the sydney jewish report - october edition 2018

community

international

shuls/schools

sports

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

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VOL. 45 Friday, 12 October 2018 / 3 Cheshvan, 5779

Fostering a closer Jewish community

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

KEEP THEIR VOICE ALIVE Sydney Jewish Museum 2018 Capital Appeal

THE CHOICE FOUNDATION LAUNCH

PAGE 6

SHARKTANK PAGE 8 2018 2018

Invest in the S

THE SHABBAT PROJECT

PAGE 14 Photography by Katherine Griffiths

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

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community

October 2018

Ground Breaking marks kick-off for M by Montefiore construction MONTEFIORE More than 150 dignitaries, communal figures and future occupants gathered at King St, Randwick on Thursday, September 20 to celebrate the ceremonial Ground Breaking for the new M by Montefiore luxury retirement living development.

President David Freeman AM, CEO Robert Orie and Board Members Gary Inberg, Tom Mautner and Michael Graf (representing the Montefiore Development Committee) donned hard hats as they turned the first soil. Guests toasted the event with champagne as Mr Freeman addressed the crowd, noting the importance of the development to the 130-year-old aged care organisation’s future goals: “Not only will this retirement development of 79 apartments allow us to meet strong demand in the community for high-end independent living, the ongoing proceeds from M will ensure that Montefiore can continue to subsidise aged care for those who need our financial support.

The building will also address the ever-increasing number of people in the community living with dementia, by funding the creation of a new specialised facility in the future.”

Mr Freeman also recognised the many consultants who have been involved in the project thus far, including architects Jackson Teece and recently appointed building firm Richard Crookes Construction.

The development is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2020.

About M by Montefiore Located at King St, Randwick, M by Montefiore will offer 79 luxury retirement living apartments. As one of Australia’s leading aged care specialists, Montefiore has designed this new offering to meet the changing needs of the community, as people enjoy living independent lives for longer.

These exceptional 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments offer stunning interiors and abundant space for private entertaining. Each secure, private residence is accompanied by five-star hotel services, as well as Montefiore’s award-winning health support just a phone call away. The Display Suite is now open at 120 King St, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm (Sundays by appointment).

P 1800 952 229 E mbymontefiore@ montefiore.org.au W mbymontefiore. com.au

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Keeping their voice alive to educate future generations THE SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM NADINE LEVINE The first time I felt a connection to the Holocaust was through a Holocaust survivor with whom I developed a strong friendship on a tour to Poland that I organised. I am not a descendant of survivors, but the friendship that developed between myself and Gerda sparked within me a desire to continue to connect with and teach the Holocaust.

After moving from South Africa to Sydney, I saw that the Sydney Jewish Museum was running a guide training course. It was serendipitous, and 15 years later I am still able to honour Gerda through weekly guiding of students through the Museum.

Hearing from the Holocaust survivors and learning from their stories is always humbling. But probably, of equal importance, is the fact that within this space we make a difference on a daily basis. We plant seeds in the mind of thousands of school students, some of whom may never have met a Jewish person or heard of the Holocaust, and we ask them to think for themselves.

We challenge the armchair response to the world’s turmoils with stories of the Holocaust.

We make students question their own feelings of being a bystander or being able to speak up when they experience or see racism, bigotry or bullying.

The need to remain vigilant in the fight against racism generally, and antisemitism in particular, has grown and the Sydney Jewish Museum remains the community’s prime asset in this regard. Education is

the Museum’s most important mission.

With visitor numbers now over 50,000 per year, the Museum is truly the one community institution which engages and educates the broader public on the dangers and consequences of racial hatred and bigotry.

The dream of the Holocaust survivors who founded the Sydney Jewish Museum almost 26 years ago was that the Holocaust never be forgotten.

As time passes and there are fewer Holocaust survivors left, it is our responsibility to keep their voices alive, ensure that their traumatic histories are not forgotten, and educate future generations so that it cannot happen again.

To do this, we need to be able to continue to expand the scope of our educational programs, enhance our archival storage so we can preserve more historical objects, and optimise our exhibition spaces to encourage more visitors to the Museum.

The Sydney Jewish Museum is one of the finest Jewish and Holocaust museums in the world. Our exhibitions and education programs are first rate.

We challenge preconceived ideas and change people’s minds.

We use the horrors of the past to improve the future for our children, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren.

We are fulfilling the dream of the survivors who founded this Museum to keep their memories and voices alive, to never forget the Holocaust and to do our best to ensure it never happens again.

Photograph by Katherine Griffiths.

WHO WILL KEEP THEIR VOICE ALIVE?

“I cannot change the past, the past is history. I will try with all my strength and all my knowledge to change the future.”

Eddie Jaku OAM, 98 Holocaust survivor and Sydney Jewish Museum volunteer for 25 years.

Photographer Katherine Griffiths

IF NOT US, WHO? As time passes there are fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors left to tell their stories of horror and hope. They have been fundamental in the Sydney Jewish Museum keeping the lessons of the Holocaust front of mind for the wider community.

Your generous donation will help us keep Eddie’s and the other survivors’ stories alive for many years to come.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Invest in the future of the Sydney Jewish Museum today.

Donate now at sjm.com.au/capitalappeal or call (02) 9360 7999

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community

October 2018

Make Your Mark on Israel’s Future Through UIA UNITED ISRAEL APPEAL Planned Giving through Keren Hayesod-UIA is a proactive way of laying the foundations for Israel’s future. While annual donations make a significant impact towards meeting Israel’s immediate needs, the complex and escalating requirements of the State require a long-term vision and planning of resources for the future. KH-UIA is in a unique position to be able to ensure money reserved as a Bequest is guaranteed to go directly ‘to Israel’. ​​​​KH-UIA remains at the forefront of almost every aspect of Israel’s development and progress, working in cooperation with the Government to further National Priority Projects, promoting initiatives that are of key importance to Israel and its people, responding to needs in real-time and educating about the vital programs we offer to assist Our People in Israel.

By preparing a Will which includes KHUIA, you ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and guarantee that your Bequest is used to meet Israel’s most urgent needs.

Your Legacy Gift can be designated to a wide variety of KH-UIA projects including Aliyah, immigrant absorption, educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth and providing care for the elderly. It can also help inspire the next generation of Jewish People in the Diaspora through Jewish and Zionist education.

An example of an amazing act of generosity towards KH-UIA is epitomised through Vivian Lasse, who was born in Sydney in 1939. With a lifelong passion for Israel, in 2006 Vivian had the foresight to

create a generous Endowment Fund through UIA NSW’s Women’s Division - an ‘Or L’Atid Lion of Judah’, helping ensure the State of Israel’s future in perpetuity. Vivian was UIA’s first International ‘Or L’Atid’ in honour of her late parents, Yehuda and Chai, guaranteeing their memories would live on with Kaddish recited on Shavout in their honour every year at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem.

Sadly, Vivian passed away last year. Her memory will live on through the generous Bequest she left in her Will to Israel through the UIA. Her Bequest will support a number

Edgecliff Station Changes As Upgrade Construction Reaches Critical Stages

GABRIELLE UPTON

Member for Vaucluse, Gabrielle Upton MP today announced that construction for the Edgecliff Station upgrade is reaching a critical stage with major changes taking place in October 2018.

Ms Upton said, “There are going to be visible changes to the Station and Edgecliff Centre to allow work to continue for the upgrade.”

Key construction activities next month include the installation of the station lift, the completion of the fire stairs and the replacement of escalators which currently lead to the train platform.

From Monday 15 October, only one set of escalators will be available to access the station platform while the escalators closest to the ticket gate will be closed for replacement. Temporary wayfinding signage will be installed to direct residents during this

time.

Work will be carried out behind the hoardings which are currently on the concourse and on the station platform.

Similar hoarding will also be installed at the upstairs bus interchange in preparation of the installation of the lift from the ground level to the bus interchange.

“These are temporary changes so we will all benefit from the overall station upgrade that will include two new lifts, four new escalators, improved pedestrian crossings and a new kiss and ride zone on New McLean Street”, said Ms Upton. Transport NSW has advised that the delivery of the upgrade is on track for completion next year.

Transport for NSW will be notifying residents about the changes via mail. For more information residents can call 1800 684 490 or email projects@transport.nsw. gov.au.

of key UIA projects in Israel including rehabilitation grants for children through the Keren Hayesod Fund for Victims of Terror, Net@ Technological Youth Movement in Israel’s Southern Region; and supporting professional and vocational training for new immigrants through two absorption centres.

If you would like more information on Bequests and Endowment Funds, or to have a confidential discussion about planning your Legacy Gift to Israel and OUR PEOPLE, please contact Michael Jackson, Director Planned Giving: (02) 9361 4273 / 0413 441

333, michael.jackson@uiansw.org.au or visit uiaaustralia.org.au/states/nsw/plannedgiving Are you interested in Israeli current affairs? Join us at our various Israel Updates held monthly in the East and North. At these social and informal gatherings, our Shaliach Adi Gefen Adler talks about what is currently happening in Israel and new developments concerning Israel’s neighbours.

For upcoming events visit uiaaustralia.org.au/ our-events/nsw or contact (02) 9361 4273, info@uiansw.org.au

Investing in your relationship need not end at the wedding!

B’NAI B’RITH NSW Safe Conversations is an exciting new US based movement, now in 101 countries including Israel, being launched in Sydney in October. This expansion to Australia has been made possible through the support of B’nai B’rith NSW. Safe Conversations takes relationship counselling out of the therapy room and into the public education arena.

Safe Conversations is delivered via workshop to couples in relationship to learn skills to enable them to strengthen their connection and deepen their bond. These skills are usually learned in therapy which research tells us couples attend reluctantly and all too late. Couples, parents with children over 14, siblings and colleagues are all encouraged to attend. A version for children is also available. All workshops are affordable. Numbers are limited and there is no public sharing of private information.

Safe Conversations is the brain child of Harville Hendrix and Helen La Kelly Hunt. They are world famous relationship counsellors, best known

for their bestselling book “Getting the love you want” (amongst many others) and Harville’s 17 appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show. They are the developers of Imago Relationship Therapy Methodology.

Clinical Social Worker Janine Zimbler, a Sydney based Relationship Therapist trained in Imago has recently returned from New York where she attended training to deliver Safe Conversations workshops here in Australia.

Janine recently held a Safe Conversations taster for 7 couples who all reported that they wished they had done this workshop earlier in their relationship.

Those who already have experience of Imago Therapy will understand how powerful and transformational this work is.

A full day workshop will be held at the B’nai B’rith Centre on 14 October 2018.

Prices are $99 a couple or $49 for singles. This includes morning and afternoon tea and the manual.

Please register at B’nai B’rith 93216300 For more information please refer to relationshipsfirst.org

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community

October 2018

A Time for Renewal in Our Community ARK RABBI SHNEUR RETI-WAKS Recently I returned from a sabbatical in Israel which gave me time for introspection and reflection. At Rosh Hashanah, our time of renewal, I want to share some thoughts on the renewal of our community.

In Israel there were many highlights. But there were some low points. The one most relevant to us right now is the alienation felt by Diaspora Jewry towards Israel.

After millennia of horror, Western Civilisation has realised that the best way to avoid such horror is to allow everyone maximum freedom to do whatever they will so long as they cause no harm to others. ‘Live and let live’ is the foundation of modernity. A modernity in which Jews are great beneficiaries.

Whilst so much has been going on in Israel there have been some positive developments in Melbourne where we, as a community, are seeking to address one of the greatest challenges for Jewish life – ‘marrying out’.

Until recently the approach was the stick of punishment . A Jewish man can’t be called to the Torah if he marries out. A non-Jewish parent is excluded from standing under the Chuppah or on the Bimah during family smachot. And, the most negative, when they came before the Beit Din to seek to convert they faced very high, almost insurmountable, walls.

Now to the positive part.

Over the past year there has been a real change in the attitude of the local establishment religious leadership. They have arrived at the same conclusion that many in the community have been espousing for a long time. Should we not, when approached by someone with a genuine desire to become a religious Jew, have the greatest imperative to do what we can to assist rather than alienate them?

To effect positive change, you need to know

Rabbi Shneur Reti-Waks, Senior Rabbi at ARK Centre

facts, which is why a review of the Melbourne Beit Din process was undertaken. Recent opeds in the AJN by Rabbis Genende and Glasman and an article on the work by Rabbi Mirvis provide a backdrop to this positive development.

A few weeks ago we read Parshat Shoftim which unlocks the mystery of Jewish continuity and the power of the Torah in a way that guides our attitudes today in a most profound way.

The Torah says that when you have a query concerning the application of the law or need for arbitration you should go to the judges of the cities who will be in those days. (Devarim 17:9) Rashi explains that these words suggest that even though your contemporary judge pales in comparison with the judges of earlier days, you must obey him — you have none else but the judge that lives in your days (Rosh Hashanah 25b).

This interpretation is an absolute revelation and, when actually applied today, which I truly believe it must be, will have ramifications of epic proportions. The revelation is that the

Torah in its infinite wisdom not just identifies, but highlights, the need for a judge to be contemporary even if at the expense of historic wisdom and righteousness.

Of course not all contemporary rabbis are to be followed. The Torah clearly stipulates the required qualities of judges of the day.

Wisdom and righteousness are required but not enough. The central requirement is the strength and integrity to judge without bias. ‘You shall show no partiality nor take a bribe, for bribery blinds the eyes of the wise’.

(Devarim 16:19) There is one further requirement - do they take seriously the charge to ensure that the Torah is being interpreted appropriately for their time?

It must be applauded that rabbis have found ways to make changes over the centuries.

We do not have to kill all men, women, and children belonging to Hamas and Hezbollah even though they are surely no better than the Amalekites or the seven other nations whom we are explicitly instructed to annihilate when we enter the land. (Devarim 25:17, 20:16) They

found a way and we are supremely thankful for that.

And now they, indeed all of us who are Orthodox rabbis, must focus on dealing with a major crisis - the crisis of ‘The Vanishing American Jew,’ (Alan Dershowitz) really the vanishing Diaspora Jew. Remarkably, and testament to all who have come before us, many care so deeply about their Jewish identity, culture and religion that when the partner comes into the Jewish orbit he/she feels drawn in and wants to adopt Judaism as their own. But until now, they were met with harsh, negligent, and deeply suspicious responses to their request. So many turned away.

It is to the credit of the Melbourne Beit Din that last year it undertook a comprehensive review of its conversion program.

And what they found was something I have been advocating from the day I decided to work through an esteemed, independent Orthodox Beit Din in Israel led by Dayanim who were themselves responsible for penning the Israeli Chief Rabbinate’s conversion program. Conversion candidates yearn for warmth, a sense of inclusion, transparency, to have a sense of what to expect (to the extent that is possible), readily available assistance, and generally not be forced to complete a doctorate on top of a master’s degree.

It is an exciting new development in the Jewish Life of Melbourne Australia. There is real hope now that the recommendations will have the desired effect that will help curb the tide of oblivion whilst immensely enriching our community with the diversity, intelligence, and sensitivity that converts bring.

We will have a situation where our children who wish to create a Jewish family are no longer turned off or turned away but are taught, guided, inspired and embraced for their genuine desire to lead an Orthodox Jewish life.

JUMPSTART SHARKTANK 2018

A dam Jacobs

N aomi Simson

A ndr ew B ank s

Dav id Shein

APPLICATIO

PITCH YOUR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AT THE LIVE EVENT! WHO CAN APPLY? Anyone working on a social enterprise that impacts the Jewish Community HOW TO APPLY? Simply take 5 minutes to fill out an application form at http://bit.ly/sharktank18 WHEN IS THE EVENT? Mon 26 October 2018 APPLICATIONS CLOSE Mon 15 October 2018 For more information email

jumpstart@jca.org.au

NS

now open

WIN A SHARE OF

$50,000

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community

October 2018

JCA: The Choice Foundation THE CHOICE FOUNDATION As JCA The Choice Foundation launched on Friday 28th , so too did a myriad of opportunities for JCA organisations and individuals in the community at large to pitch for funding opportunities for new projects and innovative ideas to assist people with disabilities.

Founders, Taryn and Andrew Boyarsky introduced their new foundation to a room full of eager JCA members , keen to hear how they can apply for funding and how they will be expected to partner with members of the community who want to apply for this funding too .

“We have named the trust The Choice Foundation to highlight that people with disabilities should have more choice and control over their own lives and to reflect the point that everyone in our community has the choice to participate in providing these opportunities.

Taryn went on to say, “The foundations aim is to give people the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their level of ability. There are 5 key

areas that we will focus on. These are education, respite, social, employment and independent living” Attendees were also delighted to hear from Andrew Boyarsky, Moriah principal John Hamey, Steve Gluckman, and Alain Hasson, all of whom have been instrumental in launching JCA The Choice Foundation.

It was explained that the foundation will operate to provide finance and support for innovative ideas, programs and initiatives that will benefit people living with a disability.

The funds will be granted to JCA organisations towards the beginning of next year after the foundation works through applications.

This initiative from the Boyarsky’s, in collaboration with the JCA, will transform the community’s ability to support people in need, and improve the lives of those amongst us living with a disability.

We wish Taryn and Andrew Kol Hakavod on a wonderful initiative.

To contact The Choice Foundation and find out more, please visit www.thechoicefoundation.org.au

Andrew and Taryn Boyarsky

John Hamey, Taryn Boyarsky

Nicky Franks, Roy Steinman, Steve Gluckman

Bruce Goldsmith, Claire Vernon, Warren Hurst

Rabbi Sender Kavka, Jake Campbell, Daliah Szwarc

Taryn Boyarsky

Joseph Herschel, Shula Krimhand, Jackie Blum, Peter Philippsohn OAM

Karen Jordan, Bronwyn Elbourne

Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, Andrew Boyarsky, Norman Seligman, Rebecca Kummerfeld

Alain Hasson, Bruce Goldsmith, Rabbi Mendel Kastel

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I can afford property in Israel!

SIMON SEITZ, ADV & NOTARY SIMON SEITZ With a little bit of help there is a property waiting for everyone in Israel, both investor and oleh alike. One idea is to look to the outskirts of cities where bargains can be found. In addition there are many cities that are not yet hot spots but are on the way to becoming one. Another idea is to buy property in government programs. One of them is called Mechir l’mishtaken. Mechir L’mishtaken is a program developed and backed by the government in order to try and reduce property prices and allow everyone to be able to purchase their own home. In this article we shall discuss what it is and who is entitled to it.

What is Mechir L’mishtaken?

In the governments battle to combat rising property prices the government is now directly marketing land to building companies. The government sets the size of the properties to be built, the price of the property to be sold by the company and the location.

This ensures a fair price is paid. Once a builder has been found the government runs an online registration system where a family can register for the property

of their choice. After the registration deadline the government runs a lottery of who should purchase each property and the winner is notified to come and sign a purchase contract. So in short the program is designed to offer property at a lower than or fair market price.

So who is entitled to register?

Married or common law couples, singles over the age of 35, physically challenged people over the age of 21 are allowed to apply. Preference will be given to anyone who has been living in the locality for the last 3 years and most

important of all the applicant must not own any property in the last 3 years. Property includes, building rights, properties being built and those who own more than a third of rights in land zoned to become residential property.

Recently the program has also been expanded to allow those looking to upgrade their homes to also purchase a home via the scheme.

Conditions have been set by the government which are beyond the scope of this article.

The policy does have some drawbacks.

However at the end of the day it does allow certain categories of the population to get their feet on the property ladder and own their own piece of Israel. Will the program be judged a success? Will the program bring down property prices? only time will tell.

Simon Seitz is an Israeli real estate attorney and shall be running Israel Real Estate seminars in Sydney and Melbourne between Oct 30th- Nov 8th.For further information or questions please email simon@seitzlaw.net

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October 2018

Shark Tank is back!

JCA After two hugely successful Shark Tank events, where 5 Jewish social entrepreneurs pitched their inspiring and transformative ideas for a share of $50,000 in prize money- Shark Tank is back!

We have an incredible line up of Sharks this year which includes Andrew Banks, a Shark & Entrepreneurs from Network Ten’s Shark Tank Australia. The other Sharks are renowned Venture Capitalist & Entrepreneur David Shein and Adam Jacobs, Co-founder of Australia’s leading online fashion retailer the Iconic.

The Sydney Jewish community is very fortunate to have so many talented professionals passionate about creating innovative ventures that will enhance

the vibrancy and ensure the sustainability of our community. Last year the winner was Nikki Goodman who pitched to implement a free BRCA genetic testing program for our community. The program called Jene Screen is now operational– log onto www.jenescreen. com.au and see how the program is saving lives across our community.

Jumpstart’s Shark Tank is being held on Monday 26 November at the InterContinental Double Bay. If you or someone you know would like to pitch your idea and present at this year’s SharkTank, please go to http://bit.ly/sharktank18 by Monday 15th October to submit your idea. The prize money of $50,000 is thanks to the generosity of members of The Giving Forum.

Australian gap year students saving lives in Israel ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA STACY HAYMAN

How many 19 year olds get the opportunity to save someone’s life in Israel?

Well this is what our IBC Australian participants have been doing while volunteering as ambulance first responders for Magen David Adom as part of the 7 month IBC gap year program.

They have made a difference to so many Israeli’s while on the forefront of emergencies in Israel!

The highlight for many was working with Israelis and experiencing Israel from the inside as a full member of the MDA ambulance team. Working eight-hour shifts together with Israeli volunteers they created life long bonds with Israelis and the MDA

stations they worked for.

Israel By Choice is a 5 or 10 month Masa Israel Journey program for high school graduates from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa who want to spend a creative gap year in Israel exploring the land, the people and their Jewish identity. Participants explore their own boundaries and interests through their choice of programme options and in forming relationships with Israeli students. IBC enables participants from a range of Jewish backgrounds to learn from each other and by experiencing first hand,the diversity of Israeli society Registration is now open for 2019/2020 Masa Israel programs. To find out more about our extensive range of gap year programs visit www.masaisrael.org or contact Michal at Israelprograms@zfa.com.au

Special girls making special wishes come true MAKE A WISH

By choosing to support the Make-A-Wish Australia & Israel Shared Appeal for their recent Batmitzvah’s, three Melbourne girls will be helping to make life-changing wishes come true in Israel AND Australia for children fighting critical ilnesses. All donations to the Make-A-Wish Australia & Israel Shared Appeal are shared between the two countries, so a very meaningful way to change lives and bring hope to children in both countries.

For more information and to chat about donating for your

forthcoming simcha, contact Sarah Singer, Philanthropy Coordinator Tel: 1800 032 260 or 0458 133 280.

Email: s.singer@makeawish.org.au www.makeawish.org.au/shared-appeal

Romi Reichenberg and Make-AWish Chairman Stephen Sharp

Claudia Kaye and Make-A-Wish Chairman, Stephen Sharp

Taya Binstock and Make-A-Wish Chairman, Stephen Sharp

Australian, Saul Kaye, to bring Cannatech Medical Cannabis Conference to Sydney CANNATECH CannaTech: Sydney - World’s Top Medical Cannabis Scientists and Business Leaders to Gather at Australia’s First Ever Medical Cannabis Conference October 28- 30 • Medical cannabis spending in Australia to grow from $52 million in 2018 to $1.2 billion in 2027 • Cannabis economy world’s fastest growing industry; Worldwide, medical cannabis spending will reach $19.1 billion by 2027 • 91% of Australians Support Medical Cannabis Use Sydney, Australia, 2nd October 2018, The world’s leading cannabis researchers and scientists, ag-tech, pharma experts, regulators, investors, and entrepreneurs will share their knowledge about the burgeoning medical cannabis industry at CannaTech Sydney, Australia’s first-ever international Summit for Accelerating Medical Cannabis Innovation.

The main event will take place October 29-30 at Doltone House, Darling Island. The summit will be preceded on October 28 by a special Cannabis Business Symposium.

The cannabis economy is the world’s fastest

growing industry, with an outstanding record of accomplishment in research and development and with significant contribution to a vast array of medical treatments.

Economists foresee the potential overall cannabis and cannabis-related product market reaching tens of billions of dollars in the next decade. According to The Arcview Group, medical cannabis spending in Australia is expected to grow from $52 million in 2018 to $1.2 billion in 2027. Worldwide, medical cannabis spending will reach $19.1 billion worldwide by 2027.

Companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and other stakeholders will meet at CannTech Sydney to connect and learn about opportunities in the booming medical cannabis market as well as the latest technologies and research in the field and the latest global regulatory developments.

CannaTech Sydney attendees will hear from and meet the industry’s most serious thought leaders and market disruptors from around the world as well as Australian parents and patients who rely on medical cannabis for the well being of their children and themselves.

The Summit will cover the most current

industry topics including Ag Tech & Innovation, Business & Finance, Policy & Regulation, Science & Medicine.

Australian companies in the forefront of the industry are sponsors of the event including, MGC Pharma, Spectrum, CannaGroup, AusCann, MediFarm, Canngea, Little Green Pharma, Cresco, Everblue Capital, CannaTrek, Nutrition Care, BOD Australia, BioCeuticals, WHG. They join world-wide industry leaders New Frontier and Tilray.

Explaining why CannaTech has chosen Sydney for their next event, Saul Kaye, Founder & CEO of iCAN:Israel-Cannabis and CannaTech says, “Australia is a key and growing player in the exploding cannabis field. Many Australian cannabis companies are on the cutting edge of the market and we are thrilled to bring some of the world’s leading companies and investors to Australia to meet with their counterparts to discuss a range of business and technological issues.

“Mothers and citizens of all stripes are outraged over the lack of easy access to products for epilepsy, pain, and cancer treatments. As we have seen in other countries this is one of the biggest drivers towards better access for

patients. In fact, surveys indicate that 91% of Australians favour medical cannabis use.” As a native Aussie myself, I could not be prouder to bring CannaTech to my home country and work with like-minded professionals who understand the immense global health and business potential of medical cannabis moving forward.”

To learn about iCAN, the Summit’s organizers, click here for the iCAN website.

About iCAN: Israel-Cannabis iCAN is building the global cannabis ecosystem. iCAN identifies and accelerates innovative medical cannabis technologies and creates synergies and cooperation across the industry. iCAN uses its global network and reach to position Israel as the leading medical cannabis tech hub.

About CannaTech CannaTech is powered by iCAN. CannaTech is the premier international cannabis summit held annually in Tel Aviv, and internationally in London, Panama, and for the first time in Sydney, Australia in October 2018 and Hong Kong in November 2018.

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October 2018

The Zionism of WIZO WIZO NSW DIANE SYMONDS For nearly a century, WIZO has dedicated itself to a clear cause, improving the lives of women and children, families and the elderly in Israel.

Instrumental in the creation of Israeli society, WIZO was on the ground before the establishment of the State of Israel, and has been educating, caring for and supporting women and children in need ever since.

WIZO is committed to ensuring that our

children, youth, women and families benefit from the very best we have to offer.

WIZO’s 800 projects in early-age education, schools, youth villages, women’s empowerment programs, abused women’s shelters, and programs for the empowerment of girls and women, new immigrants and the elderly and coexistence initiatives throughout the country make WIZO a leading social services provider in Israel.

Each WIZO institution is a world unto itself.

Many of the students who live and learn in

our youth villages are at-risk youth. They come from very difficult family situations. All a child needs is for just one adult to believe in them.

As for the secret to WIZO’s success, the formula is simple. We inspire them, we let them be creative – and we give them tools, support and room to grow.

The modern Jewish State of Israel was built on the will of the people to return to their ancestral homeland. Central to WIZO’s principles is the strengthening of Israel’s citizens; empowering them with knowledge,

skills, resilience and confidence. That is the Zionism of WIZO. Israel is not rich in gushing oil wells. There are no diamond mines or roads paved in gold. Israel’s greatest asset is her people.

The same people that rely on WIZO to provide crucial social services and support.

In these days of growing and increasingly more blatant anti-Israel sentiment, WIZO must be firmly on your agenda. Make supporting WIZO your Israeli activism. The people of Israel depend on your Zionism the Zionism of WIZO.

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Artist’s impression

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community

October 2018

Centre marks new era in Israel-Australia research MONASH UNIVERSITY A new Israel-Australia research centre involving a major collaboration with Monash University will be officially launched today in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Sagol Center for Epigenetics of Metabolism and Aging cements the relationship between Monash University and the Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel’s largest health institution, where the centre will be based. The initiative was made possible by the generosity of the Sagol family in Israel and is the vision of philanthropist Sami Sagol.

It is part of a collaboration that began last year, and will embed scientists from Monash’s Department of Diabetes, while Israeli scientists will be trained at Monash.

Paul Zimmet AO, Professor of Diabetes at Monash, will become the centre’s Co-director (honorary) with Professor Naftali Stern, Director of the Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension at Tel Aviv Medical Center.

Epigenetics, a burgeoning new field, refers to changes in the genetic material surrounding genes that are induced by the environment.

Professor Zimmet, an international leader in diabetes research, believes some of these translate into adult disorders such as ageing, obesity and type 2 diabetes and may be passed down between generations or acquired during

a lifetime.

“If you think of type 2 diabetes, for example, everyone thinks it’s all genetic,” Professor Zimmet said.

“But only about 20 per cent of risk of type 2 diabetes has been shown to be associated with genes. There’s a whole belief now that the role of environment makes up a considerable part of that risk.”

The centre will aim to reveal epigenetic changes in body organs that contribute to ageing and disease, attempt to discover which changes are experimentally reversible then strive to develop practical therapies to reverse such changes to delay ageing and diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

It is part of a network of research centres established in academic and medical centres by the Sagol family, focusing on the advancement of research on longevity and quality of life.

Ambassador of Israel to Australia, Mark Sofer said the project catapults AustralianIsraeli scientific medical collaboration into a new era.

“One cannot commend highly enough the initiative of the Sagol Family and the amazing professionalism of Professors Paul Zimmet and Mark Cooper and their team at Monash University in Melbourne and of Professor Naftali Stern and his team at the Tel Aviv Medical Center,” Mr Sofer said.

Victorian Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, Philip Dalidakis, said it was wonderful to see Monash University spreading its knowledge and expertise all over the world.

“Monash is a world leader in medical research and we’re proud to see this great University collaborating with other world leaders and further strengthening our relationship with Tel Aviv,” Mr Dalidakis said.

The initiative was made possible by the generosity of the Sagol family in Israel and is the vision of philanthropist Sami Sagol.

“Sami Sagol is a visionary philanthropist and a strong believer in the interchange of information and research between nations to strengthen relations between nations, as well as to improve scientific knowledge,” Professor Zimmet said.

“We are now trying to raise funds from Australian philanthropic donors here to further support the Monash side of the program.”

Dignitaries attending the opening include: • Professor Ronni Gamzu, Director General, Tel Aviv Medical Center • Mr Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv • Mr Chris Cannan, Australian Ambassador to Israel • Mr Yuval Rotem, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the former Israeli Ambassador to Australia • Mr Ken Ryan AM Agent to the United

Kingdom Commissioner to Europe and Israel • Professor Naftali Stern, Director of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv Medical Center • Professor Paul Zimmet AO, Monash University and Honorary President, International Diabetes Federation • Professor Mark Cooper AO, Head of Department of Diabetes, Monash University • Professor Stephen Jane, Head of Monash University’s Central Clinical School • Professor Sam El-Osta, Department of Diabetes, Monash University. Professor El-Osta, recognised internationally for his work in epigenetics, will play a large role in overseeing the research The Monash professors, and scientists from Tel Aviv University, spoke at a scientific symposium held after the opening ceremony.

Professor Stephen Jane said, “This represents a wonderful opportunity for Monash University to establish meaningful collaborations with Tel Aviv Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, further enriching the rich relationships between Israel and Australia. Professors Zimmet and Cooper have been instrumental in this process, and further discovery into the causation of diabetes through the study of epigenetics has enormous therapeutic potential.”

Shindler on Shaping Israeli Politics MANDELBAUM HOUSE

what has led to the acerbic criticism of

Colin Shindler’s articles and commentaries on Israel, European and English history and politics have been published in international media for more than 40 years. Emeritus Professor with the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, Shindler is visiting Sydney in October and early November with Mandelbaum House and the University of Sydney in the role of Scholar in Residence.

In this capacity, Shindler will give three public lectures at Mandelbaum House, the Jewish residential college on campus at the University of Sydney.

He also has speaking engagements at The Great Synagogue and at Bondi’s Or Chadash as well as guest lecturing in the University’s Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies.

A frequent contributor to the New York Times, the Times Literary Supplement, the Jerusalem Post and Ha’aretz as well as the UK’s Jewish Chronicle, his areas of expertise lie in the evolution of the Israeli Right and the changes in the approach of the British and European Left towards Israel.

Most recently, Shindler has been outspoken on British politician Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party.

than its government’s policies – by the

Israel by this group – as a state rather international Left?

His final lecture revisits the Balfour Declaration.

Whilst

the

100th

anniversary of the Balfour Declaration has come and gone, Shindler gave many public talks on the subject during the centenary which were well received.

This lecture focuses essentially on the dominant

British

national

interests

under Asquith and Lloyd-George rather than their love for Jews and embrace of Zionism.

Shindler’s books The Rose of the Israeli Right – from Odessa to Hebron and Israel and the European Left – Between Solidarity and Delegitimization walk alongside these topics.

His latest book The Hebrew Republic attests to his extensive knowledge on His lectures at Mandelbaum House focus on the shaping of Israeli politics.

Firstly, from Menachem Begin to Bibi Netanyahu, he will review the rise of the Israel Right, including noting that even with the cynicism directed at Netanyahu, amidst charges of corruption that may

land him in court, why is the current prime minister, according to opinion polls, heading towards yet another Likud electoral victory?

The next lecture considers Israel and the international Left.

Despite virtually unanimous support in 1948,

a wide range of subjects relating to contemporary Jewish history – outside of Israel studies. It is in part based on articles, published over the last 40+ years, but with much new interlinking material which addresses the concerns of today.

community

October 2018

Jewish Continuity’s Secret Weapon: Literate Jews

11

CONFIDENCE ACADEMY MICHAEL SASSOON Right now, we are the “People of the Book” that cannot read their own book! In spite of our excellent Jewish institutions that try their hardest, daily, to place a smorgasbord of Jewish experiences before our children, we continue to haemorrhage beautiful, brilliant Jewish minds - to atheism, secularism, to ignorance and assimilation in general.

Parents ask in exasperation: “how can I encourage my child to care?” Thanks partly to Gen08 and Gen17 studies we know the path. We parents are just afraid to admit that the long game is overwhelmingly to be played within the home – not the school, afraid to have our Jewish illiteracy and inadequacies naked before our children (we all feel this on some level).

Upon visiting a Yemenite synagogue in Tzefath in 2014, I asked to study Miqra (Written Torah, aloud). The president agreed on one condition: “do it with my son.”

“But my Aramaic translation is not fluid,” I confessed. “That’s OK, he will read that.”

After one hour learning in the presence of this eight-year-old, I turned to his father and declared, eyes wide: “there *is* Torah in Israel.”

I recently had the honour of appearing as a panellist for the Jewish Board of Deputies’ Jewish Educator’s Forum. A question was: “do you feel the Jewish community is doing enough to promote and attract passionate Jewish educators?” My response: I don’t feel we’re doing enough to promote passionate

students to naturally attract passionate educators. That passion stems from the warmth of Miqra – Tanakh. Why? Because Miqra is encoded at binary level with core Jewish values, instilling pride and confidence.

Note that this cannot possibly appeal to most teenage minds – by then they may be “too old to begin the training,” as Yoda feared about Luke. Such ages crave and require different teaching styles (VeLimadhtem Otham, in Shema’s second paragraph).

In The Horizontal Society, Professor José Faur writes: “as soon as a child can speak, his father must teach him the language of the Torah [i.e. in Hebrew].” Citing Profiat

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

This is the foundation of Masada Cottage Early Learning Centre (children aged 2-5 years old), which nurtures Happiness, Inclusion, Values and Edge.

H appiness I nclusion V alues E dge

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

Duran: “…this Sacred Book is the operational vehicle by which the Divine Presence is [now] manifest within the Nation of Israel.”

I learnt times tables with my father – by rote (VeShinantam LeVanekha, in Shema’s first paragraph) - a special five minutes nightly that demonstrated his loving care.

Similarly, a high school friend once admitted the cause for his delay each morning; he – as did each of his siblings – had ten minutes of Torah learning with their father, morning and night. I was struck by the beauty and simplicity – the sheer truth of this idea and knew instantly that I wanted this, too. Torah as the basis for the regular, guaranteed ear

of a parent is Jewish continuity in action.

Stopping the downward spiral of crossgenerational Jewish literacy gaps will take bravery, but our tradition encourages us that the Messiah will come when our children become our teachers. That is, when they are an improvement on us. And isn’t that what any parent really wants?

Michael Sassoon (BCom, MTeach) is head of Confidence Academy, teaches across Sydney’s East and North (years K-12) and acts as The Great Synagogue’s Community Educator.

12

community

October 2018

Shabbat is one of the best known and least understood of all Jewish observances. People who do not observe Shabbat think of it as a day filled with stifling restrictions, but to those who observe Shabbat, it is a precious gift from G-d, a day of great joy eagerly awaited throughout the week, a time when we can set aside all of our weekday concerns and devote ourselves to higher pursuits. In Jewish literature, poetry and music, Shabbat is described as a bride or queen, as in the popular Shabbat hymn Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah (come, my beloved, to meet the [Sabbath] bride).

It is said “more than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat have kept the Jews.”

Shabbat is at the very center of Jewish consciousness. It is repeated more times than any other mitzvah in the Torah, more aliyot are given on Shabbat than on any other festival and it is the only ritual observance which is part of the Ten Commandments.

The Two Shabbat Commandments There are two central commandments which teach us how to observe Shabbat.

The first commandment is not to work on Shabbat. The Torah says, “Six days you shall work, and the seventh day is Shabbat to the Lord your God. [On that day] you shall not do any melacha” (Exodus 20:9). (Melacha is a type of work which we will define later.)

The second is a positive action commandment to rest on Shabbat: “And on the seventh day you shall rest” (Exodus 23:12).

One commandment is not to do any melacha, and the second commandment is to rest. But why do we need both? If the Torah tells us “not to work,” obviously we’re going to get a lot of rest and relaxation. Why would we need a second, positive action commandment telling us to rest? f the Torah has to give us two separate commandments, then clearly, one is not the automatic, instantaneous result of the other. The fact that refraining from work is not sufficient to automatically include rest, implies that the “resting” we do on Shabbat must be something extra, something that goes beyond the natural outcome of not working. Apparently the goal of Shabbat is not simply to put our feet up, get a suntan and sip cocktails.

So what is the real point of these commandments? Why “No Work” On Shabbat?

In “Breakfast of Champions,” a novel by Kurt Vonnegut, the main character of the story is in a bar one evening nursing a drink. All of a sudden, he’s consumed by anxiety. Someone he very

much wants to meet, yet is somehow threatened by, has just walked into the bar and is coming closer and closer to his table. He turns to hide his face. Suddenly, he feels a tap on his shoulder.

As he turns around, he comes face-to-face with the author of the book in which he is the main character.

His deepest fears have just become reality.

Having cherished the hope that he is master of his own destiny, he now has to face the fact that he lives and dies by a stroke of the author’s pen.

Vonnegut’s story depicts the conflict faced by every human being.

On one hand, we all yearn to make contact with the reality of God’s existence, to be close to this All-Powerful Being Who created everything and sustains us daily.

On the other hand, we all live with the nagging fear of confronting the fact that we are not the captains of our ships. Each of us would like to be Number One. Our ego would prefer to see ourselves at the center of the universe, in total control of our own lives, our own destiny, and the world. So we try convincing ourselves that we are, and in the process we push away God. Shabbat is the Jewish tool to make sure we don’t misunderstand our place in the universe.

Refraining from work is the first step toward accomplishing this goal. God gave mankind the power to manipulate and change the world.

Because of this, we are easily lulled into thinking that we are in control of the world.

Then comes Shabbat. Once every seven days, we step back from the world and make a statement to ourselves and humanity that we are not in charge of this world. We stop all creative work and acknowledge that it is God’s world, not ours. We can manipulate the world, but we don’t own it. God gives us clear guidelines for how we may shape the world, but it’s not ours to do with as we see fit all the time.

When we refrain from work on Shabbat, we regain clarity and understanding as to Who is the true Creator.

The Primary Goal Of Shabbat Once we’ve extracted ourselves from the illusions of our own power and prominence (i.e. once we realize we’re not God), we free ourselves to reach out and experience the primary goal of Shabbat: getting in touch with God. While it is true that we can get in touch with God and spirituality during the week, it only happens if we make a particular effort to partake of these experiences. We have to fight off the influences of the mundane workday in order to break through to the spiritual.

On Shabbat, however, the spiritual level of the world is intensified. God immerses us in a spiritual environment, and our perception of His closeness is heightened. It’s as if the static has been lifted.

On Shabbat, as I cease to create, I no longer feel the need to compete with the world around me. I don’t drive my car, I don’t work my animal, I don’t even pluck a blade of grass. Instead

of imposing our will upon the world, we are in harmony with it. On Shabbat, we are all kings. We take advantage of the extra spirituality infused in the Shabbat day to focus on our spiritual goals, which we express through the prayer service, the learning of Torah, festive meals, and time spent with family and friends. For one day, there is no competition. There is only flow. This is what is referred to in the second commandment as “resting.” On Shabbat, the hard effort to get in touch with God comes naturally. The soul has what it’s seeking. It’s at rest.

Shabbat is our break. It empowers us, not to discard our workaday world, but to retain our ability to be independent from it. Shabbat gives balance and perspective to our lives and to our week. A cube, which has six sides, receives form and substance from its solid center. So too, the six days of our week are balanced by Shabbat ― the inner dimension.

The Tabernacle Connection If we’re going to refrain from work on Shabbat, we need to know how the Torah defines “work.”

The rules may surprise you: Lugging a 50-pound sack of potatoes from room to room on Shabbat is technically permissible, while flicking on a light switch is forbidden.

It is not “work” which is prohibited on Shabbat; rather it is the special category of work called melacha. This term refers to the 39 types of creative activities which were used to build the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Jews during the time of Moses and Joshua.

These 39 activities include, for example, planting, cooking, and writing.

The Tabernacle was the physical place where the experience of God was more directly tangible than at any other place on earth.

Similarly, Shabbat is the period of time in which God’s presence is felt more intensely than at

any other time during the week. In other words, just as the Tabernacle is holiness in “space,” Shabbat is holiness in “time.”

On Shabbat, therefore, the activities used to build the Tabernacle are completely unnecessary, since Shabbat is already a “sanctuary in time.” Shabbat has stability and permanence that transcend the limitations of space. It’s an anywhere-in-the-world, expensefree vacation ― no travel agent required. God’s presence is with us simply by virtue of the atmosphere Shabbat brings.

This explains why on Shabbat we are not supposed to concern ourselves with any unfinished business left over from the weekday.

Instead, we are supposed to feel that everything is complete. Shabbat itself marks a completion of our goals.

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community

October 2018

Sydney counts down to 2018 Shabbat Project SHABBAT PROJECT

A

s the high holy days draw to a close, momentum is building for the Shabbat Project which now 3 weeks away on 26th- 27th October. All across Sydney, from Bondi to Parramatta to St Ives, an innovative line-up of events is being planned across the week and during Shabbat.

This years grass roots focus sees several joint collaborations between organisations to deliver engaging events that capture the essence of Shabbat. The line-up of events includes an epic Communal Shabbat Lunch in Dover Heights, bringing several shules together including Kadimah, Dover Heights, JLC & JNF will certainly be an event not to miss. A program of Inspirational speakers and Family program is also on offer.

There will be many Challah Bakes to select from, including another East Hub Event – Ladies Challah Bake & Dance party in Dover Heights featuring live music from Sincopa.

Shalom will be hosting an innovative Shabbat Tent in a giant marquee at Bondi Pavillion. A festival of chilled vibes in a tech free space will run throughout Friday night and Saturday with young adults invited to share in a taste of Shabbat, unplug and relax as they enjoy meals, mindfulness workshops and more.

And ofcourse a full line up of kids programs from OBK, JEMS, Shalom Baby & BJE, Youth Minyans and mindfulness sessions. With so much on offer, there is

sure to be an event to appeal to everyone.

“The Shabbat Project is all about bringing our community together to experience the joy of Shabbat, which is integral to our Jewish identity,” explains Kate Samowitz, Lead project manager for the Shabbat Project.

“Planning is well underway and we are excited by the number of events on offer that will enable us to dis.connect from technology and re.connect with family & friends.”

In today’s day and age, the constant beeping, buzzing, ringing and pinging entices people to be slaves to their devices. With such overload, it is no wonder that mindfulness is the zeitgeist of the 21st century.

“Shabbat offers us an important opportunity to slow down in our increasingly hectic world, to unplug from technology that has become so immersive in our lives and simply reconnect with what is important” states Samowitz.

“On this special Shabbat, it is about feeling a sense of connection”, says Samowitz. “Make this Shabbat exceptional by choosing at least one program or event that resonates with you, whether it is joining a Shabbat dinner or lunch, coming to a challah bake or hosting your own special Shabbat meal.”

To book now, find out more or for the program of events visit shabbatproject. org.au. New events are being added regularly, so people are encouraged to check back over the coming weeks.

How to Stop Doing. And Start Being Learning how to keep Shabbat can take a couple of minutes – or a lifetime.

We’ve distilled the essence of Shabbat into four simple steps.

Walk

Play

Ditch the car keys, give Uber a rest, skip the subway and take a stroll to nowhere in particular.

Explore your city, wave to your neighbours, take a rest from the daily rush. It’s incredible how different things look on foot.

At its core, Shabbat is a day of rest – a day of cessation of work. To play is to be free. For one day, forget about work and be yourself again. With no deadlines and no bottom line, you’ll be amazed at where the day takes you.

(Dis)connect

And, of course… eat

It’s time for a digital detox.

Switch off all your devices and screens for 25 hours and refrain from switching any lights on or off once Shabbat has entered.

Like your friends to their face, play offline games and have some one-on-one real-time conversations.

What would a Jewish experience be without food?

The three meals of Shabbat are an integral part of the full Shabbat experience.

They allow us to savour the magic of the day and maximise the precious undiluted time together.

Download your step-by-step guide of how to prepare for and keep Shabbat at theshabbosproject.org/how-it-works/

community

October 2018

Eishet Chayil

A special Shabbat song in honor of the Jewish woman.

The Song

LORI PALATNIK- AISH.COM The Jewish woman. If not for her, the Jewish people would still be enslaved in Egypt.

When Pharaoh decreed that all first-born Jewish males should die, the men decided to refrain from relations with their wives so as not to bring any more children into this world. The women realized that God would indeed save them and bring them out of Egypt, so they went to their husbands in order to bring more Jewish children into the world. Their faith and foresight were said to have merited the redemption from Egypt of the entire Jewish people.

The Jewish woman. The one who was offered the Torah first from Moses. After Moses received the Torah from God at Mount Sinai, he offered it first to the Jewish women, for he knew that if they accepted it, it would become part of the Jewish people for all time.

The Jewish woman. Who, in the face of adversity, held steadfast to her trust in the Almighty, even when those around her did not.

While the Jewish people wandered through the desert, the men repeatedly complained to Moses and even asked to go back to Egypt. And, when Jewish spies were sent in to the Land of Israel and came back with reports of great dangers, it was the men who refused to enter. Forty years later, only the women of that generation merited entering the land.

The Jewish woman. Who time and time again saved the Jewish people through her insightfulness, virtue, and belief in God. There are many examples, one being Rebecca, who helped disguise her son Jacob so that her husband, Isaac, would bestow a blessing upon him and not upon Jacob’s brother, Esau. She knew that it was Jacob who had the character to become the father of the Jewish people. Later, it was his 12 sons who led The Tribes of Israel.

The Jewish woman. In whose merit will come the Messiah and the final redemption of the Jewish people. (Talmud - Sotah 11) The Jewish woman, who today is the one entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the three mitzvot central to the Jewish home: kashrut, Shabbat, and mikvah.

If not for her, where would we be? There would be no home, no family... no Jewish people. On Friday night, she sits as the queen of her table,

while all those around her sing her praises. And rightly so.

She is the Eishet Chayil, the Woman of Valor, who sets the tone of love, spirituality, and personal growth for all those around her. To know her is to appreciate her strength and talents. And, just in case you might happen to forget, “Eishet Chayil” is there as a weekly reminder.

These words are found in the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31), and accredited to King Solomon.

Sing it with feeling for your own Eishet Chayil, or to the Eishet Chayils that were the foundation of the Jewish people for thousands of years and continue to be so today.

How To 1. Although only a custom, “Eishet Chayil” is sung at every Shabbat table throughout the world.

2. If no women are present, “Eishet Chayil” is still sung in praise of Jewish women everywhere.

3. If no men are present, the women sing it in praise of Jewish womanhood.

In other words, no matter what, sing “Eishet Chayil”!

Eishes chayil mi yimtza ve-rachok mi-peninim michrah Batach bah leiv ba’alah ve-shalal lo yech’sar.

Gemalas’hu tov ve-lo ra kol yemei chayeha.

Dar’eshah tzemer u’fishtim va-ta’as be-cheifetz kapeha.

Hay-esa ko-oniyos socheir mi-merchak tavi lachma.

Va-takam be’od laila va-titein teref le-veisah ve-chok le-na’aroseha.

Zamema sadeh va-tika’cheihu mi-peri chapeha nata karem.

Chag’erah ve-oz mas’neha va-te’ameitz zero’oseha.

Ta’ama ki tov sachra lo yich’beh ba-lailah neira.

Yadeha shilchah va-kishor ve-chapeha tamchu falech.

Kapah par’esa le-ani ve-yadeha shil’echah la-evyon.

Lo sira le-veisa mi-shaleg ki chol beisa lavush shanim.

Marvadim as’esa la sheish ve-argaman levusha.

Noda ba-she’arim ba’ala be-shivto im ziknei aretz.

Sadin as’esa va-timkor va-chagor nas’ena la-kena’ani.

Oz ve-hadar levusha va-tis’chak le-yom acharon.

Piha pas’echah ve-chachma ve-soras chesed al leshona.

Tzofiyah halichos beisa ve-lechem atzlus lo socheil.

Kamu vaneha va-ye’ash’eruha ba’ala va-yehal’elah Rabos banos asu chayil vi-as alis al kulana.

Sheker ha-chein ve-hevel ha-yofi ishah yiras Adonoy hi sis’halal.

Tenu lah mi-pri yadeha vi-haleluha ba-she’arim ma’aseha.

A Woman of Valor, who can find? She is more precious than corals.

Her husband places his trust in her and profits only thereby.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She seeks out wool and flax and cheerfully does the work of her hands.

She is like the trading ships, bringing food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night to provide food for her household, and a fair share for her staff.

She considers a field and purchases it, and plants a vineyard with the fruit of her labors.

She invests herself with strength and makes her arms powerful.

She senses that her trade is profitable; her light does not go out at night.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff and her palms hold the spindle.

She opens her hands to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

She has no fear of the snow for her household, for all her household is dressed in fine clothing.

She makes her own bedspreads; her clothing is of fine linen and luxurious cloth.

Her husband is known at the gates, where he sits with the elders of the land.

She makes and sells linens; she supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is robed in strength and dignity, and she smiles at the future.

She opens her mouth with wisdom and a lesson of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks after the conduct of her household and never tastes the bread of laziness.

Her children rise up and make her happy; her husband praises her: “Many women have excelled, but you excell them all!”

Grace is elusive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God -- she shall be praised.

Give her credit for the fruit of her labors, and let her achievements praise her at the gates.

Shabbat Light

The power of the Havdallah candle.

LAUREN SHAPIRO - AISH.COM I found a box the other day inventively labeled “Stuff.” Six months after the wedding, my mother finally evicted me from my old room and in a hasty scramble to save the sentimental remnants of my past life I was a little injudicious with the packing. The boxes have since been industriously gathering dust in a heap in the back of the spare room cupboard (not unlike my mother prophesized, it must be admitted) and while searching for something extremely useful and necessary like my good luck troll-pencil, I stumbled across said box.

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but I nearly purred with delight as I unpacked the evidence of my glorious year spent in Israel after high school.

Exhibit A: my kibbutz T-shirt (tinted turquoise from the communal laundry system), with the neck and sleeves ripped as the fashion of the time dictated. Exhibit B: old bumper stickers proclaiming support for political parties no longer extant, a piece of a poster ripped off at a rally, and a badge of indiscriminate origin after its foray on the floor of a discotheque. Exhibit C: some nearly fossilized packets of Bamba (peanut-butter puffs eaten only in desperation when the vending machine had nothing else to offer). I can’t believe my mom wanted me to get rid of all this treasure!

At the bottom of the box, I found something I hadn’t thought about in a while. It was a plaited stick of wax that had somehow managed to melt itself onto an empty Maccabi beer bottle without completely losing its shape: it was a Havdallah

candle.

Havdallah – the closing ceremony of Shabbat – has always had a special place in my heart.

It is so rich in symbol and ritual, and I have always enjoyed it on Shabbatonim and the odd communal Shabbat during my year in Israel.

With the wine and the spices and the candle and the redolent melodies, I have always found the ceremony spiritually invigorating.

The Havdallah candle, with its many strands woven together, is a complex symbol of Jewish heritage. The various threads – the mundane and the spiritual, the past and the future – come together to ignite a single burning purpose: the continuation of Jewish life. It also represents a family, in the way that the many individuals are intertwined to unite as a single flame that is brighter, stronger, and more enticing than the several smaller parts.

But now here’s the catch: performing the closing ceremony only makes sense if we’ve kept the Shabbat. It’s entirely appropriate. The first thing God did during the Creation was to create light; the last thing He did was to rest (Shabbat), so the two have forever been linked. The Shabbat is seen in with candles, so it is fitting that it is seen out with candles.

As a married woman, I now light my own candles on Friday nights. Both the ritual and the spiritual aspects appeal to me. I love the magnificent silver candlesticks from my grandmother. I love the ancient words, uttered by generations of Jewish women, inviting peace and holiness into our homes and our lives.

Nowadays it is all too easy to take for granted the power that light (in its various forms) plays in our lives. Shabbat is a constant reminder to be grateful for these things. Firstly, with no electricity (and of course that means no TV, DVD, VCR, or PVR, no computer, no car, no cell phone, no light available at the flick of a switch), we are left to contemplate life without these conveniences and to appreciate them. And I might say we are left feeling less powerful and haughty than our modern lives allow us to believe we are.

Secondly, the Shabbat is a time to think about the things that bring real light into our lives – like family, friends, nature, and knowledge. And God. Without these, all the conveniences in the world couldn’t give our lives meaning. This in itself is a gift well worth accepting.

I know haven’t properly observed the Shabbat for a long time. But perhaps I should. I know it’s difficult. It’s a challenge of – well – biblical proportions. But the rewards are great. The load may seem heavy, but the Havdallah candle reminds us that to carry it is light. As the symbolic light at the end of the tunnel, this special candle has bound the Jews together through centuries and it stands as a testament to our faith.

I gently extricate the candle from the beer bottle, and tenderly place it in my display cabinet, beside my grandmother’s candlesticks. For me, the Havdallah candle will always stand as a symbol – a goal to which I strive personally and spiritually. And although I haven’t quite reached that level yet, I have at least – so to speak – seen the light. And I’m keeping my goal in sight.

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Appointment of Communal Rabbi at Kehillat Kadimah KEHILLAT KADIMAH Following the tremendous ruach and positive energy experienced in our shule from the start of Rosh Hashanah through to the final moments of Simchat Torah, we are excited to maintain and build on this momentum as we move forward together.

An integral step in Kehillat Kadimah’s renewal is the appointment of a Communal Rabbi who shares its values and vision as a Religious Zionist, Orthodox community.

In February, the Board commenced an extensive recruitment process which included candidates from Australia and overseas. The entire Board, which represents a diverse cross-section of our members, was involved throughout the process, and canvassed feedback and received input from members as well as from leading Rabbonim.

And so it is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors announces the appointment of Rabbi Dovy Rapoport as Communal Rabbi of Kehillat Kadimah for a period of 12 months commencing in December 2018.

Originally from England, Rabbi Rapoport is currently a high school teacher at Kesser Torah College where he has taught for a number of years, as well as being Baal Koreh and High Holy Day Rabbi at Central Synagogue. He is completing his Bachelor of Life Sciences

with a Psychology major at the University of New South Wales. His wife Rivkah grew up in Melbourne and is a full-time registered nurse. They have two children - daughter Ella (5 years) and son Nissi (3 years).

The majority of our community met Rabbi Rapoport over the High Holy Days when he delivered several droshot and shiurim and, together with Rivkah, warmly engaged with members. Feedback

Haftarah Harry NORTH SHORE TEMPLE EMANUEL Whilst it is not uncommon for 14-yearolds to celebrate their first the anniversary of becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah by returning to shule to re-read their Haftarah, for Harry Baral of North Shore Temple Emanuel (NSTE), his anniversary will be celebrated with his 14th Haftarah.

“When I was studying for my Bar Mitzvah ceremony, my family and teachers always reminded me that I wasn’t just learning for the big day, but I was also learning skills for life. Just like with my school work, I knew the only way to really instil the skills that I was learning, was to keep practicing.”

With this in mind, Harry set himself the goal of learning one Haftarah per month during the year following his Bar Mitzvah celebration.

Harry regularly put his hand up to chant the Haftarah at NSTE’s teen-led “Teen Torah Tag Team” Shabbat services, as well as NSTE services in between these.

With so many B’nei Mitzvah at NSTE this year, some months were unavailable, so he was pleased to be warmly welcomed at Emanuel Synagogue and North Shore Synagogue to read Haftarah.

Travel didn’t prove a barrier to young Harry, as he arranged to chant the Haftarah at Kehillat Har-El in Jerusalem whilst on a family trip. “The future of Australian Jewry is in good hands”, declared Har-El’s visibly impressed Cantor Evan Cohen.

Harry hopes to arrange a similar opportunity during an upcoming trip to New Zealand.

Haftarot are not all that have been keeping Harry busy in the year since his Bar Mitzvah ceremony.

As well as leining Torah multiple times (including at the Kotel) throughout the year, he also learnt a new trope (chanting style) so he could read a chapter of Eicha at NSTE’s Tisha B’Av service, and he assisted in leading the NSTE family service for Rosh Hashanah.

“At NSTE, we emphasise that Bar and Bat Mitzvah studies prepare students not just for ‘the big day,’ but for a lifetime of meaningful involvement in the ‘simchas’ of family and friends and in the religious life of the community.

Harry has taken this lesson to heart.

He is an inspiration to us all, as he goes from strength to strength,” said Rabbi Nicole Roberts, Senior Rabbi at North Shore Temple Emanuel.

following his relatable, relevant and thoughtful insights was overwhelmingly positive, and alongside the family’s warm, engaging and personal nature the decision was an obvious and unanimous one by the Board.

Chairman of Kehillat Kadimah Joshua Bolot said, “we are delighted to have someone with the energy and calibre of Rabbi Rapoport join our community. His knowledge, passion and experience as

an educator across all age groups will be a great asset at our kehillah. Together Rabbi Rapoport and the Board have already begun planning some exciting initiatives for 2019.”

Rabbi Rapoport added, “Rivkah and I are thrilled at the prospect of building our home within the Kehillat Kadimah community. We have found only warmth and kindness in this community, and we look forward to working with the Board, as well as existing and prospective members. We are confident that we can make a difference in the growth and Jewish connectivity of this community.

This is such an important task, not just for this community, but for the whole Australian Jewish Community.”

There will be further opportunities for members to meet with the Rapoport family in the coming months, as well as to welcome them formally in December.

It is planned that following the end of the school year, the Rapoport family will relocate to the Rose Bay area.

Rabbi Rapoport will work closely with Chazan Rabbi Niasoff, Baal Koreh Rabbi Simons, the Board and personnel of Kehillat Kadimah as we continue our journey of moving forward together.

Kadimah!

With best regards, Board of Directors Kehillat Kadimah

Moriah Sukkot snapshots

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October 2018

Moriah’s Fiddler a family affair!

MORIAH COLLEGE Moriah College’s new and definitive 75th birthday production of Fiddler on the Roof – with an all-singing, all-dancing cast of 150 plus – is set to blow the roof off when it opens later this month!

The all-time Broadway musical favourite is ready to bring tears and laughter to an expected sell-out communal audience. And director Roberta Good says this time, more than ever, it’s a family affair.

Fiddler is one of the greatest and most loved musicals of all time, capturing the hearts and imagination of audiences around the world.

Full of humour, warmth, great characters and spectacular, show-stopping numbers like “Tradition”, “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Matchmaker”, “Sunrise, Sunset” and “To Life!”, it has been performed in almost every country on earth. The original stage version won 9 Tony Awards and the Hollywood adaptation (starring Topol) won 3 Oscars.

“Beyond its main themes of tradition and faith in challenging times, Fiddler is the quintessential story of family,” says Roberta.

This historic production features current students as young as 9 as well alumni, current parents, parents of alumni, staff members, even grandparents!

There are no shortage of wonderful, heart-warming stories on stage and behind the scenes: take Olympic silver medallist Gavin Fingleson performing with his son or former Maccabi and Hakoah president (and

Moriah alumnus) Phil Filler as the Rabbi!

Head of the Communal Security Group David Rothman is moving sets while his daughter Jaime plays the role of Tevye’s youngest daughter Sprintze. Moriah Alumna Tamara Druery – herself a Moriah parent – plays Frumah Sarah alongside her mother Vicki Abeshouse. Sasha Fisher plays Hodel, while her mum Susie Clifford works on props. Costume director Heidi Nurick has two children (both current Moriah students) in the show.

All four members of the Bocman family (two parents and two daughters - in year 7 and 9) are in the show. David Baran

(who played Avram in the school’s 1994 production of Fiddler) now plays Lazar Wolf the butcher alongside his 12yo stepdaughter Gabriella Steinberg.

Mimi Shofroni performs with her four children Eden, Ellie, Jasmine and Judah.

Shirley Frumar – rehearsal accompanist now and in 1994, joins the orchestra while her son Oliver (a Moriah alumnus) plays Perchik!

And Theo Whitmont who plays the Inkeeper Reb Mordcha joins his son, who is playing the Fish-Seller – the role Theo played more than 20 years ago!

There’s even a three generation family on stage in Anne Shagrin, daughter

Ilana Rozanes (playing the ‘Fiddler’) and granddaughter Emma Rozanes!

“If it takes a village to raise a family,” says Roberta, “it takes 30 Moriah families to make a village!”

Fiddler on the Roof at Moriah College, Queens Park Sun 21 Oct 5pm | Mon 22 Oct 7.30pm | Wed 24 Oct 7.30pm | Thur 25 Oct 7.30pm | Sun 28 Oct 5pm Wed Oct 31 7.30pm | Thur 1 Nov 7.30pm (New performances added as each sells out!)

All tickets $65 Bookings www.moriah.nsw.edu.au

Moriah College Leadership Announcement College Principal MORIAH COLLEGE Moriah College President Stephen Jankelowitz today announced that John Hamey has tendered his resignation and will conclude his role as College Principal at the end of 2018.

In an email to the Moriah College community, Stephen Jankelowitz said that “after 16 years in executive roles in schools, including 12 years of leadership at Moriah, John has decided to take some time to concentrate on his own professional renewal. He will be taking his sabbatical leave at the beginning of next year and will be engaging in further study and spending more time with his family before seeking new leadership opportunities.”

Stephen thanked John for serving the College with distinction and exemplary educational vision during his seven years as College Principal and prior to that, as Deputy Principal, Head of High School, and Acting College Principal adding that the College owes John a great debt of gratitude for all that he has done for its students and staff.

During his 12 years at the College John Hamey has been a driving force in establishing programs and practices that support inclusion and diversity and personalised and engaged learning, all of which have set a solid foundation for Moriah’s continued strong performance and success as a leading educational and communal organisation. John’s leadership has fostered a school culture that values both excellence

and growth, and he has been instrumental in developing a learning framework that meets the changing educational needs of students.

John is a strong advocate for prioritising Jewish Life & Learning programs that enrich each student’s experience at school, and he has prioritised the development of a first-class sporting program and enhanced Moriah’s commitment to achieving excellence in a range of co-curricular activities. John has been a key supporter for the many experiential programs and activities on offer at Moriah College.

“With Moriah in a strong position as one of the country’s leading independent schools, John feels that now is the right time to pass the baton to a new leader,” said Stephen. “The

Board of Directors is committed to our Modern Orthodox Zionist ethos and to ensuring that the College remains true to our mission and vision of helping our students to proudly realise their full potential as Jews, and as Australians, and to providing the highest standard of Jewish and secular education. In that light, the Board of Directors will commence an extensive search for a new College Principal to lead Moriah College, and anticipate attracting significant interest in the position from visionary educational leaders excited to lead Moriah into the next era.”

Celebrating the joy of Shabbat at NSTE NORTH SHORE TEMPLE EMANUEL

Labow at 9:00am with bagels.

This year’s Shabbat Project at North Shore Temple Emanuel (NSTE) will culminate with Pyjamapalooza- a fun-filled , outdoor Havdalah celebration, run in collaboration with PJ Library! The evening will include ice cream, singing, and dancing, for the young and youngat-heart. Everyone is invited to come dressed in their finest pyjamas (aka PJs). The fun begins at 7:00pm.

But there is much more to The Shabbat Project 5779 experience at NSTE. On Friday 26 October, the 6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat service will be held in the shule’s recently –renovated Isaac Givorshner Courtyard. All are invited to come along, and sing and pray under the stars!

On Saturday 27 October, the day begins with a special edition Torah Study with Cantor Ted

Shabbat morning service which includes the

The study session is followed by the 10:00am much-anticipated monthlyBagels & Brachas program. Young children arrive at 10:15am for the service, participate actively, and receive a special blessing, before heading off to a special activity with their parents, while the service continues on for those who remain, with Torah reading, Haftarah , Kaddish and Kiddush.

When the morning service concludes, Rabbi Nicole Roberts will lead a Lunch & Learn discussion on the topic of “ Can I or Can’t I? Shabbat in Our Times”.

Everyone will then reconvene at 7:00pm to “ say goodnight to Shabbat” at Pyjamapalooza If you wish to find out more about NSTE’s Shabbat Project program, or register nste.org. au/the-shabbat-project

www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au

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How do kids know what is ‘true’?

MOUNT SINAI COLLEGE PHIL ROBERTS The NSW Government is currently involving the many stakeholders in a review of the curriculum. One of the first questions principals have been asked is “What should the purpose of schooling be in the 21st century?” I’d say one of the main purposes is going to be to make sense of information. To make sense of what truth is. Not to do so could truly undermine our societies.

One of the great paradoxes of our time is that politicians who are serially, sometimes spectacularly loose with facts are most often praised by their supporters as being ‘authentic’, ‘straight-talking’, even ‘truthful’.

What is clear is that, for such people, ‘truth’ cannot be reduced to mere facts.

This may seem like a particularly modern problem (“alternative facts”) but the problem of the relationship between truth and politics is as old as philosophy itself. (Politics is the realm of opinion which is to say, of relative or perspectival truth). Very few people seek verification of the truthfulness of what is said.

And the search for what is ‘truth’ is not confined to politics. More generally it is becoming harder in a world of massive data overload to determine what truth is. How do we construct our understanding of the world out of all of this? How do children navigate this dilemma when they research and read? How will children know what to believe regarding so many issues? We seem to rely on ‘truth’ almost every moment of every day and it’s very

‘close’ to us. Yet it’s difficult to define because as soon as you think you have it pinned down, some case or counterexample immediately shows deficiencies. At times it all becomes a bit Orwellian.

The wonderful thinker Yuval Harari wrote the following: “……….., in the 21st century we are flooded by enormous amounts of information, and even the censors don’t try to block it. Instead, they are busy spreading misinformation or distracting us with irrelevancies. If you live in some provincial Mexican town and you have a smartphone, you can spend many lifetimes just reading Wikipedia, watching TED talks, and taking free online courses. No government can hope to conceal all the information it doesn’t like. On the other hand, it is alarmingly easy to inundate the public with conflicting reports and red herrings. People all over the world are but a click away from the latest accounts

Masada College Studentpreneurs: Isaac and Daniel Ratzemore MASADA COLLEGE When Year 5 student Isaac Ratzemore and his younger brother, Year 4 student Daniel, had some free time during the school holidays, they decided that instead of being bored, they would get busy. So, inspired by their businessowner mum, they honed in on their love for their labradors and launched their own brand of homemade dog biscuits - Doggy’s Delights.

They trawled the internet and tested a few recipe books before they decided to combine all the information they’d absorbed and make their own treats instead.

Preservative free and homemade with ingredients like pumpkin seeds and peanut butter for shinier coats, these biscuits are a treat on any pooch’s pallet. “Other dog biscuits

have chemicals in - but our’s are special.

Even picky dogs love our biscuits,” say the brothers. “And our parents were both very encouraging and helpful - mum was even part of the mess we made in the kitchen.”

The brothers then set up a temporary website with their own text and pictures to boost sales and gave their teachers some samples when school returned. “Mum explained the difference between net and gross profit and also watched Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den to learn more about business models.”

They also spoke to pet shop owners about selling their biscuits and set up a stand at dog ovals- all of which helped these brothers rake in some extra pocket money. The Ratzemore brothers hope to continue and expand their business over the next school holidays.

of the bombardment of Aleppo or of melting ice caps in the Arctic, but there are so many contradictory accounts that it is hard to know what to believe. Besides, countless other things are just a click away, making it difficult to focus, and when politics or science look too complicated it is tempting to switch to funny cat videos, celebrity gossip or porn.

In such a world, the last thing a teacher needs to give her pupils is more information.

They already have far too much of it. Instead, people need the ability to make sense of information, to tell the difference between what is important and what is unimportant, and above all to combine many bits of information into a broad picture of the world.

In truth, this has been the ideal of western liberal education for centuries, but until now, even many western schools have been rather slack in fulfilling it. Teachers allowed themselves to focus on shoving data while

encouraging pupils “to think for themselves”.

Due to their fear of authoritarianism, liberal schools had a particular horror of grand narratives. They assumed that as long as we give students lots of data and a modicum of freedom, the students will create their own picture of the world, and even if this generation fails to synthesise all the data into a coherent and meaningful story of the world, there will be plenty of time to construct a good synthesis in the future. We have now run out of time. The decisions we will take in the next few decades will shape the future of life itself, and we can take these decisions based only on our present world view. If this generation lacks a comprehensive view of the cosmos, the future of life will be decided at random.”

It makes quite sobering reading and yet Harari is right, it is not just a matter of determining what is true or half true but making sense of all the information. I am starting to believe that the one area in our lives that is not governed in any way, shape or form, has no restrictions of substance is the internet. Perhaps we need to think about this. Perhaps we also need to give high priority to teaching kids about what ‘misinformation’ is; what propaganda is; what opinion is; what information is being manipulated?; and by whom and for what purpose?; what is written by bots?; what is meant by ‘alternative facts’? etc. Going beyond the who and what to believe will be critical. In my view, knowing how to sift through the mass of information and develop a coherent sense of the world will be one of the main purposes of education in the 21st century.

15 years old and about to finish his HSC! MASADA COLLEGE

“I cannot believe he’s about to finish HSC - it hasn’t really sunken in,” says Belinda N e i m a n n , mother of 15 -year -old Brad Neimann, a Year 12 student at Masada College. “I am excited to finish school,” says Brad, “and go to university to learn more at a university level.”

Brad, who has plans to study a Bachelor of Science, is in the process of applying to different universities around Sydney while completing his final year of school. “By doing a Bachelor of Science, I’ll be given a broad beginning and at least three years to further figure out where I want to go and the kind of career I would like,” he says.

With significant academic strengths in Maths, Science and IT, Brad is also looking forward to meeting likeminded students who share his thirst for knowledge. “We are excited for him that he is where he is. And appreciative that Masada College recognised that this is what Brad needs. We are also grateful

he has been given this opportunity to accelerate his HSC,” says Brad’s dad Larry.

So far, Brad has met with the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, UNSW and UTS and seen all that their campuses have to offer, which he feels has helped him learn more about the ATAR process and the university application process.

“Doing HSC over two years has helped me refine my studying techniques. My teachers have been really patient and helped guide me in subjects like English, which are more of a struggle for me than subjects like Chemistry and Software Design and Development”, for which Brad got 100% for his major project.

“I find the teachers at Masada College knowledgeable and deeply passionate which helps all of the students - not just me,” says Brad. “It’s testament to a school to have teachers that are so invested in their students.”

Yet, despite doing subjects like Maths Extension 2, English and Software Design and Development, and having completed Maths Extension 1 and Physics last year, Brad still manages to find time to participate in the jazz and concert bands. “That’s one of the things I’ll miss most about school- I made some real friends in the band. But I’m even more excited to see what’s out there for me next year!”

Moriah College appoints Head of Primary School MORIAH COLLEGE Moriah College is excited to announce that, following an extensive search, Lynda Fisher has been appointed as Head of Primary School effective Term 1, 2019.

Lynda comes to Moriah from Carmel Primary School in Perth, where she has been the Head of Primary since 2010 and Deputy Head from 2008-2010. Lynda was also the gifted and talented education co-ordinator, literacy and research coordinator, and facilitator of cross-curricular opportunities from 2006-2010 and taught Year 5 from 2000-2005.

Key to Lynda’s appointment to Moriah College is her success in establishing a culture at Carmel School that makes Jewish children secure in their sense of belonging and identity. This achievement was strongly supported by her well- structured, exemplary approach to inclusive education for students of all different levels of ability.

Lynda’s abilities as an educator and leader were recognised by her peers with her appointment as President of the Independent Primary School Heads Association (IPSHA) WA in 2014. Lynda has also been awarded the John Laing Professional Development Award for leading initiatives and learning among leaders, in addition to receiving a High Achievers Award from the National Council of Jewish Women.

“Besides being a passionate educator, Ms Laing impressed us with her rich and extensive global e x p e r i e n c e s , accompanied by her strong sense of justice and integrity,” says Acting College Principal Martin Tait, about Ms Megan Laing who will be joining Masada College in October as the Head of Senior School. “Ms Laing’s sense of fairness and professional approach along with her high expectations are all admirable qualities that she will be bring to our College,” he says.

“While I’m very excited to be moving from Melbourne to Sydney, it’s really about the right job for me,” says Ms Laing about her move.

“I instantly felt comfortable at Masada; I have always placed value on that feeling and so far in my career I have not been let down. It’s about that first moment when you arrive and it feels right,” she says.

Ms Laing, who emigrated from South Africa nine years ago, spent most of her 23-year-long career teaching in Johannesburg at Crawford College and Reddam House. “When I moved to Melbourne I started at Bialik College and then worked for Haileybury College. I also spent one year in China as the Principal of International for Haileybury.”

“There were many things that attracted me to Masada College,” says Ms Laing.

“It is a school with a proven track record of high performing students. It is also a smaller school which is community- oriented and

Muslim visitor project at Emanuel Woollahra Preschool EMANUEL WOOLLAHRA PRESCHOOL Last week Emanuel Woollahra Preschool(EWP) hosted 10 Muslim Mums and their preschool aged children to spend a beautiful morning with the children from EWP. Together we exchanged information about the Jewish festivals of Rosh Hashanah and Succot. We had apple dipped in honey for morning tea and delicious sufganiot . The mums enjoyed a lockshen pudding , bagels and soup and matzah balls. Fathima, one of the lovely Muslim mums shared with us about a Haj and she outlined the many similarities both religions share especially that they have also just celebrated their new year.

“Based on her outstanding credentials and her conduct during the interview process, we feel assured in entrusting our Primary School to Lynda and we know that she is very excited about the opportunities ahead of her,” said Moriah College President, Stephen Jankelowitz.

“Lynda is a highly regarded and respected Jewish educator who will make a significant contribution to our College and ensure we continue to deliver best practice education to our children.”

Newly appointed Head of Senior School at Masada College: Ms Megan Laing MASADA COLLEGE

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this is something that I really like. I thrive in a dynamic environment which pushes my limits, that has expectation of its staff and students and that seeks to achieve to high standards. I think Masada is all this.”

“I think I am lucky to be a teacher as our job is never the same,” says Ms. Laing. “The students are different every day and every year.

“I teach because I love that moment when a student gets the concepts, especially the difficult ones - it’s like a light that goes on. I also love being able to watch students grow and change over the time that they are at a school. Some face huge difficulties and seeing these students succeed with help from their parents and the school is something that I cherish being a part of.”

Ms Laing, who is also studying towards a Masters in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), says her personal strengths lie in a hard work ethic, loyalty, dedication to the task and good relational strengths “which means I relate easily to others and build relationships quickly”.

“I am an ideas person and driven by solutions. I also have a strong sense of social justice - I worked for the Nelson Mandela trust for years in South Africa. Oh and I have a good sense of humour-I love to laugh,” she says.

When not on the school campus, Ms Laing says you can find her at the beach drinking coffee.

“We warmly welcome Ms Laing to the Masada College community and look forward to introducing her to students, staff and families in the months ahead,” says Martin Tait.

What a brilliant initiative put into practice

by EWP and has now become a bi-annual event whereby we host our visitors and they reciprocate once a year. Our communication has been ongoing and has opened the door for discussion between the parents.

The idea behind doing such a multicultural experience is to offer the children a wider range of diversity and understanding that their world is not the only world that exists around them.

Furthermore if we can teach our children at this tender age of 4 or 5 that everyone has the right to be respected and if we make a difference to one child or one family, then having such a program should be imperative.

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October 2018

Secrets of a lost village of ancient Israel come to light ISRAEL21C.ORG ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN Technology such as LiDAR and a dronemounted 4K camera have led to significant finds among layers of settlement spanning about 2,600 years.

A vanished village, buried for centuries under the sands of time, is beginning to emerge in the cave-dotted lowlands southwest of Jerusalem. In typical old-new Israeli fashion, the work of revealing Beit Lehi-Beit Loya mixes painstaking manual labor with cutting-edge technology.

Project leaders are now putting their fascinating discoveries on view to the public online in 3D, enlivened by virtual reality.

First settled by Jews in approximately the late sixth century BCE, then abandoned and rebuilt by successive populations of pagans, Jews, Christians and Muslims through the 13th or 14th century CE, the remains of Beit Lehi-Beit Loya were first discovered in 1899 by R.A.S. Macalister on behalf of the Palestine Exploration Fund.

The site went unexplored until the 1980s, when Hebrew University archeologist Yoram Tsafrir got funding from donors in Utah and uncovered the remains of a Byzantine church with intact mosaic floors.

But Tsafrir’s work then shifted to the vast Roman ruins at Beit She’an and it wasn’t until 2005 that his former student Oren Gutfeld, now director of the Salvage Excavation Program at Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology, resumed exploring

Excavations at Beit Lehi-Beit Loya reveal a previously unexplored population center.

Photo by Asaf Peretz

Beit Lehi-Beit Loya.

His work is sponsored by the Utah-based Beit Lehi Foundation and is assisted each spring by faculty and students from Utah Valley University led by professors Darin Taylor and Michael Harper.

“Beit Lehi” means “house of the jawbone” and may refer to the biblical site at which Samson slew a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. The Church of LatterDay Saints, based in Utah, believes this was the home of an Iron Age prophet named Lehi mentioned in the Book of Mormon.

(The Israeli name for the site, “Beit Loya,” refers to a type of ornament.)

Gutfeld says less than 20 percent of the

large village has been excavated so far because access has long been limited to weekends, holidays and other times the military firing range in the area is idle.

Already, however, there have been significant finds among the layers of successive settlements spanning close to 2,600 years. Underground LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scans and 360-degree cameras have led to many revelations.

“We discovered one of the earliest mosques ever found in Israel, from the ninth century CE,” Gutfeld tells ISRAEL21c.

“We’ve uncovered seven dovecotes, two of them with more than 1,100 niches;

eight oil presses, an underground stable, a water system, quarries, a Hellenistic-period dwelling with a watchtower, and three ritual baths.” The baths are decorated with graffiti of the seven-branched menorah that was lit daily in the Jewish Temple prior to its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE. Even before Tsafrir’s initial excavations it was clear that this region was rich in antique treasures. Nearby Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park is filled with manmade caves harboring evidence of its significance as a district capital for many of the years between the Iron Age and the Byzantine period.

In 1961, Hebrew University scholars identified seven sixth-century BCE Hebrew inscriptions in two ancient burial caves in this area, after they were accidentally revealed by road workers. One of them is the oldest inscription discovered thus far that mentions Jerusalem and the fourletter biblical name of God. These relics are housed at the Israel Museum.

Since then, Gutfeld’s team has discovered more than 50 inscriptions throughout the site in ancient Hebrew, Greek and Arabic.

Gutfeld is now interested in learning more about how the ruins of Beit Lehi-Beit Loya reflect what was going on in the greater region.

To this end, together with Israel Antiquities Authority archeologists Michal Haber and Pablo Betzer, the Beit Lehi Regional Project was launched in 2017, assisted by some CONTINUED PAGE 21

8 Israeli fashion designers that celebrities adore REBECCA STADLEN AMIR Stars from Rihanna and Beyoncé to Gigi Hadid, Halle Berry and Meghan Markle are wearing pieces from these talented Israeli designers.

With fashion accessible at our fingertips via e-commerce, shopping apps and social media, the past few years have seen the rise of emerging designers from around the world. Along the way, a number of Israeli designers have won favor with the international fashion crowd, particularly celebrities and their stylists.

With fashion accessible at our fingertips via e-commerce, shopping apps and social media, the past few years have seen the rise of emerging designers from around the world. Along the way, a number of Israeli designers have won favor with the international fashion crowd, particularly celebrities and their stylists.

“I always say that talent has no geographical boundaries. If your vision is strong, the quality of your work is high and you know how to work with international markets, then your way to success is quick,” Israeli fashion blogger and Instagram influencer Roza Sinaysky tells ISRAEL21c.

Sinaysky, known on Instagram as @moodyroza, says she has seen a change in the Israeli fashion scene over the last two to three years, where more people are interested in fashion and willing to support young designers. The designers, she says, also are more aware of trends and the needs of the industry thanks to social media.

“The rise of social media made a huge difference in the fashion industry. For designers it opened a lot of doors. When everyone can see your work, you never know who might reach out,” says Sinaysky.

Over the past few years, Israeli designers have been approached by Kensington Palace, Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Lady Gaga and many others to create custom pieces.

“I think it’s so great that Israel is recognized as a place of talents, not just technology. It makes me very proud to see local designers do so well abroad,” says Sinaysky.

Below are eight Israeli fashion and accessory

Serena Williams surrounded by six attendants, all wearing Galia Lahav gowns, and her mother at her wedding on Nov. 16, 2017. Photo by Bob Metelus and Erica Rodriguez/Vogue Magazine designers making their mark internationally.

Shahar Avnet Instagram: shahar.avnet What do Beyoncé and Netta Barzilai have in common? They both wear Shahar Avnet.

The young Israeli designer made headlines recently when her custom-made, nude-colored tulle gown was worn by Beyoncé on stage during her current world tour with Jay-Z. Earlier this year, Avnet designed the multicolored kimono famously worn by Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai on the cover of her hit song “Toy.” “My garments are for confident women who are fearless, intelligent and chic. Women who are not afraid to be the center of attention and making a statement,” Avnet told Vogue Italy.

The Tel Aviv-based designer’s tulle creations walk the line between art and fashion, often combining techniques such as drawing, embroidery and collage into a single dress.

Avnet graduated from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in 2016, receiving her first international exposure when her final project was chosen to represent the school at the International

Catwalk during Graduate Fashion Week in London.

Avnet’s bold colors and unusual, feminine silhouettes have caught the attention of celebrity stylists and magazines such as W and Elle Italy.

Other celebrities who have worn Avnet’s dresses include American actress and singer Zendaya, Kelly Rowland and members of the Israeli band A-WA. Marei1998 Instagram: Marei1998official Designer Maya Reik launched Marei1998 several seasons ago, almost immediately earning praise from the fashion world for her classic-modernist design sensibility — an unusually subdued approach for a designer her age (1998 refers to the year Reik was born).

Drawing upon Reik’s love for European cities and vintage nostalgia, Marei1998 offers a twist on classic luxury, reviving traditional styles like the robe coat and wrap dress.

The brand’s claim to fame is its faux fur coats, which have become a celebrity-approved go-to for a sustainable statement. Earlier this year, Marei1998’s eco-fur was spotted on model Bella Hadid and actress Priyanka Chopra.

Marei1998 has presented its collection in Milan the past few seasons and has had several successful trunk shows with online retailer Moda Operandi, which says “the young Israeli is living proof that elegance doesn’t come with age.”

A by Anabelle Instagram: byanabelle Anabelle Tsitsin, the 26-year-old designer behind celebrity-approved shoe brand A by Anabelle, drew upon her background in fine arts to launch a collection of luxury footwear in 2016 that features unexpected and playful embellishments like crystals, feathers and fur.

All the shoes are made of Italian leather and fabrics in Parabiago, a town just outside Milan known for its history of footwear craftsmanship.

The brand’s signature style features an architectural A-shaped heel, worn by celebrities like Victoria’s Secret model Josephine Skriver and actresses Katharine McPhee and Logan Browning.

Last year, Halle Berry wore A by Anabelle’s laceup “starlette” shoes during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres on “The Ellen Show.”

Although based in Israel, the brand has started to make its rounds on the international street style scene and social media thanks to influencers and fashion bloggers like Maja Malnar, Camila Carril, and Cristina Musacchio.

Nili Lotan Instagram:Nililotan Israeli-born, New York-based designer Nili Lotan launched her namesake brand in 2003. The label, which revolves around timeless slip dresses, simple cargo pants and elevated basics, is tomboy meets luxury, making it a go-to for model-off-duty style.

Though Nili Lotan has been a mainstay in Tribeca since the store opened in 2006, it has been pushed toward the spotlight in the last few years thanks to an ever-expanding list of celebrity followers like Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kaia Gerber.

The brand has been referred to as Hadid’s “wardrobe secret weapon” by Vogue, with frequent

CONTINUED PAGE 21

21

international

October 2018

Activist jounalism in the age of Trump MATTHEW HAUSMAN The media never seemed to care when Obama’s weak foreign policy enabled Russia’s takeover of Crimea and entrenchment in Syria.

Donald Trump’s relationship with the media has become increasingly hostile as many journalists have aligned themselves with the anti-Trump “resistance” and sacrificed professional objectivity in the process. The president uses the term “fake news” to delegitimize the press and play to his base, while members of the mainstream media accuse him of criticizing them unfairly.

Not all news is false, but it is not unreasonable to question when dubious stories are “fake” or merely slanted, whether there is a difference, and whether Mr. Trump bears any responsibility for instigating journalistic backlash. These are fair questions that demand honest responses, not rote denials by reporters who claim to be objective but cannot credibly refute the existence of bias, or who hysterically claim that Trump’s criticisms threaten their rights under the First Amendment.

Journalists should make it their business to report on the doings of government, and the press is protected for that very reason by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” But with great rights comes great responsibility, and the media’s responsibility is to be a nonpartisan watchdog of government. The Constitution does not delineate the press’s functions, but it does provide essential protections to enable journalists to report on government without interference. The founding fathers envisioned a press free of regulation because politicians and elected officials could not be expected to report on themselves objectively.

The Constitution’s protections also apply to editorial opinions that are critical of government. However, journalists should maintain a bright line between fact and opinion to report truth as it is, not as they would like it to be. Unfortunately, journalists today are frequently blinded by ideological loyalties that undercut their neutrality; and news reports are often skewed to put this president in a negative light by ignoring his economic and foreign policy successes, offering political diatribes as objective analysis, and, yes, sometimes reporting false claims as news without

adequate (or sometimes any) fact checking.

For his part, the president impugns media integrity by describing all news with which he disagrees as “fake” and responding with tweets that often contain more hyperbole than factual counterpoint. It is certainly possible to report news that is unflattering but accurate, and he would be better served by challenging stories he says are untrue and clearly articulating why.

Unquestionably, some stories have been false (e.g., post-inauguration claims that he removed a bust of Martin Luther King from the White House) or based on uncorroborated sources without proper fact checking (e.g., multiple reports – later shown to be hoaxes – of unprovoked attacks perpetrated in his name against Muslims). Other stories have created false impressions by taking facts out of context (e.g., a tweet casting aspersions on an ICE employee by mischaracterizing his military tattoo as a Nazi symbol). Still others have presented opinion as objective reportage (e.g., stories drawing insupportable parallels between administration programs and Nazi policies).

Some news organizations are vested in portraying this administration negatively, as reflected by an undercover interview last year with a CNN editor who admitted his network’s policy of pushing the Trump-Russia issue despite a knowing lack of corroboration.

Likewise, it cannot be denied that journalists often write stories consistent with their own partisan sensibilities. One need only peruse direct news sources on the internet to see that many outlets are not fully reporting administration successes like the economic recovery, unprecedented GDP growth, record decreases in minority unemployment, key judicial appointments, and the reassertion of American authority abroad.

This is not to say Mr. Trump is beyond criticism. Analyses questioning his policies, political relationships, beliefs, use of social media, and rhetoric are entirely appropriate. However, journalists should report the positive as well as the negative based on newsworthiness and not ignore stories that vindicate administration policy. News should be reported to convey facts as they occur, regardless of how writers and their editors might regard the president’s style, manner, or character.

As brash as his tweeted comments may be, they do not obviate the media’s responsibility to report newsworthy events.

Though Mr. Trump certainly engages in hyperbole, his facility for audaciousness is more than matched by his opponents in the press. His public comments leading up to the summit with North Korea, for example, were reported as bellicose, inflammatory, and dangerous, until his strategy brought Kim Jong-Un to the table (though to what effect remains unclear), after which the media instead criticized his tactics as impotent and weak. He is also portrayed as obsequious towards Vladimir Putin, though his administration has imposed far greater sanctions against Russia than Barack Obama ever did and has challenged the Russians militarily in Syria. This president has also confronted Chinese economic belligerence and Iranian intransigence, and he constantly chastises the UN for its blatant and contemptible anti-Semitism and unbalanced treatment of Israel. According to many journalists, however, these actions are reflective of mental instability.

Ironically, the media never seemed to care when Obama’s weak foreign policy enabled Russia’s takeover of Crimea and entrenchment in Syria. Likewise, it had no issue when Obama seemed to ignore the threat of Chinese and North Korean cyberespionage, or facilitated the ascendancy of Islamic radicals throughout the Mideast – resulting in the election of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi in Egypt and empowerment of Libyan Islamists who waged civil war, attacked the US consulate in Benghazi, and killed Ambassador Chris Stevens.

It may seem counterproductive when President Trump refers to all unflattering coverage as “fake news,” but his use of the term does not threaten any constitutionally protected rights, irrespective of the mainstream’s overwrought First Amendment concerns. Though Trump misses no opportunity to chide the media, he does not deny its right to publish what it wants, which distinguishes him from some of his predecessors, including Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson, who shut down hundreds of newspapers and jailed thousands without trial for seditious speech.

The mainstream media’s newfound concern for the Constitution rings hollow given its penchant for delegitimizing conservative discourse, advocating regulation of political speech with which it disagrees, and belittling viewpoints that question progressive orthodoxy. Its recent editorial calls for civility are likewise disingenuous for largely ignoring provocations by liberal

pundits, such as those comparing Trump’s policies to Islamist terrorism.

Yes, the president seems to focus excessive ire on CNN, but today’s media watchdogs did not seem to mind when President Obama did the same to Fox News, impugning its integrity, calling it an arm of the Republican Party, and attempting to stifle its correspondents. And where was their outrage when Obama’s Justice Department threatened journalists like James Rosen with subpoenas and indictments over their coverage of his White House? The misuse of government offices to bully journalists really did threaten the First Amendment; and yet the mainstream refused to confront such Obama-era abuses or defend Fox News’s speech and press rights.

It was certainly troubling when President Trump excluded a CNN reporter from the White House correspondent pool, and even conservative networks that chastise CNN’s bias came to its defense. However, it was wrong when President Obama attempted to do the same to Fox News in 2009 – although most networks at the time remained silent and expressed no concern for the First Amendment. The propensity for many journalists to report selectively or untruthfully is not unique to their coverage of Trump. Rather, it is consistent with their record of bashing Israel, tolerance of progressive anti-Semitism, exculpatory coverage of left-wing extremist movements like Antifa and Occupy Wall Street, and use of the progressive agenda as a compass to guide their reporting. Nevertheless, the way to combat the media’s abuses is not to shut it down, but to challenge it point-by-point. Indeed, this is exactly what the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (“CAMERA”) does regarding dubious coverage of Israel and Jewish issues.

In taking this approach, it’s important to recognize that the First Amendment prohibits only government from restricting speech and press. It does not constrain private citizens from asking questions or exempt the press from scrutiny for slanted reporting. Moreover, the Constitution does not preclude individuals, even sitting presidents, from voicing skepticism over content, but instead protects their right to do so. Perhaps reporters who profess concern for the First Amendment now, after ignoring it for eight years, should actually read it and take its lessons to heart.

designs have also been worn by Beyoncé, Nikki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell and many others. One of his dresses also made waves when it was worn by actor Johanna Mason in the film ‘Mockingjay’, part of the four movie Hunger Games franchise.

Dror had previously dressed Beyoncé for the Grammys in 2016, proving that wedding dresses aren’t just for brides.

Tuxe When Meghan Markle wore a silk Boss bodysuit

by Israeli designer Tuxe for an evening out with Prince Harry in February this year, the style was immediately backordered until May. Tuxe was founded by Tamar Daniel, who was born in Jerusalem, raised in London, and graduated from the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Ramat Gan. She founded her Philadelphia-based bodywear line in 2015, focusing on transforming the bodysuit, once a 1990s staple, into a chic, modern garment.

Her collection includes a range of bodysuits with names like Boss, CEO, Pacesetter, Game Changer, and Expert, and has become particularly popular with professionals and religious communities, Daniel told Vogue in an interview. Prices range from about $80 for a simple sleeveless bodysuit to $463

8 Israeli fashion designers ...

FROM PAGE 20 images of the model in Lotan’s designs flooding Instagram.

Galia Lahav Instagram: galialahav Best known for couture wedding gowns, Galia Lahav is one of the major players in the wave of Israeli designers making a mark on the international bridal industry.

Led by Head Designer Sharon Sever, the brand’s embellished, forward-thinking designs have been famously worn by Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Ciara, Jennifer Lopez and many others.

Most recently, Lahav made headlines when Beyoncé chose a dress from the label’s “Victorian Affinity” collection to renew her vows with husband Jay-Z. Another defining moment came last November, when the designer created six custom-

made, cream-colored gowns for Serena Williams’ wedding party.

Dresses from Lahav’s line of evening-wear have made frequent red carpet appearances, with their plunging necklines and figure-hugging sequins adorning stars like model Shanina Shaik, actress Sarah Hyland, and singers Ciara and Halsey.

Alon Livne Instagram: alonlivne While Alon Livne opened his Soho, NY atelier and ready-to-wear showroom just last year, he has been designing under the label Alon Livne since he founded his studio in Tel Aviv in 2010.

With three separate lines – bridal, evening and ready-to-wear – Livne has gained a following of international brides, celebrities and lovers of bold, fearless fashion.

Lady Gaga is among the brand’s A-list fans, having worn several custom gowns by Livne over the last few years. His avant-garde, innovative

Inbal Dror Instagram: inbaldrorofficial Inbal Dror began designing wedding dresses in 2014, pioneering the style of the “red carpet bride” with her glamorous, figure-hugging styles that were new to the bridal industry at the time.

Since then the brand has dressed high-profile brides around the world. Last year, Dror was contacted by the royal family about possibly making the wedding dress for Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry. Though the newly appointed Duchess of Sussex chose a different dress in the end, the famous inquiry solidified Dror as one of the biggest names in bridal.

Secrets of a lost village ...

FROM PAGE 20 two dozen local university students and volunteers.

Recently, additional finds were made by analyzing images from a UVU dronemounted 4K camera that was sent aloft to survey a 36-square-kilometer area around the excavation site.

The pictures pointed to the remains of “a monumental building one hill to the north of Beit Loya – a distance of only about 1.5 kilometers – that we had never noticed before using our traditional survey methods,” says Gutfeld.

The newfound building seems to be a Hellenistic-period palace or temple from the late third or second century BCE. “Inside we found a room containing

delicate pottery and two incense burners – one of which features a carved image of a bull standing at the entrance to a temple. This is a beautiful and rare find,” says Gutfeld. “Stylistically, the adorned incense burner displays a pagan image – possibly even Idumean, whose art we actually know very little about.”

The team has not discovered any cultic artifacts in Beit Lehi-Beit Loya itself.

Possibly the ancient residents reserved their worship for the neighboring hill.

In 2009, Gutfeld and Haber wrote a site guide that Utah Valley University digital media students have augmented and digitized for release as an online 3D magazine. This e-zine is expected to be updated each year to incorporate new discoveries at Beit Lehi-Beit Loya.

22

lifestyle

10 secrets that will ensure your child goes to sleep!

THE SLEEP COACH CHERYL FINGLESON The most important thing to remember is that your child’s bedroom should be a sanctuary for the child. A restful night sleep forms a good foundation for the day ahead. Sleep is vital for growth and health, it is as important as water and food.

The Sleep Coach shares her 10 sleep secrets: 1. Know how much sleep your child requires Know how much sleep your child needs in order for them to wake up refreshed. You can then set an appropriate bedtime. The question is how to determine this?

School-age children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night, but there’s a lot of variability in sleep needs and patterns. Most children have patterns that don’t change much, no matter what you do and will ask to go to bed.

An early riser will get up early even on the occasions that they go to sleep late.

A night owl won’t usually fall asleep until their body is ready. However with the correct help and training they can be taught to self-settle and fall asleep at a good hour, allowing them to have enough sleep.

You can tell that children are getting enough sleep when they fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes of going to bed, wake up easily in the morning, and don’t nod off during the day.

2. Sleep environment Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet and the noise level in the house is low. If your child does not like a totally dark room, turn on a small night light, or leave the hall light on and the door to the bedroom open. Remember to turn off the night-light once the child is asleep, as the light interferes with the production of melatonin and the sleep hormone. As part of your child’s daily routine, tidy up the room. A clear neat space is ideal to sleep in and to wake up to.

3. Dress and room temperature It is a known fact that we all sleep better in a room that is cool but not cold. A rule of thumb is to dress your child as you dress yourself, keeping in mind that very young children often kick off the covers at night and can’t cover themselves. In winter try and get your child to wear bed socks.

This will prevent them from getting cold if they kick the covers off.

4. Security object Bedtime means separation, and that can be easier for kids with a personal object, like a doll, teddy bear, or blanket. It provides a sense of security and control that comforts and reassures your child before they fall asleep.

5. Provide protection from fears Bedtime fears should be addressed rather than dismissed. If simple reassurance doesn’t work, you can try buying a special toy to stand guard at night or spray the room with “monster spray” before bed. (User an empty spray bottle and label it monster spray.

6. Reduce the focus on sleep Just like adults, kids can have trouble shutting their brains off for the night. I found that when I continually insisted that it’s time to sleep, everyone’s anxiety increased. Usually mine was worse than my kids. When I realised this, I focused more on the idea of relaxation

and calming my child. This really works and I recommend that you try this.

7. The Goldilocks rule - Not to hot and not to cold Our sleep cycle isn’t just dependent on light (or the lack thereof), it’s also sensitive to temperature. Melatonin levels help to regulate the drop of internal body temperature needed to sleep, but you can help regulate the external temperature. Don’t bundle your child up too tightly or set the heat too high; typical room temperature or a little cooler is better to promote deep sleep.

8. Routine, routine did I say ROUTINE. Everyone needs a routine. Kids love it, they thrive on it, and it works.

One study found that a consistent nighttime routine improved sleep in children who had mild to moderate sleep problems. It helps your child learn to be self settling, just like reading in bed often puts adults to sleep.

It also makes bedtime a special time. Your child will associate the bedroom with good feelings and give them a sense of security and control.

There is no single routine that’s right for everyone, but in general, it should include all the things that your child needs to do before going to sleep. This includes: • Washing/bathing and brushing their teeth • Putting on their PJs • Having a drink of water • Special time - Your child may want to read a book with you, talk about the day, or hear a story. Whatever you choose to do, keep the routine short (30 minutes or less, not including a bath) and be firm about ending it when it’s time to sleep.

9. I want just one last thing From personal experience, I can guarantee that your child will always ask for that one last thing -- hugs, a drink of water, a trip to the bathroom, just one more book.

Do your best to head off these requests by making them part of the bedtime routine. So for example, remind your child that before they get into bed, they need to make the trip to the bathroom and have a drink of water. Reading time should be preset and keep to this. Let your child know that once they is in bed, they need to stay in bed.

If your child gets up, don’t react -- simply take them by the hand and walk back to bed.

10. Dealing with Sleep Problems Please bear in mind that if your child shows some of these signs, then consult your family doctor or contact Cheryl The Sleep Coach via www.tcherylthesleepcoach.com.au or on Facebook: The Sleep Coach. These problems can be: • struggling to fall asleep • waking up at night • snoring, stalling and resisting going to bed • having trouble breathing during sleep, and loud or heavy breathing while sleeping • problems with daytime behavior eg. child seems overtired, sleepy, or cranky during the day I am a phone call away.

Cheryl The Sleep Coach Zzz Cheryl Fingleson is a paediatric sleep consultant. As a mother of two, she very well knows the feelings of agony and desperation when you have a child that struggles to settle and sleep. She doesn’t believe in leaving babies or children to cry it out, nor in the practices of controlled crying. Her approach is to empower parents with the right tools and techniques to teach their babies and children to go to sleep calmly, happily and independently.

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7:57pm

Friday, November 2, 2018

7:06pm

8:04pm

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

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23

lifestyle

October 2018

Screw Up Waiting to Happen AMERICAN ANIMALS (MA) ALEX FIRST How not to plan and execute a heist.

That is what confronts you when you settle down to watch a bunch of four totally clueless amateurs get involved in something they should never have attempted.

Frighteningly, what you see is based on relatively recent reality.

The story centres around unpredictable wild child Warren (Evan Peters) and aspiring artist Spencer (Barry Keoghan), two friends from the middle-class suburbs of Lexington, Kentucky.

They are concerned that their lives aren’t going anywhere special, so on a mere suggestion from Spencer, Warren begins organising the brazen theft of some valuable books.

Those tomes, including Audubon’s Birds of America, which – alone – is valued at US$10 million – are house in the special collections library of Spencer’s college.

Along the way the prospective raiders feel the need to enlist a couple of others – a budding accountant, Eric (Jared Abrahamson) and a fitness fanatic, Chas (Barry Jenner).

They plot, not very convincingly, they put on their game faces and they strike

the library.

The filmmaker is British-born Bart Layton, whose documentary The Imposter won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut in 2013.

That was the story of a French conman who passed himself off as a missing Texas teenager.

Now, writer and director Layton switches to a fictionalised narrative based upon the true story of a botched robbery in a Kentucky university town in 2004.

Layton has, indeed, most cleverly interwoven interview snippets of the real

life quartet into the unfolding story as the drama develops.

In fact, so much so that on occasions the actors complete the lines which begin to be delivered by the actual four … and it works seamlessly.

Layton interviewed the crims once they had served their time and that formed the backbone of his screenplay.

He saw the crime story’s cinematic potential after reading about the theft of some of the world’s most valuable books from the special collections library of Transylvania University.

Being novice criminals, they planned the crime by watching movies like Oceans 11 and Snatch and Googling how to orchestrate the perfect heist.

The more they plotted, the more addictive it became.

The parents of a couple of the kids are also interviewed, expressing their incredulity that their offspring would ever involve themselves in something so asinine.

More than anything you sit there thinking this can’t possibly be happening.

Surely boredom and disquiet can’t lead to this!

As the robbery draws ever closer and specifically as it goes down the tension we – the audience – feel is palpable.

The actors do a decent job filling their respective roles, with primary focus on Spencer and Warren.

The production values in the film are strong.

Still, the material felt stretched. It needn’t have all but nudged two hours.

Nevertheless, I was intrigued and surprised at what I was seeing.

Layton is clearly a most accomplished yarn spinner and filmmaker.

Rated MA, American Animals scores a 7½ out of 10.

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24

lifestyle/sports

October 2018

Our Centennial Park awarded Australian National Heritage Listing GABRIELLE UPTON Centennial Park has been added to the national list of heritage sites, elevating it to the status of Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House.

“This is a wonderful and much-deserved 130th birthday present and comes not long after it was declared one of the best urban parks in the world,” Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said.

“Centennial Park is one of Sydney’s favourite places to relax and becomes the 115th place to be included on Australia’s list of pre-eminent heritage sites.

“It has outstanding heritage value to the nation as the birthplace of modern Australian history.

Established in 1888 to celebrate 100 years of European settlement, it also played key roles in our Federation celebrations and the Bi-centennial celebrations of 1988, Ms Upton said.

“It is a special place that has been loved and enjoyed by generations of Sydneysiders and is a giant local park for those of us lucky enough to live in the Eastern Suburbs.

“It is beautiful, historic and of Sydney’s best loved playgrounds for young and old.”

The national heritage listing follows it winning the prestigious Gold Award as one of the world’s best urban parks and demonstrates a long term commitment to preserving the heritage of the ‘People’s

Park’, Ms Upton said.

On New Year’s Day in 1901, tens of thousands of spectators streamed into Centennial Park to witness the proclamation of the Federal Constitution, which marked the birth of Australia through the unification of the six independent colonies.

Maccabi NSW All Abilities MACCABI The All Abilities Program is focused on providing more sporting & recreational opportunities for people living with a disability. We believe we can play an important role in helping many people in our community by offering more opportunities to engage in sporting activities.

Inclusion is our ultimate goal - we want to broaden the awareness of inclusion across the organisation and help make Maccabi more inclusive for people with a disability. All Abilities activities varies in sport and format for participation & will have a broad mix of participants. We work with various Maccabi clubs (across different sports) to provide a range of activities to be enjoyed.

The ceremony began with the ‘Great Inaugural Procession’ through the city of Sydney, with some 10,000 people participating in a parade watched by an estimated 250,000 people, which was more than half the city’s population at the time.

“Each year, some 14 million people go

there to relax, play sport, picnic and hold family celebrations,” Ms Upton said.

“It is a living, breathing place that I grew up close by to. It is used by dog walkers and cyclists and it’s a place of serenity and a refuge from the nearby Sydney metropolis.”

The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz JEREMY DRONFIELD The inspiring true story of a father and son’s fight to stay together and to survive the Holocaust.

In 1939, Gustav Kleinmann, a Jewish upholsterer in Vienna, was seized by the Nazis. Along with his teenage son, Fritz, he was sent to Buchenwald in Germany. There began an unimaginable ordeal that saw the pair beaten, starved and forced to build the very concentration camp they were held in.

When Gustav was set to be transferred to Auschwitz, a certain death sentence, Fritz refused to leave his side.

Throughout the horrors they witnessed and the suffering they endured, there was one constant that kept them alive: the love between father and son.

Based on Gustav’s secret diary and

meticulous archive research, this book tells his and Fritz’s story for the first time - a story of courage and survival unparalleled in the history of the Holocaust.

Available from January 2019