He depicted some as skeletons on overfull wheelbarrows and others as bodies laid out in rows of death.

In January 1962, Nolan saw Auschwitz for himself. He arrived ready to paint, but what he witnessed changed him. He saw the crematoria, the mountains of shorn hair, discarded spectacles, suitcases and artificial limbs, and rows of bunks where prisoners slept. The experience shook him so completely that he decided never to paint Holocaust imagery again.

“Nolan grappled to find a language to convey the horror and inhumanity of the Holocaust and wrestled to find meaning amongst the pain,” the Sydney

Jewish Museum’s Head Curator, Roslyn Sugarman, said.

She said it is a visceral and emotional exhibition, which puts an unparalleled lens on history, drawing us beyond facts … filling the gap where imagination can’t stretch. “The Museum’s expertise in giving history a voice provides the perfect backdrop to exhibit these artworks.

“Our 30 years of Holocaust storytelling is an ideal platform to take this art, contextualise it and engage audiences through powerful imagery.

“This is an exhibition that will change you,” Ms Sugarman said.

Shaken To His Core: The Untold Story Of Nolan’s Auschwitz will be on display at the Sydney Jewish Museum until 23rd October, 2022.

To book, go to: link.sjm.com.au/ nolantickets or scan the QR code.

The Untold Story of Nolan’s Auschwitz On now until 23 Oct 2022 Sidney Nolan’s Auschwitz paintings have remained largely unseen; their stories untold for nearly 60 years.

This exhibition showcases 50 works by the artist from a series that has never before been seen in Australia.

Detail of NPGx88816 © National Portrait Gallery, London

sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE. Pre-purchase yours to guarantee admission.

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the sydney jewish report | July 2022

JUD AIC A

QUIZ

RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN With thousands of years of ‘material’ to draw from, it is no wonder The Central Synagogue’s Rabbi David Freedman has a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to selecting and crafting his well-known and much-loved monthly Judaica quiz!

He warmly invites readers to explore Jewish traditions along with customs, prayers, festivals, entertainment, Australian cultural history and of course, bible knowledge too. From ancient times to modern and everything in between here it is below, fashioned for you to enjoy once again with family and friends.

1. Who is the current Prime Minister of Israel (as of July 2, 2022)?

2. Which cousin of Moses and Aaron, according to the Book of Numbers, rebelled against his cousins?

3. England recently beat Israel 3:1 in which international soccer final?

4. Lord Beaconsfield was born Jewish and became Prime Minister of England in 1868 – what was his original name?

Test your knowledge 5. Hebrew prayers written in the form of an acrostic known as Tashrak have what special feature?

6. Rabbi Joel Sirkis, born in Lublin in 1561, wrote a major work on Jewish Law called Bayit Chadash – by what name, relating to his composition, is he more commonly known?

7. Which famous director, writer, actor,

2017, it is the fourth largest city in Israel with a population of 254,384.

11. Which king of Israel succeeded King David?

12. Babi Yar is a ravine near which city?

13. In which year did the Palestine Post change its name to The Jerusalem Post?

Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition. comedian, producer and composer was born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28, 1926?

8. Which synagogue in Jerusalem, with a seating capacity of 10,000, is credited with being the largest synagogue in the world?

9. Who owns Manchester United?

10. Which city in Israel matches this description: Founded in 1882 by Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire, it was the second Jewish farm settlement established in Ottoman Palestine in the 19th century, after Petah Tikva. As of

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14. Founded in 1923 by East Prussian chemist Abraham Goldstein as the first independent kosher certification agency – by which two letters is it known today worldwide?

15. Mizmor Letoda (Psalm 100) is generally said on weekdays, however, on the eve of which two festivals is it not said?

16. According to Melachim II (2 Kings 12), who assassinated King Joash (Yehoash): a) his servants b) his wives or c) his sons?

17. Which Israeli Prime Minister is mentioned in the lyrics of a Pink Floyd song?

18. Which Chief Rabbi of Britain studied at Balliol College, Oxford, served as a Rabbi of Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in Australia from 1923 to 1937, and was the last British Chief Rabbi to be born in the 19th century?

19. In which decade was Glick’s founded in Melbourne?

20. Born in Budapest to parents Rabbi Mayer Sámuel Weisz and Cecília Steiner, Erik Weisz (1874-1926) became one of the most famous performers of all time. By what name is he better known?

21. According to the Talmud in Berachot 4b, which psalm do we need to say three times every day to be sure of life in the world to come?

22. Which of the following composers was Jewish: a) Franz Schubert b) Gustav Mahler c) Joseph Haydn?

23. During the 1967 Six Day War, which post was held by Mordechai (Motti) Hod? 24. The custom of ritual swaying during Jewish prayer is known by what Yiddish word?

25. What is a kamaya?

ANSWERS PAGE 17

Yoni Glatt’s JEWISH SPELLING BEE How many common words of five or more letters can you spell using the words letters inof the5hive?

Every letters answer can How many common or more must use the centre letter at least once.

Letters you spell using the letters in the hive? Everymay answer be reused in a word. At least one Jewish word will use all seven must use the center letter at least once. Letters may letters.

be reused in a word. At least one word will use all 7 Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. letters and have a direct Jewish connection.

Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish term that uses all 7 letters.

Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed.

6=Good; Excellent;and 12= 3 Genius Score 1 Rating: point for each9=answer, points for a Jewish related word that uses all 7 letters.

Rating: 9=Good; 17= Excellent; 25= Genius

Yoni Glatt has published more than 1,000 crossword puzzles worldwide, from the LA Times and Boston Globe to The Jerusalem Post. He has also published two Jewish puzzle books: "Kosher Crosswords" and the sequel "More Kosher Crosswords and Word Games".

ANSWERS PAGE 17

Here is a list of some common words (Yes, we know there are more words in the diction

the sydney jewish report | July 2022

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION

DANIELLA GUTERMAN COURTESY AISH.COM It’s easy to judge other parents. Perched on the park bench, our minds race with disapproving thoughts as that mum “permits” her child to tantrum or that father “lets” his son block the slide. I would never allow my children to behave that way, we tell ourselves.

I caught myself doing this when I was out with my husband at an ice cream store, 11 pm, as a mother brought her toddler in to eat.

Once I realised what my mind was doing, I made an active effort to suppress it. Perhaps someone in the family was ill and after a long day the child was being comforted, before finally going home. Maybe they were headed to the nearby airport for a late flight and needed something to eat. The possibilities were endless and it only took minimal effort to favorably reframe the narrative.

Parenting is incredibly difficult. Why not try to build each other up, rather than tear each other down?

I think back to a time when I felt supported, without judgment, by a fellow parent. As I was carrying his younger sibling in a heavy car seat, our then pre-schooler decided it was prime time to throw himself on the parking lot floor. We were parked down the block

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Why parents enjoy mercilessly judging other parents and I was about to collapse under the weight of the car seat and the stress of my protesting child. A babysitter passed by with an eye roll, leaving me embarrassed.

Just then, a friend drove by and offered to take our little activist to our car so that I could use both hands to schlep the car seat. My friend did not mock me, nor did she indicate that I was inept for needing her help. She allowed me to hang onto the last vestiges of my dignity.

If supporting one another is such an incredible gift, why do parents judge one another instead?

Projecting incompetency On a simple level, it’s hard to accept that people make alternative parenting choices.

But the answer may run a bit deeper, relating to the psychological phenomenon of displacement (introduced by Sigmund and Anna Freud).

To distract ourselves from our insecurities, we turn our attention to others. Misery likes company. If I can find fault in another’s parenting styles and choices, perhaps I don’t need to judge myself so harshly?

We tend to look at ourselves through a magnifying glass. Remember how embarrassed we were to leave the house when, as teenagers, we had a tiny pimple? We were convinced it’s all that anyone would look at. Look at that enormous zit engulfing your face. You poor thing.

In some ways, we aren’t so different from our teenage versions. We fear that everyone notices each of our parenting mistakes. Furthermore, we view our children as reflections of who we are, so when a child misbehaves, we feel like failures.

It’s a lot easier to project our sense of incompetency onto others.

How to decrease the need to judge How can we foster an environment where we don’t feel the need to judge?

Firstly, let’s try to give other parents the benefit of the doubt, just as I readjusted my response to the woman feeding her daughter ice cream late at night.

Going further, let’s normalise parenting follies by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and to vent our parenting frustrations. Rather than post pictureperfect experiences on social media, we can share our battles. Consider displaying an endearingly dysfunctional

family picture rather than that glorious garden photo that required a lot of bribery to achieve that shot.

Let’s diffuse this need for parenting perfection and learn to laugh about our mistakes together. Rather than kicking ourselves for serving our children chicken nuggets for dinner again, we can joke with other parents about the nutritional merits of such food. When someone else’s child stands on a restaurant chair and gives an unwanted musical performance, we can replace that dirty look with a smile. We have the power to wordlessly tell the embarrassed parent, “I’ve been there. I get it.” With a sense of humour, we can show that we validate one another and break the cycle of judgment.

There’s no shame in making mistakes, nor in choosing an easier option. And when we see our children engaging in questionable behaviours, rather than viewing it as a poor reflection of ourselves, let’s openly discuss it with other parents.

Being more open and laughing about our mistakes will lighten the load. Our need to critique other parents to make ourselves feel better will shrink. And we’ll spend less time judging and more time offering our support to others.

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the sydney jewish report | July 2022

RABBINIC

THOUGHT

The vision of Isaiah

objective and only answerable to a Higher authority.

Prophecy itself ceased in Israel during the Second Temple period, but the principles endured. As Rabbi Sacks wrote, “Only by being faithful to God, do people stay faithful to one another: only by being open to a power greater than themselves, do people become greater than themselves.” The bravery displayed by these inspirational people is still required of us today, if we are to live with integrity. We cannot be industrious, kind, true, merciful, generous, loyal or successful – if we are not honest – and this requires courage.

The Talmud teaches, “If you see wrongdoing by a member of your household and you do not protest – you are held accountable. And so it is in relation to the members of your city. And so it is in relation to the world.” As Jews we must rebuke transgressors within our homes, society, nation, and world.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel explores this with a biblical metaphor: “We are all Pharaohs or we are all slaves of Pharaohs. It is sad to be a slave of a Pharaoh, but it is worse to be a Pharaoh.

Daily we should take account and ask: What have I done today to alleviate anguish, to mitigate evil, and to prevent humiliation? Let there be a grain of the prophet in every man!”

Fundamentally, the prophet is the voice of dissent and we must learn to listen and act. In his book, To Heal a Fractured World, Rabbi Sacks states: “There is no life without a task; no person without a talent; no place without a fragment of God’s light waiting to be discovered and redeemed; and when God calls He whispers our name—and the greatest of us reply, as did Abraham, Moses and Samuel, Hineni: Here I am, ready to heed your call, to mend a fragment of Your all-too-broken world.”

Isaiah did exactly that – he had a vision, he was summoned, and in turn, he mustered the courage to respond.

Would we do the same if we received the call?

Entebbe, we witness miracles the likes of which we have not seen since Purim and Chanukah.

Soberingly, as long as young men and women have to risk and tragically sometimes lose their lives in our defence, as long as a terrorist has ‘success’, we are not yet comforted and the times of Moshiach have not arrived.

Our sages teach that unconditional love for one another will facilitate the final Redemption, as it was hate between Jews without reason that brought about the destruction. Let’s explore this: I once

merited to be at a gathering addressed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory. He spoke about the need to love one’s fellow Jew. He admonished divisions based on observance levels. Emotionally he expounded that those of us of this generation have to learn the lesson of unconditional love more than any other.

At the hands of the Nazis (may their name and memory be erased,) all you needed to be was a son of Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’akov or a daughter of Sara, Rivka, Rachel v’Leah and your fate was sealed. It didn’t matter if you were observant or not, where you came from or what you did. All you had to be was a Jew, and that was the end.

He taught that the antidote to such hate is limitless love. Observance levels, country-of-origin, colour or superficial differences are irrelevant.

Simply because we are Jewish is reason to feel the unconditional love between one another.

During these sobering Three Weeks we can proactively examine our hearts and minds; we can endeavour to consciously replace any perceived hate with unconditional love. Granted, it is certainly not easy but it is the least we can collectively do given our past and our earnest hopes for redemption in the future.

May it be speedily in our days.

RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE Generally speaking, a Shabbat is defined by its Torah portion, yet this rhythm deviates on a few occasions each year when a prophetical message, or Haftara, is so powerful that the entire Shabbat is defined by its opening word.

One such Shabbat will take place soon when we read the portion of Devarim (Deuteronomy 1-4). It is known as Shabbat Chazon for the prophetical reading which begins: Chazon Yeshayahu ben Amoz – This is the vision of Isaiah son of Amoz (Isaiah 1:1).

This first chapter of the Book of Isaiah is a prelude to the saddest day in the Jewish year – Tisha B’Av. Comprehending a correlation between conduct and catastrophe, the prophet, Isaiah, does not disguise his anger and disappointment with the people. His fury, however, is directed towards the leaders of the nation for their hypocrisy and corruption.

“I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.

Cease doing evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead for the widow.

Your leaders are rebels and companions

of thieves: each one loves a bribe and pursues profit.”

He was rarely heeded in his own lifetime, yet he bravely spoke out, often at great personal risk. He became the world’s first political commentator and without fear nor favour denounced corruption and injustice in G-d’s name.

In the ancient world the ruler was considered a deity whom all subjects served and worshipped. In ancient Israel, the prophet was chosen to ensure that no king felt he was above the law.

To ensure this was enacted in letter and spirit – the prophet presented fearlessly before the throne – independent,

Unconditional love RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY Unconditional Love The Three Weeks of mourning are upon us.

From the seventeenth of Tammuz until the ninth of Av on our lunar calendar, we recall the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish People, from biblical times until today. This encompasses the deification of the Golden Calf and the sin of the spies on the ninth of Av, when they cried unnecessarily, doubting Hashem’s might and ability to lead them into the Promised Land.

On Tisha B’av we mournfully recall the destruction of the First and Second Temples, followed by the breach of the walls of Jerusalem on the seventeenth of Av. Our long, arduous exile ensued, along with the destruction of the first and second Commonwealths of Israel.

This culminated with the murderous, deep, dark nightmare of the Holocaust.

We postulate: where was our G-d? To say He was not present is blasphemous; to say He was there and attempt to justify His presence as a loving and compassionate G-d, may be just as equally irreverent.

There is no rationale that can validate the Holocaust; it is beyond all reasoning.

However, underscoring our very existence and drawing on the anchor of our holy Torah, we are resolute in our belief in Hashem, irrespective of circumstances.

Even when we are justifiably angry we still believe. Perhaps only at the time of the resurrection, when the six million will live again, will the question not be as challenging as it is today.

Undeniably, Hashem’s outstretched hand is evident in the re-establishment of the State of Israel and the ingathering of the exiles. In each military victory, including the Six Day War and Operation

EDUCATION FEATURE

Kezia, Oliver and Paul David at Mount Sinai College’s Winter Wonderland (photo: www.oferlevy.com.au)

NEW BOARD

p10

NEW HORIZONS

p12

WHERE JEWISH FAMILIES BELONG p13

HOLOCAUST RESPONSES

p14

education feature | july 2022

Winter Wonderland MOUNT SINAI COLLEGE Last month, Mount Sinai College held a most successful event called Winter Wonderland to welcome newcomers and their families into the school family. Nearly 500 attended.

The fun Sunday included jumping castles, a petting zoo, Disney performers, crafts and gardening, along with free food and coffee.

The aim of the event was to showcase the breadth of what Mount Sinai has to offer and to connect with the community.

New families were offered school tours, with much focus on the early learning centre and preparatory year.

At the early learning centre, children

New board of directors

from two to five are educated in a numeracy and literacy-rich environment.

Also nurtured is Jewish identity, namely Jewish values and culture celebrated through song, movement and creative activities. Hebrew is also seamlessly integrated into the program.

Located at its main campus, the preparatory year is a transition to primary education, specifically kindergarten.

That program offers long day care hours, with the option of part-time or full-time attendance. It incorporates structured numeracy and literacy to promote school readiness. It is complemented by informal and formal Jewish and Hebrew learning, music and sport.

To find out about Mount Sinai College, enrol@mountsinai.nsw.edu.au

more go to

Chelsea (left) and Orly Lahav at Winter Wonderland (photo: www.oferlevy.com.au).

MASADA COLLEGE Last month, at Masada College’s annual general meeting, its 2022/23 board was elected. It consists of a talented group of communal leaders, professionals and parents.

The board is well positioned to represent the interests and evolving needs of its diverse school community.

Danny Cohen and Greg Reinhardt remain on the board, which has also seen past board members Terry Evian, David Freedman, Howard Sher and Alix Toynton rejoining.

Newcomers are Jonathan Bass, Jeremy Lewis, Craig Maltz, Trevor Pogroske and Vanessa Sher.

After five years as president, Daryl Dorfan is transitioning the role to new copresidents Danny Cohen and Howard Sher. Greg Reinhardt will continue as vice president, alongside the newly appointed Jeremy Lewis.

Masada College board

Thanks were given to the outgoing president and board members Simon Griesz, Vadim Gurevich, Anne Hastings and Oren Nachman for their years of dedication and service to Masada College.

Co-presidents Danny Cohen and Howard Sher spoke about Masada forming the backbone of the North Shore Jewish community.

They said the school continues to deliver exceptional academic and social outcomes for its diverse student body.

“We, as a board, are committed to seeing this community flourish with a strong, vibrant and diverse Jewish day school at its heart.

“Whilst cognisant of the challenges facing all Jewish schools, we see a significant opportunity to uniquely position the school for continued success and a long-term future.”

Over the last year, Masada College has seen renewed momentum and vibrancy, owing to the dynamic and passionate leadership of principal Mira Hasofer and her talented team.

“anan engineer engineer.”

II am am “

Mount blend in. in.They Theystand standout. out.

MountSinai SinaiCollege College kids kids don’t blend technology-enabled learning.

Mount ines technology-enabled learning.

MountSinai SinaiCollege Collegerede redefines Apple DistinguishedSchool School––11of ofonly only 400 400 schools schools in the and design a a AsAs anan Apple Distinguished the world world––we wepersonalise personaliselearning learning and design curriculum that takeschildren childrenbeyond beyondthe the classroom. classroom. These and inspire curriculum that takes These experiences experiencespromote promotecollaboration collaboration and inspire students with real-world learning, developing entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills.

With Apple Technology students with real-world learning, developing entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills. With Apple Technology their fingertips, it inspiresstudents studentsto toaccess access their their innate innate creativity: movies, i-books, at at their fingertips, it inspires creativity:creating creatingtheir theirown ownsongs, songs, movies, i-books, podcasts, games, 3D models, Augmented Reality experiences, animations and digital artworks. podcasts, games, 3D models, Augmented Reality experiences, animations and digital artworks.

BOOK A TOUR TODAY: ENROL@MOUNTSINAI.NSW.EDU.AU REGISTER NOW: OPEN DAY @ MSC, AUG 26, 2021 Stronger together.

Stronger together.

Now more than ever.

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education feature | july 2022

New horizons BJE BJE’s Jewish Journey offers high quality, inclusive Jewish learning and social opportunities for students in non-Jewish day schools in NSW. BJE is the only Department of Education accredited body that is authorised to teach SRE (Jewish scripture) students within the school day. The organisation’s passionate teachers deliver engaging and inclusive SRE lessons in 56 schools across NSW. Hebrew classes and Extension Jewish learning classes run before and after school in several areas across Sydney, providing students with an understanding of their Jewish roots.

In 2022, BJE launched online Jewish learning lessons for students outside its teachers’ physical reach. This year, the focus of BJE’s Jewish Journey has been on integrating creative experiential educational activities into its new formal programs. BJE’s Youth Engagement Team delivered creative, engaging SRE lessons about Lag B’Omer and Shavuot, in 46 different schools during Term Two. They will be back in the schools for the chaggim in October.

High school students enjoyed lunch clubs and socialising with their peers from different schools at Milkshake Madness get togethers. They watched

BJE Year 10 ice skating – part of the organisation's Nesiah Program (during which students visit Israel) Thor: Love & Thunder at BJE’s two movie nights in the East and North, tested their ice-skating prowess at Macquarie Ice Rink, participated in a nature walk and picnicked in Centennial Parklands.

The Year 10 Nesiah Israel Program will see 170 Year 10 students from throughout NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA and ACT journey to Israel for five weeks at the end of the year. The New Natif Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program starts this month. It is

an eight-week coming of age program, based upon Jewish values of gratitude, kindness and tikkun olam. It is nontraditional, non-binary and inclusive of all Judaism practices.

BJE and the Sydney Jewish Museum are collaborating on an innovative program named Project Heritage. It is for Year 6 students and their parents.

They will hear the testimonies of living historians and embark upon the journey

of tracing their family roots and exploring their own stories.

Look out for more about BJE’s new Jewish Cultural Enrichment classes that will focus on incorporating Hebrew conversation within a context of Jewish culture, tradition and modern Israel.

For more detailed information or to enrol in BJE’s Jewish Journey, visit the website https://bje.org.au

education feature | july 2022

A Torah-true dual curriculum Where Jewish families belong KESSER TORAH COLLEGE KTC believes that the wellbeing of every student is of fundamental importance, as it forms the foundation for emotional, behavioural and social problem solving, which will guide its students throughout life.

The school recognises that every action and interaction, each challenge and growth opportunity draws upon students’ emotional and communication skills, which it needs to nurture.

The journey of a KTC student is enriched by learning both inside and outside the classroom and is enhanced by the Torahtrue principles for which the college stands.

At the forefront of these programs, its school leaders are constantly reevaluating how to approach and adapt the wellbeing support for its students, crafting contemporary programs and leveraging new learning in the wellness industry. KTC Boys’ and Girls’ High School Wellbeing Director Rabbi Berel Light said he was delighted students had embraced the various wellbeing activities that support them.

"I’m so grateful to see the students grow and develop their character through the wellbeing programs that are catered for at each year level. They are designed to support students through their teenage years, building resilience, emotional awareness and enhanced social interactions, so they can become independent communicators, with less teacher and parent intervention."

One of these programs created due to the nature of the boutique-sized school and warm environment is a buddy system.

The vertical stream buddies that work through all high school grades allows for intergrade connections and mentoring.

"While I have my own friendship group in my grade, it’s cool that I can reach out to girls in the older grades. It also feels rewarding when the younger girls come to me for advice, especially about social situations I have been in before and I can help them out," said Year 9 student Chaya Greenwald.

Head of Jewish Studies and newly appointed Head of Student Wellbeing for KTC’s Primary School, Rabbi Levi Milecki, said he was pleased the program incorporates Year K all the way through High School.

"Students need to be taught and practise the skills that will allow them to become socially, emotionally and behaviourally successful,” Rabbi Milecki said.

“We recognise the cognitive and emotional needs of each age group and we are looking forward to introducing specific activities for every grade. What is great about our wellbeing program is that we are building this from the ground up, and we are super excited to support our students to develop these essential lifeskills.”

For a tour of KTC’s campus or for a confidential conversation, contact the school’s Enrolments and Development Officer on 9301-1141 or email enrolments@ ktc.nsw.edu.au.

MORIAH COLLEGE “Being in a Jewish Day School is really important

to

us,”

says

Shana-Lee

Abkin, mother of Moriah primary school students Daniel and Jake, as well as Josh, who attends one of Moriah’s Early Learning Centres.

As Moriah College graduates, Shana and her husband Hilton wanted to make sure their children experienced the same sense of growing up in a community with a strong feeling of belonging.

The Abkin family

“We want our boys to be part of something that they feel they belong to, the feeling that they’re with their people,” said Shana-Lee. “By bringing them to Moriah, we’ve made sure that they’re learning about their Jewish heritage and about the Jewish traditions and values that are important to us, and that we learnt about when we were growing up.”

“Our boys have such a strong sense of belonging at Moriah. We’re grateful that they’re in a place where they feel part of the community and where they know that they have people around them who will support them, who care about them and who understand where they come from.”

“After coming along with his brothers when they were younger, Josh felt immediately at home when he started at the ELC. The warm embrace from the teachers and the welcoming and friendly environment meant that we could leave every day knowing he was in safe hands, in a place that felt like home.”

Visit www.moriah.nsw.edu or email enrolments@moriah.nsw.edu.au for more information about Moriah College, including details about touring the Moriah Early Learning Centres, Primary School or High School.

‫בס״ד‬

THIS IS WHERE WE A Torah-true dual curriculum that nurtures the whole child Providing private, daily transport to and from the North Shore and Maroubra areas.

belong

We think your family belongs here too.

Come and see for yourself.

Book in for a tour today enrolments@moriah.nsw.edu.au

education feature | july 2022

Holocaust creative responses “I

EMANUEL SCHOOL Last semester, in the Jewish Studies elective Creative Responses to the Holocaust, Emanuel students explored the themes and key ideas of the Shoah and its representation through art and poetry.

“As a creative person, this correlation between Jewish history and art was very engaging for me. It was interesting to see artistic techniques like colour symbolism, composition and shape used to convey such a gruesome and sensitive topic as the Holocaust.

“We studied art made after the Holocaust, though it was most confronting to see those that were made during the Holocaust. These still life artworks gave us a good visual idea about what it was really like in the ghettos and death camps.

“We then looked at poetry responding to the Holocaust. The poetry we analysed shared themes of sadness and remorse, but also anger and lack of faith. This called for some interesting and controversial debates, which forced us to really consider the emotional fallout of the Holocaust.

“We then had to create our own creative response to the Holocaust and being inspired by both the artistic and poetic approach, I decided to find

believe

in

the

importance

of

remembering our history as Jews and those that were a part of it. Through Jewish Studies last semester I was able to learn of the Holocaust’s modern representation through art and poetry and then take my personal interest in memorialisation and create my own.”

By Tamarah Aaron, Year 10 September Song

By Geoffrey Hill Born 19.6.32. Deported 24.9.42.

Undesirable you may have been, untouchable you were not.

Not forgotten or passed over at the proper time.

As estimated, you died.

Things marched, sufficient, to that end.

Just so much Zyklon and leather, patented terror, so many routine cries.

(I have made an elegy for myself it is true) September fattens on vines.

Roses flake from the wall.

The smoke of harmless fires drifts to my a Holocaust poem and draw a visual interpretation of it.

“I was very interested in the idea of memorialisation through literature and found a poem, September Song by Geoffrey Hill, which specifically focused

ONLINE SUBMISSION FOR CONTENT 4 Log onto thejewishreport.com.au 4 Click on 'Submit Article' in the top right hand corner 4 Follow the prompts and submit the article You will receive an email confirming your submission.

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on commemorating a child’s life recorded in one of the death camps. In response to this, I illustrated a picture that represented Hill bringing the memory of the Holocaust victims back to life as he writes.

eyes.

This is plenty. This is more than enough.

Source: New and Collected Poems 1952-1992 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1994)

the sydney jewish report | July 2022

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION

15

What happened to the truth?

RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG COURTESY AISH.COM Destroying lives through false accusations, innuendo and distortions has never been easier.

In his book Other People’s Money and How Bankers Use It, US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously wrote: “Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” Shining a spotlight on an issue can expose and reveal corruption, dishonesty, fraud or abuse that otherwise might go unnoticed, ignored, or even excused. Brandeis wrote these words well before the internet was a thought in anyone’s mind and he likely could not have even dreamt of the sunlight it would shine and the accountability it would generate.

The capacity for instant access to information also makes us better informed, allows us to think more critically and empowers us to ask crucial questions that make us safer, healthier and stronger. If you want to know more about your doctor’s education, read reviews of your landscaper, or see what your child’s teacher posts on Facebook.

The endless information is now just a click away.

Unfiltered sunlight can also be harmful, toxic, and cause cancer Brandeis was absolutely correct.

Sunlight is indeed a great disinfectant.

The internet has sanitised our world by holding people accountable for their behaviour, choices, actions, positions and writings. But what Brandeis didn’t mention is that unfiltered sunlight can also be harmful, toxic and cause cancer.

There has never been a greater vehicle to disseminate gossip and slander than the internet. Lives have been literally destroyed because of false accusations, innuendo, distortions and untruths. Once upon a time thoughts, ideas and opinions were only printed if they had merit and were deemed worthy and carefully screened by a publisher. Journalists had to vet their stories and fact checkers confirmed all assertions before an article went to print.

While the system wasn’t perfect, the result was authors gained credibility and readership based on their education, expertise, experience and peer review.

Today, anyone can publish his or her ideas and opinions and even his or her version of facts with no expertise or credentials and with no consequence or accountability. Readership and popularity are often a function of salaciousness and sensationalism, not truth and accuracy.

Readers have an enormous burden to be vigilant and judicious before blindly accepting everything In his book The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters, Thomas M. Nichols elucidates this concept. People are now exposed to more information than ever, provided both by technology and by increasing access to every level of education. These societal gains, however, have also helped fuel a surge in narcissistic and misguided intellectual egalitarianism that has crippled informed debates on any number of issues. Today, everyone knows everything: with only a quick trip through WebMD or Wikipedia, average citizens believe themselves to be on an equal intellectual footing with

doctors and diplomats. All voices, even the most ridiculous, demand to be taken with equal seriousness and any claim to the contrary is dismissed as undemocratic elitism.

All of this places an enormous burden on us, the readers and consumers of information, to be vigilant and judicious before blindly accepting everything we come across in print, online, or in person.

Especially in the information age, we must ask ourselves, who is the author or speaker of these words? What authority or credibility do they have? How does what they are saying match up with what I know about the person, place, or issue being discussed? Is there another side to this story? Do I have all the facts and information to draw a conclusion?

The Torah instructs us to distance ourselves from falsehood. The Talmud says that God’s insignia is truth. To be Godly one must have ferocious loyalty and fidelity to the truth. Exaggerating, distorting and bending the truth distance us and alienate us from the Almighty.

When it comes to lying, it isn’t enough to be committed to the truth and devoted to never lying, but one must distance themselves completely from lies and from liars.

The burden of making sure that the internet functions as a disinfectant and not as a toxin is on the readers and consumers of its content. We must be judicious, careful, and extremely vigilant, not only in what we write, but in how we process and accept what we read.

Is It your business?

There is another danger of nonjudicious consumption of what is available on the internet. Even when what is being reported is true, is it our business? Dp we need to know? Will the knowledge help us or hurt others?

The craving for salacious details and the appetite to know the story emanates from an unhealthy sense of inquisitiveness and our insatiable need to be in the know.

This phenomenon expresses itself in many scenarios. When some hear about a couple getting divorced, their first response is “what happened?”, as if they are entitled to a report about

the most personal and private details of a couple and often children going through a difficult time.

Many pay a shiva call and feel a need to ask, “How did he or she die?”.

Certainly, the mourner is free to volunteer the cause of death, if they like, but is it really our business and do we truly need to know?

When we ask, “why did he lose his job?” or “why did they break their engagement?” or “why is she still single?”, are we asking because we care about them, or is finding out somehow satisfying something in ourselves?

Judaism places great value on people’s right to privacy For some, the “need to know” stems from a sense of “information is power”.

Information is social currency and the more we know, the richer and more powerful we are. For others, the “need to know” stems from an inability to live with tension or mystery. And yet, for others, the “need to know” is similar to whatever draws us to slow down and look at the accident on the highway, even though it has nothing to do with us at all and only creates traffic for others.

Judaism places great value on people’s right to privacy. Jewish law demands that we conduct ourselves with the presumption that all that we are told, even in pedestrian conversation, is to be held in confidence, unless it is explicitly articulated that we are free to repeat what we heard. We are forbidden to look into a neighbour’s property in a way that violates their privacy. We are instructed not to spread gossip, even if the information is absolutely true and entirely accurate. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 23b) goes so far as to tell us that we are permitted to distort the truth in circumstances that someone is prying for information that is none of their business and that they are not entitled to have.

The internet can be a great resource and blessing in our lives, but the burden is on us to remain vigilant, not to assume everything we read is true, or to read even things that are true, just because they are available to us.

16

the sydney jewish report | July 2022

CO NS I D E RE D

OPINION LUIZA JAROVSKY

Think there's no harm in posting those cute pics to social media? Think again: it's time to stop "sharenting".

Like most parents, Israeli parents love to share about their children online.

Pictures of the newborn baby or that first smile, a video with the first steps, the first visit to the swimming pool, parties, trips, family moments. Then, perhaps posts with funny stories, intriguing questions and even sensitive conversations, such as a teenager revealing to the parent that they are non-binary. This behaviour even has a name: sharenting, or documenting your child’s life online.

It is everywhere and as people notice that posts about children perform well, resulting in more likes, comments and shares, they continue this behaviour.

The additional dopamine hit that comes with every positive interaction on social media seems almost irresistible, and “if everybody else is doing it, there is surely nothing wrong with it.”

I am a mother of three kids, also a lawyer and currently doing my PhD in privacy and data protection. Perhaps before being a mother, or before studying privacy more deeply, all these issues would have seemed very trivial and untroubling to me. However, today I see it very differently. When parents share about their kids online, in almost all cases I can think of, they are doing it for themselves, not for the child’s benefit. Instead of sharing a memorable occasion with the child – celebrating or

Your child’s privacy is worth more than “likes” having a unique parent-child moment privately or with an intimate circle (one that would reflect real-life connections), the parent decides to show it to a much broader audience online. And in sharing this moment online, the social media currency applies: the cuter the picture, video or post, the higher the number of likes and comments it receives. And it feels good for the author of the post.

Social media companies, these corporate giants that have so much influence in today’s culture and the

the “posting-dopamine” cycle (fostered by the social networks themselves) that they forget what is behind all this: they are giving their children’s privacy away for something as trivial as “likes”.

First, there is the matter of lack of consent, as children are sometimes too small to understand what is going on and even when they can understand and consent, they are not consulted by the parent. But it is perfectly possible that a few years from now the child will be very unhappy to discover that so many

the child to predators and cyberbullying.

Depending on the age of the child, there could emerge mental health and trust issues with a parent who cannot respect the child’s boundaries and intimate wishes.

The bottom line, in my view, is that parents should be more self-aware about

the

posting-dopamine

cycle

established by social networks, the privacy and security risks involved and the possible consequences of the lack of consent from the child. They should consider the following questions: does it

“Being a parent is not easy and technology brings additional challenges that we must try to navigate.”

make sense to post it online instead of celebrating it privately with my child or face-to-face with friends? Will my child benefit in any way from my post? Can I post it without exposing my child? A few years from now, will my child be happy to discover that I posted this? Would I be

way we connect with each other, are the ones normalising oversharing and benefiting from it. More personal data being uploaded by users means more profit for them, as advertising profiles are more precise, there is more consumption of ads in the platform and the “online sharing” culture is fed to keep the endless cycle going.

I am not here to dictate what good parenting should look like or what is the healthy amount of online sharing.

But I would like to suggest that a good number of parents are so caught up in

private moments were shared online by the parent. Remember that we, the parents, are from a different generation and what we find acceptable and cute, they might see as inexcusable and creepy. Whatever is uploaded online, even only “for friends” has the potential to be circulating forever, as it takes only one screenshot or re-upload for that to happen.

Second, there are serious privacy and security issues involved in sharing anything about a child or teenager online, including identity fraud, exposing

happy to know that my parents were sharing all about me with strangers or distant friends?

Being a parent is not easy and technology brings additional challenges that we must try to navigate.

About the author In 2020, Luiza was awarded the Israel “President's Scholarship for Excellence in Science and Innovation” for her PhD research. She speaks six languages and is learning Hebrew.

17

the sydney jewish report | July 2022

F O O D I E S'

CORNER

Sticky Asian chicken Chop the whole bunch of coriander

EAT YOUR HEART OUT CATERING Loyally serving the community since 2009, Eat Your Heart Out (EYHO) is valued and appreciated, consistently enhancing the kosher landscape of Sydney in the most authentic way.

Headed by dynamic mother-daughter duo Anne Pincus and Dani Litzman, their motto has always been: ‘Professionalism.

With a personal touch’ – and that is exactly what they deliver!

Anne and Dani take pride in their creative craft and recognise that customer needs and budgets vary greatly, especially during these particularly challenging times. The EYHO team is happy to listen, adjust and tailor options to suit your particular brief.

The result is beautiful, tasteful offerings that are unique, visually enticing and delicious - always of the highest quality.

Bottom line: this team goes above and beyond for each and every client – each and every time. Typically they cater fleishig (meat) and pareve, however, for festivals such as Shavuot or for The Nine Days (which commence at the end of July) along with other catering orders milchig (Chalav Yisrael) is offered too!

Dani and Anne love being an integral part of so many of Sydney’s simchahs and their joy is reflected in their fabulous fare!

and then the spring onions. Set them aside.

Combine all remaining ingredients except coriander and spring onions (this will form the sauce).

If the sauce is slightly too thick, simply add a small amount of water to thin it out.

Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring to liberally coat each piece.

Sprinkle half of the coriander and half of spring onions over the chicken and sauce.

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven (@170°C) for approximately 45-60 mins.

Baste the chicken and turn over from time to time until the chicken pieces are nicely glazed and cooked through.

Sprinkle

remaining

coriander

to serve.

INGREDIENTS: [Preheat oven to 170°C] 1 whole chicken cut up into portions ¾ cup sweet chilli sauce ¼ cup BBQ sauce ¼ cup rice vinegar ¼ cup chutney 3 tsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp fresh minced ginger

4 garlic cloves, minced 1 bunch of fresh coriander

Ideally serve on a bed of rice or vermicelli rice noodles.

Enjoy!

1 bunch of spring onion Sesame seeds

To contact Eat Your Heart Out & chat about your upcoming simchah or event,

METHOD:

call Dani Litzman on 0410 481 776 or

Commence by seasoning the chicken

Anne Pincus on 0413 474 894 or email:

pieces to taste with salt and/or pepper.

eyhocatering@yahoo.com.

Judaica quiz answers 1. Yair Lapid 2. Korach 3. Euro Under-19 Championship 4. Benjamin D’Israeli 5. Tashrak stands for the final four letters of the Hebrew alphabet in reverse order – Tav, Shin, Resh and Kuf. A prayer written in this style has words beginning with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in reverse order such as the prayer found in Shabbat Musaf (Additional Service) that begins Tikkanta Shabbat etc 6. He is generally known as the Bach – after the initial letters of his major work 7. Mel Brooks 8. Belz Great Synagogue, Jerusalem 9. The Glazer Family 10. Rishon Letziyon 11. His son, Solomon 12. Kyiv, Ukraine 13. 1950 14. OU

15. Pesach and Yom Kippur 16. a) He was assassinated by his servants 17. Menachem Begin is mentioned in a song from their 1982 album "The Final Cut" 18. Sir Israel Brodie 19. Glick’s was founded in the late 1960s by Mr Mendel Glick OBM, in a small retail shop on Kooyong Road, Caulfield 20. Harry Houdini 21. Psalm 145 otherwise known as Ashrei 22. b) Gustav Mahler 23. Head of the Israeli Air Force 24. Shokkeling (cf the German "schaukeln", to swing) 25. A kamaya is an amulet containing a special Kabbalistic formula for protection and salvation

Spelling bee answers Jewish term – GADOL HADOR. Here is a list of some common words (yes, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common to today’s vernacular):

and

spring onions along with sesame seeds

ALOHA, AGGADAH, GADOL, GODHOOD, HAGGADAH, HAGGARD, HALAL, HADOR, HOARD, HOODOO, ORLAH, ROADHOG Questions/comments – email Yoni at koshercroswords@gmail.com

The only Jewish Burial Society in NSW - Since 1817

Funeral Enquiries & Arrangements

Call 9363 2248

Cremations are strictly prohibited under Jewish law.

The Sydney Chevra Kadisha alone provides services according to Jewish tradition and Halacha.

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

18

the sydney jewish report | July 2022

F O O D I E S'

CORNER

Kosher KApers

RAMONA FREEDMAN THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY It has been cold and wet of late here in Sydney - the perfect kosher antidote is to look and see just how many KA-certified winter-warming treats there are around town.

The positive feedback was immediate with the introduction of KA-certified Lucky’s Taste of Sri Lanka. Commencing with two unique ‘curry nights’ thus far, Lucky’s offers the community authentic and aromatic vegan and gluten free dishes. Lucky – the eponymous chef – the curry-master himself - is passionate and experienced, having trained for many years in Sri Lanka.

Delectable dishes include curries such as: cashew and pea Maluwa; tempered lentils; carrots and cauliflower; chickpea and spinach; eggplant moju and more.

Of course, Lucky’s signature yellow rice is always on offer too.

In kosher news just in, all will have access to Lucky’s generously proportioned dishes whenever and wherever desired as a fabulous Lucky’s frozen range is coming our way! This will include convenient, tasty mealsfor-one perfect if you are time-poor or heading out for a holiday. In addition, containers of each individual dish will be available so you can savour each

Ultimate Dairies Zaatar Labneh

flavourful meal!

The KA is delighted to introduce Village Finest Pty Ltd to our community.

This is a new name on the Kosher block - synonymous with country fresh, meat and poultry products and best quality service. We’re talking about the slow and steady evolution of our new locallybased New South Wales butcher, which will offer Aussie grown, fresh produce – all under the trusted supervision of The Kashrut Authority.

To keep you in the ‘kosher loop’, Village Finest has already commenced catering to the wholesale market – so your favourite eateries and caterers have a guaranteed supply. It will then be rolling out to the retail market initially via direct delivery. As this newspaper goes to print, a retail price list will be

available to kosher consumers and next-day delivery will be on offer – direct to your door!

The roll-out will be gradual, ticking all the boxes needed along the way.

This will herald a positive new era, with an ever-expanding wide range of cuts, including sensational sliced meats, along with modern, upgraded packaging.

Nine varieties of award-winning KAcertified Falcones breads (all Pat Yisrael) are now available daily at Woolworths Double Bay. This outstanding fresh range results from the beautiful fusion of traditional Italian baking and modern technology. It includes: Super Soft Sandwich; Soft Smooth Wholemeal; Soft White Fibre Plus; White bread rolls; hamburger rolls; hot dog rolls; Lite Rye and Lebanese white and wholemeal too!

Jesse’s Café has now reopened after renovations – it is fresh and revitalised.

Make sure you sample your favourite caffeine fix with Jesse’s new Little Italy Coffee – guaranteed to impress the most savvy coffee connoisseur!

Stay tuned for daily KA kosher news via our Facebook group “Kashrut Authority of Australia and NZ” and make sure you share copies of each Kosher KApers printed edition with family and friends.

The kosher space is dynamic daily and we love sharing it all with you!

Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town: • The availability of Jesse’s baked goods continues to expand around town and they are now offered in a further six locations. These include three Woolworths Metro stores: 258 Illawarra Road, Marrickville; 11a/13 Carter Street, Lidcombe and 74 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. In addition they can be found at three Coles store: Fowler Street, Illawong; 822-826 Old Princes Highway, Sutherland and 18-26 Waratah Road, Engadine.

• Upper Heights opening hours are Tuesday-Friday & Sunday 7:30am2pm. It is a bakery, pantry, patisserie

and café all in one, visit 155 Military Road, Dover Heights.

• The second batch of KA-certified cheeses is now available in the kosher refrigerated section of four Woolworths stores: Bondi Junction, Double Bay, Eastgardens and St. Ives. These include halloumi, bocconcini, mozzarella, burrata and more. Paesanella mascarpone and ricotta are kosher and don’t require a KA logo.

• The Sydney Jewish Museum is located at 148 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst (kosher snacks such as Grandma Moses sandwiches located within).

• There is a national Food Recall of Häagen-Dazs Vanilla ice creams (457ml) & Classic Collection mini cups 4-pack (95ml) with Best Before Dates from 4/7/22 – 21/7/23. This is due to chemical contamination and consumers are eligible for a full refund from the place of purchase.

• To liaise with the new KA-certified kosher butcher, Village Finest Pty Ltd please email: info@villagefinest. com.au.

• Visit ‘Lucky’s Taste’ on Facebook or call Ellie Nagel Silva on 0425 288 441 for further details about Lucky’s Taste of Sri Lanka.

KA PRODUCT UPDATES • In addition to many others listed within The KA’s Kosher Directory, the following Dr. Oetker Queen Australia products are KAcertified (no logo required): o Queen Finest Almond Natural Extract o Queen Finest Lemon Natural Extract o Queen Natural Orange Flavouring Extract o Queen Finest Peppermint Natural Extract o Queen Finest Rose Natural Extract o Queen Sugar Free Maple Flavoured Syrup o Ready-to-Roll Icing White o Ready-to-Roll Icing Rainbow o Queen Victoria Concentrated Vanilla Extract with Seeds o Queen Pro Organic Vanilla Extract with Natural Flavour o Queen Master Blend Vanilla Extract • Lindt Classic vegan chocolate bars are now kosher in two varieties: Smooth and Hazelnut (Kosher Pareve – Dairy Vessels) • Baba’s Briyani Spice is kosher and Pareve • Absolute Organic Australian Mustard Oil is KA-certified • Fry’s Plant-based ‘Popcorn Chick’n’ and ‘Stars and Moons’ – both Pareve, certified by the South African Beth Din, no logo required • Gold Reef Peach Halves in Syrup are acceptable only with the South African Beth Din hechsher • Masterfoods Tomato Sauce Reduced Salt and Sugar now KA-certified in 475ml bottle • The following San Remo pulse products are all gluten free and are now acceptable and Pareve (must be Produced in Italy): o Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Penne o Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti o Original Gluten Free Bowties o Pulse Pasta Made from Chickpeas (Spirals) o Pulse Pasta Made From Green Peas (Penne) o Pulse Pasta Made From Red Lentils o Pulse Pasta Spaghetti - Peas, Lentils, Chickpeas & Borlotti Beans o Gluten Free Original Fettuccine o Gluten Free Original Spirals o Gluten Free Tagliatelle Nests Egg Pasta • The following five Ultimate Dairy products are now KA-certified Dairy (not Chalav Yisrael): o Orange Blossom Knafeh 200g o Rosewater Knafeh 200g o Mango Knafeh 200g o Labneh in Oil Plain 300g o Labneh in Oil Zaatar 300g o Labneh in Oil Chives 300g • Attiki Greek Style Yoghurt 400g is now KAcertified • A new 7-eleven Slurpee flavour is now acceptable: Sour Apple • Pringles are now only acceptable with an OU or Rabbinate Yerushalayim logo (previously Made in USA was sufficient) • Verity Pitted Prunes and Pitted Prunes No Added Sugar are both no longer produced • The following Nestle products are no longer produced: o Carnation Evaporated Milk o Carnation Evaporated Skim Milk o Carnation Light & Creamy o Carnation Sweetened Condensed Milk o Carnation Sweetened Condensed Skim Milk • All products from Baking Company Oceania are no longer acceptable even if bearing a KA logo

Lucky's Taste of Sri Lanka chickpea & spinach curry, Attiki Greek Style Natural Yoghurt (400g), Paesanella Mascarpone & Lindt Classic Vegan Hazelnut (Pareve – Dairy Vessels)

19

the sydney jewish report | July 2022

THE AT R E

REVIEW

A striking spectacle

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

BY ALEX FIRST Moulin Rouge! The Musical, at the Capitol Theatre, as reviewed by Alex First Polished performances, magnificent mashups, elegant and evocative sets, colourful and creative costumes, and charismatic choreography are the highlights of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Set at the turn of the 20th century, Christian (Des Flanagan) is a young, penniless British singer songwriter who has just arrived in Paris and goes straight to Montemarte.

There he chances upon two artistes – Toulouse-Lautrec (Tim Omaji) and Santiago (Ryan Gonzalez) – who are part of the Bohemian movement.

They are looking to compose a new play with songs in it, but are having trouble with the lyrics.

Christian helps them out.

In return, they encourage him to visit the Moulin Rouge cabaret – birthplace of the modern form of can-can.

There they want Christian to sweet talk leading lady Santine (Alinta Chidzey) – a former courtesan – into encouraging impresario Harold Zidler (Simon Burke) to stage their show.

Only what they don’t realise is that Zidler is in serious debt and the club is on the cusp of closing.

To that end, Zidler hopes to call upon wealthy but arrogant The Duke (Andrew Cook) to bail them out.

The lure Zidler is using is Santine.

The moment they see her, Christian and The Duke are both smitten, only The Duke wants Santine all to himself and he is used to getting his way … or else.

With a book by John Logan, musical supervision, orchestrations and

FILM

REVIEW

arrangements by Justin Levine and choreography by Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is skilfully directed by Alex Timbers.

Of course, it is based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie musical Moulin Rouge!, which was nominated for Best Picture at the 2002 Oscars.

In September 2021, Moulin Rouge! The Musical won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, from 14 nominations, making it the biggest winner at this year’s ceremony.

It features no less than 75 songs, or snippets thereof. That really is something.

Production design and lighting are exemplary. Among the spectacular scenery and props, an iconic red windmill and towering blue elephant are situated stage left and right respectively

and they make quite the impression.

There is so much great jukebox music in this show, alongside heavy lashings of humour and pathos. Vocally, Des Flanagan is the knockout. He has a most melodic voice, which he uses to full effect.

Alinta Chidzey is captivating from when she is lowered onto the stage in a “look at me” entrance, confident and assured in her stagecraft.

Simon Burke turns on the affectations as a spruiker, giddying up the audience and immediately winning us over.

Appropriately kitted out in black, Andrew Cook has a big voice and a pantomime swagger in his representation of the villain. I also appreciated the depth that Tim Omaji brought to his role as Toulouse-Lautrec.

It is playing at the Capitol Theatre until 23rd October, 2022.

Seriously? – it can’t possibly be true

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (M)

BY ALEX FIRST A charming, good natured crowd pleaser, the adage behind The Phantom of the Open is that truth is stranger than fiction.

The story is based around the worst professional golfer of all time – Maurice Flitcroft – no ifs, buts or maybes.

Flitcroft (Mark Rylance – Bridge of Spies) was a crane operator and unrelenting optimist from Barrow-in-Furness – a port town in Cumbria, England – who, after decades of work, saw his job disappear.

His devoted wife Jean (Sally Hawkins – The Shape of Water) backed him to find something new, whatever that may be.

A chance viewing of a late-night sports telecast subsequently changed his life forever.

Flitcroft watched Tom Watson claim the 1975 British Open Golf Championship at Carnoustie in Scotland and had an epiphany.

Even though Flitcroft had never picked up a club, he decided he would play in the 1976 British Open.

My favourite scenes are the serenading duet between the two leads in Act I and the first after interval. That is when Ryan Gonzalez and Samantha Dodemaide – the latter as the no nonsense performer Nini – really come into their own in an all singing, all dancing number that “explodes” on stage, energy personified.

In fact, there is a great deal of dynamism and drive throughout the entirely of this lavish production.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is mighty fine escapist entertainment, which will put a pep in your step and a smile on your dial as we celebrate coming out of lockdown. I couldn’t think of a better way to do so.

That decision resulted in a particularly

The

script

by

Simon

Farnaby

wild ride for him, his wife, their three

(Paddington 2), based upon the book

children and his friends.

The Phantom of the Open: Maurice

The story unfolds via a sit down, oneon-one American television interview, which looks back at what went down.

Colourful doesn’t describe the half of it.

Flitcroft, The World’s Worst Golfer, that he and Scott Murray wrote, is delightful.

The

direction

from

Craig

(Eternal Beauty) is full of virtue.

Roberts

The performances of the two leads are finely tuned and memorable.

Rylance plays agreeably naive and unaffected with distinction.

Hawkins excels as his good natured and supportive wife.

Importantly, both bring authenticity to their roles.

Around them, the secondary players with inflated characterisations also have a spring in their step … in keeping with the tenor of the picture.

A case in point is Rhys Ifans, who plays the pompous secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

It is this overall mindset that helps make The Phantom of the Open so much fun.

If this story was dreamt up, you wouldn’t believe it.

As it is, a number of the episodes dealt with in the screenplay are shown with the real life Maurice Flitcroft front and centre (as the film finishes).

It has charm written all over it and is bound to engage an appreciative audience.

Rated M, The Phantom of the Open scores an 8 out of 10.