the sydney jewish report - december edition

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chanukah

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

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VOL. 47 Friday, 7 December 2018 / 29 Kislev, 5779

Fostering a closer Jewish community

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

GANDEL YOUNG LEADER

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED ON CHANUKAH

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HAPPY

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CHANUKAH CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

SLEEPING OUT FOR THE HOMELESSNESS

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The many roads that lead to Israel

JNF

Since its establishment in 1901, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) has been committed to ensuring a strong, secure and prosperous Israel for the Jewish people.

Your partnership, as always, is critical to this mission. Whether you choose to donate financially, attend events, leave a legacy or volunteer, it all makes an incredible difference.

“JNF to me is the main link I have with Israel. I can only suggest that if anybody gets involved with JNF, that he will only be the winner” said Harry Triguboff AO. Support life-changing projects What sets JNF apart is its longstanding commitment to supporting clearly defined projects in Israel, covering areas such as community development, water solutions and recycling, environmental R&D, agritech, ecological restoration and the provision of forests, parks, gardens, playgrounds and recreational areas all over the country.

JNF also supports a wide range of public benevolent projects, assisting special needs, economically challenged and other disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on the country’s periphery and border regions.

Get involved JNF offers numerous ways to stay connected including a range of formal and informal functions during the year, hosting many informative guests from Israel and the Jewish world. There are also many ways to get involved with JNF through volunteering.

JNF volunteers have been highly valued throughout its history and form the back bone of the organisation.

“Being so far away from Israel, I know that by being involved in JNF, my connection is being maintained and I am able to stay updated and continue to support Israel,” said university student Tali Greenstein.

Travel to Israel Experience the magic of Israel on a JNF Mission. You’ll be wowed by her natural

Mitzvah Day Fever Sweeps Sydney Schools With BJE BJE Launched in the UK in 2008, International Mitzvah Day was born out of the belief that we can all make a positive difference to our world by taking action – together.

On Mitzvah Day, the Jewish community together with other communities and individuals wanting to improve the world in some small way, take part in a range of activities simply to help others. The aim of Mitzvah Day is to have participants be involved in a variety of charitable activities, such as collecting and distributing food, befriending and singing to seniors, spending time with those who are socially isolated, help the environment by cleaning parks, as

well as sending gifts to needy children.

This year, the New South Wales Board of Jewish Education (NSW BJE) was highly involved in Mitzvah Day Australia.

Partnering with Ella’s Toy Box, a new organisation founded in the past few months, BJE encouraged its Extension students to participate in a toy and clothing drive at both Rose Bay Public School, and Bellevue Hill Public School.

Hundreds, and hundreds, and hundreds of high quality items such as clothing, toys, board games, and books were collected to distribute to various charities across New South Wales, including; Children’s Hospital of Sydney, Ronald McDonald House, and Clothesline.

Students skipped through the door, and were elated and excited to give their goodies to BJE organisers. “I’m so excited to give these toys to people who need it more than me” exclaimed a young BJE Extension student. BJE strongly embraces the Jewish value of Tzedakah which is aligned with the concept of Mitzvah Day. BJE’s Parent Engagement Manager & Teacher Mentor, Hazel Freed organised the Mitzvah Day item collection for Ella’s Toy Box and stated; “I am so proud to see that the values we teach our BJE students are being put into practice. General perception is that we teach our students about Jewish tradition; but we impart so much more than that - we aim to instill the importance of Jewish values such as kindness and Tzedakah, which was evident in these Mitzvah Day events.”

beauty and ancient monuments, as well as the innovations, cuisine and culture of the modern Jewish state. All this, while gaining unique access to key decision makers, inspiring JNF projects and pioneering communities all over the country.

Continue your Zionist and environmental education JNF runs a number of education and outreach programs in schools, shules, youth movements and for young adults, covering

Israel’s history, environment, achievements, challenges and modern day innovations.

Through these and other programs, JNF will continue to enable the ongoing and vital partnership between our communities in Australia and Israel.

For more information on how you can connect to Israel through JNF, please call 1300 563 563 or visit www.jnf.org.au

Remembering Jeremy Spinak JCA Last week our community lost one of its most talented and inspiring leaders with the passing of Jeremy Spinak, past President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, at the young age of 36. Jeremy was a remarkable person who helped create a more tolerant and inclusive society, both within and outside the Jewish community.

It is rare in any walk of life to find a leader so young and with so much insight and impact. To lose him at age 36 amplifies the loss. Jeremy was a passionate and effective advocate for the Jewish community and for the human rights of all minorities. He combined his charm, wit and brilliance to build bridges and to bring disparate peoples together. His death is not only a deep loss to our local Jewish community, but also to Australia. We can only wonder what Jeremy would have achieved with more time.

Jeremy cared deeply about the future of our Jewish community and was instrumental in guiding and strengthening it through his Presidency of the NSW Board of Deputies, as a member of JCA’s Executive Committee and as an active and highly valued Trustee Governor of JCA. In all these roles he brought a clarity of thought

and wisdom that, again, belied his youth.

Our thoughts, at this time, are with Jeremy’s young family – his wife Rhiannon and their 13-month-old twins, Michael and Grace.

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Stephen Chipkin, President, JCA The Jeremy Spinak Family Fund, which will be administered

by JewishCare in NSW, has been created to assist Jeremy Spinak’s wife Rhiannon and their 13-month-old twins, Grace and Michael. For more information visit bit.ly/spinakfund.

Chabad Thailand CHABAD THAILAND Almost 25 years ago, a young Australian Rabbi, Yosef Chaim Kantor, and his American Wife, Nechama together with their two month old daughter Mushka, moved to Bangkok, Thailand. Their mission was simple. Sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, they had instructions to provide for the Jewish community of Thailand and surrounding countries. They moved into the Thai Jewish Community Centre, Beth Elisheva, in Sukhamvit and began their operations.

Thailand at the time was an up and coming regional centre of commerce and business, but it was still very different from the first world lifestyle that the young Rabbi Kantor, his wife and new baby had left in New York.

The community in Thailand was made up of a small but cohesive number of families who were looking for a permanent Rabbi and spiritual leader. There was no readily accessible kosher food, shules, and kosher meat was a rarity!

No one imagined, that just 25 years later, Chabad in Thailand would have grown into an enormous and well-oiled operation!

Over 100,000 Israeli tourists pass through the border of Thailand each year, where they are welcomed by Chabad in Thailand with open arms. Tourists, backpackers and members of the Jewish community in Thailand can eat at one of the five Kosher restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, Ko-Samui and Chiang Mai. Chabad in Thailand employs almost 100 Thai employees across their Shules, restaurants, bakeries, Kosher

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store and orgnisations. Many of these backpackers are former soldiers, some who have fought in Israel’s recent wars and are looking for a place to unwind, heal their minds bodies, they find chatting with the local rabbi or being hosted for a Shabbat meal with hundreds of other Jews from around the world puts them in a relaxing mindset.

Chabad in Thailand certainly has what to

offer for those who are seeking an uplifting Shabbat meal and Jewish experience!

There are 11 permanent Rabbis and Rebbitzents or Chabad Shluchim (emissaries) that they are fondly known by, living with their families in Thailand, Laos and Mynamar providing a permanent and welcoming home away from home to those who seek their services.

Chabad in Thailand has been recognized by the royal house of the Kingdom of Thailand for their humanitarian services during natural disasters, pastoral care and support of Thai local communities.

Rabbi Kantor, the head Chabad emissary and Chief Rabbi of the region, notes that when he first arrived in Thailand almost a quarter of a century ago, his wife Nechama would prepare a few big challahs, a pot of yellow rice, some cans of tuna and salads and they would head off into central Bangkok, hoping that they would be joined by a few backpackers and community members. Now there are over 2000 people that sit down for a Shabbat meal with Chabad every week!

Chabad has become not just a place for tourists to sit, relax, eat and pray, but also a place to revitalize themselves spiritually and touch base with their faith. Anyone who passes through the doors of Chabad in Thailand notes the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

These days, tourists, backpackers and visitors alike are welcome to join Chabad at any of their weekly Shabbat meals, shiurim, minyanim, and restaurants or just to pop into relax, unwind, meet other travelling Jews and enjoy the lounge have a coffee and use the free Wi-Fi. If you are travelling through Thailand, please feel free to check out Chabad in Thailand’s website at jewishthailand.com, Facebook page, or contact Rabbi Kantor via email at rabbi@jewishthailand.com for any of your needs.

Planning a Thailand Holiday?

Sawadee! Chabad of Thailand welcomes you to enjoy the wide range of services we offer for travelers. Sensational Kosher restaurants, door to door delivery, Shabbat dinners and more.

For more info visit: www.jewishthailand.com

Bangkok | Phuket | Chiang Mai | Koh-Samui | Laos

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Gandel Young Leader Collects for A Cause STAND UP JACQUI DUBS Ruby Borer, the recipient of the 2018 Gandel Young Leader Award (NSW), has a strong belief in equal access to education. This was the motivation behind her project to collect study essentials for the benefit of school students in need, as part of her Bat Mitzvah year. After completing the Stand Up ABC social justice program, Ruby was inspired to ask her fellow Bellevue Hill Public School students to donate educational stationery goods. She then dedicated her holiday break to packaging them up ready for distribution via the Aboriginal Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF).

“Stand Up ABC taught me that becoming Bat Mitzvah isn’t only about becoming an adult, but is also about finding out what our responsibilities are in the real world and how we can create positive change”, explains Ruby. “I chose the ALNF because it tied in with what we studied as part of Stand Up ABC - illiteracy and Aboriginal rights. I think what the ALNF are doing is very important, as I believe everybody should have the chance to go to school and get educated”.

The Gandel Young Leader Award is presented annually to outstanding young changemakers and future leaders who have completed the Stand Up ABC program in Melbourne and Sydney. “Each year we continue to see the positive impact that the Stand Up ABC B’nei Mitzvah Program is having on these young participants” says Grant Manager for Gandel Philanthropy’s

Jewish and Israel programs, Nicole Brittain.

“The engagement they develop and the personal growth they experience is quite amazing. Through the program these young students witness what is happening outside their own world. The program also allows them to learn and explore social justice, understand the importance of having a strong moral compass and importantly make a difference through their own ‘Social Justice Action Project’. On behalf of Gandel Philanthropy, I would like to congratulate Ruby for her outstanding contribution to making the world we live in, a better and safer place”.

Through the generous support of Gandel Philanthropy over the past five years, the Stand Up ABC program has continued to grow in both Victoria and NSW, attracting hundreds of boys and girls from Jewish and non-Jewish schools. “It is wonderful to watch Jewish youth find their own voice on important social issues during the program, and develop confidence in their own abilities to activate change”, explains Stand Up CEO, Gary Samowitz. “Ruby has shown great skill in planning her action project in support of greater equity in education, as well as the perseverance and dedication to complete it so successfully. Well done!”

Registrations for Stand Up ABC 2019 are now open. Visit www.standup.org.au/abc Email:education@standup.org.au Tel: (03) 9500 2206 (Sydney & Melbourne enquiries)

Women leading Women by Women for Women WIZO NSW PRESIDENT DIANE SYMONDS Women living on the fringes of Israeli society are often brought up with traditional notions of gender inequality. These women are not even aware that they can, and should, be treated equally. Without intervention, they will not receive the education and support that they need to succeed academically and professionally. They will remain undereducated, unemployable, and poor.

WIZO’s work in elevating the status of women embraces women from every segment of Israeli society regardless of religion or culture. Women comprise 68% of those living under the poverty line in Israel.

Since many of these women are unemployed, integrating them into the workforce is an urgent need. WIZO’s employment programs give women the opportunity to break free from the chains of poverty by gaining the technical skills and qualifications required in today’s workplace.

WIZO’s comprehensive inventory of women empowerment programs have an outreach across the entire country, breaking down the barriers of religious and cultural differences and focusing squarely on the commonalities of issues important to the status of women.

Education is the most powerful agent for social change. WIZO has many and diverse empowerment programs for unemployed women. For example, the UP Program, operating throughout the country, is an excellent example of a partnership venture promoted by cooperation between the business sector (Microsoft), the government (Employment Services), and the Social

Sector (WIZO). These three entities come together to promote the use of technological training to create social and economic opportunities that change lives, transform communities, and strengthen local economies.

Another example of WIZO’s work in empowering women is in leadership training.

In Israel, there is a shortage of women in leadership positions. This means that women are not full partners in important public discourse. WIZO believes that it is possible to advance women to senior levels and positions of influence and leadership in every sphere of life and that supporting women’s initiatives is the best way to achieve these goals.

A New Social Order – A Leadership Program for ultra-orthodox (Haredi) women

created in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, forges a new team of women executives and leaders who will advance Israeli civil society. Professional women aged 28-60 from across Israeli society come together to conceptualize and create social initiatives answering Israel’s pressing needs.

WIZO Incubator for Social Enterprise takes the concepts created in A New Social Order and actualizes them with concrete tools, skills, ongoing training and mentoring.

The benefits of these initiatives have resulted in a network of crucial support for ultra-orthodox women going through the divorce process. It has also been pivotal in its support and guidance for women running in local elections.

An important initiative of WIZO, in collaboration with Nivcharot (Elected) is

“Haredi Women for Equal Representation”.

This is a first of its kind collaboration between feminist women organizations that work to build change from the ground up, striving to promote Ultra-Orthodox women into positions of power, decision making and influence. The program is designed for women in the Ultra-Orthodox society, focusing on expanding Ultra-Orthodox women’s participation in community life by integrating them into the realm of social activism, and the political arena where impactful decisions are made in practice.

The WIZO ethos of women’s empowerment is demonstrated in a myriad of ways, and embraces ALL sectors of Israeli society, with emphasis on the weaker sectors. It is indeed clear that WIZO leads women, by women.

December 2018

UIA NSW 2019 Campaign Launch

UNITED ISRAEL APPEAL

UIA NSW is excited to announce an outstanding line up of speakers for its 2019 Campaign, including The Rt Hon David Cameron - Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Honourable Julie Bishop MP - Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ziv Shilon - Former IDF Captain.

General Division events will be headlined by David Cameron - Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2010-2016). Regarded a true Zionist and friend of Israel, Cameron was seen as the most proactive British Prime Minister in his support for Israel. His unwavering commitment translated into policy change, developing a foreign policy addressing the new challenges of the Arab Spring. This ensured Britain’s strong stance on globally combatting ISIS. Cameron’s support for Israel was also demonstrated through his strong view on the BDS campaign and Israel’s right to defend herself.

He believed in modern compassionate conservatism, and his leadership was underpinned by social justice and social action, increasing the rights of ethnic minorities and women. Rising to power at a time of economic crisis, Cameron significantly transformed the British economy.

Deficit and unemployment rates reduced, with Britain becoming the fastest growing major advanced economy in the world.

UIA NSW’s Women’s Division event will be headlined by Julie Bishop - Former Minister of Foreign Affairs. A staunch and enduring supporter of Israel, Bishop was Australia’s first female Minister for Foreign Affairs serving from 2013 to 2018. She has been at the forefront of Australia’s determination to quash resolutions in international forums that condemn Israel; ensuring only ‘balanced’ UN resolutions receive its support. In her role, Bishop has overseen the single largest expansion of Australia’s overseas diplomatic presence in 40 years.

Young Leadership Division’s event will be headlined by Ziv Shilon, who was severely wounded

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during his last operational mission in the Gaza Strip in 2012. Undergoing over 14 surgeries and intensive rehabilitation, the story of his injury and recovery is a heroic and remarkable tale of the strength of one’s spirit and the ability to overcome challenges.

Due to his immense motivation and willpower, he succeeded to rise above physical hurdles including those he thought were impossible. Shilon completed the Berlin Marathon and is now training for the Iron Man competition.

Our 2019 Campaign will once again focus on support for the most vulnerable people on the periphery in Israel.

The Campaign events will be a unique opportunity for the Jewish Community to come together and make a contribution in what should be Sydney’s largest gatherings celebrating the People of Israel in 2019.

The 2019 Campaign line up was announced at the UIA NSW AGM and Campaign Launch on 19 November, where Ohad Hemo - Correspondent for Palestinian Affairs for Channel 2 News in Israel was guest speaker.

UIA NSW CEO Yair Miller said: “As we reflect on the conclusion of a record breaking year for the UIA that further cements our unwavering partnership with the people of Israel, it is timely to have an incredible line of speakers for next year.

We are always endeavouring to bring relevant, powerful and inspiring speakers who can inform and entertain our donors, as we continue to empower and enable our beneficiaries. Our events will remind us of the truly amazing scope and scale of the global UIA family, and deepen understanding of our outstanding programs across Israel.”

Events will sell out and seating is limited. To book for the General Division, Young Leadership and Women’s Division events, or for more information contact 9361 4273, info@uiansw.org.au or visit www.uiaaustralia.org.au/our-events/nsw SAVE THE DATES: GENERAL DIVISION EVENT Sunday 24 February 2019 YOUNG LEADERSHIP DIVISION EVENT Thursday 7 March 2019 WOMEN’S DIVISION EVENT Sunday 24 March 2019

Museum as Memorial Recently, descendants of Janusz Korczak, the director of a Jewish orphanage in the Warsaw Ghetto, dedicated a plaque in the Sydney Jewish Museum’s Sanctum of Remembrance in his memory.

Janusz Korczak was a Jewish educator, children’s author and paediatrician who devoted his life to the welfare of orphaned children. In August 1942, Korczak was rounded up with his staff and 200 children from the ghetto and deported to the Treblinka death camp. Korczak declined offers to spare his own life, and stayed with the orphans until the end.

Remembering the altruism and

dedication of Korczak to the welfare of children in the Museum is a reminder of his life’s efforts and a way to memorialise the value placed on children’s lives.

Whilst the Museum is a living museum full of testimony from those who witnessed and survived the Holocaust, it also acts as a memorial space for those who were killed and a gathering place to learn and remember their history.

For more information on how to arrange a plaque in memory of a loved one or a victim of the Holocaust, please contact Rita Prager at rprager@ sjm.com.au or call 9360 7999.

Descendants of Janusz Korczak dedicating a plaque in his honour

2019

FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM (2010-2016)

FORMER IDF CAPTAIN

FORMER MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

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75 Years of the Southern Sydney Synagogue SOUTHERN SYDNEY SYNAGOGUE A Suburban Congregation In Sydney’s South Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary Attended by a large crowd, Southern Sydney Synagogue celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Sunday 18th November with a High Tea at the Shule on Railway Parade, Allawah.

The occasion brought together old and new members who engaged in animated conversations in the Shule’s reception area.

President Dr. George Foster commented that “the day marks an important milestone in the history of the community and demonstrates the viability of a Jewish community in the south.”

“We have always been one of the smaller Shules in Sydney,” Dr. foster said, “but we have always had the ability to punch above our weight.”

“Registration for attending the tea had been brisk and in a letter to the congregation the board had to urge members and guests to book early as spaces were limited. The letter emphasised that because of the popularity of the event, registration was on a “first come, first served” basis,” Dr. Foster said.

“It was a very enjoyable function with comedian Peter Meisel, who some years ago also attended the shule, being the headline act,” Dr. Foster said.

Uptake for the event had indicated that a large representation of current and former members would attend,” Dr. Foster said.

“We were not disappointed.”

Our spirit and enthusiasm was well highlighted with the ‘’Back to Illawarra’’ celebrations for our diamond jubilee,” Dr.

Foster recalled. “And now fifteen years on we have participated in an even larger and more enthusiastic celebration.

In 1931, an organisation (the Illawarra Jewish Association) was formed to bring together the comparatively large number of Jews living in the St. George area. The name “Illawarra” was chosen because the railway line running through the district is the Illawarra Line. Not many had cars in those days and the railway was an important mode of transport. The Association was in existence for some 4 to 5 years and during this time, many social activities, communal Seders and Succah parties were held. Mr Jack Shaw, an Association member was “mine host’ at the Allawah Hotel and many meetings and functions were held in the rooms of the Hotel.

On the initiative of Mr Nathan Haneman, a meeting was held on 4th April, 1943 – 28th Adar Sheni 5703 - at the Masonic Hall in Kogarah. The meeting agreed to form the Illawarra Hebrew Congregation, the forerunner of today’s Southern Sydney Synagogue.

Rabbi’s and Ministers who have served the Shule include In 1967 Reverend Gerald Blaivas. Reverend Stewart Meyers who was appointed in November 1987 and served as Spiritual Leader until his return to England early in 1991. Rabbi Yosi Feldman who served the Shule for many years, and currently Minister Tzuri Avila.

“The Shule’s catchment area, which includes St. George, the Sutherland Shire and the Bayside Suburbs, has always provided a viable option for Jewish families who want to take advantage of the benefits of living in southern Sydney,” Dr. Foster said.

Happy Chanukah From

THE HON BILL SHORTEN MP LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG CHANUKAH It gives me great pleasure to send my well wishes to the Australian Jewish community for the celebration of Chanukah.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the cleansing and re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean war some twenty-two centuries ago.

Chanukah is an uplifting story of hope and liberation, and a time to celebrate with friends and family, give thanks for our blessings and reach out to those less fortunate.

On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, I pay my deep respects to the Australian Jewish community during Chanukah. I honour your devotion and faith, which finds expression in important religious festivities like this as well as in the day to day Jewish traditions.

Labor rejoices in our nation’s cultural diversity and we recognise that our collective strength lies in the peaceful rituals of our myriad cultures, faiths and traditions that have come to represent one story – our modern Australian story.

As the candles on the Menorah burn after the sun sets, may you all enjoy a Happy Chanukah filled with peace, love and joy.

Chanukah Sameach.

Bill Shorten Leader of the Opposition

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Targeting 2019 Year 10 Students YOUTH 2 ISRAEL (Y2I) There are now 253 Year 10 students in Israel, who have all been given a $5,000 voucher by Youth 2 Israel (Y2i) to help cover the costs of their five-week or longer program. This means now more than onethousand students with at least one Jewish parent, have received this gift. Meanwhile, recruitment for the 2019 Year 10 group is now well underway.

Jeremy Dunkel is the Board Chair of Y2i, and he says, “The success of Y2i is not measured just by the number of vouchers we have given, but by the impact these programs have on the individual and ultimately the local Jewish community.

We have just released our Annual Report where we feature some former participants talking about the positive long-term impact a program has had on them.”

He adds, “There is no doubt there has been a momentum shift in the last couple of years, especially for students not at a Jewish school, with more students from further afield coming along to information nights and choosing to join a program. Schools, where there might be only one or two students who have a Jewish parent, are hearing about the opportunity and becoming involved in learning about their heritage and Israel.”

Rachel Swartz is Y2i’s Manager, and she says, “What many people may not also realise is, Y2i does not simply just give away the voucher. We require all programs to have a focus before and after the program on education and community involvement.”

Photo by Joshua Dinkin (BJE 2017) titled “The highlight of the trip - Arava”, and the winning shot of The Photography Project for 2017

One program graduate is Raelle Frankel, who has just taken up a part-time role with Y2i and is joining the current group in Israel. Raelle is among the many students who did not attend a Jewish Day School, who participated in the BJE Year 10 Israel program.

Another essential element for Y2i is the Community Day they arrange while the students are in Israel, with the support of UIA and JNF. Rachel says, “Students from across the all the Year 10 Israel programs join together for a shared day experience.

Friendships form as those from Jewish Day

Schools, and those from other Public and Private schools mix for various fun social activities.”

One of the other popular Y2i initiatives is The Photography Project. Students are encouraged to capture their experiences in Israel.

Along with the photo submission students need to identify the image and write up to 100 words about the moment they have captured. There are three prizes awarded of substantial vouchers towards another Israel program after they finish school.

Y2i is encouraging next year’s group of

Year 10 students to register now for the voucher especially if they don’t attend a Jewish school. Rachel says, “We know people plan other holidays 12 months in advance, so we want everyone to think about an Israel program for their child first.

There is no commitment involved; it just ensures we get information to families about upcoming information nights and program options. If either parent is Jewish you will receive a voucher.”

You can register via the website www.youth2israel.org.au/register

An exceptional education today

gives our children the EDGE they need for tomorrow.

Our High Potential Learner Classes have been extended to Year 7 2019 • Greater attention and syllabus extension • Single subject opportunities in Maths and English • Highly trained teachers H appiness I nclusion V alues E dge

GIVE HISTORY A VOICE Your gift or bequest will help ensure the Museum can keep the stories of the Holocaust alive.

For more info, contact enrolments@staff.masada.nsw.edu.au or call 9449 3744

For a confidential discussion, please contact Rita Prager on 9360 7999 or email rprager@sjm.com.au hiveofpotential.com.au

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December 2018

Shaare Zedek: The Future is Here AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF SHAARE ZEDEK INC MIRIAM PACANOWSKI Last month’s Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference featured 2 key speakers who outlined some of the innovative medical breakthroughs emerging from Shaare Zedek Medical Centre.

Professor Halevy, Director General of Shaare Zedek Medical Centre was the first speaker at the prestigious event.

“Running a hospital in 2018 is very different to running a hospital in 1902,” he said.

“This conference is about innovation, and hospitals can contribute to innovation in the medical and scientific world.”

There are 4 key responsibilities that a major hospital has, according to Professor Halevy. Hospitals cure diseases and save lives; eliminate physical and emotional suffering; train the next generation of medical and paramedical personnel; and contribute to medical research.

He noted that when it comes to the fourth responsibility – medical research – Shaare Zedek is at the forefront.

“Most modern medical achievements are accomplished through cooperation between universities, the pharmacological industry and hospitals,” he said.

Shaare Zedek established a Medical Research Centre ten years ago. This centre cooperates with hospitals around the world to hold clinical trials and develop new medications and treatments to help cure the sick.

Prof Jonathan Halevy, Director General of Shaare Zedek Medical Centre Jerusalem at the Diplomatic Conference. Shaare Zedek is at the forefront of medical research and innovation. Photo Credit: BJLife/Sharon Altshul “Shaare Zedek plays a central role in innovative medicine in the State of Israel,” Halevy added.

“Israel\’s breakthroughs in the world of cardiology are revolutionary,” said Professor Michael Glikson, Director of Shaare Zedek’s Integrated Heart Centre who also addressed the conference.

In his speech, entitled, “The Future is here: Innovations and Breakthroughs in Cardiology,” Professor Glikson said that

Israel’s innovations in the world of cardiology is revolutionary.

Per capita, Israel is the world leader in medical patents and a significant number of these are in the field of cardiovascular disease.

Often, said Prof Glikson, the successful discoveries that are conceived in Israel are then marketed by American and other companies around the world.

He outlined major innovations being

implemented at Shaare Zedek hospital that were born from Israeli innovation.

The transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure for severe narrowing of the aortic valve which spares a patient from undergoing painful surgery and, using a catheter, brings a new valve into its place in the heart to restore normal flow.

Similarly, the mitral valve can be repaired by a clip using the principle of a stapler that staples the two leaflets of the valve together Prof.

Glikson demonstrated how pacemakers have continued to decrease in size, so much so, that it\’s possible to implant capsule – like pacemaker (leadless pacemaker) without a pacemaker box and leads, using the groin as an entry site without leaving any surgical scar.

Another tiny chip-like device for monitoring heart rhythm (implantable loop recorder) is injected under the skin and performs like an EKG machine that can remain in the patient’s body for up to three years.

Wearable monitoring vests, 3D Mapping algorithms, new stents for coronary and other vessel occlusions, and devices to protect the brain from blood clots that embolize from the heart are all new technologies used regularly in cardiology daily practice.

The Australian Jewish community is benefitting from medical innovations at Shaare Zedek with a Gene Screening program currently being offered to the local community. For more information about this program visit jenescreen.com.au Shaarezedek.org.au Facebook.com/shaarezedek

PRIME MINISTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER CHANUKAH 2018 Chanukah is a significant and festive time for Jewish families everywhere, a moment to commemorate the miracle of the oil.

For 2,000 years the Jewish people have reminded themselves of this story of faith and freedom through the best of times and the very worst.

In the good times, it has reminded the Jewish people of their blessings and in the bad times, it sustained them.

By retelling the Chanukah story, Jewish Australians remind themselves that our commitment to freedom must be continually tended and renewed.

At home and abroad, Australia and Australians have always been a proud friend of the Jewish people.

As a free democratic people, we live in a land of peace and acceptance – a place where you are free to be whoever you want to be.

In our country, Jewish Australians have contributed mightily to our land and have lived out the call of Jeremiah to “pray for the people of the city for if it prospers so shall you prosper”.

As Australia’s Jewish community gathers over the eight days of Chanukah, may each of you be strengthened and refreshed by your faith – and give thanks for the freedom of our shared home.

Chanukah Sameach!

The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia December 2018

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December 2018

Cancer Research Spotlight: Pancreatic Cancer CURE CANCER

Cure Cancer and Can Too grant recipient Dr George Sharbeen shares fascinating information on his work in the field of pancreatic cancer, and urges further support for research into the deadly disease.

I was always interested in a career in biomedical research, but my focus on a career in cancer research really began after my PhD. Up until then, my work was largely about understanding basic biological processes. As a scientist it was rewarding, but I was eager to do something that had a more direct impact on health in the country.

My drive for a career in cancer research was solidified after seeing my uncle succumb to leukaemia and the hopelessness the family felt when there were no treatment options left.

Why Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer was a stand-out for me because of the lack of treatments and the lack of progress in patient survival. It ranks 10th out of the 10 most common cancers in the country but is the deadliest of this list, with less than 9% of patients surviving to 5 years post-diagnosis. Based on these dismal statistics, I felt that this was a cancer where my research could make the greatest impact for patients, so I embarked on a postdoctoral research project with A/Prof Phoebe Phillips at UNSW Sydney after completing my PhD.

Dr George Sharbeen I’ve since gained expertise in pancreatic cancer research, including a deep understanding of the pathology of the disease, hurdles to effective treatment, and mouse models that mimic clinical features of pancreatic cancer. We’re currently developing a potential novel therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer, using nanomedicine to inhibit a DNA repair protein that is important for pancreatic cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapeutics.

I’m passionate about the work that I do, but there are aspects of my job that can be frustrating. It can be really difficult to acquire competitive research funding to test our novel ideas, particularly for earlycareer researchers who have a limited track

Moriah College

Academic Scholarship 2020

This is an outstanding opportunity for students entering Year 7, 2020, to benefit from Moriah’s exceptional academic program, alongside which each child’s wellbeing and development is woven into a vibrant, Modern-Orthodox, Jewish Life and Learning framework.

Scholarships cover 50% of tuition fees for the duration of Years 7–12.

The Scholarship award is based on

the results of an examination held on Sunday, 17 February 2019.

Registration is required in order to sit for the examination. For more information and to register visit www.moriah.nsw.edu.au or contact Jane Quinn, (02) 9375 1701 jquinn@moriah.nsw.edu.au Applications close, Tuesday, 12 Febuary 2019.

record of success. It also takes a long time to see therapies taken from the bench to the bedside. As a cancer researcher, my ultimate goal is to have an impact on patient survival and quality of life, but the reality is that it can take over a decade to get through clinical trials. Nevertheless, the small successes along the way keep me going.

Meeting cancer survivors and fundraisers is particularly inspirational, and a big driver of my work.

What Does the Future Look Like?

The last 5 years has been a very exciting time for pancreatic cancer research in Australia. We have had the first pancreatic cancer genomes sequenced as part of the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome

Initiative, opening avenues for personalised therapy, and we have seen the development of novel imaging platforms that have allowed us to see disease processes and the activity of chemotherapeutics in realtime. We also have made substantial gains in our understanding of how the tumour microenvironment contributes to pancreatic cancer progression, leading to current clinical trials that are harnessing the immune system and remodelling the tumour microenvironment to improve treatments for the disease.

Nevertheless, pancreatic cancer patient survival has seen little improvement for the last four decades and is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. What’s worse is that our current best treatments only extend survival by 2-4 months. Conventional therapies are clearly not working, so research into novel therapies is critical if we are to substantially improve pancreatic cancer patient outcomes. Despite this urgent need, the poor survivorship has meant we have had less public awareness and advocacy for this disease when compared to ‘higher profile’ cancers. As a consequence, pancreatic cancer research has received much less funding than many of the other top 10 cancers.

Supporting pancreatic cancer research is essential to prevent it from becoming the cancer of our generation.

To support the work of researchers like George, head to curecancer.com.au/donate

Moriah College

Music Scholarship 2020

The world class Music Program at Moriah College provides students with every opportunity to develop the skills essential for building a foundation for learning and lifelong success.

Music Scholarships are now available for selected applicants entering Year 7, 8 and 9 in 2020, who demonstrate instrumental excellence.

Music Scholarships will cover 50% of tuition fees as well as 50% of Music Camp Fees for the duration of High School.

Queens Park Road, Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia Tel: (02) 9375 1600 | Fax: (02) 9387 3490 Email: info@moriah.nsw.edu.au | www.moriah.nsw.edu.au

For additional information and to register your interest visit www.moriah.nsw.edu.au or contact Amanda Cardiff (02) 9375 1600 acardiff@moriah.nsw.edu.au Applications close, Tuesday, 19 February 2019.

Auditions for invited applicants will take place the week commencing Monday, 11 March 2019.

10

community

December 2018

Celebrating the Gifts of Volunteering COA If just one person can change the world, imagine the impact over 150 dedicated individuals make when they join together.

COA Sydney’s volunteers do exactly that – come together to make a meaningful impact on their community, their friends and themselves.

There are so many real benefits to volunteering, affecting all aspects of volunteers lives; be they social, emotional, physical or educational. While this is true for all volunteers, it is especially true of retirees, who have worked hard all their lives and now have time to fill.

Volunteering lets people extend their social network by connecting with the members and clients they serve, as well as with other volunteers. They become an integral part of the organisation they represent and the

community they serve, using skills they have perfected in their working lives, volunteers also learn new skills, expanding their abilities and contributing to their lifelong learning.

Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent amongst retirees, but volunteering can turn all this around. A recent Harvard study showed that the social benefits of volunteering show up very early and have long term effects. Volunteering provides regular social interactions that improve mental and physical health as well as lowering the risk for depression and anxiety.

Being autonomous or working with a small volunteer team offers opportunities for leadership, increased sense of purpose, and improved self-esteem.

Finding new friends after a certain age can be very difficult. Regular volunteering allows time spent with peers of similar passions to blossom into friendships which exist outside

Help the Museum write musical history SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM Music has always been central to Jewish tradition and culture. In fact, the history of modern mass music is intertwined with Jewish history and the Jewish experience in the modern world.

Since the invention of the gramophone and the record by Jewish inventor Emil Berliner, vinyl and shellac records became the sound carriers of global experiences of the 20th century.

The Jewish experience, too, found its expression on vinyl; from synagogue music and Yiddish theatre to Jewish folk music and Jewish punk artists who gained rebel status.

In Australia, Jews have left their mark on the recording industry.

Migrants from Europe invigorated attendances at musical performances.

However, refugee musicians struggled against discriminatory measures in the industry for years. Despite this, Jewish musician have made significant contributions to Australia’s musical life.

To celebrate the history of music in Jewish life – and Jewish life in music – the Sydney Jewish Museum is presenting the exhibition ‘Jukebox Jewkbox!’ Launching in 2019, the

Jewish Pot Pourrie, donated by Tinny Lenthen exhibition will present this history, from the first gramophones and vinyl records through the last century.

To complete this exhibition, the Museum’s curators are calling out for loans of vinyl records that highlight the contribution of musicians across all genres, as well as historic gramophones and, most importantly – a jukebox!

If you have an item that would be relevant to this exhibition we would love to hear from you. Please email sbiederman@sjm.com.au or call 9360 7999.

the volunteer role and the organisation worked for. Volunteering affords space for deeper connections as you work together with others of disparate backgrounds towards a common goal. It also increases happiness at a physical level, as the act of giving is hardwired to give us a burst of oxytocin – the “love” hormone –making us truly feel good.

The overall health benefits of volunteering are amazing! It may seem logical that it reduces loneliness and isolation, but studies from 2015 and 2018 have shown that regular volunteering promotes healthy longevity, improves brain elasticity, and may in fact reduce the risk of heart disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Becoming part of a volunteer management committee or board improves mental agility as this kind of volunteering requires critical thinking and provides both benevolent

purpose and excellent opportunities for collaboration.

Our volunteers can tell you firsthand how wonderful it feels to “do good” in the community. Each year in November COA thanks them for their contributions and the huge quantity of man hours they give with such grace and joy – we simply could not do all that we do without them.

So we take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to those volunteers who have supported us in 2018. We invite anyone students looking for community opportunities to contact us on 9389 0035 and feel the love and friendship that is all part of volunteering here at COA Sydney! If you would like to see pictures of our volunteers at the Thank You Party there is an album published on the COA Sydney Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you and having you join our family!

11

community

December 2018

Senator Kristina Keneally launches inaugural Ethical Leadership Day SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM On Monday 19 November, the Sydney Jewish Museum held its inaugural Inspiring Ethical Leadership Day for senior high school leaders. This full day program welcomed over 150 school captains, prefects and sports captains from around New South Wales, for a day filled with lectures, debates and workshops on being a positive and ethical leader.

Senator Kristina Keneally launched the event with an inspiring speech that encouraged the students to consider how they can use their talents to help others less fortunate or those poorly represented to live a good life.

Her focus was on ensuring that our young leaders work towards making the world a better place.

Senator Keneally defined the mark of a good leader: “To make the world more than just those things that you share on social media, and to make the world something that is truly better than how you found it.”

Students continued to gain valuable skills to apply to their leadership positions in lightning talks and interactive workshops with Dr Caroline Ford (researcher at the School of Women’s and Children’s Health at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre), Adam Kellerman (Top Australian Paralympian in wheelchair tennis), and Ali Kitinas (17 year old CEO, social entrepreneur and bestselling author).

Reflecting on the session, one student commented: “I learnt so many different

ways to be a leader, the mindset to make a difference and to always have the instinct to inspire.”

The Museum looks forward to holding more of these impactful sessions for senior school leaders in its mission to drive young people to create a better future.

Following from the opening of the new ‘Holocaust and Human Rights’ exhibition, the Museum has assumed the role of educating students on their responsibility to reflect on the past, to lead with empathy and compassion, and to consider the rights of all.

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Photography by Katherine Griffiths

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Photo: Ofer Levy

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Students in Year 5, Year 7 or Year 9 in 2018 are eligible.

for all students with a Jewish parent to go to Israel in Year 10 Over 1000 students have participated in Y2i supported programs

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS : YEAR 7 AND YEAR 9 IN 2020 We also invite students with an aptitude for music to participate in the ACER testing prior to an interview, audition and music theory test at a later date.

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youth2israel.org.au/register Emanuel School is a member of the JCA Family of Organisations

12

chanukah

December 2018

What Really Happened on Chanukah?

The Maccabean revolt and the miracle of the oil.

BY LESLI KOPPELMAN ROSS - MJL In 168 BCE, the ruler of the Syrian kingdom, Antiochus Epiphanes IV, stepped up his campaign to quash Judaism, so that all subjects in his vast empire — which included the Land of Israel — would share the same culture and worship the same gods.

He marched into Jerusalem, vandalized the Temple, erected an idol on the altar, and desecrated its holiness with the blood of swine. Decreeing that studying the Torah, observing the Sabbath, and circumcising Jewish boys were punishable by death, he sent Syrian overseers and soldiers to villages throughout Judea to enforce the edicts and force Jews to engage in idol worship.

When the Syrian soldiers reached Modin (about 12 miles northwest of the capital), they demanded that the local leader, Mattathias the Kohein (a member of the priestly class), be an example to his people by sacrificing a pig on a portable pagan altar. The elder refused and killed not only the Jew who stepped forward to do the Syrian’s bidding, but also the king’s representative.

With the rallying cry “Whoever is for God, follow me!” Mattathias and his five sons (Jonathan, Simon, Judah, Eleazar,

and Yohanan) fled to the hills and caves of the wooded Judean wilderness.

Joined by a ragtag army of others like them, simple farmers dedicated to the laws of Moses, armed only with spears, bows and arrows, and rocks from the terrain, the Maccabees, as Mattathias’ sons, particularly Judah, came to be known, fought a guerrilla war against the welltrained, well-equipped, seemingly endless forces of the mercenary Syrian army.

In three years, the Maccabees cleared

the way back to the Temple Mount, which they reclaimed. They cleaned the Temple and dismantled the defiled altar and constructed a new one in its place.

Three years to the day after Antiochus’ mad rampage (Kislev 25, 165 BCE), the Maccabees held a dedication of the Temple with proper sacrifice, rekindling of the golden menorah, and eight days of celebration and praise to God. Jewish worship had been reestablished.

Perhaps the most famous part of the

story is what happened next: a tiny jar of oil kept the candles burning for the full eight days. However, this detail does not appear in any Jewish texts until 600 years later in the Talmud, mentioned in a larger discussion of why Chanukah observance is so important.

Reprinted with permission from Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holiday Handbook.

chanukah

December 2018

13

Why is Chanukah Eight Nights?

The reasons this holiday lasts so long.

RABBI PAUL STEINBERG When the Greeks entered the Temple they defiled all the oils and when the Hasmoneans prevailed and defeated them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil which lay with the seal of the Kohen Gadol. It contained only enough oil to light for one day, yet a miracle happened and they used it to light for eight days.

It’s Miraculous This aspect of the Hannukah story, learned from the Talmud, is commonly taught to Jewish children in Hebrew and Sunday schools across America; and it is surely the most remembered part of the holiday narrative, told and retold throughout the world. Perhaps this miracle-centered version occurs so often because Jews are more familiar with the Talmud than with the Apocrypha where the historical books of the Maccabees are found.

Or perhaps the frequency is inspired by the emphasis on the oil and the hanukkiah; they offer something tangible with which to express our deep connection to and appreciation for the valor of our ancestors. Most likely though, the recounting of the miracle is so dominant and popular because it focuses on the role of God in this story, as opposed to the Maccabees’ military accomplishments — a focus echoing a phrase from the biblical Book of Zechariah that is always chanted during Chanukah: “Not by might, nor by power, but

by My spirit…”

Whatever the reason, the talmudic legend remains the account of Chanukah that most Jews know. Within it, however, are layers of items to ponder and criticize, and questions to answer. For example, even people who seem to accept the legend and not question the miraculous nature will ask why we must celebrate for eight days; after all, if there was enough oil for one day, then the duration of the miracle was only seven days not eight!

The common response from the tradition is that the oil burned extraordinarily slowly, diminishing only a bit for each of the eight days, and therein lies the miracle.

Beyond any symbolic explanations for the number eight lie some more practical, concrete, or commemorative explanations.

One Rabbinic tradition says that the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) may have needed eight days to become purified, after being in contact with the dead on the battlefield.

Purification consisted of being sprinkled with clean water that had been mixed with the ashes of an unblemished, sacrificial red heifer.

The sprinkling would have occurred on days number three and seven, and only the next day could the Hasmoneans, now ritually cleansed, produce a new batch of purified oil. Another explanation, the one heard more often claims simply that it took eight days to obtain olives and crush them into oil.

A lesser-heard explanation for the commemorative number of eight and the lighting of candles on Chanukah is found in

Pesikta Rabbati, a collection of midrashim compiled in the ninth to 13th centuries. It says that when the Hasmoneans entered the Temple, they discovered eight iron rods. Into these, they carved grooves, filled the grooves with oil, and then kindled wicks in the oil.

According to this tradition, the eight days of Chanukah honor that specific moment when the Hasmoneans officially took control of the Temple.

It’s Historical The questions surrounding the eightday miracle of the oil are fascinating, and Rabbinic literature discusses them at length. When we look at the purely historical sources, however, such questions are not part of the discussion. Flavius Josephus, the most significant historian living in the ancient Near East, makes no mention of a miracle in his account of the Hasmoneans and the rededication of the Temple.

Nor is there any mention in the Apocrypha, which provides a basic narrative about Chanukah. The First Book of the Maccabees (c. 100 BCE), believed to have been written in Israel, simply refers to Chanukah as a holiday of thanksgiving and joy to be annually observed. The Second Book of the Maccabees (“second,” but slightly earlier, c.

124 BCE), written in Egypt, gives a plausible historical reason why Chanukah is celebrated for eight days, yet clearly lacks any reference to a miracle: The sanctuary was purified on the 25th of Kislev, the same day of the same month

as that on which foreigners had profaned it.

The joyful celebration lasted for eight days, like the Feast of Tabernacles [Sukkot] and then they recalled how, only a short time before they had kept that feast while living like wild animals in the mountains and caves.

So carrying garlanded wands and flowering branches, as well as palm fronds (i.e. the ritual symbols of Sukkot) they chanted hymns to the One who so triumphantly achieved the purification of his own temple.

This version explains that Chanukah was a belated celebration of the fall festival of Sukkot, because the Jews had not been able to celebrate that holiday during wartime. In the next verse of the same chapter, the text says that the celebration should be repeated every year to commemorate what happened in the Hasmonean era. Having eight days of Hannukah is as a parallel to the eight days of Sukkot (including Shemini Atzeret). This connection may also inform two related matters.

One is a passage in the First Book of the Maccabees that refers to Sukkot as the holiday of independence, thus mirroring itself back onto Chanukah. The other is the selection of the lulav(one of the four species used during Sukkot) as the symbol that was imprinted on Hasmonean coins of the period.

Reprinted with permission from Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays, published by Jewish Publication Society.

14

chanukah

December 2018

Chanukah:

A Spiritual Quest RABBI GUTNICK “Not by might, nor by valour – but with my spirit says the L-rd of Hosts”. This verse in the Haftorah for Shabbat Chanukah wholly encapsulates the miracle of this Festival of Lights. In military might we were vastly outnumbered, engaged in a futile act of resistance, yet we triumphed. It was not merely a victory of the spirit (symbolised by the Chanukah lights) but an energetic military feat. How can an extraordinarily powerful military success simply be attributed to a matter of ‘spirit’? Surely HaShem’s Might and Valour are both more powerful than the human counterpart?

Let’s explore: The legs of a human being are made up of muscle, sinews and bone

that can be practically measured in terms of their physical mass and density. This vastly outweighs the size of the brain matter that controls all movement within those legs. The parts of the brain that directs movement are guided by a person’s will and consciousness. Meanwhile, the neshama, or soul of a person, which cannot be seen or measured physiologically, controls and gives life to the brain and every other part of a person’s body – as well as allowing the ability to choose between good and evil, rather than behave in a primal, purely instinctive manner.

From this analogy it becomes clear that real strength is not dependent upon physical size or quantitative ability, rather quite the opposite. The brain has power over the

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body’s limbs, consciousness directs the brain, and the soul has the ability to enliven a person, control the brain and all aspects of behaviour.

From this we garner the meaning of the verse in the Haftorah. The limitless strength of HaShem is not because of conventional strength and valour normally measured by physical size and strength. Rather precisely because it is ‘my spirit’ it opens the proverbial door to limitless power. Therefore, the less constrained by the physical, the greater the true influence, command and clout.

This is the real message of Chanukah. In the world of the Ancient Greeks, and indeed in our present materialistic world, strength is measured quantitatively and materialistically.

How strong and fit you are? What weaponry

Why Every Home Needs Its Own Menorah

BY RABBI ADINA ALLEN , MJL The tradition of lighting Chanukah candles in every household teaches that all of us have the power to lighten our little corner of the world.

us on Facebook for your monthly reminder to collect

do you possess? What physical wealth you have amassed? The fact is, such perceived and often lauded strength and valour are illusory, nothing more than lifeless bone and muscle. To recognise true koach, we must not strive to attain corporeal strength alone, rather we must recognise of the essence and what drives the life-force of a person. Undoubtedly, it is the spirit that reflects greatness of the human mind and the resilience and invincibility of the human soul.

When the Maccabees of old made the critical decision to follow their souls, they tapped into superhuman strength and vanquished their enemies. If we are to take one lesson from Chanukah, it is this: True fortitude can be found in both the strength of the spirit and the strength of the soul.

Chanukah invites each of us to make our own light. We are not instructed to do this in one gigantic central menorah, but rather we are commanded ner ish u-beito — a candle for each household.

Following this teaching, Jewish tradition dictates that there is to be one menorah lit in each home. Our texts go further to teach that the mehadrin — the ones who go above and beyond to perform the mitzvah in the most splendid way — don’t just have one person in each household light the candles, but rather each person in each household kindles their own flames.

In times of darkness it is important to rely not only on one centralized source to light the way. When all the light is concentrated in one spot, that place will be exceedingly bright while all that surrounds it will be in darkness. Should something arise from within or without that threatens the ability of that light to shine, there is the possibility

that all will be left without illumination of any kind.

On Chanukah, it is our great duty and joy to each kindle our own lights. Ner ish u-beito is both a democratization and an activation of the light-giving capacity within each of us. Rather than one menorah burning brightly, we are instead instructed to create countless tiny lights sparkling everywhere — in every home, in every city, across the world.

Chanukah teaches that, especially in seasons of darkness, each and every one of us has the power to brighten our little corner of the world. The light that each of us is uniquely capable of kindling makes a difference and it is the combined light of our individual flames that illumines the darkness for all.

Chanukah is a time for each of us to connect to the light within and, one candle at a time, to bring that light out into the world. It is an opportunity for us to support others in kindling their unique flame and for learning to appreciate the ways different lights glow. And it is a time for noticing what is possible when millions of little sparks are all lit up at once across the world.

15

international

December 2018

Another round, not more extortion, is needed in Gaza HILLEL FRISCH – JNS.ORG Many want to avoid war and shower Gaza with economic aid before defeating Hamas.

This would be an act of political delusion, not acumen.

To urge a fourth round of warfare against Hamas is no easy matter, least of all at a moment when Israeli decision-makers were surprised to learn of an unanticipated fiscal gap of 3.6 percent between state revenue and expenditures. And wars are costly, not only in treasure but in lives.

However, questions about the timing of a fourth round with Hamas must not blind us to the need for it. Only another such round can possibly bring the group to the conclusion the Arab states reached after four rounds of war with the Jewish state in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973—that the pain to be suffered is so great and the chance of eliminating the Jewish state so slim as to render further violence pointless.

This realization on the part of the Arab states did not stem from a change of heart regarding Israel. In the most recent Pew poll, the most reliable survey of public opinion in the Middle East, the Egyptian public ranked as the most hostile public towards Israel in the Arab world.

Yet this hostility has not translated into Egyptian war-making against Israel since 1973. Memories of the pain and sacrifice caused by Egypt’s wars against Israel remain so powerful that in the elections held in 2012 after the ouster of the Mubarak regime, only one of the 21 lists called in

its campaign platform to prepare Egypt for hostilities against Israel. That party, “Tomorrow,” secured less than 1 percent of the popular vote, proving that pain trumps deeply felt ideological and religious hatred of Israel.

Hamas seems to be treading the same path the Arab states trod.

Contrary to the mantra among politicians and media people that “after every round, we return to the same point,” after every round of massive fighting, Hamas has reacted with the launching of fewer missiles over time.

The most telling was what occurred after the third round in 2014. Fifty missiles were launched during the ensuing three-and-ahalf-year lull compared to more than 2,000 missiles launched between the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and the first massive round of fighting in the winter of 2008-09, which was an even shorter interval.

What Israel achieved against Hamas is what Gen. Doron Almog and other military thinkers call “accumulated deterrence.”

Hamas was continuously more deterred even as it trained and became more lethal.

Hamas, which is ideologically committed to destroying the Jewish state, tested Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman’s mettle by launching, eight months ago, weekly “marches of return” and daily incendiary balloons. Hamas called his bluff, and the Netanyahu government did not go to war.

This paved the way for a careful strategy of extortion in which Hamas tries to inflict a minimum of violence for maximum dividends, staying just shy of the type of all-out war

We s hine bright est whe n w e s uppor t e ac h other

it assiduously tries to avoid. This strategy annuls “accumulated deterrence,” and the dividends Hamas reaps are used to continue the violence and improve the lethality of its troops. The $15 million in cash recently distributed to Hamas by the Qatari envoy, with Netanyahu’s permission, highlighted the effectiveness of this strategy.

This is a losing proposition that can only be changed by another massive round of fighting. The closer the intervals between wars with Israel, the greater the chance that Hamas will not only be deterred from warfare, but will experience the change of heart that affected the Arab states in the 1970s.

There is no good reason to delay the next inevitable round of fighting. Consider the arguments made against another massive round.

The focus on Iran was one of Netanyahu’s declared reasons for delaying another war with Hamas. This no longer makes sense, as the United States has taken major steps against Tehran. One can even argue that Israel’s weakness against Hamas goads Iran on rather than inhibits it.

There was hope that pressure from the Gazan public would force Hamas into a quid pro quo—that concessions granted to Hamas for the sake of peace would result in the group being tamed in the way the Palestinian Authority has been tamed, at least to a degree. Yet after every concession (the latest in the form of pure cash), Hamas responds not with peace, but with bolder and more violent efforts at the fence, including

crossing it for the purpose of intelligence gathering, and, above all, more missilelaunchings.

Rather than “accumulated deterrence,” which Israel achieved in the first three rounds, we are now in an extortion framework. We are seeing provocations increase, with Hamas and its allies launching more and more missiles over the past eight months. At the previous peak in May, a little more than a month after the “March of Return” campaign began, 200 missiles were launched over two days. Last week, 469 missiles were launched over the same period.

One of the greatest acts of political acumen in recent world history was to reward West Germany with the Marshall Plan, as opposed to the sort of punishment that was meted out to a far more benign Germany after World War I. But this was only a wise move after the total defeat of Nazi Germany.

There are many who want to avoid war and shower Gaza with economic aid before defeating Hamas. This would be an act of political delusion, not acumen.

Solomon, the wisest of men, said there is a time for war and a time for peace. Now, alas, is the time for war.

Professor Hillel Frisch is a professor of political studies and Middle East studies at Bar-Ilan University, and a senior research associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies.

BESA Center Perspectives Papers are published through the generosity of the Greg Rosshandler Family

Wishing our Community a bright and beautiful Chanukah.

This year consider giving the gift of your time.

Contact us now to Volunteer

9389 0035 Enriching the Lives of Jewish Seniors

Enriching the Lives of Jewish Seniors

The Hannah Meyer Project Shabbat & Festival Candle Lighting

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah from JCA and our family of 24 organisations that support our local Jewish community

www.jca.org.a u

Bringing a taste of Yiddishkeit to Jewish residents in Nondenominational Aged Care facilities across the Eastern Suburbs.

A COA initiative coordinating volunteers from COA and JNF, Kids Giving Back, Jewish House, B’nai B’rith and JEMS. For enquiries call 9389 0035 or email coa@coasydney.org or go online to www.coasydney.org for more information

16

international

December 2018

Jews don’t bend their knees JUSTIN AMLER Nobody says you have to agree with everything your school stands for, but don’t publicly disrespect the very ethos of the place When two Jewish students at Herzlia Middle School in Cape Town, South Africa, decided to “take a knee” during the singing of Hatikvah, the Israeli National anthem, at a prize-giving event, they probably felt a sense of pride in what they were doing.

They probably felt a sense of selfrighteousness too.

Maybe they saw themselves as heroes for social justice.

Unfortunately, that self-righteous, smug and arrogant attitude clouded what they really should have felt — which is a sense of shame.

They embarrassed their school. They embarrassed their community. They embarrassed the Jews of South Africa.

And quite frankly they embarrassed the entire Jewish people themselves.

That’s not to say that people can’t have

different views and dialogue is always an important avenue, but what they did went beyond a different view on the world.

Of course they will tell you, as I’ve heard myself, that their reasons for doing so was because they don’t support what the Israeli government is doing and they will tell you that Herzlia tacitly restricts the information they give students. And they will also tell you about the supposed ‘huge divide’ in the Jewish community about whether you are “pro-Palestine” or “pro-Israel.”

But what they won’t tell you is the deliberate, cynical and malicious way in which they expressed their views.

Because they decided on their final Grade 9 farewell night of their Jewish school, a school that values Zionism and a love for Judaism and for Israel, to humiliate those values by openly and publicly disrespecting the very ethos of what that school stands for.

And why would they even be at a Jewish school such as Herzlia if they’re against its very principles?

I know this, because I am also a Jew

from South Africa and I was also fortunate to be at that very same school many years ago, where passing through the gates under the Herzlia school insignia, with its blue Magen David proudly on display, would always give me a sense of pride.

While they spoke of “conversations” and “understanding the other,” Jewish kids their age and much younger were hiding in bomb shelters while the “other” launched 500 rockets against them — each one designed and intended to kill, to hurt and to destroy.

While they spoke of “huge divides” in the Jewish community, that community is currently under siege by a government that is openly hostile against the State of Israel. A government that has endorsed antisemitism through the BDS. A government that has fanned the flames of hatred to the point that if anyone openly supports a pro-Israel position, they will be subject to intimidation, both verbal and violent.

Jews in South Africa feel less secure today than they’ve ever felt before,

surrounded by a hostile government and an increasingly hostile environment.

In a time where anti-Semitism is rampant in the world right now, these boys did not work for their people, but against them.

They may not think it, but their actions will be used by the enemies of Israel and the Jewish people as a sign of a people who don’t believe in their own destiny. They will become the poster boys of Jews against the State of Israel.

They didn’t help their people that day.

They harmed them.

Now, they may continue to think they are Jewish heroes, but they are the very opposite of what Jewish heroes are.

Jewish heroes stand up for their people in the face of adversity.

Jewish heroes stand up for their homeland in the face of attacks.

And Jewish heroes stand tall — they do not bend their knees.

Justin Amler is a South African born, Melbourne based writer who has lived in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Recent sexual controversies and upheavals ISI LEIBLER While sexual attitudes are inclined to change from generation to generation, controversies relating to sexual behavior are ageless and even occupy a prominent role in the biblical narrative.

Perhaps as an octogenarian there is a generational gap between me and younger people with respect to prevailing sexual attitudes.

I am no prude and when, 50 years ago, it was fashionable to demonize homosexuals, I never joined the pack. I always maintained that consensual sexual relations were a private matter, I never discriminated against gays or lesbians, and I unhesitatingly employed quite a few.

And despite the strict halachic prohibitions, I maintain that if gay people wish to be observant, they should not be ostracized from communal religious participation.

At the same time, I oppose gays flaunting their sexuality (for example by participating in pride parades) or promoting their lifestyle as progressive while implicitly denigrating the traditional concept of a nuclear family. They should be free to live their lives as they deem fit and enjoy all civil rights extended to heterosexual couples. But I am not ready to concede that gay couples should be glorified, as they sometimes are on TV, for supposedly partaking in a superior alternative lifestyle. I feel that this encourages young people to experiment unnecessarily with their own sexuality.

This brings me to the same-sex marriage issue, which has created such a global upheaval. The continuity of mankind depends on male-female intercourse. Marriage implies a heterosexual union and to religious people it is a sacred institution. While I fully support the legal system providing gay couples with rights identical to those of a heterosexual union, surely appropriate commitment ceremonies can be devised that do not imply bracketing such unions in the same category as traditional marriages.

Jewish non-Orthodox bodies like the Conservative and Reform movements should at most be neutral on this issue, but unfortunately, they are at the forefront of calling for gay unions to be defined as traditional marriages. Meanwhile, Orthodox Jews are wrongly condemned for being homophobic when they praise the sanctity of marriage and do not endorse gay weddings as an extension of what is religiously accepted as a sacred union between heterosexuals.

The gay marriage debate has descended into bullying and vilifying anyone who dares to defend traditional beliefs. But objecting to gay marriage is neither discriminatory nor homophobic. The slandering of all who oppose gay marriage has descended into a poisonous hate fest.

The just campaign to ensure equal social and civic rights for gays has succeeded beyond all expectations. But it was never intended to promote

a gay lifestyle at the expense of heterosexuality and the nuclear family. I do not endorse the belief that sexuality is fluid. Nor would I condone the silencing of traditional and religious values, which consider marriage between man and wife to be uniquely sacred.

Putting aside the issues of LGBT rights and gay marriage, an entirely separate and unrelated aspect of the so-called sexual revolution is how we relate to predation and abuse.

People who are in every other respect normal, including those who occupy important social or political roles, sometimes engage in deviant and dark sexual behavior. This is probably one of the reasons why rabbis in the Middle Ages imposed needlessly extreme divisions between the genders and obliged women to cover themselves up to avoid tempting sexual predators. Many men, including rabbis, also regrettably regarded women as sexual objects whose primary role was to give birth to children. From the Victorian era – an era of sexual debauchery – to the early 20th century, public displays or discussions of sexuality were considered taboo. It is only in the last 60 years that sex has found its way into public discourse.

The early 1960s featured ugly whispers, subsequently confirmed, about the exploits of the Kennedy brothers. Since then, exposés regarding the predatory behavior of powerful men have become commonplace.

But the world was shocked when, beginning in the late 1980s, a flood of cases of horrific abuse of children in schools and churches was exposed. Alas, Jewish schools and yeshivot were not immune to such abuse. These tragedies were frequently compounded by rabbis and administrators who refused to report incidents and who covered up the issue by dispatching the offender to another institution where he could resume his monstrous activity. But the final turning point was when New Yorker magazine exposed

the predatory sexual behavior of one of the world’s most famous movie moguls, Harvey Weinstein – which the district attorney failed to prosecute on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

Last month, The New York Times published two investigative articles providing additional, detailed coverage of some of the horrendous sexual assaults he had allegedly inflicted on a host of actresses and employees. This triggered a reaction from dozens of women claiming that over a 20-year period, Weinstein had also sexually assaulted them. It also unleashed a flood of other harrowing stories of women abused or raped by others in the entertainment world. Many did not testify because they had previously received huge sums to remain silent.

Once the issue came into the public domain, the media was inundated by a flow of condemnations and moral outrage. Yet many of those condemning Weinstein had been aware of this disgusting behavior and the vast majority had until now silently stood by.

This is a worldwide phenomenon and certainly not restricted to Hollywood or the entertainment industry. The current U.K. Tory government is on the edge of an abyss because a number of cabinet ministers and MPs have been forced to resign after having abused their positions to extract sexual services from their underlings or employees.

As a byproduct, the overnight exposure of this obscene behavior unleashed hysteria from some women with an imagination, looking for retribution after a failed tryst, or just seeking publicity, to begin accusing all and sundry of abuse. In the current climate, the media publicized every accusation. Many, if not most, of the accusations were undoubtedly valid. But when Elie Wiesel, of blessed memory, is smeared and unable to defend himself, this is outrageous. A person who has passed away should not be subjected to such accusations unless clear evidence is tabled.

People who claim to have been abused should be encouraged to immediately report the event to the authorities, so the courts can swiftly indict or exonerate the alleged offender.

And it is crucial, though sometimes difficult, to distinguish between initiating a relationship, subjecting a person to a tasteless joke or an unwanted touch (as aging wheelchair bound former President George H.W. Bush has apologized for), and actual coercion. Otherwise this me too phenomenon creates a of a Salem like witch hunt atmosphere.

One thing is clear: An employer should unquestionably be prohibited from engaging in a sexual relationship with an employee unless both parties first publicly announce their intention to become involved. The shock of the recent exposures will for the time being hopefully deter employers from indulging in such behavior. It remains to be seen whether a long-term change is in the offing.

In any case, if we are to return to a normal society without becoming prudes and enable men and women to coexist naturally, we must also do something drastic with the visual media.

I consider the major source encouraging such disgusting behavior to be the entertainment industry, particularly television, movies and the internet. While movies in Hollywood’s earliest years were relatively libertine, from 1934 to 1968 a puritanical production code was strictly enforced.

It was even prohibited for a man and woman to be filmed sitting together on a bed. Today, the pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme.

From ridiculous prudishness, we have moved into quasi-pornography. Movies and TV shows now regularly include detailed depictions of sex with few details left to the imagination. I must confess that if I watch some of these films with my grandchildren, I feel embarrassed almost to the point where ultraOrthodox bans on movies and the internet start to sound sensible.

The shock waves triggered by Weinstein may well spur reform and create a healthier society.

A shakeup is needed. The sexual depravity that surrounds us is sickening and utterly condemned

by Judaism as well as Christianity. These sexual abominations reflect a decadent and corrupt society reminiscent of the biblical Sodom and Gomorrah. We must strive for a society that respects the right to privately live one’s preferred lifestyle without seeking to impose it on others – a society that respects women’s rights and harshly punishes abuse.

It is not too late. The vast majority of people in democratic countries are sickened by this behavior and will support politicians reforming the system.

Traditional Jews should be at the forefront of a public campaign to restore our sanity.

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

December 2018

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Sleep Out for Homelessness MASADA COLLEGE TALIA MILLER On Thursday 1st November, our much anticipated sleep out to raise awareness for homelessness kicked off. Initiated by a group of year 11’s, students in years 8, 9, and 10 gathered at Masada College for a night of activities, before sleeping under the stars.

Everyone arrived at 7:15 pm and stored their sleeping bags in their assigned areas - boys near the Junior School, girls in the undercroft. Dinner was simple- soup and bread, followed by two talks: the first by Jason Juretic, the CEO of Stepping Stone House, an organisation that cares for and helps homeless individuals. Jason spoke about the uniqueness of the organisation and about the various programs implemented, before showing us statistics of the success rate of the House. The students were highly engaged, asking many questions, before putting their new knowledge to good use in a short trivia game run by the next speaker, G ali Blacher, the founder of The Good Box. This social enterprise creates and packages small boxes filled with essential goods, delivering them to charities or directly to people in need. After a quick introduction to how this was founded and how it works, students then participated in helping package a number of these

boxes, filling them with tampons, towels, tuna cans, and a number of other goods.

After a jeopardy- style trivia game, the students headed to bed, armed with a cardboard box as a mattress. They enjoyed a fun (albeit sleepless) night under the stars, and were then supplied with a small breakfast of cereal and a hot chocolate. The next day was school as normal, with Oz Harvest coming to collect the trolley of canned food each student had donated.

This is what employers want from our students!

MT SINAI COLLEGE PHIL ROBERTS

I was reading recently the CEO Perspective – The Future of Schooling in Australia (AISNSW). The CEO’s came from all walks of life – medical, financial, banking, mining, property, science etc The emphasis quite clearly is on preparing our students for the future – a topic on which we have spoken considerably as a school. There is the focus on preparing students with different skill sets and capabilities that will enable them to adapt to new workplaces. We have taken notice of these reports over some time and I believe we are truly preparing our students for the changes that lay ahead.

Mention is made of the three principal forces driving change viz: Automation: advancements in robotics, computing and artificial intelligence have meant that machines are performing more and more tasks that were once performed by humans.

Globalisation: increasingly, employers no longer need to rely on a local workforce. They can draw from an international pool of workers because of advances in technology, which means that foreign workers can remotely complete jobs for Australian employers. This also means the domestic workforce needs to be more globally oriented.

The ‘gig’ economy: new technology platforms have enabled service providers to connect directly with employers. Working arrangements have become more flexible, with an increase in contract, part-time and temporary work structures.

Employers will be looking for competency across these domains: • Foundational skills: literacy, language and

numeracy. (Still our most important priority at Mount Sinai College) • Technical skills: skills related to particular disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics and humanities.

(We are promoting STEM skills and activities and have developed a technical skills scope and sequence) • Enterprise skills: creativity, problemsolving abilities, critical thinking and digital literacy, financial literacy, project management, the ability to work in a team, communication and global citizenship.

(This comes with great teaching, a focus on personalised learning and promotion of Visible Thinking routines).

• Career management skills: it is predicted that young people will need to work up to 17 jobs across five industries to adequately support themselves. A linear career trajectory will not be the norm. (Thus, we promote resilience, growth mindset and adaptability skills) It is estimated that student will need to be far more skilled (and hence will need to spend far more time) on the following skills:

Emanuel School’s Roaring Success EMANUEL SCHOOL Emanuel School’s Primary Production of the Lion King Jr was a roaring success.

Over 350 students from Years K-6 sang and danced their way through the 80-minute production, which was held over three nights. Parents, siblings and grandparents were tapping their toes as talented students sang the many wellknown Lion King tunes.

Grandparents Leora and Eddie Ross

sent a heartfelt “thank you” to the Primary team: “My husband and I attended the Lion King to see our four grandchildren perform. I wanted to tell you what a delightful evening it was and how superb the kids were. But most of all we’d like to acknowledge how wonderful it was to see that every performer was so happy and proud in their roles. It is a real tribute to Emanuel that every child, whatever their ability, was involved and that they could all enjoy the experience so wholeheartedly.”

The main cast of Emanuel School’s production of The Lion King Jr. Photo: Ofer Levy

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Moriah festival 75 MORIAH COLLEGE Festival 75 was an incredible community event held at Moriah College on Sunday, 11 November. There was something for everyone including carnival rides, shows, stalls, music and a variety of delicious food.

The Moriah College Jazz Bands played and there was a special appearance by popular party band Sincopia, Basketball and Futsal

competitions and a showcase of students’ achievements over the past 75 years.

Prizes included a raffle to win more than $50k in fantastic prizes, including a car. The money raised from purchasing raffle tickets was used to assist The Moriah Foundation to provide access to a Moriah College education for Jewish children, who would otherwise miss out.

Year 7 Moriah Tefillin Workshop Well done to the Year 7 students, who made their very own tefillin. The Workshops ran from Wednesday, 31 October - 16 November.

December 2018

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December 2018

Masada College High Potential Learner Classes extended to Year 7 MASADA COLLEGE “Today’s students need to be equipped to leave school with 21st Century skills,” says Ms. Megan Laing, Head of Senior School at Masada College. “By this I mean that today’s problems are complex, and while we have a lot of technology available, what we really need is people who have extraordinary thinking skills to unpack and solve these problems,” says Ms. Laing.

“I believe it’s our responsibility as a school to equip our students to achieve their potential and to enhance their higher-order thinking skills.”

This is the impetus that inspired Masada College to introduce its renowned High Potential Learner (HPL) classes into the Senior School, beginning with Year Seven 2019. “These classes offer accelerated learning to top students and is a continuation of the current, successful HPL program in the Junior School,” says Ms. Laing. “Although these classes will initially be offered in Math and English, in the near future we plan to extend the program to other subjects as well, like Physics and Chemistry.” HPL Maths classes will focus on problem-solving techniques and higher-order thinking, giving an all-round depth of study within current curriculum. The English classes will offer greater text analysis, skilled essay writing and increased vocabulary. “We have two dedicated staff members who have gone through HPL training and received their Certificate in Gifted Education,” says Ms. Laing. “Classes will run concurrently with regular classes and will consist of about 15 selected students who have been closely monitored by their classroom teachers and

identified as having the capacity to progress at a quicker pace or show an aptitude within an area.” And while no student is turned away from the HPL classes, Ms. Laing says it’s important that all students understand the pace and expectations of the classes. “It’s imperative for students to have their skills challenged against someone else equally skilled, and to acknowledge that others have skills that are different from theirs.”

“In this way, Masada College ensures that

Way to Mo, Moriah!

MORIAH COLLEGE

Moriah College students and staff raised more than $12,500 for The Movember Foundation last month.

Established 15 years ago in 2003, the Movember movement has become a global phenomenon, inspiring millions of people all over the world to raise funds and awareness in a bid to reduce the number of men dying too young due to prostate and testicular cancers and suicide.

The organisation has funded important research and more than 1,200 men’s health projects worldwide and, by 2030, aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.

Those participating in Movember normally show their support and raise funds through

sponsorship by growing a “Mo” (moustache) during the month of November. However, the inability to grow facial hair didn’t stop Moriah’s younger students from getting involved.

On Friday, 23 November, the College’s Primary School students came together for Mo Day, sporting fake moustaches which they had purchased from the Moriah Movember Team, with all $412 of the proceeds being donated to The Movember Foundation.

Moriah’s Movember Team collectively raised over $12,500 and finished in third place on the Movember Schools Challenge Leaderboard<https://au.movember.com/ mospace/network/view/id/49263> out of 302 participating schools across Australia; an incredible achievement.

both ends of the academic spectrum are catered for as we also have an extensive and experienced special needs department.

And the advantage of a small school is that teachers can work with students of different needs on a day- to- day basis,” says Ms. Laing “The HPL classes, which offer a depth of knowledge rather than a breadth and include topics outside of curriculum, keeps our high achievers engaged and challenged in the classroom,” says Ms. Laing. “We

find that the HPL classes bring out another side to our students as they are given the confidence to excel in a space where they feel most comfortable. We have no doubt our students will benefit from this addition to our curriculum.”

To find out more about the High Potential Learner classes, email enrolments@staff.nsw.edu.au or call 9449 374.

Historic day at NSTE NORTH SHORE TEMPLE EMANUEL Celebrating the appointment made in March 2017, the ceremony was officiated

by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, Ph.D, beloved mentor of Rabbi Roberts and prolific author, long-time seminary professor, and leading visionary of the Progressive Jewish Movement.

“Addresses were given by the Mayor of Willoughby Gail Giles-Gidney, Rabbi Fred Morgan AM - Movement Rabbi for the Union of Progressive Judaism, and Gwen Harrison - President of NSTE. A letter from Rabbi Nicole’s family in America was read by her partner, David Roberts. There was not a dry eye in the sanctuary.

The installation was attended by around 350 people and live-streamed so Rabbi Roberts’ family and friends in the USA could witness the occasion. NSTE was honoured by the presence of the speakers above, as well as Rabbi Emeritus Richard Lampert, Rabbi Gary Robuck who led the congregation prior to Rabbi Roberts’ 2017 appointment, Rabbi Brian Fox AM, clergy of Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, and dignitaries the Hon. Paul Fletcher, MP, Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Willoughby Judith Rutherford, Councillor Wendy Norton, Justice Stephen Rothman AM - President of the Great Synagogue, Stephen Chipkin-President of the JCA, Lynda Ben-Menashe of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, and Renata Ieremias of Jewish Care. Musical contributions by

NSTE Interim Cantor Ted Labow and the NSTE Choir directed by Judy Campbell helped make for an unforgettable ceremony.

In her address, Rabbi Roberts spoke about moments of awe, and “making moments matter.” Reflecting later on the ceremony, she said, “The warmth and optimism in the sanctuary were evident and abundant. There was so much love in the room. To have a modern day ‘sage’ and visionary, Rabbi Hoffman, officiating the ceremony was one of the greatest honours of my life, and a gift to our congregation that will be remembered for decades to come. We are all still basking in the excitement of the day.”

To find out more about North Shore Temple Emanuel, visit www.nste.org.au

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December 2018

Mount Sinai College Art Show- Inspired by Artists MOUNT SINAI COLLEGE MMount Sinai College hosted a spectacular Art show last Sunday for parents, family and the community at large. Guests were wined and dined as they admired a showcase of sculptures, paintings, photography, mosaics and collaborative pieces developed by students throughout the year. A very unique angle taken by our Apple Distinguished School was the way technology was used to enhance many of the pieces, for example, augmented

reality artworks, animated mosaics and pop-up videos of children explaining their creative process. It was also an opportunity for Mount Sinai to give an update on the stage one building renovations, with guests receiving personalised tours of the building, future classrooms, collaborative spaces and state-of-the-art facilities soon to become a reality for the Mount Sinai College students, and community. Principal Phil Roberts says “We certainly put the ‘A’ (for Art) in STEAM on this day. We look forward to hosting many more events at our new campus in 2019”.

Historic Win at ZFA Bible Quiz for Kesser Torah College KESSER TORAH COLLEGE It was an historic winfor Australia last Tuesday, when a sister and brotherearned a place at the International Bible Camp and Quiz. Siblings, winner Hodaya Cohavi (Yr 9) and runner up Emmanuel Cohavi (Yr 10), together with runner up Shoshana Spielman (Yr 9) will represent Australia atthe 2019 International Bible Camp and Quiz. All three representatives are students at Kesser Torah College.

Hodaya Cohavi won a ticket to Israel and a place in the camp and quiz, while Emmanuel Cohavi and Shoshana Spielman both gained a place in the camp and quiz. The quiz will take place in Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut in 2019.

The National Bible Quiz is a project

of the Zionist Federation of Australia and was held at the NSW Board of Jewish Education in Sydney. The quiz comprised of a written component and an oral component.

It was a very close competition and the contestants were neck to neck. They studied with diligence for many months and their level of knowledge was very high. Although the questions are asked in English, most of the Kesser Torah Students requested to listen to their quotes in the original Hebrew text.

The exam was prepared in Israel.

The quiz was facilitated by Dr Miriam Munz, ZFA Education Chair and the Judges were Bnei Akiva Shaliach Royi Berkovitz, Rabbi Chaim Ingram and Rabbi Gad Krebs of Kehillat Masada.

Special thanks to Dr Ron Weiser AM,

ZFA Life Member.

Lea Behar, a teacher at KTC prepared and motivated the KTC students for the Quiz. She said“Our students put in an incredible amount of time and commitment in study and preparation for the Quiz.We are so proud of all of our students who participated: Rafi Franklin, Naftali Ray and Jonah Roberts.”

College Principal Roy Steinman added: “We Thank the Zionist Federation of Australia for all their efforts. Having been present at last years’ Final in Yerushalayim on Yom HaÁtzmaut, I can certainly understand what an incredible competition this is. Televised live in the presence of the Prime Minister of Israel, it is the TV show that literally stops the nation, as everyone watches it. To see the Australian flag flown on the screen,

and to see our students up there with Israeli students and many others from countries all over the globe is simply sensational.”

Judge Roi Berkovitz said,“I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and knowledge displayed by the competitors.”

Last year, two KesserTorah Collegestudents, Yehuda Eisenberg and Chaim Ber Hischowitzmade it into the top 16 contestants who competed in the televised event in the International Finals Competition in Israel. Yehuda Eisenberg ranked 8thin the competition.

Kesser Torah College wishes Hodaya, Emmanuel and Shoshana “HatzlachaRabba” in the upcoming Chidon HaTanach 2019.\

December 2018

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lifestyle

The Jews who created Superman

BY SIMCHA WEINSTEIN

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the two ordinary young men who created an extraordinary hero, lived 12 blocks apart from each other in Cleveland. The pair collaborated on stories for their high school newspaper and shared a passion for science fiction and pulp comics. It was the 1930s, and comic book publishing was in its infancy. Like many young Jews with artistic aspirations, Siegel and Shuster yearned to break into this fledgling industry. Comic book publishers actively hired Jews, who were largely excluded from more “legitimate” illustration work.

The 1930s were also, arguably, the most anti-Semitic period in American history. Nazi sympathizer Fritz Kuhn of the GermanAmerican Bund led legions of rabid followers on marches through many cities, including Siegel and Shuster’s hometown. Radio superstar Father Charles E. Coughlin of the pro-fascist Christian Front was one of the nation’s most powerful men. And Ivy League colleges kept the number of Jewish students to a minimum, while country clubs and even entire neighborhoods barred Jews altogether, so Siegel and Shuster began submitting treatments under the pseudonym Bernard J. Kenton, just to be on the safe side. Throughout the Great Depression, the two boys scraped together every penny they could just to cover postage. Shuster sketched on cheap brown wrapping paper.

From these humble beginnings, Shuster and Siegel carved out a character that embodied their adolescent frustrations, served as a mouthpiece of the oppressed, and became an American icon. Many years later, Jerry Siegel recalled the birth of Superman: The story would begin with you as a child on far-off planet Krypton. Like the others of that world, you had super-powers. The child’s

scientist-father was mocked and denounced by the Science Council. They did not believe his claim that Krypton would soon explode from internal stresses. Convinced that his prediction was valid, the boy’s father had been constructing a model rocket ship. As the planet began to perish, the baby’s parents knew its end was close. There was not space enough for three people in the small model craft. They put the baby into it. The mother chose to remain on the doomed planet with the man she loved, and die with him. Tearfully, hoping that their baby boy would survive, they launched the craft toward the planet Earth. Shortly, Krypton exploded and its millions of inhabitants were destroyed The idea for this new superhero came to them in 1934. It would take another four years before Superman would be transformed from a feverish dream to a full-fledged hero. In 1938, Detective Comics, Inc., was looking for a character to launch its new magazine, Action Comics. They paid young Siegel and Shuster $130 for the first 13 pages of Superman. Action

Don’t mess with these women WIDOWS (MA) ALEX FIRST Adapted from a popular Lynda Le Plante television series of the same name, with the location changed from London in the early eighties to present day Chicago, Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave) directs a heist film with a decided difference.

It is a time of political and societal turmoil.

When four armed robbers are killed in an explosive robbery attempt, their widows – with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities – take fate into their own hands.

The lead widow in the film who has to pick up the pieces of her life following the death of her man (Liam Neeson) is Veronica Rawlins (played

by Viola Davis).

When we first meet them, the couple has already been damaged by another tragic death.

After Neeson’s demise, Rawlins is threatened and it is she who hatches the plan to follow in her husband’s footsteps to try to get herself out of an invidious predicament.

Michelle Rodriguez is Linda, a widow struggling to keep her family and dress shop afloat, someone who got pregnant young and married her high school sweetheart.

Elizabeth Debicki is cast as Polish immigrant and controlled wife Alice.

In her first major film role Cynthia Erivo portrays single mother and hairdresser Belle, strong and capable who steps in to help the widows.

Also playing a prominent role is Colin Farrell, who plays politician Jack Mulligan – who is meant to follow in his father Jack’s footsteps, a role filled

by Robert Duvall, a man whose values he doesn’t share.

Farrell is increasing losing ground to his African American opponent Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry), who has a history of criminality in his family.

Manning’s brother Jatemme (Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out) is the real thug, the muscle not afraid to do what he believes needs to be done, his way.

Steve McQueen knows how to make a compelling and gritty movie. He made 12 Years

A Slave five years ago and five years before that he made Hunger.

Widows, which he also co-wrote with Gillian Flynn (the writer of Gone Girl), is a hard-nosed political crime drama with real bite.

Starring, as it does, a posse of strong women as the protagonists, it is what the decidedly disappointing Ocean’s Eight could have been.

The violence is palpable, the intrigue involved and most definitely involving.

There are plenty of unpredictable twists that keep the guessing game going.

Each of the key players has a “don’t mess with me attitude” borne of the unenviable circumstances in which they find themselves.

Make no mistake, these are “can do” women who “do do”.

The principal back story to emerge is that of Veronica (Viola Davis) and that appears gradually as the yarn develops.

I really liked the way the power play is orchestrated. It appears that virtually everyone is crooked, corrupt or compromised.

While it takes concentration to follow, the effort is well and truly worth it.

Widows is up there with the best films of the year.

Rated MA, it scores an 8 out of 10.

Comics #1 came out in June of that year. The issue sold out, and a star was drawn.

In a brilliant stroke, Shuster and Siegel gave their superhuman hero a secret identity, that of an all-too human reporter, the meekly mannered Clark Kent. Practically speaking, this notion of “double identity” allowed for almost endless storyline twists and thematic depth. On another level, it added considerably to the “mythology” that would eventually accrue around this fictional crime fighter.

Clark’s shyness undermines his courtship of his co-worker, the gutsy Lois Lane. Siegel and Shuster later admitted that the shy Clark struggling for a date reflected their own social challenges.

Superman #1 was published in the summer of 1939. Across the Atlantic, in Germany, Adolph Hitler was exploiting his nation’s economic and social ills by scapegoating Jews. Living in a country that had stripped them of their citizenship yet perversely obstructed their exit, German Jews resorted to desperate measures.

Just as the baby Superman was sent away

from Krypton to avoid the mass destruction of his people, many Jewish children were sent on the Kindertransports to seek safety with families in England.

After the attacks on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, America entered World War II, and so did Superman. In Siegel and Shuster’s comic, Clark Kent tries to enlist in the Armed Forces, but he fails the routine medical examination,.

Clark accidentally uses his X-ray vision to read the next room’s eye chart. Distraught, he muses, “I’ve got the most perfect body the world has ever known, and through a sad trick of fate, the army turns me down as hopeless!”

This feeling of desperation and despondency was felt across the country. As news of the Nazis’ murderous Holocaust plan emerged, American Jews felt utterly powerless to help their European brethren.

Word of Superman and his ethnic undertones did not escape the enemy’s notice in real life. Josef Goebbels, the Nazi minister of propaganda, denounced Superman as a Jew. In April 1940, Das Schwarze Korps, the weekly newspaper of the Nazi S.S., attacked the comic and its Jewish writers: Jerry Siegel, an intellectually and physically circumcised chap who has his headquarters in New York. . . The inventive Israelite named this pleasant guy with an overdeveloped body and underdeveloped mind “Superman..

Here were Nazis wringing their hands over a cartoon character cooked up by a couple of boys across the sea. Yet this ideologically driven rant actually touched on something vital–the importance of Shuster and Siegel’s Jewish heritage...

Superman #1 begins with a brief synopsis of the hero’s escape from Krypton, which draws heavily on Jewish sources. Superman’s

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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Managing Sleep Disruptions Over The Festive Season THE SLEEP COACH CHERYL FINGLESON The Festive Season and holidays are almost upon us. This is a time for you to relax, have fun and enjoy time with family and friends.

This may seem like an impossible dream with a newborn or toddler in the family. This needn’t be just a fantasy as I have some simple suggestions to help you through these wonderful and often crazy days ahead.

There are three stages: preparation, the holiday and finally back to the normal routine.

Stage 1: Preparation Make sure you do as much as possible in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Even with the best of intentions your baby’s routine and sleep patterns could be disrupted. Often, it’s simply the different hotel room, travel delays or just the noise of extra guests in the home that could cause an upset in the routine.

• Prior to the holiday try to maintain a regular sleep routine.

• Introduce a “bedtime” comforter if baby does not already have one. This may be a special song, blanket or music that baby associates with sleep time. Always have a spare comforter (or two) in case the original gets lost in travel! This will help your little one to recognise the sleep time routine. Take all baby’s bedtime comforts and toys you can to highlight the sleep patterns.

• If you are travelling and there are time zone changes, try to get onto the new time as soon as possible.

Stage 2: The Holiday • Be selective with planning and perhaps arrive early at the lunch/dinner so that baby can become accustomed to the environment and have the nap before the other guests arrive. Try maintaining the schedule as closely as possible. By planning the event ahead so the baby has had a nap before the visitors arrive, will often have a great outcome for everyone.

• Babies are people too – some love company and some are delighted to be passed from aunt to uncle, some don’t!

Others get cranky if they have too little sleep.

Know what your baby’s likes and needs are and try to avoid situations that cause upset.

• Ensure there is a quiet and safe spot for your baby, and often a Travel Bed is invaluable in these circumstances. I was often asked to keep the grandchild up so that Grandma could see baby when she arrives.

By keeping your child awake way beyond the usual bedtime routine, does not mean a late sleep-in the next morning. This could spell disaster and backfire. Often the opposite occurs with your baby waking earlier and the roll-on effect lasting through the next day, and in exceptional cases I have seen this continue for a few days!

• If possible accept invitations that compliment your child’s routine.

• Inevitably there are sure to be disruptions.

It does not mean all is lost never to be found

again. Just stick as closely as possible to baby’s routine.

• If there was a late night try to have an earlier nap the next morning so that you child does not get over tired. A little commonsense flexibility can go a long way to a happy holiday.

• Don’t give up all the family fun to the rigid sleep routine. Your baby may be extra sensitive to changes, different faces and places so settling for a sleep might take a little longer. Be there with calm, loving support and patience. Take advantage of the guests that offer to baby sit so you too can have some time out for yourself. Holiday routines can vary from those at home so try never to miss a nap or make bedtime much later than usual.

Stage 3: The Return to Routine Having returned from your holiday and settling back into your daily schedules may appear daunting.

• Try to have the first days spent quietly at home with as few commitments as possible.

This will help with getting over any jetlag as well, and will also give you time to get baby back into the correct routine again.

• Remember your children have had your undivided attention 24/7 so take a little time to give them some quality extra attention during the day. It they are of an age explain that holidays are different but it is great to be back to their own home and beds, with all their toys, pets and books.

• Sometimes this transition back to “normal” may have a few slips on the way. I have found that some take longer to go off to sleep, whilst others wake during the night. Take your cues from your child and rebuild towards the correct routines again. This should take much less time than you think.

Although the points given may appear to be “common and garden stuff” – well, truly they are not! I cannot emphasise strongly enough that you are the one who knows your child best and a little flexibility, preparation and planning ahead will bring about a far more enjoyable experience for you and your family.

Best wishes for the Festive Season!

Happy Holidays!

Cheryl ZZZ For more sleep tips and advice, please visit www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au Or why not like our facebook page? www. facebook.com/thesleepcoach

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

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AARON DAVID MILLER

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

History is filled with were already pretty long.

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

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

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

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

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at any one of the following outlets: COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS B’nai B’rith - Rose Bay The Burger Centre COA Sydney JCA JEM’S Jewishcare Kashrut Authority KM Cares NSW Jewish War Memorial Centre NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Our Big Kitchen Print 35 Shop Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish House House United Israel Appeal WIZO Wolper Hospital Ku Ring Gai council

Romeos Supa IGA - St Ives Savion Savta – Bondi Junction Stanley St Cafe Eden Café Stanley Street Butcher Plaster Master Fun

RETAIL OUTLETS Bianca’s Grub Store Coles Eastgate Coles - Lindfield Coles- Rose Bay Coles - Westfield, Bondi Junction Cruises and honeymoons – Bondi Junction Gaslight Pharmacy- Rose Bay Glicks - Rose Bay Golds Bookshop Krinskys Kosher supermarket Lewis Continental Kitchen Medani Bakery Pita Mix

SYNAGOGUES Central Synagogue Chabad House of the North Shore Cremorne Synagogue Dover Heights Synagogue Jewish Learning Centre (JLC) Kehillat Kadimah Kehillat Masada Synagogue Maroubra Synagogue Mizrachi Synagogue North Shore Synagogue North Shore Temple Emanuel Ohr Hatzafon Sephardi Synagogue

SCHOOLS Clyde Street Day Care Coogee Preschool Emanuel School Ganeinu Long Day Care & Preschool Hug-A-Bub - Bondi Hug-A-Bub - Rose Bay Kesser Torah College Masada College Mount Sinai College Moriah College

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Chanukah begins Sunday night December 2, 2018 and continues through Monday, December 10, 2018

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

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

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23

lifestyle

December 2018

What is a Vendor’s Advocate? The Jews who created ...

Are you thinking about selling your home?

Finding the right agent is the first, and most important, step to a successful sale. Do you know an agent you’d trust with your most valuable asset? If so, do you know their track record? Have they provided references of their most recent sales? If you’re not 100% sure, you can’t afford not to have a Vendor’s Advocate. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra! It may in fact save you as the Vendor’s Advocate negotiates the agent’s commission and terms on your behalf. The agent pays your Vendor’s Advocate a standard referral fee, thus negating the need for you to pay for your Vendor’s Advocate’s service.

A Vendor’s Advocate helps you identify the right agent to sell your home - an agent who understands the market, knows your area and provides a realistic assessment of your property. A Vendor’s Advocate “matches” you with agents who meet your criteria, and understand your needs, then advises you throughout the process, from sale to settlement: 1. The advocate meets with you and inspects your home. Together you identify criteria for selecting an agent.

2. The advocate recommends a shortlist of agents based on your needs, and invites up to three agents to meet with you and the advocate to appraise your home.

3. At these meetings the agents will present how they would approach selling

your property. Each may give a different perspective and perhaps, a different price expectation. The advocate will be present to ask the agent pertinent questions.

4. Following these presentations, with the help of the advocate, you will select an agent.

5. The advocate then negotiates the commission rate and other terms of the agency agreement on your behalf.

6. You then work directly with your selected agent who runs the sales campaign. The advocate is available to discuss any aspect of the campaign, including offers received and auction strategies suggested by the agent. The advocate also will attend the auction with you.

There is no one ‘right’ agent to sell your home, but there are many ‘wrong’ ones. Do you have time to research agents in your area and make an assessment? You do not pay a fee for a Vendor Advocate - Agents pay referring agents a standard referral fee, so your chosen agent will be paying for your advice. For many agents, sales is a numbers game, but the sale of your home may be the most significant transaction you’ll ever make. Make it count.

If you’re interested in finding out more about vendor advocacy or are looking for assistance in selling your home, contact Neville Katz on 0401 224 422 or visit www.katzproperty.com.au

FROM PAGE 21 journey closely reflects the story of Moses.

Like the people of Krypton who faced total annihilation, the Israelites of biblical Egypt faced the murder of their male offspring.

To ensure her son’s survival, Jochebed places Moses in a reed basket and sets him afloat on the Nile. Her desperate decision is clearly echoed by Superman’s father, Jor-El, who launches the little rocket ship containing his son into outer space.

Moses and Superman are eventually discovered and raised in foreign cultures.

Baby Moses is found by Batya, the daughter of Pharaoh, and raised in the royal palace.

Superman is found by Jonathan and Martha Kent in a Midwestern cornfield and given the name Clark. From the onset, both Batya and the Kents realize that these foundling boys are extraordinary. Superman leads a double life as the stuttering, spectaclewearing reporter whose true identity no one suspects. In the same way, for his own safety, Moses kept his Israelite roots hidden for a time.

Superman’s original name on Krypton also reveals biblical underpinnings.

Superman is named Kal-El and his father Jor-El. The suffix “El” is one of the ancient names for God, used throughout the Bible. It is also found in the names of great prophets like Samuel and Daniel and angels such as Michael and Gabriel. We may never know whether Siegel and Shuster were aware of these precise Hebrew translations; nevertheless, the name could not be more apt.

While the invincible Superman may have stood the test of time, the lives of his

creators were not as triumphant. From the beginning, Siegel and Shuster were so busy they had to hire assistants, but while DC Comics was making millions, Superman’s creators weren’t sharing the wealth. The two men were paid a salary, but their initial payment back in 1938 had included all rights. They had sold their percentage of a goldmine for $130 and were eventually fired from their own creation.

Lawsuits followed. None were successful.

Siegel and Shuster tried and failed to create new characters. Their names were familiar only to comic book aficionados.

Then, rumors began to circulate in the early 1970s that a big budget Superman movie was in the works. DC Comics received $3 million for the rights to film Superman. Once again, Siegel and Shuster were left out of the equation.

This time, the two men tried a new approach. They bypassed their lawyers and went straight to the media. Newspapers across the world picked up the story of Siegel and Shuster, the poor boys who’d created an American icon, made DC Comics rich — and were now penniless and forgotten. That Shuster was now going blind added to the story’s poignancy.

Legally, DC Comics owed Siegel and Shuster nothing, but bad publicity was costing the company dearly. A financial settlement was reached, and the names “Siegel and Shuster” appeared in Superman comics once more. In 2006, Superman returned to the big screen, and not a moment too soon–in today’s world, we need a hero more than ever.

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sports

December 2018

Maccabi swim for Multiple Sclerosis

MACCABI

Sunday, 24 November, saw the 8th annual MS Maccabi National Swimathon that took place across Australia. Over 180 swimmers participated raising close to $50.000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

There are some 25 000 Australians living with MS and the Swimathon has contributed valuable funds to the MS Society and Maccabi Australia by running this event.

The Swimathon is a 10 hour marathon of swimming, children and adults have a wonderful time participating in the event, raising money and awareness for MS. The funds raised help those living with this disease have more independent lives and provide equipment needed to help give them a better quality of life.

Furthermore, a portion of the funds are put towards aiding Maccabi athletes attend Maccabiah, Pan American Games, JCC Games, Maccabi All Abilities programs and more.

Sydney had 5 teams with over 80 swimmers and the Pickeled Herrings raised over $9.500 while the Moriah High School Team clocked the most laps by swimming 1592 laps in 10 hours.

Melbourne’s teams swam at Bialik College Pool where they had school teams, Pan American athletes, the Sunday Schleppers and many Maccabiah participants past, present and future. The Perth Swimathon took place at the Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre who had a very successful event.

To donate visit msmegaswim.org.au

Don’t settle for the first real estate agent you like

D

do SOL it differently.

Selling property is the domain of real estate professionals. That’s what they do best.

What we do best, is find the right agent to sell yours! Katz Vendor Advocates provides a highly personalised service geared to facilitate a smooth and successful sale of your property. Specialising in the Eastern Suburbs, we are 100% independent and not affiliated with any real estate agent or group. When considering placing your property on the market contact Katz - there’s no obligation and no fee*.

Call Neville Katz on 0401 224 422 or email neville@katzproperty.com.au www.katzproperty.com.au * We receive a standard referral fee as part of the selected agent’s sales commission.

VENDOR ADVOCATES

www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au