The Sydney Jewish Report - December edition

Support our local Jewish community www.jca.org.au/donate

FREE

VOL. 81 Tuesday, 23 November, 2021 / 19 Kislev 5782

Fostering a closer Jewish community

Wishing all our readers a happy Chanukah and a safe and successful year ahead.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

p4

UIA MISSIONS RETURN

p7

THE GIFT OF GIVING

p8

MAKING IT …

ON BROADWAY p20

2

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

Summer fun awaits

Olive oil and hidden light

MACCABI NSW

YERACHMIEL ISACOWITZ

Get ready kids! Maccabi NSW is hosting a sensational sporting program to celebrate the 40th Maccabi Junior Carnival.

Taking place in Sydney from 18th to 21st January 2022, the four-day experience will keep the 12 to 15-yearold participants buzzing from morning to night.

Known for its competitive sporting and social activities, Maccabi Junior Carnival has been the summer school holiday highlight for thousands of teenagers since the early ‘70s.

And, rest assured, the 2022 Carnival@ Home event won’t disappoint.

The schedule includes sport days and social events, including an adventure day at Aqua Park, a “silent” disco, Entertainment Quarter activities and a Junkyard Beats workshop.

Maccabi NSW’s General Manager, Ori Danieli, said the team has been working hard behind the scenes to make this Carnival one to remember.

“The program will give participants the opportunity to embrace their love of sport and try new things, while also creating friendships to last a lifetime.”

Carnival Team Manager, Tracy Chorev, said her eldest children had

Chanukah is, more than anything, the victory of the transmission of authentic Jewish learning and practice (in Hebrew chinuch) over the Greek/Macedonian attempt to extinguish it, but the story goes back a lot further.

Noah had three sons, from whom the extended human population came to be. Their names were Sheim, Cham and Yafet. Cham translates to “heat” and Cham was passionate. Yafet means “beauty” and his foci were appreciation of physical beauty and the metaphysical science behind the universe. Sheim is the word for “name”. The commentators explain that Adam was given the power to name creatures based on their essence. Sheim concentrated on the essence of the universe. He was called the minister of the omnipotent.

The trio represent spheres of interaction.

On a sensory level, one can be overawed by the sight or smell of a flower. Dig deeper and that same flower attracts bees for pollination, while the chlorophyll is green to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. To ask what makes it so, ties into the perfect design of the universe.

In Hebrew, olive is zayit. When we break down the component letters, we get zayin, the root of which is zon, meaning sustenance. This could allude to Cham’s interest. Yud is made up of two letters, namely yud and dalet. That also spells

participated in previous Carnivals and they loved them.

“I am really looking forward to our children having the privilege of being involved with this amazing Carnival experience.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are only limited spots available, so it’s best to get in quickly.

The registration fee is $350 per participant, with an early bird rate of $320 for those who register before 1st December.

The fee would have been higher if not for the generous donation from the JCA Millie Phillips Jewish Education Fund.

Sibling discounts are also available.

To register and find out more, go to https://revolutionise.com.au/ maccabinsw/events or contact teamnsw@maccabi.com.au

yad, meaning hand, namely the symbol of human interaction. Think Yafet. And Tav stands for Torah, the blueprint of the universe, the domain of Sheim.

One could suggest that Cham would not like olives because the taste is bitter, so there is no instant gratification.

Yafet, on the other hand, would be big into olives for anointing, cooking, food dressing and for fuel.

The Jews extract the very first (and only the first) purest drop of oil from each olive to fuel the menorah. The menorah itself (seven armed) was placed in the Temple in the Kodesh. It burned every night, but could only be seen by Kohanim because it was hidden.

On the first day of creation, Hashem said: “let there be light and there was light”. Yet there were no luminaries (until day four.) The sages explain that the light of day one was a light hidden for the righteous. I once heard that Rembrandt had access to this hidden light.

It is this light that is most inherent in authentic Torah properly learned, which the menorah symbolised. The Greeks/ Macedonians (descendants of Yafet) tried so hard to extinguish it, but they did not succeed thanks to the miracle of Chanukah.

Yerachmiel Isacowitz is an independent Torah educator.

E: risacowitz@optusnet.com.au W: torahconcepts.com FB: The Mem Channel

#SYDNEY MACCABI JUNIOR CARNIVAL

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER! 18TH-21ST JANUARY 2022

FOR 12-15 YEAR OLDS

THURSDAY 20TH JANUARY

TUESDAY 18TH JANUARY

DAY: SPORT DAY NIGHT: JUNKYARD

DAY: SPORT DAY NIGHT: SILENT DISCO

BEATS

DRUMMING WORKSHOP

WEDNESDAY 19TH JANUARY HALF DAY:

HALF DAY: ENTERTAINMENT

ADVENTURE DAY AT AQUA PARK (PENRITH)

*COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN IN PLACE TO FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER, SCAN THE QR CODE OR CONTACT ETHAN - 0420 421 087 TEAMNSW@MACCABI.COM.AU

FRIDAY 21ST JANUARY

SIGN UP BEFORE 1 DECEMBER FOR $320 EARLY BIRD RATE!

QUARTER

3

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

PRIME MINISTER

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

Leader of the Opposition

CHANUKAH 2021

HAPPY CHANUKAH

Chanukah is a promise.

A promise that even through the most difficult times, a light will keep shining.

The timelessness and wisdom of faith teach us there will inevitably be times of testing in life. Times when the light flickers and when we are called to draw from our resilience and strength.

Collectively and individually, we have shared such times in recent years.

This year, as the shadow of COVID-19 restrictions recedes, your celebration of Chanukah will reflect another aspect of Australia’s opening up.

Families and communities will gather, loved ones separated will be reunited, and all will feel the strength that comes from community and connection.

This year, we will witness again the lighting of the menorah in homes, synagogues, and in our public squares. It is a witness not only of faith, but of the free, open and liberal democratic multicultural people that is Australia.

The light of the Chanukah menorah is also an invitation to dedicate ourselves again to adding light and warmth to the lives of others. It is an invitation to one and all, to drive out the darkness of prejudice, injustice and hatred.

On this Chanukah, I express my deep gratitude to the Jewish people of Australia. You are a gift to our nation for you always see the reflection of the image of the God in others.

To the Jewish people of Australia — and around the world — Happy Chanukah!

The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia

On behalf of the Australian Labor Party, I wish all members of Australia’s Jewish community a very The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP happy Chanukah.

May the menorahs fill your homes and synagogues with the warmest of glows during this festival Leader of the Opposition of light, and may the many of you who have been separated from loved ones during this time of COVID-19 be able to come together once more.

HAPPY CHANUKAH If anything, the challenges of the pandemic have more deeply underscored just how much this is a time of celebration and gratitude, family and giving. Like so many Jewish holidays, it is also a time On behalf on of the Australian Labor people Party, I faced wish all members of Australia’s Jewish community very to reflect a time when Jewish not only persecution, but an existential threata just happy Chanukah. for being Jewish.

May the menorahs fill your homes andtosynagogues withJewish the warmest of glows during this festival As ever, I send my deepest gratitude the Australian community for the contribution you of light, and to may many of you who fromsociety. loved ones of have made thethe great Australian storyhave thatbeen is ourseparated multicultural Just during as you this havetime played COVID-19 be able to come together once more. an integral role in shaping our nation into what it is today, you will be central in shaping a brighter and future for Australia after the pandemic.

If anything, the challenges of the pandemic have more deeply underscored just how much this is a time celebration and gratitude, family and giving. Like so many Jewish holidays, it is also a time ChagofUrim Sameach. to reflect on a time when Jewish people faced not only persecution, but an existential threat just for being Jewish.

Yours sincerely, As ever, I send my deepest gratitude to the Australian Jewish community for the contribution you have made to the great Australian story that is our multicultural society. Just as you have played an integral role in shaping our nation into what it is today, you will be central in shaping a brighter and future for Australia after the pandemic.

Chag UrimAnthony Sameach.

The Hon. Albanese Leader of the Australian Labor Party Member for Grayndler Yours sincerely,

The Hon. Anthony Albanese Leader of the Australian Labor Party Member for Grayndler

November 2021

PO Box 6022 Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 • Tel:(02) 6277 4022 • Fax:(02) 6277 8592

GEFEN GROUP GEFEN GROUP REAL ESTATE

PO Box 6022 Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 • Tel:(02) 6277 4022 • Fax:(02) 6277 8592

R E A L E S T A T E Good Music, Good Food, Good Company!

Happy Hanukkah Let the Light Shine Bright

GEFEN GROUPHappy Hanukkah

MOR

624

For yourself, your relatives, your friends.

Club COA every Monday and Wednesday Let the Light Shine Bright at Sydney’s only Jewish Seniors Drop-In Centre.

REAL ESTATE

GEFEN GROUP

MANOR MOR

0426 246 624

TOMER GOLAN

REA L 909 ES 0406 909

Ph: 02 8041 8614

T www.gefengroup.com.au ATE

Happy Hanukkah MANOR MOR

TOMER GOLAN

0426 246 624

0406 909 909

Let the Light ShineHanukkah Bright Happy Let the Light Shine Bright

02 8041 MANOR MOR TOMERPh: GOLAN 02 8041Ph: 8614 TOMER GOLAN

0426 246 624

0406 909 9090406

8614

909 909 www.gefengroup.com.au www.gefengroup.com.au

Bring your friends along to discover a world of connection.

All rst time visitors can join in for free.

$10 covers your day at COA including: Playing Games, Lunch, Live Music and Dancing, Language Groups, Shiurim, Chair Exercises, Special Events.

COA Members can book transport to the Centre for $5

Ph: 02 8041 8614 Double vaccination certi cate and willingness to abide by COVID rules required for entry. www.gefengroup.com.au

COA Krygier Centre, 25 Rowe St, Woollahra Phone: 9389 0035 Email: kmow@coasydney.org Web: www.coasydney.org

CONNECTIONS to community and culture OPPORTUNITIES to volunteer, learn, socialise, get involved ACTIVITIES six days each week

4

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY RIKKI STERN Growing up in Sydney, I was lucky enough to experience the joys of the Hakoah Club on Hall Street.

I vividly remember cruising down the catwalk in the main hall at the WIZO kids’ fashion show, laughing in the games room as we played Crash Bandicoot. There were the distinct noises of kids learning karate and adults parading around as they danced to Israeli music.

The Hakoah Club is also the scene of some of my most cherished memories with my late grandfather and great grandmother. I can still close my eyes and hear us all laughing together over dinner at the bistro. I recall the pearls of wisdom they imparted to me while I sat alongside them at the pokie machines.

Hakoah was always a special place, not just for the community, but for families.

For my family. And it was a sad day when it closed.

When I was in high school, my family moved to Vancouver, Canada. During that time we took full advantage of having a local Jewish Community Centre. Going there always reminded us about the importance of belonging to a Jewish community and the strong bonds that we share, even when we were from 12,000 kilometres from home.

The planned new Hakoah gym

Finally, a place for Jewish young adults to connect The JCC warmly welcomed expats like us and gave us a sense of belonging.

It was a safe, accessible space to forge friendships with people that we likely wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise.

The Jewish day school I attended was across the road from the JCC. We often used the facilities for our weekly sport, swimming, basketball and gym sessions.

When my grandparents came from Sydney to stay for a couple of months, my grandfather would drop me off at school and go straight to the JCC. There, he would meet others, play bridge, swim laps, enjoy a coffee or attend group discussions on all things from Israel to world politics.

Today, nearly a decade later, he’s still in contact with many of the people he met at the Vancouver JCC. Study after study shows that chronic feelings of loneliness and disconnection can lead to depression. This, of course, is true too for members of our Jewish community. I was alarmed to read that a recent study (Social Isolation in the New South Wales Jewish Community), by Dr Eva Lowy, found that 70% of respondents experienced loneliness. These findings are especially true for the more mature members of our community. I believe Hakoah will be a powerful antidote to loneliness and, therefore, prevent the devastating impact it can have on

someone’s life.

But Hakoah’s vital role in the health of our community is not just for our more mature members. Even for my age group it can be hard to find a place to go and meet your friends or make new ones. Many of my single friends find it challenging to meet partners.

The pandemic has obviously made it even worse. That is why the idea of a Sydney JCC – a buzzing hub of creative activities and programs that will draw people in weekly to do the things they love – is incredibly exciting. People will leave having not just undertaken a yoga session or enjoyed a gig at the bar, but they will depart knowing they are part of a community.

Rather than feeling lonely, they will have that special sense of belonging and connection. And any time they venture into Hakoah, they may just have a serendipitous meeting that can change the course of their lives.

I’m confident that Hakoah at White City can become the vibrant centerpiece for the Sydney Jewish Community that JCCs are for so many other Jewish communities around the world. A place that people gravitate to on a regular basis. My hope is that Hakoah, our JCC, will similarly be a place where Jews who visit Sydney know they can find the familiarity of home - or even find a relative over a game of Jewish geography. A

place where friendships will be forged between unlikely companions, across generations and diverse backgrounds, and innovative programming ideas will come to life.

I feel lucky to have experienced the sense of community and togetherness at Hakoah on Hall Street and at the JCC in Vancouver. I look forward to seeing how the new Hakoah at White City will become an inspiring place to be part of a community in all its manifestations.

The buildings will be beautiful, but it’s what will take place inside those that attracts me to this project.

Whether it be dance classes, yoga, bridge club, cooking workshops, futsal, the community garden or mums and bubs groups, there promises to be something for everyone's interests and passions.

So, please join me and the nearly 2,000 others who have already joined Hakoah.

Your membership will help Hakoah reach its membership target in order to start construction in early 2022. Only then can we begin creating new memories, together, at Hakoah in late 2023.

Rikki Stern is a young Jewish community leader who founded Cancer Chicks Australia. She also works for Hakoah, creating content for social media.

6

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY ANNE-MARIE ELIAS Are you a person who always needs to be right? Do you go to great lengths to prove that you are correct?

Do others become frustrated with this trait in you?

Let’s be clear … nobody likes to get things wrong. It feels unpleasant. Even young children don’t like to get caught out. Do you recall these lines: “It wasn’t me” and “I only had one”? In terms of the latter, in my household, it was biscuits in the cookie jar.

Why the uncomfortableness about being wrong? Well, for one thing, that may result in punishment and, for another, we may miss out on something important.

For instance, being caught speeding is likely to result in a fine and the loss of demerit points. Providing incorrect answers on an exam paper could lead to missing out on a preferred university course.

Some can more readily admit to being wrong, take responsibility and apologise, which includes handling the emotion associated with that.

Others may imply they were wrong, but don’t do so explicitly or in a way that will satisfy the wronged party.

To be right or to be happy?

Here is an example of that: “We had plenty of time to get to the airport on time if the traffic hadn’t been unusually bad, but fine, we’ll leave earlier next time.”

A third group simply refuses to admit wrongdoing, even when there is incontrovertible evidence.

overlooking their vulnerabilities. Those with a narcissistic personality also fall into this category. It is more important for them to be right than to protect the integrity of their relationships.

Their defences, too, could be up, resulting in phrases such as: “Why do you always take their side and not mine?” It

“Let’s be clear … nobody likes to get things wrong.

It feels unpleasant. Even young children don’t like to get caught out.”

Research has uncovered the underlying traits among this cohort.

They are those that go to great lengths to argue they are right and push back against the facts. It is a fragile sense of self that stops them from admitting they made a mistake. Accepting they were wrong is psychologically shattering.

Whilst these people may appear to be robust because they defend their position, this may result is others

is the sign of a fragile ego.

Richard Carlson, the author of ‘Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff’ asks us to consider whether we want to be right or be happy? His rationale is that defending our position takes an enormous amount of energy and can alienate us from the people to whom we are close.

Take a moment to consider whether you appreciate being told that you are wrong when it is at the expense of

another person being right.

No-one likes to be informed they are wrong. It is not one person’s mission in life to correct every perceived misstep or misdeed in another person.

There are, of course, times when we are wrong and, as referenced earlier, there are consequences to behaving incorrectly or badly.

How we respond to people who constantly need to prove they are right is up to each of us. The one mistake we should not make is to consider their persistent and rigid refusal to admit they’re wrong as a sign of strength or conviction, because it is the absolute opposite, psychological weakness.

Sure, there are occasions when we are required to stand our ground and assert our position. But that is decidedly different to trying to prove our need to be right so that we can feel better about ourselves and build our self-esteem at the expense of others.

The next time you find yourself about to correct another person, especially a loved one, ask yourself whether it is worth expending the energy to prove you are right. In this situation what should win out, confrontation or happiness?

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

Chanukah on North Shore Project Light the Night kosher dinner and there will be a range

NORTH SHORE SYNAGOGUE With entertainment for the whole family, The North Shore Synagogue is presenting a special Chanukah celebration on Sunday, 5th December 2021.

Music will be the domain of singer/ songwriter Neville Kaye. Soul Gourmet Catering will provide a mouth-watering

accounts and tagging CBD Chabad

of fun and games for children who will, no doubt, enjoy freshly made warm doughnuts.

For bookings, go to: https://tinyurl.com/ nss-lights Numbers are strictly limited, so please book as soon as possible.

For more information, email info@nss. asn.au or phone 9416-3710.

Sydney.

CBDCHABAD

Please

CBDChabad Sydney is hosting an Australia-wide Chanukah photo competition with three prizes on offer.

Participants are encouraged to take a pic of themselves while lighting the menorah on each night of Chanukah, before posting it on their social media

Kicking goals SYDNEY SHUL Sydney Shul is hosting a Chanukah party with a difference on Monday, 29th November.

Called Gifts of Light, it will feature DJ Haim, menorah lighting, Israeli food and, of course, doughnuts.

Israeli

professional

soccer

player

Tomer Hemed will be there and you’ll get the chance to package gifts with him for sick children in hospital.

Light ht up your world

You can book for the event now and have a chance to win a signed jersey and an iPhone 13.

Just go to: www.sydneysshul.com

use

the

two

hashtags

#projectlightthenight and #cbdchabad Project

Light

encouraging

the

Night

people

to

is

about

spread

a

message of hope and positivity.

Each photo you take means another entry into the draw, which will be held Monday, 6th December.

7

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

UIA missions return

UIA As the world seems to be shifting to a state of “new normal”, UIA is pleased to, once again, be coordinating its missions to see and connect with Israel in person.

When coronavirus changed our world, UIA had to pivot to make sure that its connection to the Holy Land and our people remained at the forefront of our hearts and minds. Its virtual missions came about as a result, enabling us to keep that link intact.

Now that the opportunity to finally touch, smell and enjoy the sights and sounds of Israel has arrived once more, these missions are sure to be a 2022 calendar highlight.

The health, wellbeing and safety of participants will be central to UIA’s efforts. To that end, it has the support and infrastructure to overcome any local or global challenges, should the need arise.

It will, naturally, be following all protocols, as dictated by Australian and Israeli authorities.

As has come to be expected, UIA missions are about the experiences that few other tours can offer. Part of that will be meeting with high-profile speakers that have helped shape Israel’s history and society.

Visits to the regular sites one should not miss, including the Kotel, Yad Vashem and Golan Heights (with experienced and professional guides), are also highlights of the tours. Importantly, these missions give participants the chance to connect and engage with those whose lives are directly

impacted

by

UIA-sponsored

projects. That includes the Net@ Youth Technology Program, Amigour, Israel’s leading operator of public and sheltered housing facilities and aliyah rescue and absorption support.

In 2022, UIA is planning a Yom Ha’atzmaut mission between 3rd and 12th May, which will celebrate 74 years of Jewish statehood. There will also be an

additional mission from 25th October until 2nd November. To find out more, please contact Philippa on 9361 4273 or email missions@uiansw.org.au You

can

also

join

UIA’s

November at 5:30pm, either in person or via Zoom.

Sunday 27 February – Thursday 3 March 2022

THANK YOU FEDERAL

NSW GOLD

NSW SILVER

NSW BRONZE

mission

information evening on Tuesday, 30th

UIA volunteers, sponsors and supporters for helping to ensure the success of our 2021 Campaign

8

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

Chanukah’s true meaning is about Jewish survival ALAN AVERY-PECK COURTESY: THE CONVERSATION Every December Jews celebrate the eight-day festival of Chanukah, perhaps the best-known and certainly the most visible Jewish holiday.

While critics sometimes identify Christmas as promoting the prevalence in America today of what one might refer to as Chanukah kitsch, this assessment misses the social and theological significance of Chanukah within Judaism itself. Let’s consider the origin and development of Chanukah over the past more than 2,000 years.

Early history Though it is 2,200 years old, Chanukah is one of Judaism’s newest holidays, an annual Jewish celebration that does not even appear in the Hebrew Bible.

The historical event that is the basis for Chanukah is told, rather, in the postbiblical Books of the Maccabees, which appear in the Catholic biblical canon but are not even considered part of the Bible by Jews and most Protestant denominations.

Based on the Greco-Roman model of celebrating a military triumph, Chanukah was instituted in 164 B.C. to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees, a ragtag army of Jews, against the much more powerful army of King Antiochus IV of Syria.

In 168 B.C., Antiochus outlawed Jewish practice and forced Jews to adopt pagan rituals and assimilate into Greek culture.

The Maccabees revolted against this persecution. They captured Jerusalem from Antiochus’s control, removed from

the Jerusalem Temple symbols of pagan worship that Antiochus had introduced and restarted the sacrificial worship, ordained by God in the Hebrew Bible, that Antiochus had violated.

Chanukah, meaning “dedication,” marked this military victory with a celebration that lasted eight days and was modeled on the festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot) that had been banned by Antiochus.

How Chanukah evolved The military triumph, however, was short-lived. The Maccabees’ descendants – the Hasmonean dynasty – routinely violated their own Jewish law and tradition.

Even more significantly, the following centuries witnessed the devastation that would be caused when Jews tried again to accomplish what the Maccabees had done. By now, Rome controlled the land of Israel. In A.D. 68-70 and again in A.D. 133-135, the Jews mounted passionate revolts to rid their land of this foreign and oppressing power.

The first of these revolts ended in the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple, the preeminent center of Jewish worship, which had stood for 600 years.

As a result of the second revolt, the Jewish homeland was devastated and countless Jews were put to death.

War no longer seemed an effective solution to the Jews’ tribulations on the stage of history.

In response, a new ideology deemphasized the idea that Jews should or could change their destiny through military action. What was required, rabbis asserted, was not battle but perfect observance of God’s moral and ritual law. This would lead to God’s

intervention in history to restore the Jewish people’s control over their own land and destiny.

In this context, rabbis rethought Chanukah’s origins as the celebration of a military victory. Instead, they said, Chanukah should be seen as commemorating a miracle that occurred during the Maccabees’ rededication of the temple: The story now told was how a jar of temple oil sufficient for only one day had sustained the temple’s eternal lamp for a full eight days, until additional ritually appropriate oil could be produced.

The earliest version of this story appears in the Talmud, in a document completed in the sixth century A.D. From that period on, rather than directly commemorating the Maccabees’ victory, Chanukah celebrated God’s miracle.

This is symbolized by the kindling of an eight-branched candelabra (“Menorah” or “Hanukkiah”), with one candle lit on the holiday’s first night and an additional candle added each night until, on the final night of the festival, all eight branches are lit. The ninth candle in the Hanukkiah is used to light the others.

Throughout the medieval period, however, Chanukah remained a minor Jewish festival.

What Chanukah means today How then to understand what happened to Chanukah in the past hundred years, during which it has achieved prominence in Jewish life, both in America and around the world?

Chanukah today responds to Jews’ desire to see their history as consequential. Pixabay.com/en, CC BY The point is that even as the holiday’s prior iterations reflected the distinctive

needs of successive ages, so Jews today have reinterpreted Chanukah in light of contemporary circumstances – a point that is detailed in religion scholar Dianne Ashton’s book, “Chanukah in America.”

Ashton demonstrates while Chanukah has evolved in tandem with the extravagance of the American Christmas season, there is much more to this story.

Chanukah today responds to Jews’ desire to see their history as consequential, as reflecting the value of religious freedom that Jews share with all other Americans. Chanukah, with its bright decorations, songs, and familyand community-focused celebrations, also fulfills American Jews’ need to reengage disaffected Jews and to keep Jewish children excited about Judaism.

Poignantly, telling a story of persecution and then redemption, Chanukah today provides a historical paradigm that can help modern Jews think about the Holocaust and the emergence of Zionism.

In short, Chanukah is as powerful a commemoration as it is today because it responds to a host of factors pertinent to contemporary Jewish history and life.

Over two millennia, Chanukah has evolved to narrate the story of the Maccabees in ways that meet the distinctive needs of successive generations of Jews. Each generation tells the story as it needs to hear it, in response to the eternal values of Judaism but also as is appropriate to each period’s distinctive cultural forces, ideologies and experiences.

The author of this article is Professor in Judaic Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

The gift of giving COA SYDNEY Ramping up to the end of the year is always a busy time for the staff and volunteers at COA Sydney.

It centres around preparing Chanukah parcels for its members and Jewish residents in non-denominational aged care facilities, delivered through the Hannah Meyer Project.

The history of the Project dates back to the late ‘80s when Hannah Meyer (zl), Esta Levy OAM (zl) and Joe (zl) and Lee Borman (zl) joined together to bring Yiddishkeit to Jewish residents living in homes for senior citizens.

They also visited the Montefiore Parents’ Home in Hunters Hill weekly to entertain residents with singalongs and celebrations of holidays and festivals.

In other words, they started volunteer visiting long before the NSW government introduced the “Cluster Project” – which helped volunteers retain their cultural heritage – in 1992.

The idea was to encourage clergy and volunteers to visit aged care residents and help them retain their identity, although COA was already providing this connection.

Then, the organisation became the first recognised supplier of this service to

the Sydney Jewish “clusters”. The visits established personal connections and became an opportunity to catch up on the health and wellbeing of mutual acquaintances, as well as community gossip.

But what may be overlooked is the energy, dedication and joy they brought to seniors living away from their families and, in many cases, cut off from their cultural heritage.

The smiles and genuine affection these volunteers gave so freely was complimented by the delivery of special parcels when Jewish festivals came around.

Containing seasonal foods and small gifts, these were prepared by COA volunteers.

The stalwarts may no longer be with us, but their legacy lives on in the Hannah Meyer Project, which continues to grow and encompass a greater number of aged care facilities.

It involves more volunteers performing Shabbat and festival candle lighting and kiddush.

This year, again, hundreds of Chanukah parcels will be delivered to Jewish residents in aged care and to the staff who care for them.

COA staff and volunteers would like to wish all Sydney Jewish Report readers a Happy Chanukah and a fantastic 2022.

Joe (zl) and Lee Borman (zl) with challahs to celebrate Shabbat

Alf Borman (zl), Joe Borman (zl), Hannah Meyer (zl) and Esta Levy OAM (zl) at Vaucluse Nursing Home

9

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

A community holds strong

JCA When JCA’s 2021 campaign started in May, Sydney was optimistic. People were heartened by the upswing in mood and we were getting back to our normal routines. Restrictions had eased and events were once again underway.

Three major donor events happened in quick succession and it was a great beginning. Thereafter, our communal donors joined us online in a real show of support. We were treated to some muchneeded comedy while the organisation showcased the breadth of services and programs facilitated by its members.

A month later, Sydney went into a hard lockdown. JCA had to pivot to ensure that the 24 organisations supported by donors would not be compromised when it came to allocations for the ensuing year. The responsibility was huge in terms of continuing to support the most vulnerable in the community that rely on the programs and services provided.

It wasn’t only JCA that had to adjust.

Frontline workers in organisations like JewishCare, COA Sydney and Montefiore were tasked with ensuring that people remained safe while giving and receiving services. Reintroducing sophisticated technology so that people could remain connected to their families and loved ones became paramount once the lockdown was extended. JewishCare’s J-Day and Our Kitchen Hand programs as well as Burger Centre switched

Participants attending a major JCA donor event to online programming, delivering outstanding outcomes. Our educators pushed forward with online learning for the next generation. Teachers at schools supported by JCA – Moriah, Emanuel, Mount Sinai, Kesser Torah and Masada – continued to deliver curricula of the highest standard. One example of the community’s resilience was the 300% increase in demand for Kosher Meals on Wheels that COA Sydney experienced. It wasn’t only a matter of ensuring that the number of meals produced increased.

The organisation needed to source more volunteers for deliveries, they introduced a fresh produce option and

CSG stepped in to help by reaching out to its people. All this was done with the usual determination and grace that the community shows in times of adversity.

JCA CEO Alain Hassain said that for donors, it demonstrates that the community remains strong and resilient, regardless of the challenges. “It means that we hold our head high when we go out there and ask for the dollars that make our community thrive. While we haven’t yet reached our fundraising target, we still have a few weeks to achieve our goal by the end of the year.

“Our monthly donors continue their ongoing support. It means so much to

have their committed funds coming in and securing our tomorrows. Our volunteers will be calling those members that have yet to contribute. We look forward to them answering those calls.

“In a year unlike any other, I’d like to see us reach our ambitious target of $14M and give our organisations the resources they need to navigate what I hope is a more certain future for us all. I thank everyone for their generosity and wish everyone well for the holiday season.”

Donations to JCA’s 2021 Campaign can be made online at www.jca.org.au/ donate

10

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY

Tackling eating disorders Saying the wrong thing can potentially exacerbate the situation.

“Parents watch their teenagers restrict food, avoid meals and these children are often embarrassed to eat in front of the family. Then parents don't know what to do. Should they push, insist, nag or avoid the situation?”

Teachers watch their students become thinner and thinner. Often it starts with compliments, but they don’t know what

FRIENDS OF SHAARE ZEDEK How do we empower those without training to administer “eating disorder first aid” to prevent those at risk from developing a problem in this area?

That quest is driving an initiative that aims to bring together the brightest minds in Israel and Australia to address this life-threatening issue.

The Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek is facilitating a “Hackathon” brainstorming event that will bring together stakeholders in the two countries.

They will analyse and respond to the serious rise in the incidence and severity of eating disorders worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants will look to develop prototype solutions that can be widely applied.

The AFSZ is working to support the Adolescent Medicine Service at Jerusalem’s most central major hospital, Shaare Zedek.

Unit director, Dr Shelly Ben Harush Negari says the service is being inundated with teenagers with severe eating disorders.

The doctor wants to transform the model of adolescent health care in the Israeli capital.

A critical aspect of responding to the eating disorders

Dr Shelly Ben Harush Negari, Director of Shaare Zedek’s Adolescent Medicine Unit challenge is early intervention. Shaare Zedek treats patients with advanced symptoms, but if disorders can be detected early it will undoubtedly save lives and reduce pressure on the hospital system.

There is a great deal of stigma around eating disorders, says Dr Ben Harush Negari. “People are unsure about what to say and do. They need support and tools to help them respond appropriately.

appropriate experiences, in a purpose-

Kesser Torah College Early Learning Centre held an official opening of its newly upgraded facilities to thank those who generously donated $800,000 to bring the vision to reality.

The development included the construction of two new playgrounds, the creation of an additional classroom and the refurbishment of all other classrooms.

built environment.” The formalities were followed by a tour of the development and the school grounds.

“Children can explore various spaces, including the cubby house, wet kitchen and sandpit,” Ms Shneier said. “They can test their physical skills and limits on the obstacle courses and ride on the bicycle track. They can explore the natural environment through our vegetable

garden,

worm

farm,

“The upgrade is designed to cater for the College’s dramatic increase in early learning enrolments.”

Principal Roy Steinman, Board President Shaul Schapiro and ELC Director Lesley Shneier acknowledged the visitors and explained the impact of the upgrade, which is designed to cater for the College’s dramatic increase in early learning enrolments.

“With the installation of two new playgrounds, KTC is now able to provide vast and separate play spaces for the three different age groups within the Centre, each with an array of age-

Toni

Pikoos,

a

Melbourne

of eating disorders, says eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness.

As a health promotion charity with a commitment to addressing health issues in Israel and Australia, the AFSZ envisages developing a response that would save lives in both countries.

“The challenge of responding to someone with disordered eating affects many people, including parents, friends, teachers and army personnel.

to do next when their pupils look ill and become isolated.

The challenge of responding to someone with disordered eating affects many people, including parents, friends, teachers and army personnel.

Cultural issues play a significant role too. In Israel, Jewish fast days, and Ramadan are potential triggers for food restriction. Factors involving the army may inhibit seeking treatment.

Further, there is a great deal of stigma around an eating disorder diagnosis.

Expansion and upgrade KTC FOUNDATION

Dr

psychologist specialising in the treatment

composting and rainwater tank. Most importantly, it will build their confidence and enable them to learn social skills with their peers.”

Tania Cohen, Foundation Director, said: “This has been extremely positive for the day-to-day outdoor experience of current children and for the Board’s strategy of growing the school from the ground up. We are deeply grateful to our donors for this impactful gift”.

It is grateful to LaunchPad Leadership and Australian Jewish Funders for their guidance in the development of this latest initiative.

The Hackathon will be held via Zoom on 8th December and will bring together specialists and stakeholders from Israel and Australia.

To register for this free event, go to https://bit.ly/EDHackathon

11

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

AROUND

T H E

COMMUNITY Eastcoast – premium, locally produced, juice EASTCOAST The seeds of Eastcoast were planted in 1965 when Salvatore Lentini picked and packed fresh fruit from his Central Coast orchards, supplying the famous Flemington Markets.

Years later, when the federal government removed tariffs on imported juice concentrate, it became less profitable to produce juice derived solely from fresh fruit.

That’s when Salvatore’s three sons – Sam, Mick, and Frank – saw an opportunity to create their own niche market by squeezing citrus made entirely from 100% fresh fruit. From there, Eastcoast was born.

Now into its third generation, the business is the name behind premium quality Aussie fresh fruit juices, fruit drinks and natural spring water.

Generating quality product is one thing, but another is outstanding customer service, for which it has become renowned.

Employing more than 40 local Central Coast staff, Eastcoast uses Central Coast, wholly Australian produce throughout the production process, whenever it is possible to do so.

Importantly, apart from making wholesome refreshing drinks, the business is acutely aware of the environment and to doing right by it.

Its philosophy is Return, Regrow and Re-juice, so that nothing is wasted.

Three generations of Lentinis. From left: Samuel, Nina, Maria, Domenic, Mick, Samuel L., Maria, Samuel J. and Dom Eastcoast’s mission is to be 100% recyclable while remaining 100% committed to the environment and the people in it.

Return Eastcoast’s recyclable bottles can be returned and reused in their next life.

Citrus peel is sent to struggling farming communities to be used as a nutritious, alternative cattle feed, full of protein and energy.

Regrow There is zero waste in the manufacturing of Eastcoast juice. Washdown water is

treated and sent back to its orchards to replenish the trees.

Re-Juice The citrus pulp that isn’t used in Eastcoast’s pulp free orange juice instead provides a zesty, nutritional punch to yoghurts and citrus-flavoured desserts. The pulp is sent to companies for blending and regenerating.

Eastcoast, takes pride in its locality and the community of which it is a part. The business holds an annual event called Day on the Farm, when locals and tourists can visit its factory and farm to

witness the production process. Its story is as homegrown as it gets because everything produced is handpicked, squeezed and bottled the same day.

If that hasn’t got your mouth watering for a taste of pure, delicious goodness, I dare say nothing will.

To learn more about Eastcoast, go to www.eastcoastbeverages.com.au, follow the business’ socials and find Eastcoast products at local stockists and supermarkets across NSW.

The JNF family wishes you a Shana Tova

JNF 120TH ANNIVERSARY VIRTUAL GALA EVENT

Local, Like it Should Be

5 OCTOBER 2021, 8PM

BUILDING ISRAEL SINCE 1901

NOA TISHBY

Actress, Writer, Producer & Activist

RON DERMER

Israel‘s 18th Ambassador to the United States

FREE ONLINE EVENT REGISTER NOW!

www.jnf.org.au/virtualgala or 1300 563 563

ELON GOLD

Actor & Comedian

12 AROUND

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

T H E

COMMUNITY

Chanukah on the beach

BY NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: TABLET MAGAZINE When 100-year-old Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal celebrates Chanukah, it’s very different than it was when she was growing up in Poland. These days, when she lights the candles – on a menorah salvaged from the Warsaw Ghetto – at a public lighting at the local synagogue, Beit Midrash Morasha, in Cape Town, South Africa, it is close to 9pm. And it is hot, boiling hot, outside.

Her granddaughter, Lior, who lives in Johannesburg, usually comes to spend time with Blumenthal over Chanukah.

“During the summer, when Chanukah falls, Johannesburg is deserted. Everyone is on vacation, so I come to the beach to spend time with my grandmother and we usually celebrate Chanukah together in the heat,” she said.

In Australia’s biggest cities large Chanukah in the Park events occur across the eight days of the festival, with locals enjoying barbecues, fireworks and festivities. Smaller festivities are take place in Australia’s regional cities.

In tropical Cairns, Rabbi Ari Rubin makes the most of his unique location by infusing the festival with local culture.

In 2019 he had a huge menorah made using mangoes.

Last year, after seeking permission from the local aboriginal Australian custodians of the land, the Yidiny people, Rubin used a menorah constructed from didgeridoos.

“Didgeridoos symbolise Australia’s indigenous heritage and we, the local Jewish community, wanted to showcase our connection to the local aboriginal people,” the rabbi said. “The aboriginal elders we sought permission from to use didgeridoos for our menorah were very supportive and thought it was a great way to commemorate our freedom of religion in Australia. It also emphasised

Rabbi Ari Rubin and his mango menorah in Cairns (photo courtesy of Rabbi Ari Rubin) the sense of kinship that many Jewish people feel with the indigenous community.”

Rubin also takes his Chanukah show on the road to other, smaller Jewish communities. Sami Hall lives more than 300 kilometres from Cairns, in Townsville, where the Jewish community has only 70 residents and no formal synagogue or full-time rabbi. But Hall looks forward

to Rubin arriving every Chanukah to light the public menorah in the main street on one of the nights of the festival.

“It’s not quite dark when the candles are lit. It’s just peaceful,” she said. “I don’t know how to describe it. I love the lighting of the candles and the reminder that God trumps all, no matter what adversity you face,” Hall said.

She said that Chanukah “makes me feel part of something greater as a Jewish person. While I am in my tropical paradise lighting candles, someone across the world is lighting candles in the frost and cold, and we are connected through this tradition.”

Elianne Ny, a 20-something from Uruguay, remembers attending Chanukah celebrations each year on the capital city’s main boardwalk, the Rambla of Montevideo, an avenue that runs up the coastline.

“For me, growing up in Uruguay, Chanukah was always a time for family and is a very relaxed kind of festival,” she said. “The good side of having Chanukah in the summertime means that it is always chilled.”

Most years, by the time Chanukah arrives, school is over for summer, so children are free to stay up late all eight nights, partaking in the festivities.

“People are much more relaxed at this time of the year. People organise social activities and get together with friends,” said Ny. “It is a festival that lends itself to flexibility. You are already hanging out with friends so you light candles together.”

Around the Southern Hemisphere, Chanukah traditions have been adapted. Rabbi Mendy Shemtov facilitates public menorah lightings across Uruguay. That includes the beachside town of Punta del Este, which is a favoured destination for many South American holidaymakers. He also positions menorahs in Uruguay’s airports to welcome global travellers.

“When this tradition was first established, about 35 years ago, it was a novelty, as Uruguay was coming out of a dictatorship, so the fact that Judaism was celebrated publicly was a big deal,” said Shemtov.

Still, depending upon where Chanukah is celebrated, precautions may well be in order.

Rubin, a dual American and Australian citizen, laughs as he recalls the Chanukah. celebrations he experienced in the Northern Hemisphere over the years.

“One year I remember going to hand out doughnuts on a street corner in Pittsburgh, when it was absolutely icy.

My fingers were completely frozen and the jam hardened in the doughnuts because it was so cold.

However, in Far North Queensland, where I now live and serve as the fulltime rabbi, you have fire bans. You can’t always have fire displays and fireworks because there are concerns these could spark bushfires.”

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

13

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

JUD AIC A

QUIZ

RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN Introduced mid-year, it is heart-warming to see just how positively this Judaica Quiz has been embraced by our community – it is a privilege to bring this to you each month.

This is a win-win exchange as Rabbi David Freedman enjoys researching and compiling it as much as so many love the challenge around the Shabbat table.

During this joyous time when we celebrate the victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of the small cruse of oil in the Menorah lasting eight days, perhaps you will emerge victorious as your famed family Judaica Quiz champion (while munching on divine doughnuts). Dare to dream!

Wishing you a Chanukah Sameach!

Okay, how many can you answer out of the following 25 – let’s do this!

1. Which Jewish ritual object is black and has a bayit and retzuot?

2. Where is the only 18-hole golf course in Israel?

3. Comparing lines of latitude, place these three cities in order from North to South: a) Tel Aviv b) Los Angeles c) Shanghai

Test your knowledge 4. What series of historical events led to the creation of YIZKOR BUCHEN (Memorial Books in which the names of the deceased were written)?

5. Which animal is associated with both Joseph Trumpeldor and Anzac Day? 6. At the time of the census conducted

by Moses in the first chapter of the Book of Numbers, which of the twelve tribes of Israel was the largest:

phantom, towering up in his immense caftan, with his fur cap and pale curls falling from his temples”?

10. Which Jewish poetess wrote these words which were inscribed on the Statue of Liberty - "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”

11. What is Rosh Hashanah La’ilanot?

12. Which one of the following still

Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition. a) Judah b) Levi c)Ephraim?

7. Annelies Marie were the first two names of which famous 20th Century Jewish female?

8. Schneider, Shuster and Becker are Jewish surnames originally representing which trades?

9. What event was French playwright Edmond Fleg attending when he said the following: “I looked about me. What Jewish contrasts! A pale-faced Pole with high cheekbones, a German in spectacles, a Russian looking like an angel, a bearded Persian, a clean-shaven American, an Egyptian in a fez, and over there, that black

existed in Israel as late as the early 2000s: a) the Syrian brown bear b) Arabian Leopard c) Asiatic lion d) Asiatic cheetah?

13. The founder of the Rothschild banking family, Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744–1812) was born in which German city: a) Cologne b) Berlin c) Frankfurt?

14. Israel defines itself as a liberal democracy, one of only two in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Which is the other?

15. Which battle involving British and Australian troops took place on 31 October 1917?

16. According to tradition, Nachshon ben Aminadav was the first Israelite to do what?

17. Which country in Central America has a Jewish community that is 85% kosher observant, has 95% of its children attending a Jewish Day School and boasts institutes for advanced Torah learning such as a kollel, a midrasha, 4 mikvaot (ritual baths), 35 kosher restaurants and 2 full-service kosher supermarkets?

18. Which fast day can fall on a Friday and ends after Shabbat has begun?

19. In the Bible, who said to whom, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse.”

20. In which country was Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach born?

21. Name any of the British football clubs for whom Eyal Berkovic played.

22. Name the Pope during World War II. 23. True or false: A Ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) does not need to be signed by the bride and groom?

24.Which 20th century American Jewish author wrote Mila 18 and Exodus?

25. Who came to Israel courtesy of Operation Magic Carpet?

ANSWERS PAGE 17

Discover our Kosher range at Woolworths Double Bay, Bondi Junction, Eastgardens, St Ives, Northbridge, Neutral Bay and Lane Cove.

CP221122N2SJR

14

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

JE W I SH

FIGURES DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM Jewish celebrities and historical figures, past and present.

Jewish or not? With some, it can be hard to tell.

RASHIDA JONES Rashida Jones grew up with a strong Jewish identity. Her Jewish mother, the actress Peggy Lipton, and her famous African American father, Quincy Jones, made sure Jones always knew about her Jewish heritage and sent her to Hebrew school. In 2012, Jones appeared on the genealogy TV show Who Do You Think You Are? and learned on air that members of her mother’s family were murdered in the Holocaust. Her partner is Ezra Koenig, the Jewish front man for the indie rock group, Vampire Weekend.

Did you know they are or were Jewish?

DRAKE Born Aubrey Drake Graham, Drake’s mum, Sandy Graham, is Jewish. Drake’s dad is the African American musician Dennis Graham.

Drake’s parents divorced when he was young and Drake was brought up by his mum in Toronto’s Jewish community. When he turned 31, Drake threw himself a star-studded “rebar mitzvah” party.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE The Harry Potter star’s mum, born Marcia Jacobson, is Jewish. Daniel Radcliffe’s middle name, Jacob, might point to his mother’s Jewish-sounding maiden name.

(His dad, Alan Radcliffe, is an English Protestant.) Radcliffe has described himself as “very proud” to be Jewish.

PINK Born Alecia Beth Moore in 1979, the singer's mum – ER nurse Judy Kugel Moore – is Jewish. Her parents divorced when she was young. Pink has proudly described herself as “a Jewish woman” and described her mom as a "typical Jewish mother”.

RUTH WESTHEIMER Famous sex educator “Dr. Ruth” was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Germany in 1928 and served as a sharpshooter during Israel’s War of Independence.

ESTEE LAUDER Born Josephine Esther Mentzer in 1906, Estee Lauder collaborated with an uncle, who was a chemist, to create makeup. She started selling it in 1946 and soon became the wealthiest, selfmade woman in the world. Lauder is one of many Jewish makeup moguls. Others include Helena Rubenstein, Charles Haskell Revson (founder of Revlon) and Bobbi Brown.

VIDAL SASSOON Another hero from Israel’s War of Independence, the British Jewish Vidal Sassoon (born into a poor Jewish family in London in 1928) served in Israel’s elite Palmach fighting unit.

DR. ROSALIND FRANKLIN The British chemist who helped discover DNA missed out on sharing the Nobel Prize with her colleagues Frances Crick, Maurice Wilkins and James Watson.

Watson publicly stated that Franklin should have been awarded the Nobel too. She died tragically young in 1958 at the age of 37.

ZSA ZSA GABOR An actress who hid her Jewishness, Zsa Zsa was born Sari Gabor in Hungary in 1917 and fled to the United States in 1941.

DANIEL DAY LEWIS The actor’s Jewish mother, Jill Balcon, was also in showbiz. (Lewis’ dad, Cecil Day-Lewis, was not Jewish and served as England’s poet laureate.) He is married to Rebecca Miller, the daughter of playwright Arthur Miller.

HARRISON FORD The parents of Dora Nidelman, Ford's mother, were Jewish immigrants from Minsk. Ford has said that he taps into his Jewish identity when he’s acting.

SCARLETT JOHANNSEN Actress Scarlett Johannsen has described herself as a New York Jew. Her mum, producer Melanie Sloan, is Jewish and her dad Karsten Johansson, who is not Jewish, is a Danish-born architect.

LEVI STRAUSS Born in Bavaria in 1829, Strauss provided miners in the California Gold Rush with durable work clothes. He made a fortune and became a major Jewish philanthropist.

LAUREN BACALL The sultry WWII pin up was born Betty Joan Perske in the Bronx in 1924 to Jewish parents who’d emigrated to the United States from Russia. She was one of many actresses who downplayed their Jewishness at the time and they included Hedy Lamarr.

IRVING BERLIN The songwriter who brought us White Christmas and Easter Parade was a Jew, born Israel Beilin in Russia in 1888.

During World War I Berlin teamed up with Harry Houdini, Al Jolson and other Jews in show business, forming the Rabbis’ Sons Theatrical Benevolent Association, which raised money for the Red Cross.

JONAS SALK The inventor of the polio vaccine was a Jew, as was Dr. Albert Sabin, Salk’s rival who developed the “live” polio vaccine that is still in use today. When Dr. Salk announced that his polio vaccine was safe and effective on 12th April 1955 people celebrated in the streets and churches rang their bells in towns and cities across the United States.

JACK BLACK Born Thomas Jacob Cohan, comedian, singer, songwriter and actor Jack Black’s mother, Judith Love Cohen, was born Jewish. His father, Thomas William Black, converted to Judaism.

The couple worked as engineers on the Hubble Space Telescope.

JOAQUIN PHOENIX Joaquin Phoenix has been open about his difficult childhood: his parents belonged to a cult in Latin America.

The family – including Phoenix’s Jewish mother, Arlyn Dunetz Phoenix – has since left the cult and his parents divorced.

“I’m Jewish” the Academy-award winning actor has declared, adding that he’s still wary of organised religion after his traumatic childhood.

CAMILLE PISARRO This famous French impressionist painter – a close friend of Monet and Cezanne – was born on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas in 1830 and named Jacob Abraham Camille Pissarro. He’s one of many well-known Jewish painters (think of Modigliani, Soutine, Lieberman and Pascin), whose Jewish identity is not widely known today.

TONY CURTIS Born Bernard Schwartz, Curtis’ parents were penniless Jewish immigrants from Hungary. He changed his name at the behest of Hollywood studio bosses to the Anglo-sounding Tony Curtis. Later in life Curtis embraced his Jewish identity, connecting with his local Chabad near Las Vegas, where he lived and performing mitzvot such as putting on tefillin.

SIGMUND FREUD Born Sigmund Shlomo Freud in presentday Czechoslovakia in 1856, the father of psychoanalysis became a worldfamous professor in Vienna. His renown wasn’t enough to save him from the Nazis. When his beloved daughter Anna was arrested by the Gestapo in 1938 the entire Freud family left their home and fled to England.

HARRY HOUDINI Born in Hungary in 1874, Houdini’s real name was Erik Weisz. His father was a rabbi and Houdini maintained a strong Jewish identity in his private life.

15

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

F O O D I E S'

CORNER MILLEE'S DELI Millee’s Deli has now been proudly KAcertified for over five years with doors opening back in 2016 and it is a true kosher anchor for our community. From catering events to offering varied and unique menus for each festival, the Millee’s team, led by the tremendously talented Dena Miller and Minette LeeWarden, is creative and oh-so-impressive.

They continue to have the ability to realise the ambitious vision of bringing menus from all over the world to Kosher Sydney. Each and every dish is infused with fabulous flavours – from Italian to Greek to Portuguese to Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and more, it is rare kosher talent.

During the Covid lockdowns of the past two years, Millee’s brought its expertise to The Central Synagogue’s Shabbat in a Box project. Comforting and generous meals were delivered to those in need at a challenging time. Each Friday morning at 8am, Millee’s doors open for its legendary Shabbat Shuk, with so much on offer for our blessed Day of Rest.

Last month, we introduced readers to the beloved South African Vetkoek, and the response was phenomenal!

Many smiled while telling us how much they loved the English translation of this Afrikaans word: Fat Cakes and requested more from the land affectionately known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’! We’ve recently featured recipes that fall into the sweet category and know just how many jam-

Millee’s deli curried beef vetkoek filled doughnuts are going to be inhaled over this joyous festival of Chanukah. To balance this, the magnificent team at Millee’s Deli have come to the Chanukah party, so to speak, with this fleishig Festival of Lights winner!

This puts a smile on the faces of millions in South Africa and reminds Dena and Minette of their childhood.

It is now our turn Down Under to relish these savoury flavours (of course, it can also be eaten as a dessert with syrup or jam too).

MILLEE’S VETKOEK INGREDIENTS (yields approximately two dozen) 5 ½ cups plain flour 1 tsp salt 3 tsp sugar 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 tsp dried yeast 2 cups warm water METHOD Basic Recipe In a bowl, mix sugar, lukewarm water and yeast. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.

Place flour, salt and oil in a separate bowl. Add yeast mixture to flour and mix until everything comes together. The dough should be a bit sticky. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-1 ½ hours.

Once doubled in size, place dough on a lightly floured board and gently knead for about 5 mins. Softly roll the dough mixture on a floured board and cut out circles with a cookie cutter or glass.

Allow the dough to rest for another 15 mins.

Deep fry a few at a time until golden brown over a medium heat.

tomatoes. Continue cooking for about three minutes, then add mincemeat, salt and pepper until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Cook for about 20 mins and finally add peas, carrots, parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.

You can prepare this one day in advance. Slice the Vetkoek, fill and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS CURRIED MINCE FILLING 500 gms beef mince 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 onion chopped 4 small tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp vegetable oil 1-1 ½ tsp minced garlic 1 tsp ginger powder 2 Tbsp. curry powder ½ tsp paprika 2 Tbsp. parsley 1 cup peas and carrots Salt & pepper to taste

To contact Millee’s Deli for your next simchah, call Dena Miller on 0418 666 901 or Minette Lee-Warden on 0412 446 152. Visit the Millee’s Shabbat Shuk each Friday at 525 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay.

METHOD Curried Mince In a medium pan, sauté onions until soft. Add minced garlic, ginger, curry powder, paprika, followed by chopped

New look bakery still serving your kosher favourites.

350

$

pk

EVERY DAY LOW PRICE

2

$

4

$ ea

EVERY DAY LOW PRICE

Coles Bakery Flatbread White 6 Pack

Coles Bakery Rolls 6 Pack

$0.58 per each

Price excludes High Fibre Low Gi and Lower Carb varieties and Tiger rolls.

ea

Coles Bakery Stone Baked White Sourdough Vienna or Light Rye Sourdough Vienna

Coles kosher bakery products available at Coles Bondi Westfield. We stock pre-package bakery goods made at Coles Bondi Eastgate or off-site bakeries which are not kosher, please look for KA logo on shelf to guide you.

216952

16

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

RABBINIC

THOUGHT RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY As we prepare for Chanukah, two foods come to mind.

The first is delicious jam-filled, deepfried doughnuts, or ponchkes, as my Polish mother used to call them. The second is latkes, pancake-like deep fried potato delicacies.

The reason for this focus on fried food is to commemorate the miracle of the oil which took place in the Temple. It was two-fold – it is well known that the oil was only meant to burn for one day, yet it lasted a full eight days. It was also miraculous that they found any pure oil at all! The Greeks had transformed the Temple into a place of idol worship and had attempted to eradicate anything associated with our sacred, ritualistic Temple service.

The fact that they missed a cruse of oil and the Maccabees found it, was also a nes gadol, a great miracle.

There was an ongoing cultural battle between the Jews and Greeks. The Greeks worshipped their gods, all physically fashioned in the image of men.

They also revered the body, with physical strength and prowess of paramount importance. This was in

Not with valour nor strength, but with my spirit sharp contrast to our Jewish belief in one G-d: “Not with valour nor strength but with my spirit” says HaShem.

In fact, this battle was far more insidious because the Greeks originally presented with friendship and the catchcry of equality for all. Yet this

There is only survival of the fittest and the strong ruling over the weak.

This was the real war and meaning of the miracle of the Jews finding pure oil.

Technically from a halachic standpoint, it may have been permitted to light the Menora with impure oil if there was no

“Without G-d there is no moral responsibility, no devotion to a higher spiritual power, no independent measure of right and wrong.”

alleged camaraderie carried an ultimatum: give up your invisible G-d, there is no such thing as a ‘holy’ place or sanctified acts. There is only what you can see.

Without G-d there is no moral responsibility, no devotion to a higher spiritual power, no independent measure of right and wrong.

pure oil. Yet on this occasion, the oil had to be pure. The naked eye cannot see a difference between pure and impure oil – it is a spiritual state and the Greeks rejected this distinction. Precisely for that reason the Jews wanted and needed pure oil.

The closest thing we have to spirituality in this world is light, and when that light

is fuelled by ‘pure oil’ it sends an eternal message that the spiritual outweighs the physical and the light drives away the darkness. As expressed in Proverbs (6:23) a mitzvah is like a candle and the Torah is light.

As Chanukah approaches, it behoves us to learn this lesson. In our modern world, a person’s worth is often measured by financial success.

Greediness bombards us via advertising and choices we are encouraged to make. If you are successful, buy a Tesla not a Toyota.

Clothes must be bought from designer labels and nothing must be chosen that is home-brand.

We may not even be conscious of its perniciousness, but our values become corrupted in the never-ending storm of materialism.

When the Chanukah lights shine, we appreciate that true success is not measured in dollars and cents, rather in the spirit. We realise that Torah values of honesty, justice and kindness are most important.

We recognise that we are all created equal in the image of G-d, and it is His currency that is the true measure of our worth, not the numbers (or lack thereof) within our bank accounts.

Happy Chanukah

How good deeds transform character RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE Should a person do good even for the wrong reasons, like ego, fame, praise or wealth? The Talmud teaches that good deeds have such a powerful and positive effect, that eventually we come to do them lishma, for the right reasons. Over time we evolve, permitting goodness to permeate our persona.

Not everyone agrees. The common phrase: “A leopard never changes its spots,” reflects how character has been viewed as a set immutable fact.

However, Judaism thinks differently, Maimonides wrote in The Ethics of our Fathers, often it is better to give a recipient one gold coin on a thousand different occasions, than to give one thousand gold coins simultaneously.

He stated that whilst it is true that the net good to the receiver is identical, the growth comes from the giver extending charity on repeat whereby the trait of giving becomes a natural inclination.

By extension, if you have a pushke, or

increasingly cashless world, having kids

to others as well. To realise this, the

tzedakah box, in a prominent place

click ‘Donate’ with you directed to a

‘lamplighters’ of this world don’t just

within your home for spare change, its

charity organisation of their choice, is

need to passively read to the children

presence leaves a powerful impression

a modern take on this positive action.

about sharing, caring, kindness and

Giving is so much more than dollars,

loving, we need to show them. We

The Lubavitch Rebbe taught, "A

cents or an electronic transfer. It is more

must endeavour to make this ongoing

charity box in a home or office redefines

than the good that will come from the

and interactive.

the entire space. It is no longer just a

financial support you provide. It is the

on the whole family.

The joyous festival of Chanukah is upon us – it is a story of a little light pushing away an empire of darkness.

The battle is still very much alive within

“We wish for the younger generation to be magnanimous – living not only for themselves, but to bring blessings to others as well.”

each of us.

The light-filled triumph is found in every conscious decision to not only do good in the face of evil, but to do good anonymously, with no loud trumpets or fanfare heralding the moment or the generous gesture.

We are each a wonderful work in progress and may inevitably have pulls in other directions for different reasons.

Stay the course, give on repeat. Teach

home, just an office. It is a centre of

modelling of mitzvot to all within our

kindness and caring."

orbit. It is the very essence of who we

While the spotlight may not be on you

are – and thereby, the shaping of our

and all you do, your positive actions will

character.

radiate the most luminous aura, shining

This

can

lead

to

meaningful

discussions with children about giving to the less fortunate or which worthy cause it can be directed towards.

And

in

this

post-pandemic,

We wish for the younger generation to be magnanimous – living not only for themselves, but to bring blessings

to give on repeat.

brighter than we have ever previously collectively known – guaranteed!

Wishing you a Freilichen Chanukah!

17

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

MOV IE

REVIEW THE POWER OF THE DOG (M) ALEX FIRST Jane Campion has written and directed some memorable movies, including The Piano (1993).

Now she has added to her already impressive repertoire with an early Oscar contender in The Power of the Dog. It is characterised by a sensitive and affecting storyline, a litany of memorable performances (headlined by Benedict Cumberbatch) and breathtaking cinematography.

Set in Montana in the 1920s, it centres around two successful ranchers … brothers.

Phil Burbank (Cumberbatch) is raw and uncouth. He strikes fear into others. George Burbank (Jess Plemons) is quiet and respectful … a sensitive soul. The pair was mentored by a man named Bronco Henry, whom Phil regarded as his best friend.

Phil and George have been riding alongside each another for 25 years. Over that time, they have also slept in the same room.

One day they and their ranch hands drive a large herd of cattle. Along the way, they stop in at a restaurant operated by widower Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst).

She has a sensitive and creative son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who aspires to be a surgeon, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a doctor.

Phil Burbank makes fun of him, which leaves Rose in tears. Sensitive to the situation, George is out to make amends and, before you know it, the pair is married.

From the get-go, Phil makes it crystal clear that he isn’t happy with the situation.

It appears that he resents his brother being

Absorbing Western pulled away from him. Phil makes things particularly uncomfortable for Rose, who turns to the bottle.

Her son, the most awkward Peter, is very much a fish out of water, until Phil does an about face and decides to take him under his wing, much to Rose’s chagrin.

The title is drawn from a bible passage and is a parallel to the inherent strength of Phil … and, arguably, Peter.

Campion weaves her considerable talent with dexterity, juxtaposing the characters, setting up confrontations.

Cumberbatch gives a great performance, channeling the two sides of Phil’s character through expression, as much as through dialogue.

Plemons plays against type, displaying grace and poise.

Dunst transitions her character from in control to out of control and we watch on unable to prevent the disintegration of spirit.

Smit-McPhee brings an effeminate edge to his portrayal of a young man with a lot of growing up to do.

The Power of the Dog is a film to savour.

It doesn’t move at pace, but works away at your psyche. It has extraordinary beauty alongside devastation and despair.

Its homoerotic edge reminded me of Academy Award winner Brokeback Mountain, though sexuality is handled more delicately here.

Cinematographer Ari Wegner makes the most of the opportunity given to him. He has the gift of being able to turn even dry grassland into a scene of special significance, which continues to resonate long after you exit the cinema.

The Power of the Dog is so magnificently crafted and realised I can’t wait to see it a second time.

Rated M, it scores a 9 out of 10.

Judaica quiz answers 1. Tefillin – the bayit is the box

15.The Battle of Beersheba

in which the parchments are

16.He was the first to jump into

housed, the retzuot are the

the Red Sea, following which

leather straps

the waters divided to allow the

2. Caesarea

Israelites to pass through on dry

3. a) Los Angeles 34 degrees

land

north

17. Panama

b) Tel Aviv 32 degrees north

18. The Fast of the 10th of Tevet

c) Shanghai 31 degrees north

19. King Saul to his son Jonathan

4. The Crusades

(arguing about David)

5. Mule - Joseph Trumpeldor

20. He was born in Berlin,

helped to organise the Zion

Germany (1925)

Mule Corps in WWI and they

21. Southampton, West Ham

participated in the Gallipoli

United, Manchester City, Celtic

Campaign

and Portsmouth

6. Judah

22. Pope Pius XII

7. Anne Frank

23. True

8. Tailor, Shoemaker and Baker

24. Leon Uris

9. The (Third) Zionist Congress

25.Operation Magic Carpet is

10. Emma Lazarus

a widely known nickname for

11. The New Year for Trees

Operation On Wings of Eagles

12. The Arabian Leopard, the

(Hebrew: Kanfei Nesharim),

others had already become

an operation between June

extinct in the region much earlier

1949 and September 1950 that

13.Frankfurt

brought 49,000 Yemenite Jews to

14.Tunisia

the new State of Israel.

1

$

ea

1

$

ea

2

$

ea

1

$

ea

SAVE 25¢

SAVE 50¢

Elite Choc Coins Parve 15g $6.67 per 100g

Elite Choc Coins Milk 15g $6.67 per 100g

3

$

50 ea

6

$

30 ea

SAVE 30¢

SAVE 70¢

SAVE 70¢

SAVE 70¢

Osem Bamba Snacks 25g $4 per 100g

Chanukah Candles Pk 44

Eskal Poppyseed Dressing 300ml $1.17 per 100ml

Eskal Gift Box Mint Creams 150g $4.20 per 100g

Available at Woolworths Bondi Junction, Double Bay, Eastgardens, Neutral Bay, Northbridge and St Ives^

On sale until Tuesday 7th December 2021 unless sold out earlier at Woolworths Bondi Junction, Double Bay, Eastgardens, Neutral Bay (Grosvenor Street Store), Northbridge and St Ives. Limits per customer may apply, trade not supplied. ^Products and specials may not be available in all stores. Specials are not available online or at Ampol Woolworths co-branded fuel outlets. Woolworths Supermarkets: 1 Woolworths Way, Bella Vista, NSW 2153.

18

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

C ONS I D E RE D

OPINION

ALEEZA BEN SHALOM COURTESY: AISH.COM Why you shouldn't be disappointed when your date does not match who you were envisioning.

You’re sitting across from a date and something feels off – they're just not what you were expecting. Why does the paper version of this person look so much better than they do in real life?

Here’s why reality doesn’t always match up with the date you envisioned.

Your Imagination Does a Great Job We have really great imaginations.

Just as the movie version of the book you envisioned doesn't compare to what you imagined the same thing happens with a dating profile. Reading a dating profile is like reading a book. It's better because it stems from your imagination. What you project from the details on paper into an imagined persona is almost never equivalent to the real human being you sit down with on the date.

You read someone’s profile and feel immediately connected to the other person and there’s something there.

Your mind likes doing puzzles and it starts to fill in all the gaps. You make everything look “picture-perfect” in your brain. You’re looking forward to meeting them, envisioning how great they will be, based on this idea you have in your mind,

Why the paper version of your date is better than reality which isn’t exactly based on reality, but on figments of your imagination.

Is it any wonder they’re not actually “picture-perfect”? So, you're freaking out inside, feeling so frustrated. Your imagination is doing a great job, as it should. But don’t be disappointed when your date does not match your imagination.

So how do you get over this hurdle?

You need to slow down your thinking and be present on your date. You need to take a look at the person sitting in front of you. Put aside that image of who you think they are from what you read and get to know the person in front of you.

Don’t try to compare your vision to the reality. Just enjoy and connect with the reality of the situation, whether they are who you expected or not, and go with the flow.

Editing Your Profile Now let’s flip the scenario. Let’s say you’re writing your own dating profile.

You have time to refine that amazing piece of paper. How many times do you write or rewrite, order or reorder? You edit yourself, right?

And then what happens? You show up to the date and you’re a little unedited.

You’re totally raw. You’re there in the flesh and maybe you’re not as eloquent as the words on the page. Maybe you wrote it. Maybe you had somebody else help you write it. Whatever you did, it just

sounds better on paper than how you present in person.

You’re in good company. A lot of people edit their profile and most people don’t meet others’ expectations.

Even still, you need to show up with confidence. Go in with a smile and put your best foot forward, and hopefully the person across from you will like the real, unedited version of you.

Photo Perfect You have the opportunity to enhance what’s in a photo but when you show up in person, you still look like you. Should you edit your photo? Use photoshop?

Who are you fooling?

Some people look amazing in photos.

Do they look as good in real life? Not always. It’s a weird thing. Some people look great in real life but are not photogenic at all.

I had this roommate once. She was gorgeous and she took the most horrible photos. She didn’t even like them! She’s like, “I don’t understand, Aleeza. Why can’t I take a good photo?” I couldn’t explain it. Some people just don’t match what is showing up in a photo. If someone is used to seeing you one way, then it’s the only image they see of you, playing over again and over again in their mind.

When they finally see you in person and it doesn’t match, it gets confusing.

You and your date need to give your eyes time to get used to the person in

front of you and to let the image you had in your mind fade away. Don’t be surprised if at first a photo doesn’t match what you’re seeing in person. Allow the person to grow on you over the date.

Only after spending time with them can you truly judge if this person is for you. Avoid making a snap decision and ending something before it starts.

You’ve Been Putting People on Pedestals By the time we meet someone in person sometimes we’ve already put them on a pedestal in our mind. We like what they’ve written on their profile and they say something we agree with. We build them up higher and higher in our minds. Well, where do they have to go from there?

The only place to go from there is down. So, you'll have this deflated feeling and that’s normal. It might just not feel like it’s “up to par” because it’s your lovely imagination and feelings have built it up so much.

Again, give your brain time to catch up to your reality and to see who this person is, and allow yourself time to enjoy their company. Don’t be fooled by your initial disappointment. It will, hopefully, fade when you will really get to know them.

May you have the clarity of mind to judge your dates favourably with a clear mind and a positive attitude.

For your FREE electronic copy of the Sydney Jewish Report, register at www.thejewishreport.com.au

The only Jewish Burial Society in NSW - Since 1817

Funeral Enquiries & Arrangements

Call 9363 2248

Cremations are strictly prohibited under Jewish law.

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

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

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES Friday, Nov 26, 2021

7:29 pm

Shabbat ends, Nov 27, 2021

8:30 pm

Friday, Dec 3, 2021

7:35 pm

Shabbat ends, Dec 4, 2021

8:37 pm

Friday, Dec 10, 2021 7:41 pm Shabbat ends, Dec 11, 2021

8:43 pm

Friday, Dec 17, 2021

7:45 pm

Shabbat ends, Dec 18, 2021

8:48 pm

Friday, Dec 24, 2021

7:49 pm

Shabbat ends, Dec 25, 2021

8:51 pm

Friday, Dec 31, 2021

7:51 pm

Shabbat ends, Jan 1, 2022

8:53 pm

*Provided by Chabad.org

19

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

F O O D I E S'

CORNER RAMONA FREEDMAN THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY Chanukah is a joyous festival when we celebrate the victory of the Maccabees by indulging in allthings-fried - we look straight to doughnuts.

KA-certified bakers and caterers can’t wait to share their Chanukah treats with the community.

Let’s dive right into this jam-filled festival.

Sweet Chick is excited to offer Chanukah shortbread and Dreidel cupcakes along with divine doughnuts including five dairy options (not Chalav Yisrael): raspberry jam; Nutella; lemon curd; cinnamon and Lotus along with two pareve options: raspberry jam and cinnamon.

Rimon Catering will take you on a culinary journey offering Sfenj, North African doughnuts, along with Latkes (both Pareve). Grandma Moses offers an extensive range of jam, cinnamon and iced ball shaped as well as cinnamon and iced ring doughnuts. You can opt for Dairy (not CY), pareve or vegan and The KA is excited to reveal that this Chanukah, Grandma Moses will offer the only KAcertified gluten free doughnuts in town (see important details below).

The Bagel Co. comes to the ‘Chanukah party’ with traditional jam doughnuts, along with iced ring doughnuts with a choice of chocolate, caramel, strawberry, tropical and coffee flavours. There will also be specialty doughnuts with decadent toppings too. Rest assured KA bakeries will produce the most sensational and sublime sufganiyot!

Kosher KApers Grunfeld’s is keeping it savoury during this Festival of Lights with traditional latkes with apple sauce, along with a gluten free option on request. More fried goodies include corn fritters with sweet chilli sauce and for those requesting lower carb alternatives, enjoy crumbed mushrooms or cauliflower with aioli!

Amazonia is a global health company providing certified organic, sustainable, wholefood supplements and plant-based food products. It is a proud member of our KA family of companies. We already list many KA-certified Amazonia products within our KA Directory and now eight new holistic and healthy products have been added. These include Raw Protein Slim and Tone Triple Chocolate which is a delicious and highly digestible sprouted and fermented protein blend.

Enjoy a superfood Golden Latte made from a warming spice blend of turmeric, cinnamon, clove and ginger. There is now a kosher product on offer for pregnancy and breastfeeding called Raw Protein Pregnancy Plus Rich Chocolate. This is packed with 14 wholefood vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, sprouted and fermented plant protein and more!

A KA-certified kosher eatery has opened recently called Bubeleh Café offering varieties of pita bread, bagels, za’atar flat bread, sweet and savoury pretzels - there’s so much on offer daily. Enjoy a hot toasted bagel seated outdoors as well as quality Campos coffee with nondairy milk, if needed. Bubeleh is less than a three-minute drive to Moriah College and is within walking distance of the Bondi Junction neighbourhood (see details below).

The KA is delighted to advise that the post-lockdown re-opening of the Lewis’

Continental Kitchen Café has been a huge success. Hours have been extended and it is now open six days per week. In addition to a vegetarian burger, you can also order a vegan burger - a new menu ‘drops’ early December.

Appreciating the many requests and need to ensure the availability of kosher ice confections and beverages, The Kashrut Authority has examined all 7-Eleven Slurpee flavours available in Australia. While not formally certified, 65 Original and Low Sugar flavours have now been kosher approved in accordance with our soft drink policy. This is welcome news with summer officially beginning mid-Chanukah! (See Product Update for details on which items are not kosher approved and where to find the KA approved list.)

Speaking of frozen treats, we introduce three new KA-certified Serendipity flavours. Enjoy a vegan pareve Serendipity gelato flavour: Caffe Crema. In addition, the Espresso ice cream (Dairy, not CY) incorporates the Campos coffee Dark City blend – the ultimate frozen shot! And the Vietnamese Iced Coffee ice cream (Dairy, not CY) adds the perfect blend of coffee, creaminess and sweetness – a terrific trio!

Let’s conclude with a unique L’Chaim.

Pomme de Bondi, the first-ever locally produced KA-certified hand-crafted apple brandy has been expertly produced by boutique distiller, Spirit of Bondi. This has been solely extracted from Australian apples. There is now a limited second batch available at four locations around town – the perfect gift.

Chanukah Sameach from The KA team!

Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town: • For all contact details for KA-certified bakers and caterers visit: www. ka.org.au/establishments or see all Chanukah offerings within The KA’s Facebook Group “Kashrut Authority of Australia & NZ”. If you are not a member, please join.

• Grandma Moses gluten free doughnuts are produced separately to all other products on site; however they are cooked within a bakery that produces flour and gluten products.

Gluten free Chanukah doughnuts must be pre-ordered, email grandma@grandma.net.au. Pick up

from the Grandma Moses HQ @ 105109 Anzac Parade, Kensington.

• The Bagel Co. Rose Bay (Shop 3-4/475 Old South Head Rd) and The Bagel Co. Surry Hills (38 Reservoir Street) now offer a new daily bagel taste sensation: Cheesy Jalapeño (Dairy, CY).

• Lewis’ Continental Kitchen Café is located at 2 Curlewis Street Bondi. Extended opening hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm; Friday 9am-3pm & Sunday 12pm-9pm.

• To order Grunfeld’s savoury treats for Chanukah, email grunfelds@

bigpond.com or call Avi on 0402085948. Grunfeld’s will no longer be catering sit-down functions but will be cooking for festivals and for Shabbat with platters available. Visit www.grunfelds.com.au.

• Bubeleh Bakery + Café is located at 224 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction. To place an order, contact Negia on 0425 114 000. This café is currently open 6am-11am daily.

• The KA-certified apple brandy, Pomme de Bondi, can be purchased at Krinskys, Pita Mix, Kemeny’s and Rose Bay North Cellars.

KA PRODUCT UPDATES

• 7-Eleven Slurpees: The list of 65 KA approved flavours can be found on The KA website (www.ka.org.au) and is featured within The KA’s Facebook Group “Kashrut Authority of Australia & NZ”. The following Original Slurpee flavours are not kosher: Sour Grape & Pine Lime along with six Low Sugar flavours: Grape; Lime Twist; Wildberry Cream; Sour Grape; Mango; Skittles Grape • Quorn Vegan Pieces are acceptable when frozen and Made in the United Kingdom • Seasonal products: Note that kosher (Dairy) Lindor Balls must be Made in USA (as per flavour listing within KA Directory). The majority around town are Made in Italy and some assorted boxes have a mixed selection - Made in USA & Made in Italy. Please read labels carefully • New Whittaker’s Cocoa Lovers Collection Box (189gm) features 18 assorted dark chocolate squares including chocolates with cocoa 70%; 76%; 86%; 92%. Found at Woolworths online or in Woolworths stores including Bondi Junction, Double Bay & St. Ives.

• New KA-certified Amazonia products are all acceptable without the KA logo (with free shipping for orders over $75), visit www.amazonia.com: o Raw Protein Choc Coconut o Raw Protein Slim & Tone Triple Chocolate o Raw Protein Slim & Tone Chocolate Caramel o Raw Protein Pregnancy Plus Rich Chocolate o Raw Protein Paleo Fermented Salted Caramel o Raw Nutrient Greens o Golden Latte – Turmeric & Ayurvedic Spices o Spiced Cacao – Rich Cacao & Ayurvedic Spices • Three new KA-certified Serendipity ice cream and gelato flavours: o Caffe Crema vegan gelato – Pareve o Espresso ice cream (Dairy, not CY) o Vietnamese Iced Coffee ice cream (Dairy, not CY) • Antoniou Kataifi Pastry is now KAcertified. For all contact details for KA-certified bakers and caterers visit: www.ka.org.au/establishments or see all Chanukah offerings within The KA’s Facebook Group “Kashrut Authority of Australia & NZ”. If you are not a member, please join.

• Grandma Moses gluten free doughnuts are produced separately to all other products on site; however they are cooked within a bakery that produces flour and gluten products. Gluten free Chanukah doughnuts must be pre-ordered, email grandma@grandma.net.au. Pick up from the Grandma Moses HQ @ 105109 Anzac Parade, Kensington.

Left to right: Grandma Moses Chanukah doughnuts; Pomme de Bondi apple brandy; Rimon North African Sfenj doughnuts; Serendipity's new Caffe Crema Pareve gelato

20

the sydney jewish report | December 2021

MOV I E

REVIEW

Making it … on Broadway

TICK, TICK … BOOM! (M) ALEX FIRST Jonathan Larson wrote the smash hit Broadway musical Rent. How he got there involved pain and persistence.

That’s the subject of Tick, Tick … Boom!

Living in New York with his dancer girlfriend, Larson (Andrew Garfield) dreams of being a Broadway musical writer.

His creativity is recognised by his close and loyal friends, but he is on the cusp of 30 and he hasn’t made it yet. The way he sees it time is running out.

After all, Stephen Sondheim was only 27 when he had his first Broadway success.

Larson is perpetually short of money and works in a diner to try to make ends meet.

For the past eight years he has been writing what he hopes will get him his big break – the futuristic Superbia. More recently, he’s even managed to get Sondheim on board as a mentor.

But he is missing a key number in the second act and with barely days until his first run through in front of Broadway producers he has a severe case of writer’s block.

Further, he has neglected his best friend and his girlfriend, Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who has a life changing decision of her own with which to contend.

Through a mixture of dialogue and catchy tunes (the latter written by Larson), the story unfolds.

The music woven into the script by Steven Levenson presents us with a compelling and moving narrative arc.

Tick, Tick … Boom! is a tale of triumph and tragedy.

We’re in the midst of the AIDS pandemic at that time and Larson has witnessed a number of his friends pass away, the oldest only 27.

Garfield is a bundle of energy in the lead, a dominant force. He acts and sings up a storm in a brilliant characterisation.

He is surrounded by talent too.

Shipp is vivacious and down to earth as girlfriend Susan.

Robin de Jesus plays Michael, his childhood friend and wannabe actor who ended up in advertising. de Jesus is totally believable as the sensitive and loyal buddy and sometime roommate.

Vanessa Hudgens knocks it out of the park as one of two vocalists in Larson’s band, alongside Joshua Henry. Both have real presence.

And let’s not forget Jonathan Marc Sherman as Ira Weitzman, the bloke willing to stick his neck out for Larson. He

is most credible. The music woven into the script presents us with a compelling and moving narrative arc.

Tick, Tick … Boom! is at times uplifting and buoyant, while never lacking in pathos.

We feel the doubts and bumps … a sure sign the movie is presenting us with a slice of magic.

There is much to like about the way the material is handled, with Garfield showcasing his enormous range. You simply can’t turn away.

Rated M, Tick, Tick … Boom! scores an 8½ out of 10.

J-AIR 88FM’s committee of management, presenters and producers wish all listeners a happy and healthy Chanukah and festive season.

J-AIR 88FM – passionate community radio.