The Sydney Jewish Report - October edition 2023

From left, Sonny Oberman and Adam Gamsu, Moriah College Early Learning Centre students, celebrating the school’s 80th birthday (see feature in the middle pages)

This is Israel's 9/11

“What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Job 3:25)

The catastrophe that befell the people of Israel on the morning of Simchat Torah was the realisation of one of the country’s worst nightmares: untold numbers of Israelis – including grandparents, children, and entire families – abducted by Hamas and spirited across the border, following an unprecedented invasion by land, air and sea, in which hundreds of Israelis were killed and wounded.

The footage of hundreds of Hamas terrorists breaking through the border fence between Gaza and Israel at numerous points and entering Israeli territory to murder, maim and kidnap Israelis; of Hamas gunmen riding pickup trucks through the streets of Israeli towns and going house by house to seek out victims; of young people who had participated in an all-night dance party running screaming through the Israeli desert with Hamas terrorists in pursuit; of Israeli civilians, including elderly people and mothers with children, paraded through the streets of Gaza as locals chant “allahu akbar” – they all seem too hellish, too ghastly to be real. And yet, they are.

Israel's greatest military and intelligence

failure

The events of last Saturday morning (Israeli time) represent Israel’s greatest military and intelligence failure in half a century – if not in the 75 years of the country’s existence.

As I write this, more than 250 Israelis have been confirmed dead and some 1,500

wounded in the unprecedented terrorist assault. Both numbers are certain to rise.

The number of Israelis – both civilians and soldiers – taken hostage by Hamas has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be staggeringly high.

It is difficult to grasp the enormity of this disaster and the effect it is likely to have on Israel, but another devastating surprise attack may help us understand the magnitude of what we are currently experiencing.

The attacks of September 11, 2001 changed a nation and shaped a generation of Americans. It altered the way people live their lives and go about everyday activities, shattered many Americans’ sense of security and plunged America into a war on terror that is ongoing to this day. At the time of the 9/11 attacks, America’s population was about 285 million. 2,977 people were murdered in the terror attacks in New York, Washington,

How many common words of 5 or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all 7 letters and have a direct Jewish connection.

Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish word that uses all 7 letters.

Rating: 8 = Good; 12 = Excellent; 14 = Genius

and Pennsylvania – roughly 0.001 per cent of all Americans. The airwaves, the papers, and the internet were filled with stories of the dead – it felt as though every American knew someone who lost someone or whose life had somehow been directly affected.

Israel’s population is roughly 9.7 million. The more than 250 confirmed dead thus far in Saturday’s terror attack represent more than 0.002 per cent of all Israelis – a proportion of Israel’s population that is double that of Americans killed in 9/11.

The stories have already started pouring in: the young people murdered at the desert party; the local mayor killed in a gun battle; the fire chief and his deputy executed in their hometown. They will build to a deluge in the days ahead – the faces of those killed, the families shattered, the communities in mourning. It is too soon to say what effect the events of this weekend will have on our lives,

but it is certain to be profound and lasting. We are likely in for a military campaign the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades, as Israel seeks to rescue its kidnapped citizens and deal Hamas and its leadership a devastating blow. The price Hamas is likely to demand for the return of the hostages – alive or dead –may tear the country apart.

The decision of Israel's enemies decides Israel's future

A decision by Hezbollah or its overlords in Iran to join the warfare and launch an offensive in Israel’s North may plunge the country and the region into all-out war. Israel’s neighbours will be calculating and reassessing their views of Israel’s military prowess and may calibrate their approach to the Jewish state accordingly. The country’s security doctrine will need to be overhauled and its capabilities adjusted to address the threat posed by Hamas and its fellow terrorist groups. At the same time, a political realignment precipitated by the formation of an emergency unity government may impact domestic politics for years to come. And the effect this will have on our collective psyche and our shared consciousness, on our very sense of security and our confidence in our ability to live freely and securely in this land – it will be felt for decades if not generations.

The full scope of the catastrophe is, as yet, unknown, but one thing is clear: the events of October 7, 2023 – one of the darkest days in the country’s history – will change everything. This is Israel’s 9/11. Nothing will ever be the same.

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES

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

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Ashkelon last Saturday (Israeli time) – via X (formerly known as Twitter)

Success breeds success

May 2023 saw the inaugural Legacy Mission to Israel conducted by The Australian Friends of the Hebrew University (AUSTFHU).

The Legacy Mission is a concept developed by The British Friends of the Hebrew University whereby a donor has provided funds for a group of benefactors to travel to Israel with all expenses paid by the donor subject to participants agreeing to a bequest in their Wills to The Hebrew University. The concept is now being applied in Australia thanks to the generosity of an Australian donor.

Since the laying of its cornerstone in 1918, Hebrew University has become one of Israel’s and the Jewish world’s greatest success stories.

Its excellence and position as Israel’s foremost university have been reflected in its outstanding results and contributions towards a better world. It has received more awards and accolades than many universities that are far larger.

The Hebrew University serves more than 25,000 students from some 80 countries on six campuses. Its founders include luminaries such as Albert Einstein, Chaim Weizmann, Sigmund Freud and Martin Buber. Hebrew University is ranked in the top echelon of the world's leading universities. With a proud tradition of innovation and excellence, faculty members and alumni have won

eight Nobel Prizes, a Fields Medal and an Abel Prize.

Following in the footsteps of The Hebrew University’s success, the 2023 Legacy Mission was an outstanding success with participants gaining a deeper understanding of what the Hebrew University means to the Jewish People and to the world.

Among comments received from participants were the following:

• “Jampacked with activities, tours, meetings, talks and introductions to all kinds of fascinating luminaries –experts in their fields: professors, doctors, researchers, veterinarians, librarians, authors, artists and archeologists. We visited five campuses (didn’t make it to the sixth in Eilat), were exposed to all

manner of interesting research projects and innovative advances in every sphere of human activity … and even animal activity, at the state of the art Koret School for Veterinary Medicine.”

• “The Legacy Mission was brilliant and I had the best time. Definitely plan another Mission and I will highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be part of it.”

• “Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for a wonderful, stimulating, enjoyable and outstanding week together. You spent so much time ensuring its success and I am even more dedicated to supporting the university and its research projects.”

As a result, The Australian Friends of The Hebrew University have broadened the

scope of the 2024 Legacy Mission next May.

It will join forces with its British Friends to orchestrate the Mission, which will coincide with Yom Ha’atazmaut, Israel’s 76th Independence Day.

In addition to enjoying Jerusalem and all that it has to offer, the 2024 Mission will also incorporate Tel Aviv, enabling participants to view the spectacular Independence Day fly pasts and naval tributes to the State of Israel.

Those interested in being part of this remarkable experience should contact Rob Schneider at ceo@austfhu.org.au or call (02) 9389 2825 for further information.

Shaping a lifetime journey

Y2i (Youth 2 Israel) was established to maximise the number of Year 10 students participating in transformational Israel education programs.

Y2i provides discretionary subsidies up to $5,000 to eligible Year 10 students from NSW, ACT and Queensland with at least one Jewish parent, making participation in an approved Israel program more affordable.

Since its pilot program in 2014 when it received $10 million in donations, it has supported 2,160 participants from 84 schools.

Before it was established, about 20 per cent of eligible students participated in Israel programs.

Now Jewish schools have between 90 and 95 per cent of their cohort embarking on Israel programs.

Non-Jewish school participation has grown 373 per cent, with 125 students going on BJE’s program last year.

Being part of a Year 10 Israel program has now become a rite of passage, which is what the community had always hoped it would become.

Y2i has long believed that Year 10 Israel programs are a catalyst for Jewish and Zionist connections, both at an individual and communal level.

Burnout

Over the past few years, we have noticed a change in workplaces. There is now a greater opportunity to be employed part time. We have also noted that many people are doing more, while businesses are making do with less staff. The question that must be asked is whether all this makes for a better work-life balance?

Many experience high levels of stress and some burn out. Think back 12 months to Mark McGowan’s (ex-WA premier) resignation speech. He said he was burnt out and recognised he needed to make significant changes in his life.

Whilst the general population did not have the pressure of governing a state through the pandemic, we are nonetheless human and therefore vulnerable to experiencing stress.

How is burn out different to high stress?

Consider the definition coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in 1974:

“Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and, often, physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. Though it’s most often caused by problems at work, it can also appear in other areas of life, such as parenting, caretaking or romantic relationships.”

In 2023, Y2i commissioned Rosov Consulting (a leading international consulting firm that evaluates Israel programs) to undertake a large-scale longitudinal follow up study of its 2015 and 2016 Y2i alumni.

The survey was designed to evaluate the impact Year 10 Israel programs had on alumni’s attitudes, knowledge and behaviours toward Jewish life and Israel.

After distributing the survey to 506 alumni, Y2i received 246 responses from BJE and Jewish Day School participants.

The key finding was that Y2i supported Israel programs are having a significant impact on the continuing Jewish lives of its alumni. Seven to eight years after their Y2i experience, a large portion of alumni credit Y2i’s influence as an impetus for getting involved with Jewish life and Israel. Ninety-two per cent feel a strong sense of connection to their Jewish heritage.

Karabar High School student Wilson, who participated in the BJE program, said: “It was an awakening of a different part of me. I want to engage more with

being Jewish now. I want to be part of a community and have the sense of belonging.”

Keren, a participant from Moriah College, said: “Going to Israel allowed me to get a different perspective and to learn much more. It is such a privilege and I’m so grateful for it.”

To donate to Y2i’s 2023 Continuity Appeal and help shape future generations, go to Y2i.com.au/donate or phone 8353-1612

jobs effectively. To counter burnout, having a sense of purpose, positively impacting others, or feeling as if one is making the world a better place are all valuable. Often, meaningfulness can counteract the negative aspects of a job. Other motivators include autonomy and a challenge.

When the above elements are absent, burnout may not be far away. So, it is imperative that we keep abreast of our situation.

As mentioned, jobs aren’t the only source of the chronic stress that causes burnout. Parents, partners and non-professional caregivers can also experience endless exhaustion, feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, or secretly believe that they have failed in their roles.

To recognise whether you are heading towards or currently experiencing burnout, let’s consider the symptoms. You may not be aware that you are in burnout, but know that you have general malaise or don’t feel well and that can prompt a visit to the doctor.

Some of the physical symptoms of burnout are high blood pressure, poor sleep or insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, muscle tension and pain, and fatigue.

Mental and psychological signs include feelings of depression and/or anxiety, loss of concentration, dreading work, irritability and feeling like you are ‘drowning’. There is also an inability to experience pleasure, no time for non-

work-related activities like hobbies or catching up with friends. Please don’t ignore the signs that your body is giving you. Develop an awareness of your body and how it is functioning. Ask yourself what the symptoms you are experiencing may be related too.

Burnout most often occurs when a person is not in control of how a job is carried out, be it at work or at home, or is asked to complete tasks that repeatedly conflict with their values. It also happens when someone is asked to work towards a goal that doesn't resonate with them, or when a person lacks support.

A health professional, care giver or parent may feel that they have less compassion to those in their care. Others may sense they can no longer do their

These forms of burnout are, not surprisingly, referred to as parental burnout, relationship burnout and caregiver burnout.

Stereotypes and stigma, particularly that related to parenting, can make those suffering from non-work-related burnout feel as if they are to blame for the challenges they are facing. As a result, they often hide their struggles from others. If left untreated burnout in any form can have severe consequences. Discussing it openly with a person you trust is often the first step to getting the help you need.

Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.

Participants from all Israel programs coming together at Y2i Day in December 2022

Anne-Marie

ANNE-MARIE ELIAS

Meet one of Israel’s greatest heroes

A laugh a minute

UIA GEOFF SIRMAI

United Israel Appeal will host Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, chairman of the executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) at its AGM and 2024 Campaign launch events in Sydney and Melbourne in November.

As a recipient of the 2016 Israel Prize, the country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement, Almog has a celebrated history as a leader in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and social activist. Beginning with his military days, Almog shone in his service in the IDF’s most elite units, rising to become commander of the IDF’s Southern Command. He led an operational task force against the terrorists who murdered the Israeli Olympic team in 1973. He commanded the first task force to land for the 1976 Entebbe rescue mission and commanded clandestine missions to bring Jews from Ethiopia to Israel. He led an elite paratroopers’ brigade during the first Lebanon War and led a company during the Yom Kippur War, during which his brother was tragically killed.

Almog went on to establish the ADI NegevNahalat Eran rehabilitation centre for people with severe disabilities, named after his son Eran z”l. The centre was the first of its kind in the Negev and is a pioneer in giving opportunities to youth with disabilities. Almog has also held roles on councils, committees and boards, serving diverse populations, including the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and the economic development of the Bedouin community in the Negev.

Almog holds an MA in International Relations from Haifa University and an MBA from Tel Aviv University. He is a former senior research fellow at Harvard and has published numerous books and studies in the areas of

Almog is no stranger to the efforts of UIA, showing his support as a guest speaker at the 2016 UIA Campaign. UIA is intrinsically linked with JAFI as, with support from global Jewry and Friends of Israel, funds are raised for some of Israel's most pressing challenges. In this way, both UIA and JAFI ensure that every Jewish person, no matter where they are in the world, feels an unbreakable bond to one another and to Israel and, whether through want or need, can come home.

These events provide UIA with a unique opportunity to report back to the community on the year’s fundraising activities and showcase the impact on beneficiaries in Israel. Preliminary announcements will also be made about the 2024 Campaign events.

UIA CEO Yair Miller OAM said: “UIA Australia is proud of the amazing support of our community during this challenging year. Our donors have continued to ensure we can support the influx of tens of thousands of Olim to Israel, as well as supporting programs across the country to uplift some of Israel’s most vulnerable populations. It is fitting that our guest in November is one of Israel’s national heroes. Doron Almog is not only a man who has served in many of Israel’s most significant military battles, but has also been a champion for social justice. As chairman of the executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel – our key strategic partner – Doron will be able to give us firsthand information about how Australian donors are making a significant impact on the ground in Israel every day.”

Veteran West End theatre couple Linal Haft and Buster Skeggs will return to the stage for the Australian premiere of the musical sketch comedy revue You Don’t Have to be Jewish.

The show is based on the hit album of the same name and its sequel, When You’re in Love, the Whole World is Jewish that went “viral” in the 1960s.

As a result, many of a certain generation got to know and appreciate the sketches and iconic punchlines word for word.

Versions of the stage show have had hit seasons in the US. This new production has been reworked for Australian audiences, with input from the original writer Bob Booker.

The now 92-year-old New Yorker is fond of saying: “You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this comedy!” He is also excited that the Australian premiere is taking place at Bondi because his daughter used to live in the beachside suburb.

Haft and Skeggs met in 1969 when they were cast in a season of The Merchant of Venice at the Old Tote Theatre (forerunner to the Sydney Theatre Company). Since then, they’ve performed separately and together on stage and screen throughout the world.

While they spent much of the past 40 years based in London, they have now settled

Haft said he always enjoys treading the boards with his wife. “Since we married in 1971, we’ve worked together many times in the UK, sometimes with the added joy of playing opposite each other,” he said. “A highlight was performing in London’s West End with Jeff Goldblum, who has since become a dear friend.”

Joining the pair in the ensemble are Geoff Sirmai, Liv Hovey, Andrea Ginsberg and James Burchett. You Don’t Have to be Jewish will be directed by Ruth Fingret, with choreography and musical direction from Aaron Robuck.

You Don’t Have to be Jewish will be staged at Bondi Pavilion Theatre from October 25th to November 5th and at Emanuel Synagogue from November 15th to 19th.

To book, go to www.bonditheatrecompany. com.au

MAJOR GEN (RES)

DORON ALMOG

CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL

A decorated soldier and social activist who led numerous task forces - against the Munich Olympic terrorists, the Entebbe rescue mission and missions bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel. He established a rehabilitation centre for children, teens and young adults with severe disabilities, named after his son Eran z”l.

13 November

INCLUDING 2024 CAMPAIGN LAUNCH AND AGM

From left: Buster Skeggs, Linal Haft, Liz Hovey, James Burchett, Andrea Ginsberg and Geoff Sirmai (photo courtesy Lindsay Kearney, Lightbox Photography)

Keeping beekeeping in the family

Jonathan Landes and his son Asher both keep bees and help others to do the same, whether it’s in the Berkshires or in Melbourne.

About a decade ago, Jonathan Landes, a father of three from Melbourne, took a trip to visit his son in the U.S. that changed his life. “My son, Asher, got into beekeeping 10 years ago,” Landes recalled. “We’d gone over [to the U.S.] to visit him and he was working on a rooftop farm. He told me, ‘Dad, you’ve got to get into it.’”

After watching his son create buzzing colonies of honeybees on Staten Island, Landes was hooked. Upon his return to Melbourne a few weeks later, Landes gathered up four of his lifelong friends and founded a small urban beekeeping company called Chevra Honey, named for the Hebrew and Yiddish word for a society or close-knit group. “There were five of us, a chevra,” he said. “We knew each other from [decades back] in youth movement. We thought the name was quite cute. And it stuck.” The idea was simple: In a city like Melbourne, where most people tend to live in houses with ample space and backyards, the chevra would help to set up beehives to encourage urban beekeeping.

The hives Landes sets up are made of good quality wood. Successful placement in the urban environment requires significant considerations. “You say hello and go meet the person [who wants to host the hive]. You do an evaluation of the garden and neighbourhood. You have to ask questions, such as whether there is anyone who is allergic to bees. You ask who the usual visitors to the house are, or if they have pets,” he said, listing the checklist he runs through with prospective hosts. “It’s not like a cat or another pet. People can get stressed about bees. You must be able to manage the colony.” To have a successful hive, the bees should not be too crowded and the weather has to be right. Bees prefer dry heat and if it is too windy and rainy it can affect the amount of honey produced by a hive.

Today, a decade on, Chevra Honey manages around 40 hives around Melbourne that produce high quality, organic, kosher-certified local honey. On average, each hive produces around 10 kilograms of honey per season.

“Beekeeping suits me,” said Landes. “I

really enjoy it. People are so nice. They are very engaged in making the urban environment healthy with bees. It’s a really good gig.”

Every spring, Landes starts to make his rounds of all the hives he manages. The honey produced by these hives is stocked in a range of local groceries, including kosher stores, high-end organic groceries and local delis. Landes also operates a small “honesty shop” from his home, where passers-by can purchase the honey-based products produced from the hives he manages, including organic honeys, beeswax lip balms and giftboxes.

“The honey that is in the suburbs is a floral mixture, a midrange honey with midrange colours, like a really light amber to dark brown,” he said. “It’s an amalgam of all the trees and shrubs in the suburbs. If you were to take your beehives where there are state forests, where there are only red river gum growing by the river, the honey will be red river gum honey. That’s how you can name it. But in the suburbs, where honey comes from lots of different sources, it’s an amalgam of different nectars.”

By far the busiest time of the year for Chevra Honey is the lead up to Rosh Hashanah, when Landes collects honey from all the urban beehives he manages. This honey is then packaged and sold for the holiday. In addition to supplying shops and corporate orders, Landes supplies two local synagogues with honey and he helps his local rabbi jar honey. The meaning he finds in

beekeeping is long lasting. “Initially it was about bees and honey,” he said. “During COVID it was a nice meeting point for people. The other Sunday we had a gathering, for 30 people who carry our hives. People feel comfortable that we are doing this and that it’s part of the community; there is a sense of honesty about it. I’m working in this little area; it gives me some sort of value in what I do. It’s small stuff, but for me it’s meaningful. I think that plays a role.”

Landes’ son, whose full name is Asher Landes Silverwolff, chuckled when he recalled how his dad got hooked on keeping bees. “I started it,” he said. “He came and visited me in Staten Island and then he started his Chevra Honey.” Landes Silverwolff is still into urban beekeeping today and lives with his wife and child at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in the Berkshires, where he runs the Bee Resonance Project. These days, he makes his livelihood from the bees.

“We came up to the Berkshires to do a farming apprenticeship, to cultivate our relationship with the earth, to learn how to do urban farming,” he said. “I was done with the city life and ready to breathe the fresh air and cultivate the earth.” As part of his new business, he manages around 100 hives in the area.

A jar of Chevra honey, harvested from around 40 hives around Melbourne (photo courtesy Jonathan Landes)

“We manage hives for private residents for farms and organisations,” said Landes Silverwolff. “So folks will hire

us to install an apiary. I will take care of it and be responsible for it. They get the benefit of the honey. They get the surplus of honey and the ecological pollination and being part of the greater hive. It’s a movement standing for the bees.”

Landes Silverwolff is proud of the honey he cultivates through the bees he cares for.

“It's local, ethical, well-cared-for honey. It’s real. It tastes real,” he said. “When you buy honey in the supermarket, it’s liquid, it’s cooked. It gets pasteurised and you lose all the beneficial bacteria. The medicine. My honey tastes like the flowers of the season and the region.”

Like his dad, his busy time takes place around Rosh Hashanah and he is keen to continue educating the community about the importance of caring for bees. “At the moment, it’s the most vulnerable time in our recent relationship with the bees,” he said. “There is more environmental pressure on the bees. Whether its pollution, air pollution, water pollution, exposure to pesticides, insecticides, neonicotinoids that get washed into our waterways. There has never been more pressure. Folks can hire us to install and take care of bees. That’s what we are doing. It’s really beautiful that I can support the hives. They are my hives. My community.”

This story originally appeared in Tablet Magazine (tabletmag.com) and is reprinted with permission.

NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: AISH.COM

Asher Landes at work in the Berkshires (photo courtesy Asher Landes)

Jonathan Landes harvesting honey (photo courtesy Jonathan Landes)

MORIAH CELEBRATES 80 YEARS

How significant is it that Moriah College has turned 80?

RABBI

During World War II, while many Jews across Europe met their deaths at the hands of the Nazis, the Sydney Jewish community and the early pioneers of Moriah College – Abraham Rabinovich and others – had a vision to secure a Jewish future, despite, or perhaps because of, the devastation. They embodied the Jewish value and spirit of ‘protest’ – of refusing to accept the status quo. They knew that despite losing millions of our sisters and brothers, and having good reason to feel like victims, we could and had to be hopeful that we could rebuild and partner with Hashem to be masters of our destiny.

They knew that despite persecution for being Jewish, then (and now) more than ever, educating, proud, well-informed Jews was (and is) critical to Jewish survival and a thriving future.

The early pioneers and visionaries, and all the educators and lay leaders that followed in their footsteps at great personal cost and self-sacrifice, devoted a significant portion of their lives to making Moriah the great, powerful and successful institution that it is today. It meant taking risks because they knew it was worth doing so. Those who made (and continue to make) Moriah great risked that families might not have wanted to send their children to a Jewish day school in a post-Holocaust world. They risked planning, growing and strengthening children and Jewish education in response to a world where secularisation was increasingly creeping into their lives and the lives of the community.

It meant taking financial risks over the past 80 years to purchase land, construct buildings, engage teachers and provide generations of children with the resources to develop into the school of today.

It meant taking long-term responsibility to encourage continuity for our community to flourish, not just for tomorrow, but for the day after and for the years and generations to follow by sending our children to a Jewish day school.

The consequence of all this is that it is now incumbent upon us to be the visionaries for our children and grandchildren’s future – a proud and strong Jewish future.

It means we must push ‘go’ on our master plan, to renew and build, to ensure we can continue to provide exceptional education in the years to come.

It means that more than 7,000 graduates over many Moriah generations have made their mark across Sydney, Australia, Israel and Jewish communities around the globe, as leaders, influencers and proud, wellinformed Moriah graduates.

It means emerging from the small cheder-style ‘back garden of the synagogue school’ into a world-class educational institution, keeping pace with the best: a school that is immersed in a vibrant Jewish environment, engaged deeply in Jewish learning with lively Torah study, consistently participating in mitzvot and chesed projects, embracing Hebrew and understanding and growing from our heritage.

While we are so proud of what we have achieved to date, we must never rest on our laurels, as there is always more to do. As the Mishna says, ‘One who has 100 wants 200 and one who has 200 wants 400’. That was said in reference to material wealth, yet how much more important is this in relation to spiritual wealth and the wealth of knowledge and education! Once we achieve one set of goals and milestones, we set our sights on the next horizon. We

Re-connecting Moriah’s alumni

The timing couldn't be more fitting for Belinda Hollander to step into her role as Moriah College's new Alumni Relations Coordinator, as it coincides with the school's 80th anniversary.

With Belinda at the helm, Moriah is embarking on a new chapter, dedicated to strengthening bonds within its alumni community and reuniting generations of graduates that have walked the halls over the past eight decades.

Belinda hit the ground running with exciting plans aimed at enriching the alumni experience. Her vision is to build stronger connections, establish vibrant networks, foster mentorship opportunities and create an inspiring transition program for Year 12 students.

One of Belinda’s top priorities is to broaden and strengthen personal and professional relationships among Moriah alumni. “I envision a thriving community, where alumni can reconnect with old friends, make new ones and leverage the power of their shared Moriah experience in their careers and personal lives,”

Belinda said. “We also want to create opportunities for alumni to engage with and mentor current students. After all, who better to guide and inspire the next generation of Moriah graduates than those who have walked in their shoes? Whether it's career advice, academic guidance or life lessons, our alumni have a wealth of knowledge to share.”

For Year 12 students, the school journey doesn't end with graduation, it’s the beginning of their Moriah alumni story. Belinda’s plans include equipping graduates with the tools and resources needed to stay connected and

are never satisfied, we cannot afford to be complacent, we must always continue to strive for growth, to reflect, to develop, to improve and to achieve more for our children.

Turning 80, is truly a ‘Ben Shemonim L’Gevurah’ experience (Pirkei Avot –Ethics of our Fathers). At 80 we achieve strength. Not just physical strength, which we may have achieved even aged 25 or 30, but the strength of experience and wisdom, humility and pride. The strength of knowing where we come from and knowing where we are headed.

Moriah’s 80th is a cause for celebration for the entire Sydney Jewish community and beyond, a time to acknowledge the challenges, achievements and milestones to date, to celebrate the ‘giants’ on whose shoulders we stand and to gaze with confidence into the horizon.

engaged with the College and their fellow alumni for years to come.

Belinda's inaugural event to kickstart the revitalisation of the alumni community was a highlight of Moriah’s 80th birthday celebrations. A movie night to rekindle the spirit of the alumni community was a heart-warming evening fostering nostalgia and providing a fantastic platform for the alumni to reconnect, reminisce and forge lasting bonds, while enjoying the magic of cinema.

Moriah graduates are encouraged to contact Belinda at alumni@moriah.nsw. edu.au

YEHOSHUA SMUKLER MORIAH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

MORIAH COLLEGE

Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, Moriah College principal, with Year 11 students

CELEBRATE 80!

MUSIC & DANCE PERFORMANCES

WIN A SIGNED MATILDA’S JUMPER

RIDES

TREATS

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

JEWISH LIFE RUACH

FACE PAINTING

ALUMNI HUB

BUBBLES

FAIRY FLOSS & FREEZOCHINOS

FLOSS

COMMUNITY STALLS

DELICIOUS FOOD

PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL DISPLAYS

Yad B’Yad (0-2 AREA)

Face painting

Inflatables

Games

Snow cones

Popcorn

Cupcakes

Crazy ball

Hands-on activities AND MORE...

Fun for all ages

Something for everyone

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE! free entry | Registration essential WWW.MORIAH.NSW.EDU.AU/EVENTS

moriah college turns 80

Celebrate 80: Community fun at Moriah's festival showcase

MORIAH COLLEGE

In the heart of the eastern suburbs, something special is brewing. It's the 'Celebrate 80' Community Festival, an event that promises to be an unforgettable day of fun and togetherness for everyone.

Taking place on Sunday, 29th October, this festival is a celebration of Moriah's 80 years of excellence in education and community building. It's a day when ELC, primary and high school students, along with enthusiastic alumni, take the stage to showcase their talents and spirit.

There will be music and dance performances throughout the day, students’ work on display, rides and activities for all ages.

Attendees can join in the excitement of the alumni vs. student futsal game, participate in a game of crazy ball or build and race solar-powered cars.

Moriah's 'Celebrate 80' Festival goes beyond the entertainment; it's a chance to connect with friends at the community stalls, featuring JCA, UIA, JNF and Friendship bakery, to name but a few.

For Moriah graduates, there's an alumni hub, where they can reconnect with classmates and teachers, and reminisce about their school days.

There's something for the little ones too, with the Yad b'Yad (0-2) area offering a safe and enjoyable space for the youngest members of the community. There’ll be an array of food and treats available for purchase, as well as snow-cones and freezochinos. Come early if you’d like a coffee – there will be dairy available until 12pm, with a sausage sizzle in the afternoon. The festival will have something to satisfy every craving.

Children can enjoy bubbles, facepainting and the vibrant Jewish life ruach brought to you by the Moriah madrichim.

The best part? Entry to the 'Celebrate 80' Community Festival is free for all who pre-register at www.moriah. nsw.edu.au/events Entry will not be permitted without registration.

So, mark your calendars for Sunday, 29th October and join the community for a day of celebration, entertainment and connection. This festival promises to be a day to remember for the whole community.

Fostering strong Israel advocates at Moriah

In our ever-connected world, we understand the challenge of sustaining a personal connection over long distances. For the Zionist community in Sydney, our relationship with Israel often faces a similar hurdle. It's not always easy for our students to grasp the essence of Israel when they are so far away, especially for those who have never set foot in the country.

Arnold Eisen and Michael Rosenak, in their guidebook "Teaching Israel", discuss the myth of Israel in the diaspora, perpetuated by the sense of distance. They argue that diaspora Jews tend to view Israel as a myth, something appreciated from afar, while the complexities of everyday reality remain elusive.

At Moriah, we are determined not to let Israel remain just a "myth". We infuse Israeli experiences into as many activities as possible, encouraging our students to build their own connection with the Jewish State, starting from a distance and eventually in person, as they embark on activities like the Israel Study Tour in Year 10.

This year, Moriah High School hosted influential figures like former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Israeli musician

Ishay Ribo, Arab Israeli IDF veteran Yosef Hadad and educator-rapper Noah Shufutinsky, known as Westside Gravy. Meeting these people was wonderful and has inspired our students to delve deeper into their understanding of Israel. Moriah proudly upholds its Zionistic values, firmly believing in the existence of Israel as a homeland for Jewish people.

We consider ourselves fortunate to live in a time when the State of Israel exists. Our mission is to instil pride in our children for this heritage, while also fostering critical analysis and questioning of Israel's actions.

We encourage our students to explore all sides of the Israel conversation. We want our students to form well-

grounded opinions based on facts. We acknowledge that no country is without flaws, including Israel. The distinction must be made between valid criticism and anti-Israel, anti-Zionistic and antisemitic viewpoints.

Our responsibility is to empower our students to leave high school not only with overwhelming Zionistic pride, but also with the ability to articulate their views. In a world where contemporary Jew-hatred often targets Israel, we launched a new Israel advocacy program called 'Bitachon' (which translates to mean ‘confidence’) for Year 11 students.

Bitachon empowers a small group of students with knowledge of Israel's history, policies and current events to confidently engage in challenging conversations. We aim to have 10 highly skilled and confident graduates from every year group, well-versed in Australian politics and capable of influencing the dialogue. Our goal is to foster positive change within the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, and, potentially, worldwide.

Just as we fiercely defend our loved ones, we stand up for Israel. Despite the geographical distance, we continually strive to bridge the gap and nurture our unique connection with our beloved homeland.

TALYA WISEMAN

From left: Daliya Hirsch, Michaela Levin and Zoe Stoliar from Moriah College Primary School

Talya Wiseman engaging with Year 9 students

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

ROBERT GREGORY AUSTRALIAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION

I recently returned from Israel. I’ve lost track of what number this visit was, but somewhere around my 15th. In recent years, I had been visiting annually, except for an involuntarily imposed exclusion due to COVID-19. This was my second visit since the borders reopened. I represented the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) in a series of meetings with politicians and other leading figures to update them on developments in Australia and to seek advice.

I was welcomed to the Knesset by Ohad Tal, newly appointed co-chair of the Australia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, in its first meeting with an Australian Jewish group. In between meetings, I had a chance to catch some lively Knesset debates. The change of government is evident, with large groups of religious Jews wandering the corridors. I was recruited for a Mincha minyan. This reflects changes in Israel’s demographics, as the country has moved to the Right and away from its socialist founders’ views in recent decades.

Due to my work, naturally, my visit was focused on politics. In Australia, much has been made of protests against the Israeli government’s judicial reforms. I was curious to gauge opinions in Israel. I was reassured to find that the Israelis I met were supportive of the government,

Observations of a changing Israel

time in Tel Aviv or Left-leaning areas, my experience would have been different, but it really highlighted for me the reality of ‘two Israels’.

A highlight of my visit was a trip to Gush Etzion that I took with leading international lawyer Professor Eugene Kontorovich. Among the topics we discussed were developments in the Labor Party surrounding possible recognition of ‘Palestine’, an issue in which Kontorovich is an expert. The visit became even more meaningful when we visited the lookout established in memory of Ari Fuld, who was murdered in a terrorist attack shortly after the Australian Jewish Association brought him to Australia.

The only incident where I witnessed racial discrimination was when I ascended Judaism’s holiest site, the Temple Mount. I observed how Jews were segregated and extensively searched, while non-Jews were free to pass. At all times, Jews were shadowed by aggressive agents of the Islamic Waqf who were on the lookout for any sign of Jewish prayer. All Jews were accompanied by a contingent of Israeli border police who made sure the visit was rushed.

although there was frustration at the slow pace of implementing pre-election promises, like judicial reform. Most of my stay was in Jerusalem and despite traveling widely in the city and in Judea/ Samaria, I saw no signs of the muchhyped anti-government protests.

More than once, I heard variations of the phrase, “The Right always wins government, but they never win power”, as people expressed frustration with the fact that despite the majority of Israelis consistently voting for Rightwing parties, unelected institutions like the Supreme Court, universities and the media continue to be dominated by the Left. No doubt had I spent more

I am always sensitive to distortions of history, particularly the simplistic and false comparisons of Israel with apartheid. My family had a brief sojourn in South Africa after my grandparents fled Nazi Germany in the late 1930s. They met in Johannesburg, but my grandfather saw no future in race-obsessed South Africa and my family left for Australia after the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960.

During my stay in Israel, I was on the lookout for the elusive Israeli apartheid, but I noticed nothing of the sort. I saw Arabs and Jews together at the beach, in the shops and in my hotel. One thing that I have noticed with each visit has been an increase in the number of Arabs frequenting pre-1967 Jerusalem, on the light rail, in the cafes and just doing their shopping.

After descending from the Temple Mount, I went to the Kotel, where the contrast was jarring. I witnessed a large group of pious Muslims being welcomed by Orthodox Jews, including employees of the Israeli Government agency responsible for managing holy sites.

While other Israel visits have focused more on family or leisure, this one was full of political meetings. I still found time to attend a beautiful wedding, as well as several museums (Menachem Begin, Israel Museum, Yad Vashem and the newly renovated Tower of David Museum), eat in several new restaurants and I even managed to get some sun on the Tel Aviv beach. I left feeling extremely optimistic about Israel’s future. My experience on the ground was vastly different to that portrayed in the international media. I trust the people of Israel to safeguard their democracy by exercising their right to vote and then respecting the mandate of their chosen government.

From left: Ohad Tal, co-chair of the Australia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, with Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association

Human rights in Judaism RABBINIC THOUGHT

BY RABBI DR BENJI LEVY

On 30th April 1977, soldiers of the Kampuchean Revolutionary Army attacked Vietnam. Over the following months, thousands of civilians were killed and thousands more fled in boats, seeking refuge from the war.

A few weeks later, while sailing in the South China Sea, an Israeli ship received an SOS message. The captain, Meir Tadmor, brought aboard 66 Vietnamese men, women and children who were found in a small, leaky boat with almost no food or water. The Israeli ship was the only one to heed the distress call, after many others had ignored it.

Ten days later, on 20th June, Menachem Begin was sworn in as Israel’s first right-wing prime minister. He began his confirmation speech with the following words:

“My first action as prime minister tomorrow will be to instruct that asylum be granted to the Vietnamese refugees. We all recall the ships of Jewish refugees in the 1930s, which wandered the seven seas, seeking entry to a specific country or various countries and were denied access everywhere. Now there is a Jewish State. We have not forgotten. We will act humanely. We will bring those unfortunate refugees here to our country after our ship has saved them from drowning and we will grant them a haven ...”

Human rights are such a fundamental part of Judaism that it was natural that Begin’s first act was to fly the Vietnamese refugees to Israel. The Jewish State was the first country in the world to accept refugees from this wartorn country.

This action of the Israeli government perfectly encapsulates the Jewish approach to what has become known as human rights. In Judaism, inherent in the commandments are obligations. The focus is not on the rights of others, but on our obligations.

The difference between rights and obligations is like the difference between night and day. If my focus is on the rights of someone else, I must make a value judgment about their plight, their needs and how helping them will impact me. If my focus is on my obligations, I must help

others because it is my responsibility. It is not fundamentally an act of altruism, but one of selfishness. Helping others is what allows me to fully express my humanity.

This is clearly expressed from the beginning of the Torah. Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. The Torah describes how Cain became jealous of Abel and wanted to harm him. Then God spoke to Cain.

He did not tell him to spare Abel’s life because Abel was deserving or had a right to life. Rather, the focus was on what his actions would do to Cain. “If you do good, you will be elevated. But if you do not do good, sin will be waiting for you.”1

After Cain murdered his brother, his infamous rhetorical question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” shows that he fundamentally misunderstood his obligations to his brother and to himself. “Yes” is the unstated answer. “Yes, you are absolutely responsible for your brother and for every other person in the world.”

In fact, the obligation to look out for others is expressed even earlier in the Torah.

The foundation of the Jewish belief in our obligation to others begins with the creation story, where Adam and Eve, the parents of every person of every

race, were created “In the image of God”.

The Talmud states: “For this reason, Adam was created alone, to teach that whoever destroys a single soul is considered as if he destroyed the entire world. And anyone who sustains a single soul is considered as if he sustained the entire world. And for the sake of peace, so that no person can say to another, ‘My father was greater than your father.’ ”2

The 20th century rabbi, Ahron Soloveichik wrote: “This key concept of the dignity of all human beings constitutes the basis of human rights. The maxim of ‘Man was endowed by his Creator with certain inalienable rights’ was not an innovation of the founders of the American republic. These men were impressed with the doctrine of human rights, which flows naturally from the concept of ‘the dignity of man’ and the ‘image of God in which He created Man’, as they knew from their biblical background.”3

This version of obligations rather than human rights was paramount in Judaism since its inception as a nation. Forged in the crucible of Egyptian slavery, the nation and its laws strongly reflected concern for the wellbeing of others, especially the weak and downtrodden. The Torah enjoins Jews to specifically care for foreigners, orphans, widows

and the poor. Throughout history, Jews have so often been discriminated against, or even murdered for their beliefs. For this reason, they have a natural desire to protect those who are suffering. Over three millennia ago, the Israelites received the Torah at Mount Sinai, with its narrative of creation and the importance of caring for others. When the Israelites accepted the Torah, they embraced the values of caring for others, protecting the defenceless and human rights. These values of the obligation to care for and protect others have remained fundamental to Judaism and informed Jewish decisions for more than 3,000 years.

This is what it meant to be Jewish from the earliest days until today.

1 Bereishit 4:7

2 Sanhedrin 37a

3 “Logic of the Heart, Logic of the Mind” (1991) p62

Rabbi Dr Benji Levy is a cofounder of the philanthropic advisory Israel Impact Partners, Keshev mental health center and an Al summarizing start-up called Tanna. He is the former CEO of Mosaic United and Dean of Moriah College, and he teaches globally in person and online at @RabbiBenji. For more information visit www.rabbibenji.com

Spelling bee answers

Jewish Answer: KEDUSHA (KEDUSHAH). Here is a list of some common words (“yes”, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common in today’s vernacular): DUDES, DUKES, HUSKED, HUSHED, HUSHES, HUSHS, KUDUS, SHAKSHUKA, SHUSH, SHUSHED, SHUSHES, SUEDE, SUKKAH, SUKKAHS and SUSSED.

Questions/comments – email Yoni at koshercroswords@gmail.com

Menachem Begin greeting Vietnamese refugees in Israel in 1977 (photo courtesy Israeli government press office)

The future of Torah study for women

RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY

Many have requested the final instalment to this riveting threepart series in which we have explored the evolution of Torah Study for women. The view of Talmudic sage Rabbi Eliezer was that it was unadvisable for women to learn Torah and this evolved into the codes stating that women may learn only Tanach and laws applicable to them.

We introduced the alternate view of the Kabbalists as revealed to us by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe in his family memoirs, first published in 1947. We discovered a revealed world of hidden tzadikkim, the forerunners of the Chassidic movement. One of the outstanding features of this secret righteous world was that women were encouraged and expected to be Talmudic scholars. If they married into families that did not teach their daughters, the husbands taught their new wives until they were proficient in their own right.

The Rebbe records that there were some phenomenal females including those who had learned the entire Talmud for a second time. Others were versed in Talmudic codes. Still others were proactive Torah educators of women and girls in their respective towns.

This they did in a clandestine fashion to avoid arousing the ire of those who didn’t deem this as acceptable. He records that the grandmother of the first Lubavitcher Rebbe was one such intellectual. Her husband was the city’s rabbi and even he was unaware of the extent of his wife’s knowledge.

One Shabbat, news circulated that the Eruv, the ritual halachic enclosure, was broken, resulting in complicated questions of what could and could not be worn and carried. Communal leaders and clergy were in a quandary.

The Rabbi’s father-in-law, who knew of his daughter’s scholarship, looked to her and said it was time for her to come out of her ‘intellectual’ hiding and advise the way forward. To the astonishment of all, including her husband, she

Rights and responsibilities

RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

As this newspaper goes to print, all eligible to vote across this Great Southern Land will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia. As we know, this will be about whether to establish a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. This article won’t be about those for it nor will it be about the naysayers.

Rather I have been reflecting about the overarching concepts of rights and responsibilities at an individual and collective level.

Almost three-quarters of a century ago, the United National Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was ratified. It was a milestone document in the history of human rights. Today we have many avenues down which people traverse in a quest to demand and acquire rights – from workers to animals to sexual orientation, gender identity, privacy and more.

Despite a plethora of profound advancements, the news is often brimming with division, cynicism and distrust. Factions form, frustrations are frequent.

Intriguingly, the Jewish tradition does not speak about rights. Rather, it

references another word beginning with the letter ‘r’ and that is: responsibilities.

There is a world of difference between rights and responsibilities. Rights are what we expect and often demand are available to us. Whereas responsibilities are what we are obligated to do for others.

Rights are important in Judaism, yet not as important as responsibilities. If we are honest, do we each weave social, communal and personal responsibilities into our daily world? Often not.

When it comes to the rights of Jews in Australia, or in so many countries across the Diaspora, the fact is it is likely better now than ever before. In this way, despite often overt challenges, on balance we are the most blessed generation over the last two millennia.

recited the ruling chapter and verse. In an extraordinary talk, edited and approved for publication by the Rebbe in 1990, he elaborated on the theme of women learning Torah and referenced his father-in-law’s memoirs and said that his daughters (one of them the Rebbe’s respected wife) were educated in the manner of the hidden tzadikkim. He expounded that whilst in times past women who studied Torah were the exception, this must now become the norm, including becoming conversant in the rigorous logic of Talmudic scholarship. Historically, the understanding that the ‘custom of Israel is Torah’ meant an adherence to previous norms, he opined that in the context of women learning Torah, the positive growth should be effectively exponential in manner.

All modern day Halachists, or Jewish law instructors, including the most progressive modern Orthodox, who promote women learning Torah, do so grappling with the sages-of-old opting not to teach women Torah. For them, women learning Torah was a concession, not a positive development. None of them entertained the notion that Torah study between men and women should be equal. All except the Rebbe.

As Rabbi Shteinzaltz in his commentary on the Rambam states, the Rebbe took a radically different approach when he stated that all of these changes are positive and a precursor to the Messianic Age, when the knowledge of Hashem will fill the world.

At that awesome time, every man and woman will equally be filled with the knowledge of G-d. The increase in study of Torah by women (welcomed and encouraged by the Kabbalists back to the Or Zarua) is a positive part of Hashem’s plan culminating in the universal knowledge of all-things-Divine.

To date, I do not believe this teaching of the Rebbe has been properly acknowledged. Bias against women studying Torah still abounds in many spheres. The proof is the lack of any yeshiva anywhere in the world where women can exclusively excel in Torah study, akin to the scope and size on offer for men.

The time for change is now. Women excel in every field of human endeavour. It is high time they are able to do so in Torah.

our impressive number of Nobel Prize winners. Yet across history we have not been admired for our pronounced strength. This is not the case any longer.

Today, thank G-d, we have a mighty Jewish State. Here Down Under, we have rights as never before. We must continue to strive for all peoples, and yet we must simultaneously ask ourselves: what are our responsibilities?

The answer is very simple, all Jews are responsible one for another. It is part and parcel of the Jewish soul captured in the wise words: “Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh Lazeh”.

Every opportunity is often open to us. I am not dismissing the disturbing incidence of anti-Semitism . There are dangers that need to be addressed. Yet we must keep this in perspective.

Over the past 1900 years, wherever Jews attempted to reside – in Czarist Russia, expelled from Spain, in Cossackscorched Poland, Nazi Germany and sadly more, without doubt each Jew under threat would have gladly traded to move to Sydney’s comparative safety.

Today, Israeli scientific know-how is world famous and billions of dollars have been paid by German and Arab nations to Israel with one request – arms for their self-protection from other external threats.

Yes, we have been admired for intellectual advancements – think of

With the role of responsibility we must confront the realisation that the greatest threat to the survival of the Jews comes not from the anti-Semites, but from the indifference and complacency of so many Jews themselves.

Education is key. We must teach our children and grandchildren about our heritage and history. So many great civilisations of yesteryear are no more. Quietly throughout the fanfare of games at the Colosseum and more across time, our sages in the Talmud were codifying the words, “He who saves one life is as if he saved an entire world.” We were different then; we are different now.

So are we Jews involved in a conspiracy? For sure! It’s a conscious ‘conspiracy’ that links all of us – not in an attempt to dominate, rather to guarantee the survival of our people and help transform this world for the greater good.

FOODIES' CORNER

It has been an incredibly busy and buzzing festive season with kosher dining tables piled high with world class KA-certified kosher baked and cooked treats. On behalf of the entire community we say a huge Kol Hakavod to our dedicated and talented bakers, caterers, vendors and all who contributed in their own special way.

Many have enjoyed a L’Chaim with Spirit of Bondi’s unique artisan brandy, Pomme de Bondi and loved the KAcertified Village Finest best quality poultry, beef and lamb products, in addition to 7 Fat Cows succulent and sensational Point End pastrami.

Whether it was sweet, savoury, or both, each delicious morsel was savoured and appreciated – toda raba to all! The High Holy Days are over but the blessings of ongoing simchahs continues and in that spirit, keep in mind that bespoke and beautiful cake creations are available from truly talented communal treasures such as Natalie Levy from Sweet As Funk, Jodi at Fress Luxury Gourmet Platters & Gifts, Rebecca Balkin’s team at Sweet Chick (the Barbie Cake was a recent hit), Jesse’s and many more.

When it comes to celebrations, the wonder of weddings will never wane and we are delighted to introduce a stunning new partnership. For the first time, the picturesque Miramare Gardens, beautifully situated in Terrey Hills within Sydney’s Northern Beaches offers the Jewish community an allinclusive and exclusive affordable and astonishing KA-certified Kosher wedding package.

Enter the extraordinary Alan Bender and his terrific team at Soul Gourmet. There is a full range of options including canapes, entrees, main course and dessert with all the trimming of an elegant experience.

Kosher KApers

KA PRODUCT UPDATES

• A new 7-Eleven Slurpee flavour is acceptable: Fizz Tingle

• Sunrice Microwave Jasmine Rice pouch 450g – Product of Australia only

• Cadbury Dairymilk Top Deck Bites (Dairy, not CY)

• De Kuyper Butterscotch is kosher Dairy (not CY) it is the only dairy listing within the range

• Kopparberg Apple Cider Premium is acceptable (Pareve)

• Coles Westfield Bondi Junction inhouse bakery now offers freshly baked pancakes that are kosher Dairy (not CY)

• Flora Thickened plant cream is kosher certified (Pareve/Dairy Vessels) when Product of Germany

• Lindt Classic vegan salted caramel chocolate made with oats 100g (Pareve – Dairy Vessels) must be manufactured in Germany

• Carman’s Iced Coffee Protein Bars –Dairy (not CY)

Imagine revelling and relaxing while enjoying seared beef sirloin, cucumber, coriander, mint and chilli jam, and Yellowfin tuna sashimi, avocado mousse, fried baby capers and preserved lemon. Or perhaps de-boned lamb shoulder, garlic and rosemary potato discs, Tuscan cabbage, Dutch carrots and rich lamb jus with the magnificent meal concluding with a Pareve coconut, passionfruit and while chocolate brulee.

The alcohol options are outstanding, a wedding cake will wow the guests and beautiful bonbonniere are crafted as gifts and so much more. All is available to peruse within the comprehensive Miramare Kosher Wedding Package brochure. There is a Garden Pavilion, Central Gardens with circular seating, a Piano Lounge and boutique accommodation for the wedding party and guests if desired. In these challenging times for many, this will provide our community with an elegant 5-star wedding venue and best-quality kosher fare without the burden of exorbitant costs (see details below).

So many kosher consumers have told us just how much they love the large number of KA-certified award-winning

Falcone’s Breads on offer around town. This year the Falcone’s family celebrates 70 years of trading and today it is the largest independent bakery in New South Wales. A hearty congratulations are in order. Coles supermarkets stock New Zealand Westgold butter in salted and unsalted varieties made using the marvellous milk from grass-fed free range Kiwi cows. Each block proudly bears a KA-Dairy logo on the back of the wrapper – spread that on your Falcone’s bread or on your favourite fresh KA-certified baked treat.

A mazel tov is in order to Milk & Honey Picnics which offers outstanding KAcertified options in collaboration with Mila’s Kosher Catering. We are delighted to advise that this creative business has been named a Waverley Council Brightest and Best Business Finalist for 2023 in the Hospitality category. Undoubtedly this is a magnificent milestone for Vicki Ryvchin and her talented tribe. Milk & Honey Picnics continues its journey to bring beauty and joy to kosher customers around Sydney. Stay tuned. The KA team has so much more to share in the next edition.

Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town:

• The KA advises that KA-certified Savion on the Grill, which has loyally served fresh, authentic Israeli cuisine here in Sydney for decades now has a new phone number. Make sure you call 0416 100 027 to place your orders. Keep in mind that opening hours are Monday to Thursday plus Sundays 10am-6pm, visit this iconic kosher landmark at 1/38 Wairoa Avenue, North Bondi.

• To contact Milk & Honey Picnics for KA-certified offerings call Vicki Ryvchin on 0478 297 237 or visit www.milkandhoneypicnics.com.au.

• To contact Mila’s Kosher Catering contact (the legendary Mila) on 0414 999 810.

• To receive a Miramare Gardens KA Kosher Wedding Package comprehensive brochure, visit www.miramaregardens.com.au or call 02 9450

2000. Miramare Gardens is located at 48 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills

• Visit www.ka.org.au to view the complete KA Kosher Directory listing of Falcone’s breads available locally at Krinsky’s, independent grocers and across Greater Sydney and NSW regional areas between Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Gunnedah in the North, Bateman’s Bay in the South and Dubbo in the west of NSW.

• Sunrice Koshihikari Premium Short Grain rice (perfect for sushi, kosher and Pareve)

• Powerade Mountain Blast Isotonic Powder - Pareve

• Foda Organic Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce – tin vegetables KA-certified Pareve

• Jalna Pot Set Lactose Free Strawberry Flavoured Yoghurt 170g

• Monin Salted Caramel Syrup No Added Sugar – Pareve

• Green’s gluten free Apple & Cinnamon Muffins – Pareve

• Woolworth’s Bakery Sliced Carrot, Sultana & Walnut Bread (Dairy, not CY) 5-pack

• Kura certified organic reduced salt soy sauce (KA-certified & Pareve)

• Harris Smokehouse Fresh Raw Fish all KAcertified and Pareve: Fresh Salmon 300g; Fresh Trout 300g; Fresh Wild Salmon 300g; Premium Tasmanian Salmon 250g, 100g

• Harris Smokehouse Frozen Fish KAcertified & Pareve - Pure Wild Salmon Burgers 2*125g

• Bacardi Mojito Rum, Lime & Mint - Pareve

• Four new varieties of Nespresso coffee pod/capsules are now kosher and available from Nespresso shops e.g. found within the new store within Westfield Bondi Junction:

o Barista Creations Caramello

o Barista Creations Cioccolatino

o Barista Creations Nocciola

o Barista Creations Vaniglia

CLARIFICATIONS

• McVitie’s Digestive biscuits Dark/Milk/ Original & McVitie’s Hobnob biscuits Dark/Milk/Original only approved when the batch code begins with the letter ‘H’ (Dairy, not CY)

• S&W Mayonnaise is only acceptable if it has an OU hechsher on the label

• La Molisana Gnocchi di Patate Made in Italy is only acceptable when bearing a hechsher

• Bake & Tango Stuffed Grape Leaves in Olive oil with a BK Kosher hechsher are not acceptable – however other products under this hechsher are recommended on a case-by-case basis

• Plain cultured butter is not under the same KA Policy as plain salted/unsalted butter and must bear a hechsher

From left: Barbie Cake by Sweet Chick, Nespresso Barista Creations Nocciola hazelnut flavoured coffee, KA-certified FODA organic baked beans in tomato sauce and KA-certified Kura reduced salt soy sauce

Miramare Gardens' new wedding venue with KA kosher package

Surely, it couldn’t possibly be true.

That was my reaction while watching this absorbing biographical comedic drama, which is, indeed, based on fact.

It concerns events that happened only relatively recently, but about which I had previously heard nothing.

Perhaps that was because they occurred in the US, but after seeing this pic I must say I found it strange that knowledge thereof didn’t filter through to me.

Now, I don’t want your eyes to glaze over because this is definitely not that sort of film, but it concerns a stock market practice called shorting.

More specifically, Dumb Money is about a mum and dad investor, who goes by the moniker Roaring Kitty, outsmarting Wall Street titans.

His real name is Keith Gill (Paul Dano).

Married to Caroline (Shailene Woodley), who believes in him and backs him, the pair has a baby.

Keith is from working class stock. He has a good for nothing, bong smoking brother, Kevin (Pete Davidson).

Keith works as financial analyst for Mass Mutual (Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company).

On the side, he runs a YouTube channel in which he posts his opinion on undervalued stocks and one in

Challenging Wall Street movers and shakers

unscrupulous (whom we boo and hiss). Who could have guessed that a movie about investing could be so engaging? I couldn’t get enough of it.

Mind you, there are several precedents in terms of quality films of this genre.

Think Wall Street (1987), Rogue Trader (1999), Boiler Room (2000), Margin Call (2011), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and The Big Short (2015) for starters.

The performances are mighty.

Dano plays a naturalist and personable nerd, while Davidson is in his element as wayward and opinionated. Woodley is totally credible as Keith’s rock – stoic and sensible.

America Ferrera has a terrific turn as Jenny, a single mother and nurse, who gets onto the gravy train.

So, too, Talia Ryder as stressed, gay student Harmony Williams.

particular, GameStop. It is a video game and gaming merchandise retailer.

Roaring Kitty does what others online don’t. He not only posts the share price of the stock, but his own balance sheet to show the money he is making or losing after he invests in a share.

His number of followers grows and they, too, are tempted to buy into GameStop.

The price of the stock, which Wall Street doesn’t rate, escalates rapidly, making Gill a multimillionaire and reshaping the lives of fellow investors.

On the minus side is the founder of a New York-based hedge fund Melvin

Capital, Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen), who has a low opinion of retail investors.

Dumb Money rides the highs and lows of the GameStop journey for many of those involved, forever changing the face of US investment.

As indicated, I found the movie fascinating.

Complete with an abundance of bad language, it is a tightrope of thrills and spills.

The personal overlaps with the professional. Keith Gill et al are painted as the good guys (that we cheer on) and the mega-rich Wall Street types as

Rogen and his character’s clients and contacts play up the archetypes of Wall Street arrogance.

Based on the book The Antisocial Network by Ben Mezrich, writers Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo weave an intriguing tale.

Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) Dumb Money maintains a cracking pace and provides us a rollercoaster ride to remember.

Rated MA, Dumb Money, which opens in cinemas on 26th October, scores an 8 out of 10.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

JIFF 2023

From tales of profound journeys, captivating real-life mysteries to the unsung champions of yesteryear, the Jewish International Film Festival graces Australian screens again from 23rd October.

JIFF 2023 features 55 Australian premieres from 19 countries.

The program comprises 30 features, 20 documentaries, two television series and six short films, alongside a suite of live events.

"In a world where stories are our bridge to understanding, this year's JIFF is a testament to the timeless resilience and adaptability of the Jewish spirit," said artistic director Eddie Tamir.

Opening night

Launching JIFF 2023 is the Australian premiere of Matchmaking, Israel's biggest blockbuster of 2023. Journey with Moti Bernstein, an Ashkenazi who defies tradition for Nechama, a Mizrahi beauty. It is a romantic comedy, brimming with heart and humour, which won the Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival. Tickets include falafel, drinks and live music.

Australian stories

Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer takes us back to the post-WWII era. Three brothers uncover their father’s suspected revenge spree against the Nazis. It is a tale that unwinds through Melbourne’s streets and buried wartime secrets.

A world of stories from the heart of Jewish culture

journey of a Jewish stage actress torn between pursuing love and escaping the confines of the Warsaw ghetto.

Tzadik celebrates Red Army officer Nikolai Kiselyov's heroics, saving Jews from Nazi horrors in Belarus.

The dark corridors of history come alive in The Jew, as Mikhail Krasnitsky embarks on a vengeful spree against former death camp guards, offering a chilling look into post-war vengeance.

In its bold focus on romantic pleasures and quality of life amid barbarity, Filip breaks every cliché about the Nazi era and the Holocaust.

Filmed in Ukraine and presented in Yiddish, SHTTL paints a vivid portrayal of a bustling Jewish village on the brink of Nazi invasion, capturing the intricacies of life in the face of impending doom.

The festival’s closing night film is The Jewish Nazi? It follows Alex Kurzem who, following the brutal massacre of his Belarusian family, was forcibly made "Hitler's youngest soldier" by a Latvian Nazi battalion. The movie covers Alex’s migration to Sydney, his life shadowed by secrets until a DNA revelation that becomes a testament to the complexity of human identity. In the visually evocative I'll Be Frank, a young Jewish Australian named Aaron reconnects with his German roots. Animated fragments of his grandfather's memories guide him through Nazi Germany, leading to a profound reckoning with the traumas woven into his family's tapestry.

Features

Stella. A Life. offers a deep dive into the tumultuous and controversial life of Stella Goldschlag. Once a victim of Nazi persecution, Goldschlag was coerced into becoming a 'Greifer' for the Gestapo, hunting down Jews in hiding in Berlin.

Featuring Emile Hirsch, The Engineer looks at Israel's hunt for mastermind bomb maker Yahya Ayyash. The Goldman Case, which premiered at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, revisits activist Pierre Goldman's divisive 1970s trial in France.

Grounded in the harrowing realities of the 1942 Nazi occupation of Poland, Love Gets a Room chronicles the tumultuous

Set after the Six-Day War, Victory is an original musical that traverses the world of Neta Agmon, a rising actress who becomes blinded by fame. In the chaotic world of Hummus Full Trailer, a shipment mishap draws a curious blend of personalities into a wild chase across Israel.

Delegation is an emotional journey where young Israeli students grapple with profound facets of their Jewish identity during a transformative trip to Holocaust sites in Poland.

For more information and to book tickets, go to: www.jiff.com.au

Festival dates are as follows:

Ritz Cinemas:

24th October – 28th November

Roseville Cinemas:

2nd November – 19th November

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Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer

The opening night film for JIFF 2023 is Matchmaking

This romantic comedy is Israel’s biggest 2023 box office hit, about the perfect Ashkenazi man who can marry anyone he wants, apart from the Moroccan Mizrahi girl he’s in love with!

In this observational, thrilling murder-mystery documentary, three Melbourne brothers: Jack, Jon and Sam, stumble upon a family secret, and embark on a journey to uncover the truth.

Based on the bestselling book ‘The Mascot’, this documentary follows the story of a Jewish boy who witnesses the murder of his family, and survives the Holocaust by becoming the ‘Nazis’ youngest soldier.

Stella. A Life.

A provocative drama inspired by the true story of Stella Goldschlag, whose dreams of becoming a jazz singer were curtailed when the Gestapo arrested her, and her trajectory turned from victim to perpetrator.