The melbourne jewish report - June 2019 edition

community

shavuot

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VOL. 46 10 June 2019 / 7 Sivan, 5779

Fostering a closer Jewish community

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A PSYCHOLOGICAL GLIMPSE INTO SHAVUOT

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community

June 2019

Our UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut Israel Experience UIA JUDY KAYE For frequent visitors to Israel, as many of us are, any skepticism about what one can learn on a UIA Mission would be totally unfounded. The access and range of visits we experienced on our first Mission was extraordinary. There was outstanding geopolitical commentary, visits to military bases and exposure to heart-warming UIAsupported social projects. We travelled from North to South; East to West of the country, which left us with a more intimate detailed appreciation of Israel that could never be achieved on our own.

The Mission commenced with an insightful overview of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and its impact on Israel. Together with the visit to the Israel intelligence Heritage Commemoration Centre, this confirmed the extraordinary role that Israel’s Intelligence Agencies have played and continue to play in the affairs of Israel, and were just some of the highlights of our journey.

A visit to Mt Herzl - the site of Israel’s national cemetery reminded us of the extraordinary sacrifice that so many Israelis have made to ensure the birth and survival of Israel. This point was further reinforced by our attendance at a moving Yom Hazikaron ceremony at the Latrun Armoured Corps Base. Our visit to Yad Vashem and the Valley of Communities reinforced the importance of Israel to the entire Jewish community.

It was with relief and joy to then celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with Keren Heyesod-UIA

friends in Israel.

Participating in iconic tourist activities with exceptionally gifted and knowledgeable guides was another feature of the Mission.

We visited the Old City, prayed at the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat, spent time in the City of David - which brought bible stories to life, admired Tel Aviv’s graffiti in Florentin, explored the ancient city of Acre and Safed; and had lunch with a Druze family and a family at a Moshav.

A rewarding element of the Mission was our visits to the many social projects supported

by KH-UIA. These included Amigour in Bat Yam, a program that provides low cost housing for seniors who would likely be homeless otherwise; an absorption centre in Kiryat Gat that facilitates the integration of

Ethiopian immigrants, and an Ayalim student village - where in return for housing and academic scholarships students undertake volunteer work in local communities throughout Israel’s periphery. We saw the Youth Futures program in action where atrisk primary-aged children are mentored. At Net@, we saw how technological training is provided to disadvantaged high school students to attain IT certification as well as dignity, social skills and self-respect.

Experiencing Israel’s hi-tech industry, including a visit to the SodaStream factory, inspired on so many levels.

We also had significant exposure to Israel’s defence forces, such as observing the Gaza border from 200 metres away, and witnessing soldiers launching drones

for operational missions and manning the Iron Dome. We had a briefing by the Israel border police spokesperson, visited an army base in the North and toured the Lebanon Border.

A special feature of our contact with the military personnel was the openness and warmth with which they treated us. They made us feel like family and reinforced the understanding that all Jews are as one.

We met with a number of Lone Soldiers who inspired us with their dedication and determination as defenders of Israel, and learnt about the importance of the Keren Hayesod-UIA program which helps them transition from army life as a soldier to civilian life in Israel.

Additionally, we were privileged to spend time with a young special forces veteran of Operation Cast Lead who is now a Human Rights Attorney and an expert on the rules of war, who gave extraordinary insights into the care Israel takes to avoid civilian injury in war.

The Mission participants arrived in Israel as strangers and left as friends, all in awe of this great country.

Judy Kaye is from NSW and recently participated on the UIA Yom Ha’aztmaut Israel Experience in May.

For more information about UIA Israel Missions, contact UIA on 1300 ISRAEL (1300 477 235) or info@uiavic.org or visit uiaaustralia.org.au

Community Service Opportunity UIA CARLI DVASH Fundraising for Israel?

Doing a mitzvah?

And making a difference to those less fortunate?

Sound like a good opportunity?

We are the United Israel Appeal (UIA) think so!

We are calling on students (aged 16+) to get involved in our final Super Sunday phoning day before the End of Financial Year.

If you are a parent of a student who has mandatory communinty service hours through school, or you are student yourself, or even if you just feel like volunteering your time for the People of Israel, then we need to speak with you!

On Sunday 16 June, we will reach out to the community to raise funds for UIA’s vital work for the People of Israel. This is an incredible community service opportunity and a wonderful way to help those in need. It will be a day of ruach, strength, solidarity, ahavat Israel

and success for UIA and the People of Israel.

As the official global fundraising arm for the People of Israel, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Prime Minister’s Office, our work focuses on providing support and services for Israel’s most vulnerable populations – Olim, Youth-at-risk and eldery Holocaust survivors.

We invite you to share in our passion and contribute your energy and time to help us meet these challenges. Help us raise much needed funds for vital projects which empower the People of Israel with the skills and long term solutions to become contributing members of Israeli society.

To volunteer, please contact the UIA office on 1300 ISRAEL (1300 477 235) or email Simonne at Simonne.winecier@ uiavic.org. Super Sunday will be held at Beth Weizmann Community Centre, 10am-4pm, so please advise us with your preferred time. Training and refreshments will be provided.

community

June 2019

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Support The Generation That Has Always Cared For You EMMY MONASH Now is the time to support the 2019 emMYappeal – fostering connections and enhancing wellbeing.

Emmy Monash prides itself on providing holistic care and personalised lifestyle programs. Our dedicated, highly trained and diverse staff and volunteers make a difference in the lives of our residents every day. Everyone who walks through our doors whether it be family members, friends, school groups, performers, volunteers or therapists all feel as though they are instantly part of the warm and nurturing Emmy family.

We are proud of the advanced lifestyle activities we provide which engage schools, synagogues and many other community groups.

Government funding does not cover the many associated costs with these programs and therefore we rely on the generosity of our community to ensure we can continue to allow our residents to live their lives to the fullest. At Emmy Monash we are redefining the aged care experience every day.

Our residents feel they have the opportunity to take part in activities that they have enjoyed for years. Considerable time is spent tailoring programs to suit the varying requirements and abilities of our residents, allowing them to benefit from the breadth of programs offered. The average day at Emmy Monash could see residents visiting Jewish Day schools as part of the ever growing and popular Safta program. They can take part in various therapies whether it be laughter,

yoga or meditation. Synagogue groups often come to run beautiful and vibrant Friday night services. There is choice between Jewish learning classes, Zumba sessions, challah baking, music sessions and many more activities. None of these can happen without your support. These activities enrich the lives of our residents and set us apart from others in the industry.

For many residents living with dementia these programs are crucial and provide powerful outcomes. Whether it’s singing together, tackling wooden puzzles or building colourful towers of blocks, these dedicated programs allow staff to engage residents in appropriate activities that recall fond memories, enhance cognitive abilities and bring a sense of accomplishment and happiness to their days.

Our appeal is currently raising funds for important programs including pet therapy, shabbat activities with school students, outings to communal organisations, exhibitions and performances and laughter, music and art therapy sessions with qualified therapists. Every dollar donated will make a difference in the lives of everyone in the Emmy Monash family. We ask you to take a moment and consider how you can give back to the generation that has cared for us and enriched our lives - now is the time to care and support them.

DONATE NOW via emmymonash.asn.au or call (03) 8508 9300.

Help enrich our community and reduce your taxable income at the same time DONATE NOW BEFORE EOFY Please support our 2O19 emMYappeal

Fostering connections and enhancing wellbeing www.emmymonash.asn.au or call 8508 9300

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community

June 2019

A great philanthropic investment AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF SHAARE ZEDEK INC MIRIAM PACANOWSKI Recent changes to fundraising legislation have transformed the Australian charity landscape.

With newly acquired tax deductible DGR status, charities are required to report regularly about their goals and operations.

As a donor, you should carefully consider your options when planning your charitable donations. There are important considerations when conducting your research. What are the goals and purposes of the organisation? Where will the money be directed? How effectively will the money be spent? What impact will your donation have on society?

The Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Inc have welcomed these changes and the transparency that they have brought. We believe that due to our agile and adaptable operating model we offer great value to our philanthropic investors.

Our board is comprised of members of our community who are leaders in the medical, legal and commercial arenas and who offer their dedicated services to the AFSZ on a pro bono basis. We pay no rent for office space and have no full-time paid staff. All professional services are provided externally as required.

In the past year, your philanthropic investment in the AFSZ Inc has yielded significant returns in both Australia and

Israel.

Your investment has funded a gene sequencer at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre.

Discoveries in genetics are revolutionising medicine and the research conducted at Shaare Zedek is saving lives in Israel and around the world. Shaare Zedek is actively involved in cancer research that is especially relevant to people of Jewish heritage who may be at higher risk of certain cancers due to genetic mutations.

Your investment in AFSZ Inc has enabled us to bring the best of innovative medical

A fresh approach to Barmitzvah lessons STRIVE ONLINE EDUCATION The digital world is opening many new possibilities for education - and Barmitzvah lessons are no exception.

Over three years ago, Hayley Traub and Sharon Branicki, both Special Education teachers – had the vision to bring affordable tutoring to all Australian students and formed Strive Online Education. Strive, which provides online one-on-one tutoring to all students in all year levels, is now proud to also offer Barmitzvah lessons.

Strive’s frequent, short lessons intrinsically allow for retention and understanding of content. “It is so exciting to have the opportunity to bring the success of our approach to Barmitzvah students,” says Hayley Traub co-founder. “As teachers we understand the importance of frequency for learning and, as mothers of school aged children, we understand the importance of offering Barmitzvah lessons and tutoring that can slot into busy weekly routines.”

While traditional Barmitzvah teachers offer 45-60 minute weekly lessons, Strive recommends short 25-minute lessons two to three times a week.

Research consistently shows that short lessons increase attention and motivation – while repetition increases familiarity and retention.

Experienced Barmitzvah teachers conduct all lessons in real time via video call using digital resources. “Students engage with the interactive resources and find it is a novel experience to be guided by,

and connect with, their online Barmitzvah teacher,” adds Sharon Branicki co-founder.

Our Barmitzvah teachers are competent and experienced in preparing Barmitzvah boys for their special day.

They learn the Brachot, Maftir, Haftorah and any further learning required.

Barmitzvah boys study with the same teacher for all their lessons.

The ongoing cost for traditional Barmitzvah teachers can be cost prohibitive. At Strive we aim to significantly reduce your costs while still guaranteeing the same personalised service.

Strive Online Education is passionate about education and we believe it should never be taken for granted.

That’s why for every Strive lesson booked a proportion goes directly to helping underprivileged children. “We decided we needed to give back to those less fortunate, and we are proud that we can donate part of our income to help underprivileged children,” says Hayley.

To learn more about Strive Barmtizvah lessons or to book lessons, go to the website https://striveeducation.com.au/ barmitzvah-lessons/; email info@striveeducation.com.au or call (03) 9008 8989.

Special introductory offer: We have a limited number of FREE introductory lessons to give away, so don’t delay, contact us now for more information or to set up your lessons.

research emerging from Israel and apply it to save lives in our Australian community.

A key project of AFSZ Inc is our support of the Jenescreen project which is offering free genetic testing for BRCA mutations to 1000 people in each of Melbourne and Sydney.

This year, your investment in AFSZ Inc will continue to yield tangible benefits both here and in Israel.

Shaare Zedek is uniquely positioned as Jerusalem’s most central hospital and has a profound commitment to innovative medical research that can be applied to people

around the world. We are continuing to support important discoveries in cancer care at Shaare Zedek and bring the latest medical breakthroughs to our local community.

When planning your tax-deductible contributions, you need to ensure maximum return on your investment.

We believe that the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek offers optimal benefits in terms of effectiveness, value and tangible returns. www.shaarezedek.org.au

Students representing Australia at the International Bible Quiz in Israel!

ZIONIST FEDERATION AUSTRALIA Emanuel Cohavi, his sister Hodaya and Shani Spielman from Kesser Torah College in Sydney represented Australia in the 56th International Bible Quiz in Jerusalem on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

The Quiz a global project which brings together students from across the world. This year the theme was “preserving unity, maintaining uniqueness.” Having succeeded at the ZFA’s National Bible Quiz, the three young scholars were given the opportunity to participate in the Chidon Tanach camp as well as gaining places in the quiz.

The 2019 winner in the open category was Yonatan Weissman, 18 from Jerusalem.

Emanuel Cohavi excelled and ranked in the top 16 of the Olami (world) competition, along with with contestants from Canada, South Africa, Mexico, the US and Argentina as well as Israel. The quiz is run by the Education Department of the Israel Defence Force and was founded over 50 years ago by David BenGurion. It has become a highlight of the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations in Israel with the Quiz televised live and the winners of the Israel and Diaspora quizzes receiving scholarships to top universities in Israel, presented to them by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ginette Searle, ZFA CEO said: - “It is inspiring to witness the contestants’ impressive level of knowledge and their commitment to the Bible Quiz. Their preparation was extraordinary and the ZFA is proud to have had them participate and represent us on the world stage in Israel.”

The International Bible Quiz (chidon tanach) is an opportunity for students from all over the world to compete on their knowledge of 400 pages of the Tanach and they are given the

chance to take part in a Tanach Camp prior to the quiz with other participants from all over the world. They were also taken on tours through Israel and had the occasion to meet people from across the globe.

College Principal of Kesser Torah College, Roy Steinman commented: “My grateful thanks to the Zionist Federation of Australia for their facilitation and organisation of this very important and worthwhile competition. Having attended the Finals in Yerushalayim last year I can understand the incredible pride one feels when our Australian candidates answer the questions put to them, with the Australian flag displayed behind them in front of a packed auditorium and televised live to the whole of Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Besides which, the educational value in studying the Tanach with such rigour in preparation for the competition is something they will value for the rest of their lives. Kol Hakavod to all our students from all schools who participated. Let’s try to make next year’s competition even stronger.”

We wish Shani, Hodaya and Emanuel Mazal Tov for their extraordinary effort in the Quiz!

Emanuel Cohavi (bottom right) who placed 9th in the Olami competition

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community

June 2019

The World’s Happiest Man MANDELBAUM HOUSE BENJAMIN LEADBETTER At our mid-semester formal dinner on 1 May 2019, Mandelbaum House hosted my favourite guest: Eddie Jaku, the selfproclaimed ‘World’s happiest man’.

Eddie is a Holocaust survivor who lived in Germany throughout World War II. I have heard him speak several times over the years, first at the Jewish Museum when I was a young boy. This made his presence at our dinner, having just turned 99, seem surreal. As always, I gained something new from his words.

A fellow Mandelbaum resident told me that the night she first heard Eddie talk of his experiences, his loss and yet his positivity had such a profound impact on her that it will always be one of the most memorable of her life. She is far from alone in this.

Eddie began by telling us about his school days, when he had a passion for engineering and was a proud German boy with many friends. His story of what came next – separation, flight, capture and survival – will stay in the minds of everyone listening. You could see it happening in their faces. While Eddie was speaking to us, I sometimes looked around the room at the residents and college staff. They all had a similar expression of just being lost in his story.

At the end of Eddie’s talk, he paused for reflection and encouraged us to never forget our history and the history of humanity.

He said we must all remember what has

Celebrating Eddie’s 99th birthday at Mandelbaum House happened, so that events like the Holocaust do not happen again. He finished with a lesson and a mindset that has helped me so much in my own life that I can never thank him enough: ‘When you are sad, think of me.’ I do not see this as Eddie asking me to compare his experiences with mine; rather, I see it as him simply asking me and everyone else to just smile.

Inspiring is too small a word to describe

Eddie’s profound impact on the Mandelbaum residents and others he has spoken to over the years. After his talk there was an extra glow throughout the college and between everyone, reflecting our immense admiration. If you have not yet heard Eddie speak, I cannot encourage you enough to do so. I promise that it will change so much about how you think and how you react to the relatively minor challenges of daily life.

In honour of Eddie Jaku, Mandelbaum House established an annual prize last year, awarded to a resident who is a ‘mensch’ – meaning someone who demonstrates integrity and honour. The prize will be presented again later this year to a resident who, I am sure, has been touched by Eddie’s words and has chosen to act on his advice.

Mandelbaum House is the Jewish residential college at the University of Sydney.

Bialik Creche OPENING 1 JULY, 2019 A ravishing novel of pre-war Hungary and modern Australia inspired by a true story Inspired by the story of Miriam Sved’s grandmother Marta, A Universe of Sufficient Size charts a course through both the light and dark of human relationships: a vivid recreation of Hungary before German occupation, this is a novel about two friends and the selfless power of the human heart, even years and worlds apart.

‘The best kind of storyteller . . . hypnotic, startling almost’

Clementine Ford

Book now for a personal tour: creche@bialik.vic.edu.au or call: 9822 4599 www.bialik.vic.edu.au/creche

‘Plotted with the precision of a complex Venn diagram . . . poignant and breathtaking’

The Australian

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community

June 2019

Continued support for improving paediatric medical care in Israel AUSIMED The Lowy Foundation has continued its commitment to supporting the clinical and research training of Israeli paediatricians in Australia by extending a multi-year grant for the AUSiMED Lowy Paediatric Fellowships Program.

Since 2015, AUSiMED has arranged six Lowy Paediatric Fellowships for Israeli paediatricians at major teaching hospitals and research institutions in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

The most recent Lowy Fellow is Dr Oded Breuer who returned to Israel in March this year after completing two years of clinical and research training in Cystic Fibrosis at the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth.

During his Fellowship Oded joined the Australian research team working on the AREST CF program which seeks to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of early respiratory disease in young children with cystic fibrosis. Oded’s research focused on developing new and innovative ways of assessing early lung disease. This important research will lead to improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for children with cystic fibrosis and their families.

Oded was closely mentored by Professor Stephen Stick, Director of the Telethon Kids Institute Respiratory Research Centre.

Professor Stick said, “The culmination of Oded’s work here in Perth is an invitation to

present his data at the May 2019 American Thoracic Society annual meeting in Dallas, USA. This is the de facto world congress and will be attended by 20,000 clinicians and scientists.”

Oded has formed new collaborations with researchers in Australia and abroad that will allow transfer of knowledge and skills and enhance Cystic Fibrosis research in Israel.

In addition, Oded is bringing new treatment techniques to Israel with the potential to greatly improve outcomes for cystic fibrosis patients. Reflecting on his Fellowship in Australia, Oded explained, “I believe that my experience in Australia has made me a better doctor and will allow me to better educate younger physicians and broaden their clinical views.”

AUSiMED’s Chair, Mr Antony Cohen, says, “Renewal of the multi-year funding from the Lowy Foundation ensures that AUSiMED can continue to facilitate training for future leaders of child healthcare in Israel. Many new and exciting training opportunities exist in Australia for Israel’s most talented medical practitioners and researchers.”

AUSiMED is improving global health by building partnerships between some of Israel and Australia’s top doctors and scientists. These collaborations facilitate the discovery of new medical treatments and foster knowledge sharing.

To learn more about the AUSiMED Fellowships Program, contact Dr Karen Teshuva: karen@ausimed.org

Putting a new spin on old vinyl JEWISH MUSEUM

Putting a new spin on old vinyl With a rich century of Jewish music to celebrate, the Sydney Jewish Museum’s series of musical programs brings their new feature exhibition, ‘Jukebox Jewkbox! A Century on Shellac and Vinyl’, to life. From a solo concert by Lior – his only one in Sydney this year! – to a screening of the classic 1976 film ‘A Star is Born’, there is plenty to tune in to.

The Museum has invited an experimental performance by Daniel Biederman and a selection of composers from Sydney Conservatorium of Music to re-interpret the iconic records on display in the exhibition for a live audience. We sat down with Daniel to find out more about what you can expect to hear at his performance, ‘New Spin on Old Vinyl’, at the Museum on 24 October…

What can people expect to hear at your performance, ‘New Spin on Old Vinyl’?

Daniel Biederman: This concert will feature new works performed by a modern string quartet in response to music featured in the Jukebox Jewkbox! exhibition. Each of the composers involved in this performance, chosen from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, has been charged with the responsibility to take inspiration from their record of choice. From cantors to comedians, jazz and classical, rock, pop, punk, hip hop, folk. Anything in the exhibition is fair game.

Each composer will offer a brief talk prior to their piece, illuminating the inspiration they’ve taken from the exhibition, and a

snippet of the original piece will be played on vinyl. It will be a wonderful confluence of history and new music.

Which familiar songs from Jewish music history have inspired your performance?

Daniel Biederman: Each composer participating in this concert will have his or her own story to share and music that inspired them. Personally, my work will focus on the Hebrew and Jewish folk songs of Mark Olf. My PhD is focused on a former volunteer from the Sydney Jewish Museum, Dr. Solomon Bard. My goal is to bring his biography to life through music.

Solomon’s experiences were far-reaching, spanning nearly a century. I often find

myself compositionally stuck, to be perfectly honest. This concert has provided me with fruitful inspiration for the earliest part of Solomon’s story; his Russian childhood.

After several hours of hunting through the exhibition, I found Olf’s Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Mark Olf was born in Russia at the same time as Solomon, in the early 20th century. The Smithsonian recordings of Olf have been nourishing for my compositional process.

Which records in ‘Jukebox Jewkbox! A Century on Shellac and Vinyl’ excite you most?

Daniel Biederman: I’m a product of my parents’ record collection: I grew up on

Dylan, Barbara and Blondie albums, all of which happens to be in the exhibition. Arnold Schoenberg’s ‘A Survivor from Warsaw’ has been an additional source of inspiration on my music composition, however obliquely.

His piece is a tribute to Holocaust victims, combining a live narrator, men’s chorus and orchestra.

This work effectively conveys the emotional content of the subject matter; it is not a comfortable piece of music to experience.

For more information about ‘Jukebox Jewkbox!’ and to book into one of the Sydney Jewish Museum’s musical events, visit sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

Retire where a world of art and culture took hold

A contemporary retirement drawing on St Kilda’s heritage.

Join the community at europaonalma.com.au

St Kilda has long been a melting pot of young artists, musicians, restauranteurs and bohemians. Few people encapsulate this better than artists like Mirka Mora and Sidney Nolan, who forged their own paths yet retained a real spirit of generosity. Now, Bolton Clarke is creating a retirement community that reflects St Kilda’s eclectic heritage and their own respect for the diversity of the human story.

Europa on Alma celebrates everything that is special about St Kilda.

To learn more about the stunning apartments and vibrant community, enquire now. Call 1300 416 262. Display suite open every Thursday 10.30am – 12pm or by appointment at 101 St Kilda Road St Kilda VIC 3182.

Artist’s Impression

The information and images provided are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change. For full details, see europaonalma.com.au

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shavuot

June 2019

A Psychological glimpse into Shavuot

ZIPPORAH OLIVER OAM

The Torah is a treasure house of wisdom about how to optimally navigate life, including guidelines for psychological and physical wellbeing.

As we approach the festival of Shavuot, through my perspective as a psychologist, I have chosen to explore a prevalent theme in the observance of Shavuot - the relationship between healthy humility and psychological wellbeing as juxtaposed with some psychologically unhealthy aspects of narcissism.

The Midrash relates that before choosing the site for the grand public revelation of the Torah on earth, G-d approached a number of mountains. The larger mountains felt that their superior height and dimensions entitled them to be the chosen site. G-d rejected them and instead chose Mt. Sinai, the smallest mountain in order to send a clear message that the essential requirement to internalise G-d’s message is humility.

A paradoxical question follows; if humility is paramount, then why not give the Torah in a valley or on a flat plain? The answer given

by Rabbi M.M. Schneerson O.B.M. is that to observe the Torah we each need to strive for a balance between humility and healthy selfesteem. The Code of Jewish Law begins with the guideline that a Jew needs to be strong and to have the courage of their convictions in order to withstand those who will scoff at their adherence to Jewish Law. Hence the need for a balance of humility and the conviction to observe, as encapsulated in the symbol of a small mountain rather than a valley.

It is very important at the outset to clearly

identify that there exists a diagnosable mental illness called Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). There are also narcissistic personality traits which are present in the general population in varying degrees of intensity. When these symptoms become extreme and include many symptoms of NPD there may be cause for concern. The Torah steers us away from behaviours which are within the constellation of symptoms of NPD. NPD is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism. NPD causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with NPD may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling and others may not enjoy being around them.

Treatment for NPD centres around talk therapy (psychotherapy).

So how does this relate to lessons which we can distill from the observance of Shavuot?

The messages emanating from Shavuot are that many narcissistic behaviours are contrary to the ideas which the Torah wants us to follow, as listed below; ● The theme of striving for humility is echoed in the fact that we received the Torah from Moses, who represents the ultimate balance of humility and strength. ● It is traditional in most Synagogues on Shavuot to read the Book of Ruth. Ruth was a paramount model of humility whilst having an inspirational balance of strength and courage. ● The Talmud compares arrogance to idol worship since both displace G-d. Being able to leave space to connect with others is suggestive of a healthy-balanced ego. ● The journey to Sinai began with the Exodus from Egypt which is celebrated at Passover with a strong focus on matza, which is notionally a humble bread ● At Sinai, the Jewish people were described as “ke-ish echad be’leiv echad,” “Like one man with one heart, in total unity.”

Unity in relationships requires humility. ● Shavuot comes to shine a spotlight for us to emulate the symbol of Mt. Sinai. For us to be “small” by cultivating a healthy humility; whilst simultaneously being a “mountain” by being committed to striving to always be a “mensch” and to do the right thing, even when that may require some degree of appropriate self-sacrifice or loss.

The narcissist finds it difficult to leave space for others without feeling personally threatened or obliterated.

For our psychological wellbeing, we need to become vigilant to not allow narcissistic behaviours to give way to bullying, abuse, selfishness, cruelty, arrogance, jealousy and greed.

Danger areas also include inappropriate expressions of superiority, being manipulative and manifesting an undesirable sense of entitlement.

Hopefully each of us will internalise some of the noble messages from Shavuot and succeed to integrate these health-promoting elements into ourselves.

The traditional Chassidic blessing for Shavuot is to bless each other to each receive the Torah with joy and sincerity. Chag Sameach!

Zipporah Oliver O.A.M. has over 24 years of experience in the field and is committed to applying her skills to help clients achieve the optimum outcome. She brings to her practice her personal dedication to integrity and a lifetime commitment to helping people cope with life challenges. In 2006 Zipporah was awarded the Order of Australia for her honorary work in disability and for her broadspectrum community service.

If you would like to contact Zipporah feel free to call on 0438 345 770 or visit www.zoliver.com.au.

Savory Cheese Kugel Recipe for Shavuot

BY LIZ RUEVEN MY JEWISH LEARNING VIA THE NOSHER

Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, marks the end of the seven­th week counting of the Omer from the start of Passover. It’s significance is really agricultural, according to Gil Marks in The Encyclopedia of Jewish Food. Marks explained that the holiday celebrates the beginning of the wheat harvest in Israel, and a time when first fruits of the season were brought to the Temple.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups dry measure wide egg noodles 6-­8 dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in 3/4 cup room temp water. Reserve liquid.

120 grms cremini mushrooms (or any mushroom without gills), wiped clean and thinly sliced 100 grms clean organic spinach 3 Tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 large shallot, finely chopped 3 scallions, white ends discarded, chop the rest 3 eggs, room temperature and beaten 4 Tbsp butter, melted and divided into half 225grms sour cream,­full fat 225grms cottage cheese­, 4 % fat 115grms cream cheese­full fat (brick, not whipped), room temperature 1⁄2 tsp salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp lemon zest 1 1/3 – 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan for topping DIRECTIONS Butter pan well on bottom and side. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bring salted water (1⁄2 – 1 tsp salt) in medium size pot. Cook noodles according to instructions on package but be sure they are al dente. Drain, rinse in very cold water, shake excess water off and pat dry while in colander. Don’t worry if it looks like you don’t have

So what’s up with the kugels, blintzes and cheesecakes that we associate with Shavuot?

We commemorate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai on this date which makes this holiday of profound historical significance.

Once the laws of kashrut were given in the Torah, the Jews turned to dairy as a way to avoid the meats and utensils which were suddenly rendered treif (unclean).

But Marks goes a step further and shares another interesting legend that

enough noodles. You do.

After soaking dried mushrooms, remove from water and reserve liquid. Pat mushrooms dry and chop very well. They will measure approximately 2 packed tablespoons.

Pour the mushroom soaking liquid into a bowl or cup using a paper towel as a filter. Measure 1⁄4 cup of filtered mushroom water and put aside.

Salt the spinach (1⁄2 teaspoon will help it to maintain its bright green color) and steam in microwave for 4­-5 minutes. Cool, pat dry, chop well. It will yield only a bit but that’s ok.

In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, liquid from mushroom soak, salt and pepper. Use a stiff whisk to be sure the cream cheese is broken up and integrated.

Add to bowl: Spinach, scallions, parsley, shallots, both kinds of mushrooms and lemon zest. Mix. Gently stir in cooked pasta.

Pour mixture into prepared pan, distributing liquid and pasta as evenly as possible. Smooth the top.

Drizzle remaining melted butter over the top of kugel and dust with shredded parmesan.

Bake, uncovered, for 40­ -50 minutes until top is golden and tester comes out dry.

Cut into squares and serve warm. This kugel may be reheated in oven. Do not use microwave.

explains that when the Jews came back to their camp after receiving the Torah, “they found that their milk had soured and turned to cheese.” Lucky for us, we have a perfectly good excuse to eat an abundance of cheese and sour cream in cheesecakes, blintzes, knishes and kugels as we celebrate this joyful holiday.

This cheesy kugel is inspired by a traditional Eastern European sweet cheese lokshen kugel that many of us grew up eating. This super easy recipe migrated from community to community

until it seemed that most of my Ashekenazi friends were eating the same sweet dairy kugel.

But my family prefers savory flavors so I’ve riffed on that kugel of my youth by eliminating any trace of sweet. I’ve layered umami flavors including two types of mushrooms and a parmesan crust. Any sharpness from scallions and shallots bakes into the cheesy batter resulting in a mellow and altogether different savory delight.

9

shavuot

June 2019

Why Shavuot Has Few Rituals RABBI ISMAR SCHORSCH MY JEWISH LEARNING VIA JTA

If observance were a function of theology, Shavuot would be the most widely observed of Jewish holidays. But precisely the opposite is the case among modern Jews.

No major festival suffers from greater neglect. Yet Shavuot, which caps the period of seven weeks since the second Passover seder and simply means “weeks,” is rife with gravity. As the liturgy for the day constantly reminds us, Shavuot commemorates the divine gift of Torah received at Mount Sinai, in consequence of which Judaism spawned a text-centered religious community, possibly the first in human history. Shavuot, then, is about the essential and unique nature of Judaism, a portable religion based on a canon susceptible to unending interpretation. At Sinai, freedom from slavery was recast into fidelity to law and literacy.

But that defining content is not enough to imbue Shavuot with power or popularity.

And the reason tells us something about the workings of Judaism. Shavuot is ritually bereft. Unlike Passover or Sukkot, it lacks a set of distinctive practices that would convey experientially its meaning and message. There is nothing comparable to the seder or sukkah for Shavuot, no absorbing home ritual that might unite family and friends in preparation and observance.

The commemoration of revelation is largely confined to the synagogue. The few paragraphs devoted to Shavuot in the Shulchan Aruch [Jewish Code of Law] deal solely with the adjustment of the liturgy (Orah Hayyim, 494). Nothing ever came to replace

the bringing of first fruits to the Temple on Shavuot, which expressed the festival’s older agricultural meaning. To shift the impact of Shavuot from nature to history did preserve its character as a day of thanksgiving, but without the ritual choreography that could engage the solitary Jew. Disembodied theology has never been the fare of popular religion.

In short, Shavuot begged for ritual enhancement and this is the need increasingly met by the custom of Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the practice of spending the first night of Shavuot awake in the study of Torah in heightened anticipation of the anniversary of its revelation.

Usually done together with at least a minyan [quorum] of participants, the rite, like the seder, is one of re-enactment. With the first crack of dawn, group study turns to communal prayer, culminating in the reading of the Ten Commandments given at Sinai in the unnamed third month of Sivan after the exodus (Exodus 19:1). The combination of extraordinary acts — an all-nighter followed by a sunrise service — created exactly the kind of experiential ritual able to express the particularity of Shavuot. In the last decade both in Israel and America, the ritual in one form or another has caught on among nonOrthodox Jews in ever widening circles. Many synagogues are now lit throughout the night and have multiple services in the morning for early birds and regulars.

The ritual itself is post-talmudic, originating most likely in Kabbalistic [mystical] circles in medieval Spain. The Zohar, which seems to know of the practice, attributes it to early pietists who perhaps sought to distinguish themselves from their ancient ancestors.

According to one midrash [commentary], the

latter slept nonchalantly through the night preceding the event and had to be roused by lightning and thunder. Forcing ourselves to go sleepless the night before the commemoration of that momentous event thus constitutes an act of rectification (hence Tikkun). Another Zohar explanation suggests the image of marriage. At Sinai, the Torah as bride and Israel as groom were joined in eternal union.

To recall the feverish preparation of the night before the wedding, pietists reenacted the vigil and labor by studying through the night (Magen Avraham, O.H. 494; J.D. Eisenstein, Otzar Dinim u-Minhagim, p. 393).

In time, the ritual gave rise to an extensive collection of texts, which stressed completeness rather than appropriateness.

During the course of the night, the group was to recite (rather than study) a few verses from every portion in the Torah and every book of the Bible, including all of Ruth, a few passages from every tractate of the Mishnah, and the passage from the Zohar describing revelation as union.

The final text of the Tikkun lists the 613 commandments of the Torah as compiled by Maimonides. What is unfurled in this sprawling canvas teeming with texts is the implicit affirmation that each and every aspect of Judaism is but a branch of the original tree of life planted by God at Sinai. The freedom to interpret the infinite meaning of God’s words is the sap that has sustained and yielded this luxuriant growth.

Indeed, the Torah became the bedrock of Judaism not so much by assertion as by ritual. Liturgy reinforced the claim to canonical status. The progressive chanting (not reading) of Torah from beginning to end every Shabbat

in the synagogue, whether annually as in Babylonia or triennially as in Palestine, transformed the Jews into a people imprinted by a book. Its narrative functioned as the unifying metahistory of the nation and the building blocks of public discourse, even as its legislation garnered widespread acceptance and adherence. The synagogue developed into the national theater in which Scripture and liturgy converged to reenact weekly the awesome transmission of Torah at Sinai.

Every aspect of the ritual was meant to convey the numinous quality of the original drama.

In the Ashkenazic rite [which is practiced by Jews with Eastern European roots], after the Torah has been set down to read, but before the first aliyah, the gabbai recites four verses from Scripture (Psalm 19:8-9, 29:1, 2 Samuel 22:31) that enunciate the conviction that our Torah is just, pure, and perfect, and its divine author without blemish.

As the gabbai finishes, the congregation affirms in unison with another verse that “Those of you who hold fast to the Lord your God are still alive this day” (Deuteronomy 4:4). This prologue amounts to a creedal declaration explaining the ritual. Nothing less than the embodiment of God’s will, the Torah is the Jewish key to salvation.

The constant reading of Torah in the synagogue made of every Shabbat Shavuot.

It is inconceivable to me that the Torah would ever have become the dominant and pervasive text of Jewish life without it. The diffusion of theology requires ritual. Modern Jews are at risk not because they have lost their faith, but because they have lost their appreciation for ritual.

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10

international

June 2019

The case for enlisting ‘haredi’ men into the Israeli military ALEX TRAIMAN Among key issues that have collapsed the 21st Knesset before its ministers have even been sworn into their positions is the enlistment, or lack of, haredim serving in the military. As part of legacy agreements established and signed at the creation of modern-day Israel between leading rabbis and founding father and the country’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, strictly religious males were granted exemptions from mandatory military service so they could pursue Torah study in Jewish learning institutions.

At the time of these foundational agreements, strictly religious communities that didn’t send males to serve represented a relatively small fraction of the total Israeli population. Yet with birth rates well above the rest of the nation, these communities now account for close to one quarter of the total population.

In a country in which military enlistment for all other Jewish males (and for females) is compulsory, these exemptions unfairly distribute the burden of military service.

In addition, it has become clear that these exemptions do not necessarily support serious Torah study in many cases.

So it is reasonably understandable why those forced to serve and send their children to defend the Jewish state have grown tired of the exemptions. A law passed in 2012, known as the Tal Law, further entrenched the exemptions. Yet Israel’s High Court, as it often does, ruled to overturn the legislation and has forced the government to replace it with alternative framework to increase the number of religious conscripts.

Towards the end of the last government, a new law was proposed that would slowly increase those numbers while penalizing individuals and communities that refused to serve with steep fines and even incarceration.

The law passed its first reading in the Knesset prior to the calling of early national elections. Following the polls, the religious United Torah Judaism and Shas parties emerged as the strongest parties prepared to enter Benjamin Netanyahu’s incoming governing coalition. They have demanded that the law be adjusted to further loosen the enlistment target numbers, as well as the penalties for refusing to serve.

Yet during the current negotiations, the smaller Yisrael Beiteinu Party led by former defense minister and right-wing Netanyahu-rival Avigdor Lieberman has

demanded that the new law be passed as is and implemented as a pre-requisite to entering the government. Unable to forge a compromise, Netanyahu is thereby unable to form a majority governing coalition. And with no other likely Knesset members able to form a governing coalition, including the Blue and White Party led by Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, the Knesset is voting to quickly disband itself and send the country into snap elections for the second time in less than six months.

The irony of the crisis is two-fold. First, the issue of religious enlistment, while important, is far down on the list of immediate national security and economic priorities. Second, it is the High Court’s deadline for passage of a new enlistment law that has forced the government to contend with the issue at a time when it otherwise would be more than willing to kick the can down the road.

Having more haredi soldiers serving in the military would benefit Israel in numerous ways. In an army that depends on the intelligence of its soldiers and decisionmaking abilities at all levels, strictly religious soldiers are highly likely to succeed and ultimately strengthen the military.

As students of Tanach (Torah, Prophets and Writings) and the Talmud, strictly religious males are knowledgeable about the historic geography of the Jewish state.

To them, cities like Hebron, Bethlehem and Shechem (referred to by Arabs as Nablus) have unique religious significance as the burial grounds of Jewish forefathers and foremothers Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Leah, Rachel and Joseph.

The Torah itself has many specific laws regarding when and how the Jewish nation is obligated to go to war. Serving and adhering to those laws can be considered a biblical commandment.

Haredi males, and the rabbis who guide them, have opted against military service for several reasons. The first is that although it is a Jewish army, the IDF is by no means a religious army. Its guiding principles and leadership do not inherently lend themselves to creating an especially religious (aka religious-friendly) environment.

The integration of women into the military, and particularly their roles as trainers of men in handling weapons and in national recruitment offices, creates an uncomfortable situation of immodesty for strictly religious men. In addition, army units do not facilitate daily Torah learning, while also establishing (sometimes important) exemptions from religious laws that contradict with military duties.

As such, penalizing religious males for skipping the army makes complete sense from a level of fairness, if the issue was

being waged in a vacuum. Fining and/or jailing religious males from opting out of army service, however, fails to address the very reasons they are avoiding the army to begin with.

If the government was serious about increasing the number of strictly religious conscripts, it would seek to address these issues head on and create a better framework for service—building on the already successful concept of Nahal Haredi religious units, for example. Founded in 1999, Nahal Haredi incorporates approximately 1,000 soldiers at any given time. The government should continue to develop structures within the IDF to offer haredi males the opportunity to spend half of each day learning during their service in a fully segregated environment, and to give the leaders of the religious communities significant input into how to alleviate other concerns.

If the court and non-religious parties determine how and when these religious men are to serve in the military, then government crises like the one dooming Netanyahu’s barely elected government will persist as an issue well into the future.

Alex Traiman is managing director and Jerusalem Bureau Chief of Jewish News Syndicate.

Miss Iraq to receive Ambassador for Peace award in Geneva for promoting tolerance ELIANA RUDEE Geneva-based non-governmental organization United Nations Watch has announced that Sarah Idan, who as Miss Iraq in 2017 faced death threats for posting a photo of herself with Miss Israel, will receive the Swiss organization’s Ambassador for Peace Award.

In recognition of her courageous and extraordinary actions to promote tolerance, build bridges for peace and spread a message of hope and unity, the prize will be presented to Idan at a Geneva ceremony attended by senior diplomats

of the U.N. Human Rights Council, during U.N. Watch’s 2019 annual gala dinner on June 13.

Previous winners of the award include Nobel Peace Prize Laureate David Trimble; French Prime Minister Manuel Valls; Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar; Turkish journalist Yavuz Baydar; Chinese dissident Yang Jianli; Antonio Ledezma, the Mayor of Caracas and former political prisoner; Russian dissident and world chess champion Garry Kasparov; Dr. Massouda Jalal, Afghanistan’s first Minister for Women’s Affairs; and Esther Mujawayo, an activist for victims of the

genocide in Rwanda.

By awarding Idan with this honor, U.N. Watch executive director Hillel Neuer hopes that the United Nations and humanrights agencies in Geneva will learn from Idan.

“Sadly, today, there are too many people, and especially on social media, who are only increasing polarization, hostility and isolating one community from another,” Neuer told JNS. “Sarah Idan is the opposite.”

“In all of her public activities, she is someone who is seeking only to bring people together and to underline our

common humanity,” he said.

According to Neuer, Idan exemplifies an “Ambassador for Peace” in her public speeches and in her courageous November 2017 Instagram photo with Miss Israel Adar Gandelsman, as well as her 2018 visit to Israel, where she reunited with Miss Israel and bonded with Israeli Jews who fled Iraq decades ago.

Idan explained that she first approached Gandelsman at the Miss Universe competition, “when she told me she was afraid to approach me because our CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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international

June 2019

Miss Iraq to receive Ambassador for Peace award in Geneva ...

FROM PAGE 10 countries were enemies. I wanted to give her hope and show the world, too, that there is hope for peace between our countries.”

Idan continued this message during her visit to Israel, which she found especially meaningful “to be able to deliver her message of peace before thousands and many world leaders.”

“I was received very warmly,” she told JNS, “and I didn’t want to leave.”

Furthering peace between Judaism and Islam Although Idan is not the first public figure in the Arab world to make a statement by posting a picture with a Jewish Israeli, unlike many others, posed Neuer, when Idan received hostile criticism, hateful comments and even death and rape threats directed at her and her family for these actions, she “doubled down” in the best sense of the word.

Miss Iraq Sarah Idan’s selfie with Miss Israel in 2017. Credit: Screenshot.

Even when Idan and her family, Iraqi Muslims, were forced to flee Iraq to the United States, she has continued to empathize with the Jewish people and to do so quite publically.

During the most recent round of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, Idan tweeted against Hamas rocket attacks on civilians, unwavering in her condemnation of Hamas and diligently working to correct the record on Hamas aggression, contrary to mainstream media in the Arab world.

She has also taken on Hamas apologists like “Women’s March” leader Linda Sarsour, musician Roger Waters and former CNN correspondent Marc Lamont Hill, calling out Sarsour for “defending terrorism,” Waters for using his power to “boycott an entire country” rather than using his power “for good to bring people together,” and Temple University professor Hill for denying Israel’s right to exist.

According to Idan, her early experiences in Iraq—understanding what it is like to live under a terrorist regime—led her to speak out against Hamas, and for the people of Gaza and Israel.

She explained, “I remember living under [Saddam Hussein’s] regime in Iraq during the war with the U.S. [He] used to place his military and missiles in civilian areas, even in a school one block from our home. When

a U.S. airplane would fly by, the military would fire at it, and we would just pray that [the Iraqi military] would stop because if the airplane fired back, many homes would be destroyed and many innocent families would end up dead.”

“This is the exact situation in Gaza,” Idan posed—“an oppressive terrorist group firing at Israel, aiming to kill innocent people and at the same time, they endanger the lives of families living in Gaza. After seeing the photos of people injured and dead, how can I remain silent?”

At age 18, Idan worked as a linguist and interpreter for the U.S. military in Baghdad, which she said taught its soldiers to be “selfless, courageous and ethical.”

Her experience in the army has also given her perspective on the Israeli Defense Forces’ code of conduct and safety

procedures, which she says are a lot less aggressive than the U.S. army’s: “When I see videos of IDF soldiers fighting with Palestinians who push their weapons or try to hit them, I’m a bit surprised Palestinians can get this close to a soldier,” said Idan. “In Iraq, U.S. convoys had signs that said if you move closer than 100 meters, we will shoot you. No Iraqi would risk to even touch a U.S. soldier unless the soldier initiated it.”

From her experiences in Iraq, with the U.S. army and in Israel, Idan knew that this would only be the beginning of her commitment to connecting Muslims and Jews, Arabs and Israelis—beyond borders, differences in faith and age-old conflicts, and united in amity and common ground.

To achieve her vision of peace, she founded the organization Forward Humanity and serves at its CEO. Idan voiced her hope that receiving this award “will not only empower me by knowing I don’t stand alone when I fight for peace, but also it’s a testimony to why others should join me in my cause and help further peace between the two religions.”

Additionally, she hopes that this recognition will “give courage to more people, and especially Muslim women who follow my life through social media, to follow in my footsteps, show how it is possible for them to make a difference, knowing their opinion matters, and that their good efforts can be recognized and rewarded.”

“More needed in today’s world than ever before,” noted Neuer, “Sarah Idan is a true Ambassador for Peace.”

MAZAL TOV!

‫בס‘‘ד‬

Beth Rivkah Ladies College Premier’s VCE Award 2019

The Principal, Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, together with the Beth Rivkah Ladies College staff and community, wish a well deserved Mazal Tov to

Leah Kinderman Text & Traditions

Meet people who have shaped Israel’s history

See first-hand the work of the UIA

Visit Israel’s main attractions

Tzivia Greenbaum Classical Hebrew Acknowledgements to the dedicated teaching staff For a personal tour of the school, please call our parent liaison Michelle Blutman, on 9522 8222 or email michelle.blutman@ybr.vic.edu.au

Beth Rivkah Ladies College Educating for Life

12

schools/shuls

From Oy to Joy

MOSAIC UNITED RABBI BENJI LEVY, CEO AT MOSAIC UNITED AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR MORIAH COLLEGE

There is a dissonance between the Jewish story and narrative. We are a people who have demonstrated an inverse relationship between numbers and impact for thousands of years and represent an unparalleled catalyst for curiosity and growth. We recently celebrated the 71st year since our rebirth, the State of Israel has achieved mind-boggling feats, against seemingly insurmountable odds and this is just part of the incredible story we have to tell.

Still, with ongoing anti-Semitism at heights unseen in ages, victimization and crisis are deeply ingrained within our national narrative.

Too many seem to focus on reactively extinguishing fires rather than proactively sowing seeds and planting trees.

In Sydney, Australia, where so many in the community are descendants of “survivors,” the Holocaust has always been a core component of the community’s Jewish identity. The Gen17 Australian Jewish Community Survey found that 95% of participants saw remembering the Holocaust as important to their personal Jewish identity, marking it as the highest factor.

Similarly, the 2013 Pew Report revealed that a staggering 73% of U.S. Jews see remembering the Holocaust as essential to their sense of Jewishness, and there are many other studies that reflect the same global trend.

Threats to one’s Jewish identity often provoke an instinctive reaction of protectiveness but just as the current generation feels less relevance to the destruction of the Temples or the Spanish Inquisition, this approach is becoming less effective as the distance from events such as the Holocaust widens as time marches on.

The establishment of the State of Israel has been coupled with significant general improvements for global Jewry, and many Jews have not been directly exposed to anti-Semitism and the powerfully emotional tribalism it can induce. Instead, as Jewish millennials are welcomed with open arms into Western societies, they have become increasingly disengaged from a heritage with which they struggle to relate.

Desperately attempting to re-establish these stirrings of Jewish pride, I have seen many Jewish educators double down on Jewish victimhood, limiting their educational impact

by focusing on instilling a responsibility to lead Jewish lives purely because the victims of prior generations could not. To me, this underscores a lack of confidence in our ability to inspire positivity and pride.

When teaching Jewish history, the Holocaust must, of course, be given due attention, but it should not become an emotional crutch alone.

The most effective Jewish teachers also focus on the incredible array of Jewish cultures and traditions that emerged over the last 2,000 years, helping young Jews realize that traditions have continued relevance and can be built upon in modern Jewish practice.

While this narrative continues to inspire a sense of Jewishness, it has generally not been strong enough to translate emotion into action in a consistent and pervasive way. As such, this negative narrative is becoming increasingly ineffective and yet crisis remains the dominant narrative for Israel as well.

The Israeli timeline, as taught and discussed, is often dotted with wars. The years 1948, 1967, and 1973 are, in the Jewish psyche, some of the most powerful dates in modern Jewish history and often synonymous with Israel, despite its many other achievements.

Following Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day, and as we approach Jerusalem Day, four days that embody the complex duality of tragedy and triumph, we must consider how to shift this balance towards the positive. We must stand tall and say that we are proud to be Jews, not

because of terrorism, violence in places like Pittsburgh of Poway, or Israel’s enemies, but in spite of them.

One of my favourite scientific studies shows why this positive approach, in which Judaism’s life-affirming, beneficial value becomes the standard, is more crucial now than ever before.

In the late 1960s, Stanford psychology professor Walter Mischel conducted a series of experiments on delayed gratification known as the Marshmallow Test. Mischel was trying to understand how age and cognitive development affect one’s ability to delay gratification in order to receive a greater reward. Particularly fascinating for psychologists today are the follow-up studies, decades later, which found that childhood ability to delay gratification correlated with higher Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, professional success and better physical health.

Writing for Forbes, Justin Daab, president of Magnani Continuum Marketing, an experience, design and strategy firm in Chicago, challenges the notion that delayed gratification results in increased success in life, stating that “millennials are rationally maximizing their long-term value by sampling a bit of marshmallow today.” As millennials grow up, they are witnessing the collapse of the long-term security once offered by traditional institutions, older generations losing their entire accumulated wealth, debts rising and job prospects and job security declining. As a result (whether consciously or not), they assign

Scopus partners with Arava MOUNT SCOPUS COLLEGE

Mount Scopus College kinder children have developed a wonderful relationship with a kinder in the Arava region in southern Israel, and the sharing and learning that has grown out of this partnership is delighting students and staff at both schools.

A few years ago upper kinder students at Mount Scopus started corresponding with Gan Tiltan (Tiltan Kindergarten) in the Arava, following a visit to Australia by teachers from the Arava.

This twin kinder in the Arava provides an open window through which our students can see and learn about Israel. Through the sharing of photos and gifts the children learn that our friends in Israel celebrate the chagim just like us. There are now ongoing conversations between the two kinders allowing children on both sides of the globe to learn about each other.

At the start of the partnership Mount Scopus kinder children each donated a gold coin to allow their new Arava friends to purchase and plant an olive tree in their

kinder garden. As a joint activity Scopus students also planted an olive tree at our FKI campus.

Every chag our kinder students create a special connection with the children in the Arava. They send videos of the way we celebrate, make book-marks or decorate t-shirts for Rosh Hashonah or afikoman

bags for Pesach, and the children make a book of drawings of themselves to send with their gifts.

Just before Purim, our kinders received a special package from their friends in Israel and used all their senses to work out what was inside the parcel.

First they shook it and heard noises,

June 2019

greater social value to experiences – memories that are guaranteed to last.

Hence, when sharing Judaism with young Jewish women and men, positive, transformative experiences are vital and, therefore, serve as a guiding principle of Mosaic United. As Daab explains, “for millennials, past performance is no guarantee of future performance.”

Judaism, when lived fully, includes enriching, positive substance that can make a far more enduring impact on the individual than the declining sense of obligation to marry Jewish and the uninspired schlep to a synagogue on the High Holidays. On the other hand, exposure to the Shabbat experience, for example, can lead to an appreciation that supposedly disruptive restrictions can grant the freedom and headspace to value the truly important things in life.

Jewish teachings about charity and hospitality allow one to appreciate how an ancient moral compass can enhance quality of life for the most vulnerable members of modern society. And a deeper understanding of the vibrant, nuanced, multi-faceted reality of Israel can allow one to acknowledge its issues while seeing past its falsified reputation and appreciate the truth of its inclusivity and flourishing democracy.

A healthy Jewish communal body cannot thrive on a diet of tragedy alone. It cannot devolve into a skeleton devoid of bone marrow based on external threats, and instead must celebrate the inner beauty of Jewish life. To move from oy to joy, we need a paradigm shift in our pedagogy. The impetus for Jewish living must come from inside the Jewish world, being proactive rather than reactive. We must begin by truly believing that the Jewish story is worth telling and then reconsider how we tell that story.

After all, our children no longer want to hear how not to leave. They need to experience why they must stay.

The writer is a recent immigrant to Israel from Australia and the CEO of Mosaic United, dedicated to creating meaningful Jewish connections for millennials ages 12-35. He previously served as dean of Moriah College. www.rabbibenji.com www.facebook.com/RabbiBenji/ www.instagram.com/rabbibenji/

was it beads, dice, bracelets? Next they used their sense of sight to see what was written on the package, and finally their sense of touch to feel inside where they discovered raashanim from the Arava kinder, made for each child in our kinder, along with an individual drawing and photo from every child in the Arava class. Next they discussed how to reciprocate and what they could make to send to their twin kinder and soon began decorating their afikoman bags to send in time for Pesach.

Last year the College again welcomed a visiting kindergarten teacher from the Arava along with a number of their Year 10 students, who taught the children Hebrew songs and games.

In addition, our own Year 10 Upan students visited the Arava during their time in Israel recently.

The connection with the Arava presents a vivid picture of Israel, not only as a place, but in the form of the children and educators, who all love being part of this program. www.scopus.vic.edu

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schools/shuls

June 2019

Does multiculturalism divide or unite people?

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE TERRY CROTHERS (DEPUTY HEAD OF PRIMARY) AND AMANDA MOSS (PRIMARY GENERAL STUDIES TEACHER)

Famous football commentator and former Collingwood great Brian Taylor ”BT” visited Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda Shule recently as part of a multicultural tour of the areas of Elsternwick and St Kilda.

Taylor, who hosts Channel 7’s weekly television show The Great Weekend, was shooting a segment on multicultural Melbourne when the producers decided a visit the Jewish Museum and the St Kilda Shule (opposite the museum) would make for essential viewing. The program is scheduled to go to air on 16 June.

“BT was really funny and interviewed me all about the Jewish faith, food and culture” said the Shule’s rabbi Yaakov Glasman, “He was also very keen on the Shule’s architecture and design and asked a lot of questions about its history as well as the meaning of some of the rituals like wearing a kippah”.

“He asked me all about the famous 1966 Collingwood vs St Kilda grand final and the then Rabbi Ronald Lubofsky’s announcement from the pulpit telling everyone the scores so they’d get back to focusing on the service” Rabbi Glasman

mused, “At the end I presented him with a Collingwood kippah which I’m told will definitely be featured when the program goes to air in June”.

St Kilda Shule also featured on the AFL website on grand final day last year after Rabbi Glasman, an avid Collingwood supporter, published on his Facebook page that the choir would be singing Adon Olam to the Collingwood club anthem.

“It’s all just a bit of fun” Rabbi Glasman said, “we’re a very Aussie Shule and footy comes up all the times in conversation with my congregants”. Asked whether he felt his prayers at last year’s grand final went unanswered following Collingwood’s loss, Rabbi Glasman joked “Definitely not – without our prayers we’d have lost by more!”

Jewish community

Brick Builders’ Tournament

www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au

The King David School presents a competition using Lego for students from any school in Years 2 - 4.

Dates:

1-3 July 2019

Monday 1 July - Year 4 Tuesday 2 July - Year 3 Wednesday 3 July - Year 2 Time: 9am - 4pm. Drop off from 8:30am.

Venue: 373 Dandenong Road, Armadale Enter online: www.kds.vic.edu.au Cost: $70 for team of 2 *limited places available

Includes: Enquiries:

Tournament entry, morning tea and lunch (03) 9527 0102

14

schools / shuls

June 2019

Words matter: The power of speech ARK CENTER RABBI GABI KALTMANN

This past month has been an exciting one for me as I completed my final day of placement as part of my Masters of Social Work. Over the past two years I have been completing my Masters which included two sets of placement, each 70 days long. The placement I completed this year was at the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Blackburn where I was honing my social work skills.

As part of this role I answered phone calls from members of the public who are diagnosed with the degenerative disease of Multiple Sclerosis and were seeking further support in managing their disease. This placement was eye-opening and allowed me to interact with a sector of the community that has a unique set of challenges while honing my empathetic listening ear and supportive advice skills.

Happily, completing this placement means that over two years of hard work has now result in me obtaining my Masters and becoming a qualified Australian social worker. As many of you know, being a community Rabbi allows me to wear multiple hats and be there for our community at many pivotal moments such as births, marriages, deaths and everything in between. The complexity of my role as a Rabbi means that my new qualification as a social worker will now complement the many roles I undertake.

I am confident that these further professional qualifications will only allow me to better deal with the many day-to-day interactions I have with people from all walks of life and continue to serve the community as both a social worker and Rabbi.

In many ways, the role of a Rabbi emphasizes the importance of the power of speech and being careful with our language.

While completing my placement, I saw the significance of using speech to comfort and reassure callers that called MS. As the festival of Shavuot approaches, we are reminded of the importance of using our speech in a positive manner. When the Jewish people were offered the Torah they used their collective voice to wholeheartedly accept it and its laws with the famous expression of: “Naaseh VeNishmah-we will do and we will listen!” Shavuot helps to commemorate the significance of this decision and the fact that as Jews we actively used our words and expressions to choose this religion and way of life offered to us by G-d.

The Torah dedicates many Torah Parshiot (weekly reading portions) to addressing the consequences caused by speaking Lashon

Harah (Evil Tongue) which encompasses slander, gossip and all types of destructive language. The Torah goes into detail about the affliction of “Tzoraat,” commonly mistranslated as “leprosy,” but representing a Divine skin affliction.

The ailment of Tzoraat, represented the gravity of engaging in evil speech. Not only did the ailment manifest of one’s skin, but it could also manifest on a person’s belongings and house and if one ignored it, it could spread to all three. The seriousness of this skin affliction could not be underestimated because Tzoraat represents the power of one’s speech in building relationships and building people up but also the potential of ruining a person’s personal and professional life through idle chatter.

While it might be impossible to never speak gossip, the ultimate aim should be to have an inherent awareness of how powerful our speech is and how we have to

be careful to recognise how important and influential words can be. Our speech creates a model for how we, both individually and as a nation want to be perceived and sets the tone for our conversations. The less we permit ourselves to engage in negative speech, the less likely we will frivolously use it to the detriment of ourselves and others.

The festival of Shavuot is but a small example of the way we can use our speech to direct our national and collective narrative for the good of our people and those around us. By using our speech to accept the laws and obligations of the Torah we forever altered the path of our people to be directed

by G-d’s laws and use Judaism as our framework for a meaningful life.

Upon reflection, the past two years of social work study have been an incredible journey full of new learnings, ideas, challenges and of course many hours spent completing essays and assignments. In almost every interaction I have had with clients I have been able to use my speech to comfort, assist and empower those who sought advice through my social work placement.

In this very small but critical way I have been able to see the amazing power of speech on a micro level. How much more can we make a difference to those around us when we put just that little bit more emphasis on using our speech for positivity and kindness. Shavuot reminds us of our power as a people to shape our narrative and change the course of history through the power of speech. We must use this power responsibly and with purpose.

Wishing you and your families a meaningful Shavuot!

Bialik College World Record Yom Haatzmaut

Football Legend Visits Shule

Bialik College has broken the world record for the world’s largest human menorah.

A total of 1048, including students aged between three and 18 as well as teachers and staff, gathered together to form the shape of the emblem of the State of Israel, as part of the school’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebrations on 9 May. The massive menorah spans 42 meters (137.8 feet) wide and 42 meters (137.8 feet) tall.

To align to the Guinness World Record’s strict conditions, two official counters had

Famous football commentator and former Collingwood great Brian Taylor ”BT” visited Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda Shule recently as part of a multicultural tour of the areas of Elsternwick and St Kilda.

Taylor, who hosts Channel 7’s weekly television show The Great Weekend, was shooting a segment on multicultural Melbourne when the producers decided a visit the Jewish Museum and the St Kilda Shule (opposite the museum) would make for essential viewing. The program is scheduled to go to air on 16 June.

“BT was really funny and interviewed me all about the Jewish faith, food and culture” said the Shule’s rabbi Yaakov Glasman, “He was also very keen on the Shule’s architecture and design and asked a lot of questions about its history as well as the meaning of some of the rituals like wearing a kippah”.

“He asked me all about the famous 1966 Collingwood vs St Kilda grand final and the then Rabbi Ronald Lubofsky’s announcement from the pulpit telling everyone the scores so they’d get back to focusing on the service” Rabbi Glasman mused, “At the end I presented him with a Collingwood kippah which I’m told will definitely be

BIALIK COLLEGE

clickers recording the impressive number of people involved. The previous record was last set in December 2017 with 577 people involved at a school in New Jersey. Each year Bialik College dedicates the day of Yom Ha’Atzmaut to activities including: all students dressing in blue and white, Israeli dancing, flag raising, chamsot making, a film festival and many other activities to cultivate the students’ love for Israel. The Menorah was a highlight in a day full of educational and engaging activities, all in the spirit of Zionism and Jewish pride.

ST KILDA HEBREW CONGREGATION

Brian ‘BT’ Taylor & Rabbi Yaakov Glasman

featured when the program goes to air in June”.

St Kilda Shule also featured on the AFL website on grand final day last year after Rabbi Glasman, an avid Collingwood supporter, published on his Facebook page that the choir would be singing Adon Olam to the Collingwood club anthem.

“It’s all just a bit of fun” Rabbi Glasman said, “we’re a very Aussie Shule and footy comes up all the times in conversation with my congregants”.

Asked whether he felt his prayers at last year’s grand final went unanswered following Collingwood’s loss, Rabbi Glasman joked “Definitely not – without our prayers we’d have lost by more!”

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school/shul

June 2019

B’Yachad – Bialik’s Foundation is Moving Forward BIALIK COLLEGE Bialik College is delighted to announce the appointment of Tanya Cherny as Foundation Director for the school’s philanthropic Foundation, B’Yachad. Along with the recent appointment of Foundation Co-Chairs, Michael Carp and Stacey Dodge, the creation of this new role signifies the school’s commitment to ensuring the continuity of Jewish Education.

Affordability of Jewish education remains at the forefront of Bialik’s Strategic outlook.

For the last five years, Bialik has met its target of capping fee increases at 2-3%, well below CPI increases in education.

‘We are so lucky to be able to choose from a multitude of wonderful Jewish Day Schools in Melbourne, but we also recognise the increasing stress it places on families. We have worked hard to ensure our school is run efficiently and are proud

to be one of the more competitively priced and highest performing Jewish Day Schools in Melbourne,’ said Principal Jeremy StoweLinder.

The Bialik Foundation has been the driving force behind many major school initiatives over the last few years including the Primary School upgrade, the development of its new Creche opening in July 2019 and the rollout of the Dogs for Life program.

The Foundation will also be responsible

Stacey Dodge, Tanya Cherny and Michael Carp

for creating a culture of giving within the school, cultivating awareness, gratitude and social justice for students from Kinder through to Year 12.

‘We want our students to know what a privilege it is to receive a Jewish education and to understand the importance of giving and creating a sense of community’ said Bialik Foundation Co-Chair Michael Carp.

‘Nearly a quarter of Bialik’s students are on means-tested fee assistance and in the current economic climate this is only like to increase,’ explained Bialik Foundation CoChair Stacey Dodge.

‘As a Foundation we want to ensure that no Jewish child is denied an outstanding Jewish Education, and we are delighted to have Tanya on-board to help us achieve this goal’ Stacey said.

Tanya brings to the College extensive experience in communications, PR and events and has played an integral role in fund-raising committees for a number of notfor-profit organisations.

As a former Bialik College alumnus (class of 2000) and now a parent of two young daughters at the school, Tanya has a strong connection with Bialik College. Tanya will commence in the role of Foundation Director on 11 June 2019.

“We are so excited that our extensive search has discovered one of our very own Bialik graduates and now parent. Tanya is another wonderful example of our special Bialik community giving back and she will be integral in helping us to guarantee a more affordable Jewish education for the next generation,” said Michael and Stacey.

A Chat With New UJEB President, Gabi Crafti UJEB BECCI KRISPIN Becci Krispin sat down with the new UJEB President, Gabi Crafti, to hear about her role and her thoughts on Jewish education in Melbourne: BK: You are the 3rd female President of UJEB. What has been your involvement with UJEB to date and what do you hope to achieve in this role?

GC: I joined the UJEB Board about a year and a half ago, just before my eldest child started prep. I’m very proud to be the third female President, and I hope that going forward we’ll continue to have a lot more balance in leadership. UJEB went through a difficult period when the government pulled religious education out of schools. We’ve gone through a period of recovery and rebuilding, and have now emerged from that challenge. As President, I hope to show the community that UJEB has adapted to a brave new world. My main aim is to help our organisation to continue delivering the excellent programs and initiatives that it does for our kids. I hope we keep punching above our weight.

BK: You’re a mum of 2 small kids (and UJEB participants), a barrister, founder of the Jewish Professional Women’s Network (JPWN) and now President of UJEB. How do you manage to juggle all of these roles?

GC: Well, as a friend of mine likes to describe it, it’s managed chaos! The truth is, I have a lot of energy, and I also have a lot of support. I have a great partner who really understands that I’m at my best when I’m doing a lot, and trying to do it all

New UJEB president Gabi Crafti with her children Rafi and Josie. effectively. He really encourages me to be like that and makes it possible. I’m in a great partnership, and everything that I do I really credit to both of us.

I also have to say that I don’t always manage the juggle. Some days the wheels fall off, and you just have to accept that’s how it is today. But I do enjoy all of it. I love my kids, I love being a barrister, I’m passionate about the JPWN and I’m super passionate about UJEB. I would never give up any of my roles because I love them all too much!

BK: What are your thoughts on Jewish education in Melbourne and UJEB’s future role?

GC: It’s clear that UJEB has an increasingly important role to play. The cost of Jewish education is beyond the reach of

many in our community. I’m an advocate for the Jewish Day School (JDS) system: I am a product of this system and I had an incredibly positive experience. But I also understand that in reality it’s unmanageable for many families, for either part or all of their school journey. This is where UJEB comes in, keeping kids outside the Jewish schools connected with their Jewish identity and community.

UJEB has fulfilled this important role for more than 120 years, providing inclusive opportunities for students in government schools to learn about their religion, culture, heritage and language. UJEB’s challenge is to continue along the path of providing the very best in Jewish education that it can for these kids, and this is where I think we are making huge strides. Itzik (Sztokman, UJEB’s Executive Principal) has been absolutely pivotal in taking UJEB from being an organisation that rolls out Religious Education (RE) for half an hour per week, to something completely different. Itzik has brought his wealth of experience in both formal and informal education to bear at every level. The initiatives and programming that he has rolled out are so imaginative and engaging, that we are now pushing into spaces that we haven’t been in before in really creative ways. That’s what I’m really proud of, and that’s what I see as UJEB’s continuing and developing role in Melbourne.

BK: Do you expect to encounter any difficulties in your new role as President?

GC: No (laughs). Of course, there will be challenges. Our main challenge is servicing our enormous growth and expansion. We

don’t receive any government funding, and rely entirely on fee-for-service and the goodwill, kindness and generosity of the Jewish community in supporting us. My challenge as President is how to demonstrate to those with means in the community that supporting UJEB is a great value proposition. Ultimately, I’m confident that I can meet this challenge, because UJEB is a product that sells itself.

I also really want to thank Tony Fell, our previous President, who has taught me so much in preparing for this role. Tony has a wealth of knowledge about UJEB, and he brings so much of his professional experience to the table. He has been helping UJEB for many years. I’m really pleased that he is continuing on as Vice President, and will remain very active in that role. I think he and I are a great team.

The Board is also really cohesive and supportive, and that’s a credit to Tony.

BK: Do you have a message for our community?

GC: Take a really good look at what we’re doing these days. We’re not the UJEB of old. We’re a completely different UJEB to the one you may have thought you knew.

We are doing and achieving great things.

I invite the community to get right behind us and support us, because we are the organisation that is going to keep Jewish kids in our community connected to their Jewish identity, like no other.

To support our annual appeal please visit: www.ujeb.org.au/donate/ or call 95236844.

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school/shul

June 2019

A Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Reunion to Remember!

YESHIVAH - BETH RIVKAH COLLEGES A wonderful evening of memories and celebrating Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah College’s journey to 70 years young was held at St Kilda Town Hall on Sunday 26th May 2019. With a near 600-strong crowd of alumni, former and current teachers and School Principals in attendance, it was truly a celebration of seven decades of enduring friendships, inspiring teachers, and the spirit of what it means to be an alumni of Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah.

Attendees mingled whilst savouring a delicious cocktail supper, wine and drinks, and took ‘a walk down memory lane’, poring over a serious of photo collages created to mark this special occasion. Smiles, laughter and joyous greetings filled the hall, with an atmosphere that can only come from old friends reacquainting.

The evening’s formalities were guided

by Rabbi Reuvi Cooper (a past Yeshivah student) with speeches from past principals and students, video presentations and messages engaging the crowd.

Former Beth Rivkah Principal, Mr Gurewicz, reminisced about key moments of his principalship, and thanked his students for what they had taught him. He remarked to the crowd of alumni that “Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah were your furnaces [of knowledge], to give you heat [faith] to last a lifetime”.

Beth Rivkah graduate Dorit Portnoi outlined her journey to become a Beth Rivkah student and her daughter’s uncannily similar path, while Yeshivah College alumni Eli

Vayn highlighted memorable moments and friends who helped him along the way during his schooling. Both students expressed their gratitude to the schools for guiding and shaping them to the people they are today.

A stunning video containing footage from the very early days of Yeshivah, as well as snippets of Beth Rivkah and Yeshivah through the years was interspersed with

South Caulfield Shule raises money for Cancer Council RABBI DANIEL RABIN Unfortunately, today many of us will know someone who has battled cancer or has experienced it themself. The enormous physical, emotional and often financial burden it places on families is tremendous.

Thankfully there is much research being done to cure cancer and numerous organizations supporting those who are going through the ordeal. One such well known orginisation is the Cancer Council. South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation recently held a fundraiser for the Cancer Council’s ‘Australia’s Biggest

Morning Tea’ raising funds to assist them in all the work they do. Attendees were fortunate to hear personal stories from Gary Katz, a cancer survivor and Helen Brustman OAM who sadly lost her husband to cancer.

Both talks were extremely inspiring and meaningful. Gary spoke about the need to stay positive and try look at the funny side of life. He described the many highs and lows and making sure to keep strong during the lows. Helen talked about the pain of the loss and how crucial it is to have a support network around you. She described the

Guests enjoyed a delicious morning tea with goodies baked by Chef Yafit Frankel, Gill Abel and scrumptious sandwiches were kindly donated by To Catch A Chef. Over $400 was raised on the morning.

personal accounts from old collegians outlining their favourite memories from school, funny anecdotes and stories and memories of teachers, events and highlights.

The crowd erupted in laughter at various points, and were enthralled to hear about and see the school in its early days and how much it has grown and flourished.

Current Principal, Rabbi Yehoshua

Smukler, concluded the evening by recounting some humorous anecdotes and his hopes for the continued success of the schools.

Despite the official program coming to a close, the evening continued with many attendees remaining as they continued to catch up with old friends, former teachers and familiar faces from their school days.

‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’

THE KING DAVID SCHOOL

Our VCE Theatre Studies students performed Tom Wright’s adaptation of the Australian classic novel, ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ in three sold-out performances recently. The all-female cast brought to life a tale that has haunted the Australian psyche for over a decade. Through extraordinary acting skill, our audiences were transported back to a fateful Valentine’s Day in

1900 where three schoolgirls and their teacher vanished without a trace.

The intensity with which the cast portrayed a large variety of characters had audience members transfixed as the chilling Australian classic became nightmarishly real!

Congratulations to Laura Rickhuss for her expert direction and to the cast and crew of this special production which left audiences well and truly wowed by the talent.

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lifestyle

June 2019

JEWISHLearning QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

WORD OF THE MONTH Kavod Hamet (‫)כבוד המת‬ Pronounced KAH-vode hah-MET, this Hebrew phrase literally means “respect for the dead” and refers to a range of Jewish end-of-life rituals and practices meant to preserve the dignity of a deceased person.

MYJEWISH LEARNING VIA JTA

BY RABBI LAWRENCE A. HOFFMAN

Why Do We Read The Book of Ruth on Shavuot The connections between this story and the spring harvest festival.

MYJEWISH LEARNING VIA JTA

RABBI RONALD H. ISAACS In traditional settings, the Book of Ruth is read on the second day of . The book is about a Moabite woman who, after her husband dies, follows her Israelite motherin-law, Naomi, into the Jewish people with the famous words “whither you go, I will go, wherever you lodge, I will lodge, your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” She asserts the right of the poor to glean the leftovers of the barley harvest, breaks the normal rules of behavior to confront her kinsman Boaz, is redeemed by him for marriage, and becomes the ancestor of King David The custom of doing this is already mentioned in the Talmudic tractate of Soferim (14:16), and the fact that the first chapter of the Midrash of Ruth deals with the giving of the is evidence that this custom was already well established by the time this was compiled. [Tractate Soferim is one of

the latest books of the Talmud, probably dating no earlier than the eighth century.]

There are many explanations given for the reading of Ruth on Shavuot.

The most quoted reason is that Ruth’s coming to Israel took place around the time of Shavuot, and her acceptance into the Jewish faith was analogous of the acceptance of the Jewish people of God’s Torah.

A second explanation relates to genealogy. Since the Book of Ruth ends with the genealogy of David, whose forbearer Ruth was, it has been suggested that it is read on Shavuot because there is a legend that David died on Shavuot.

Another reason for the reading of Ruth on Shavuot is that its story takes place at harvest time, and Shavuot also occurs at the time of the spring harvest.

Excerpted with permission from Every Person’s Guide to Shavuot (Jason Aronson, Inc).

Preparing for the deceased and seeing to the needs of their mourners are not the same thing; they may even be in conflict with each other. Whether a culture conceives of death as a problem for the deceased or as a difficulty for the next of kin makes considerable difference in terms of what it mandates ritually. To be sure, no culture may easily ignore the physical reality of an actual body requiring burial, but if it attends preeminently to the living, it may choose to dispense with the corpse quickly and without solemnity, whereas if it interprets the crisis as focusing on the dead, it may pay much attention to burial but ignore mourning.

Modern North American culture, for instance, isolates the individual (not the group) as the object of attention; and it defines the individual as a body with a mind (or psyche) that begins functioning at birth and ceases with death. It thus disregards what happens after death, there being no self any more, and hence, no “after death” period worth pondering.

As birth is held to be our beginning, so death is considered our end, and what attracts society’s attention about that end is how the individual handles its impending arrival and how other related individuals then manage the mourning that follows in its wake. In both instances, the problem is defined as psychological: when the body dies, so too does the psyche, and (therefore) the problem, as far as that individual is concerned.

Not so classical Judaism. Psychology as a religious rationale is distinctly a later overlay of modern interpreters seeking to justify ancient ritual regulations. It plays almost no role in the thinking of the rabbis who initiated the regulations in question.

Unlike us, the rabbis did not begin with the idea of a self who disappears at the moment of death. They held instead that despite the body’s demise, the essential person housed in the body still enjoyed some beyond-the-grave existence, so that proper burial and continued respect for the deceased were required. Funeral ritual is thus preeminently designed as an act of k’vod ha-met, “honoring the dead.”

A corpse may not be subject to autopsy, for instance, nor may it be embalmed, except under unusual circumstances where not to embalm would dishonor the

dead even more–as in preparing a body for burial far away, by which time if it has not been embalmed, it would putrefy; and even then, the embalming procedure must retain the body intact.

With their attention fastened on honoring the dead, the rabbis give relatively little explicit attention to the psychological needs of the mourners. Regulations sometimes seem to address the pain of bereavement: sumptuary rules that limit exorbitant funeral expenses, for instance.

But they are prompted not by the fear that inordinate cost may trouble the living, but by the aversion to the embarrassment that such expense may cause the deceased.

They worry that wealthy people will receive a banquet in their honor, but poor people will not. Their rules democratize death, making sure that no one will have a poor funeral repast relative to others, and no one will thereby be dishonored simply because they had the temerity to die without leaving an estate behind.

Similarly, the rabbis passed regulations designed to prevent conflicts of religious responsibility during the time of mourning.

But here too, rabbinic legislation worried less about psychic trauma than about the breach of honor due the dead, were mourners to allow the full gamut of daily responsibilities to interfere with the requirements of the recently deceased.

The classic Jewish burial rite should thus be understood as a ritualized interpretive gloss on a rabbinic view of death that focused on the needs of the dead. Rabbis could legislate only for the living, of course; their ritual seems therefore to have the living in mind; but their decisions derive from their dogmatic belief in life after death, and, therefore, their almost axiomatic insistence that customs associated with death affirm the continuing dignity of those who die.

In the 19th century, this theological hermeneutic came under attack, particularly by German Reform Jews, and Jews today have widely supplemented or even replaced rabbinic attitudes with modernity’s ubiquitous psychological justification for burial practices. Still, the notion of honoring the dead is evident, much as it was 2,000 years ago.

Reprinted with permission from Life Cycles in Jewish and Christian Worship (The University of Notre Dame Press).

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lifestyle

June 2019 news

The finer points of sleep THE SLEEP COACH CHERYL FINGLESON As the business and distraction of modern life and parenting intensifies, it is good to be reminded of the value of sleep and its allencompassing role in supporting wellness, development and health. Whether you are nurturing a newborn or wrangling an adolescent, its critical to consider whether he or she is getting enough of the right quality sleep, and to be reminded of why this is so fundamental.

Newborns can require up to 17 hours of sleep a day, a toddler between 10 and 14, a primary school child between 8 and 12 hours and an adolescent around 10 hours sleep a night. Every individual will have slightly varying sleep needs, but without exception all will benefit from a solid sleep routine, a clean and quiet place to sleep, a nutritious diet and learned relaxation techniques.

I always stress the need to start with a consistent and predicable bed routine to parents who are looking to address sleep issues. Its impossible to underestimate how important this is. It allows little people to know what’s coming next, that sleep time is near and it helps them to unwind. Avoiding over-stimulating activities right before bed is crucial, as is keeping the child’s room dark, having clean natural linens and a safe comforting sleep environment.

Most of the growing babies and children do takes place during the sleep phase.

Sleep impacts young people’s mental and physical development, comprehension, memory, alertness and wellbeing. Rested children are more alert and happier, they are more even-tempered and they have stronger immune systems.

The sleeping brain produces a growth hormone, which is vital in stimulating muscles, organs, blood and bones.

Research shows that growth can be slowed or even stunted if a child does not get sufficient sleep.

Some children’s sleep is affected by nightmares, which can be disruptive. In most cases though, it’s a temporary phase. Parents need to remain patient and comforting, stay with their child for a short while until the fear passes, and to remind them that the dream is not real. Repetitive, soothing verbal prompts such as ‘I’m here, its just a dream, its not real, I won’t leave you’ can be helpful, as well as offering a comfort item like a toy or a blanket, leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar and a night light on, as well as producing a hastily re-

labeled bottle of ‘anti-nightmare spray’ (a water diffuser with glitter in it) which can do wonders.

When it comes to teenagers, sleep can be just as much of an issue for families, but without the placebo of a magical spray to fix it. Few Australian adolescents get the ten hours of sleep optimal for their age.

The plethora of personal electronics hasn’t been helping this crisis, with teachers reporting many high school students as severely sleep-deprived, with a significant impact on their school performance and general wellness.

Just like with babies, I recommend turning your teen’s bedroom into a quiet place, devoid of technology. Adopt a policy of handing these in at a certain time each evening, and retreating to a cool quiet room with blackout blinds if needed.

Teenagers may benefit from regular routine, hot bath before bed, essential oils, learned meditation techniques (there’s an app for that!), sleeping on natural linens or cotton as well as a caffeine-free diet. In the mornings, open their curtains to allow natural light into the room. This provides vital cues for the brain to begin the circadian rhythms of waking appropriately.

It is imperative that babies, children and teenagers all get the right amount of sleep.

Sleep is vital for growth, development, health and happiness. I always advise my clients’ to take control of their children’s sleep routine regardless of their age or circumstances. It’s not worth deferring, as sleep loss and poor routine has been proven to have significant impacts on the wellbeing of these precious young people.

There are plenty of tools available to improve sleep and settling. And if parents can’t do it alone, there is professional help on hand too. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Prioritize sleep!

Cheryl Zzz For more sleep tips and advice, please visit www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au Or why not like our facebook page? www.facebook.com/ cherylthesleepcoach Check out part One of This article @ at www.wordpress.com/ cherylthesleepcoach

Cheryl Fingleson is a paediatric sleep consultant. As a mother of two, she very well knows the feelings of agony and desperation when you have a child that struggles to settle and sleep. She doesn’t believe in leaving babies or children to cry it out, nor in the practices of controlled crying.

Her approach is to empower parents with the right tools and techniques to teach their babies and children to go to sleep calmly, happily and independently.

SHABBAT AND PASSOVER TIMES DATE

LIGHT

CANDLES Friday, 7 June 2019 4:50pm Saturday, 8 June 2019 (light holiday candles after, from a pre-existing flame) 5:51pm Sunday, 9 June 2019 (light holiday candles after, from a pre-existing flame) 5:51pm Monday, 10 June 2019 (holiday ends) Friday, 14 June 2019 4:49pm Friday, 21 June 2019 4:50pm Friday, 28 June 2019 4:52pm

END 5:51pm

5:51pm 5:51pm 5:52pm 5:54pm

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

T RS ON FI ITI ED FREE

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#Bne Showcaimitzvah Initiati ses Our ve Commun ity 2014 / 13

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June 2019

lifestyle

Troubled Times, Tortured Souls CLOUDSTREET, AT MERLYN THEATRE, MALTHOUSE THEATRE ALEX FIRST A compelling story of struggle is enhanced by highly creative staging, sound effects and lighting.

Set over 20 years (from the 1940s to the ‘60s), Cloudstreet isn’t just another play – it is a look inside the consciousness of two battling Australian families.

Let’s not forget that Tim Winton’s novel won the Miles Franklin Award for highest literary merit in 1991.

Nick Enright and Justin Monjo adapted it for the stage, even though Winton was initially sceptical about its ability to be translated into a play, which it was in 1998.

This is a new production directed by Matthew Lutton.

The sprawling house at number one Cloud Street in Perth is haunted by a nefarious past in which Indigenous Australians were marginalised … and their spirits live on there.

Circumstances see the property inherited by Sam Pickles (Bert Labont), who loves the punt.

An accident affecting one of his hands has rendered him all but useless, so moving to Perth gives him and his family a second chance ... one that they quickly blow.

His frequently intoxicated wife, Dolly (Natasha Herbert), treats him shamefully, while she plays around ... a lot.

Forever hard up for money, the Pickles

(husband, wife and three children) take in a family of eight – a husband, Lester Lamb (Greg Stone) and wife, Oriel (Alison Whyte) and their six children, who have their own travails.

Their much loved and popular son, known as Fish (Benjamin Oakes), is not the child he was after he nearly drowned at sea.

Left brain damaged, he sees the world around him differently from others. He has visions.

Both families are from working class stock, but have a decidedly different work ethic.

Cloudstreet shines a light on the misfortunes, the trials, tribulations and occasional triumphs

of the Lambs and the Pickles and those they meet.

Bridges between story elements are realised through narration, where a number of the actors address the audience directly in their characters’ guise.

Among the standout performers in the 12-strong cast is Benjamin Oakes as the pivotal character of Fish Lamb, who channels distress, loyalty and childish joy.

The troubled persona of his brother and carer, Quick, who was with him when he nearly drowned, is well realised by Guy Simon. He carries a huge weight on his shoulders. He is

19

angst riddled and pours his guilt into hard work.

The Pickles’ only daughter, Rose – who has often had to pick up the broken pieces of her parents – plays a significant part in proceedings in Cloudstreet Part 2.

Brenna Harding does a fine job realising the metamorphosis that accompanies her character’s growth and maturation.

I hesitate to say too much about the staging for fear of spoiling the surprise.

Suffice to say the set effectively becomes two sets in one (Zoe Atkinson is the set and costume designer), courtesy of some slick panel movements and is remarkably versatile.

In a number of scenes, the stage literally becomes water logged.

The impact of the soundscape in Cloudstreet can’t be overemphasised enough. It has a power all its own, which is – at times – chilling.

J. David Franzke is responsible for the sound design, while Paul Jackson is the lighting designer.

This is a mighty special piece of work – not readily forgotten. It is both affecting and effective – I was involved and absorbed from the get go – a tribute to all associated with the production who have done the evocative source material justice.

Cloudstreet Parts 1 and 2, with a running time in excess of four hours, is playing at Merlyn Theatre, at Malthouse Theatre, until 16th June, 2019.

My suggestion is that you see the two parts on consecutive nights.

Cruising New Zealand Wineries - “Ripe & Ready to drink” I LOVE CRUISING KELLY HENDERSON Get onboard with Azamara Club Cruises for an intensive 16 night ‘Food & Wine’ voyage around the Sauvignon rich ports of New Zealand.

Not just a themed cruise with a loosely given ‘food & wine’ title. Azamara’s destination emersion mantra will surely deliver an authentic ‘taste of’ NZ experience that will not only delight the senses, but also to cater the self educational elements passengers are looking for.

As well as being stunningly picturesque, New Zealand’s rain trapping Western mountain ranges and sheltered valleys to the East are geographically unique, providing ideal temperature fluctuations suited to the temperamental sauvignon vines.

If you’ve been considering taking a cruise to NZ but perhaps thought (like many do) “there’s plenty of time for that, New Zealand will always be there” think again!

Right now is such a great time to go, especially if you have an interest in viticulture, or even just enjoy the occasional glass.

The country is young and fertile, as are its wine makers and just like the general population in NZ, they see themselves as the underdogs, fighting hard to be heard in a huge world.

Airport hassles removed and a pleasant two days of reasonably calm cruising across ‘the ditch’, on the floating boutique Hotel - Azamara Quest, delivers its passengers into another world of jagged alpine peaks, capped with melting summer snow that feeds gigantic water falls cascading into the deep fjords below.

This place is Milford Sound. Apparently incorrectly named as it is indeed a true fjord and every bit as impressive as the mighty fjords of Norway or Alaska.

Gently gliding into Fjordland National Park is like hitting the restart button and regeneration of the soul. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and fortunately nearly every cruise to NZ visits here as the first or last port of

call.

Azamara offer an overland / overnight shore excursion to the next port of Dunedin (via Queenstown) and if you’re up for a couple of long but incredibly rewarding days traveling via coach through even more sublime mountainous countryside, then this is add-on is an absolute must.

The cruise will then track north through more lush green coastal gems like Akaroa before pulling into the sleepy little town of Picton.

Tucked away at the end of the incredibly pretty Marlborough Sounds on the northern most tip of New Zealand’s rugged South Island, the sail into Picton is definitely not to be missed. Pre-plan an early night so you can be up on deck at least 2 hours before docking.

You can enjoy a leisurely alfresco breakfast in the appropriately named Windows Cafe for the scenic sail in through misty pine covered hills and islands on lake like waters only broken by pods of Orca.

Picton is where any wine appreciation quest really gets interesting and a little pre-planning can serve you well.

To self tour here, you’ll find a few car hire places in town, just a short stroll from the ship and for around $150 + fuel for the day, your wine odyssey is sorted. Azamara also offer excursions to the wineries. One stops at three very different cellar doors for back to back wine tasting and another just to the one well known vineyard with a renowned restaurant and lunch included. Both are perfect if you’re not confident driving foreign roads or perhaps plan on actually drinking the tasting samples.

An easy half hour drive on a single road up over the hills and you’ll find yourself in the grape vine capital of New Zealand - The Marlborough Valley. Home to all the major wine labels that literary put Sauvignon Blanc on the ‘world of wine’ map.

The epicentre of the Marlborough is the town of Blenhiem. Stop at the iCenter, pick up a cellar door map and spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding countryside where seemingly every available ‘section’ of land is planted with pretty symmetrical rows of Pinot,

Chardonnay and Sauvignon vines.

Driving these back roads past all the impeccably manicured cellar doors is like walking down the white isle of your local Dan Murphy’s. Well known brands like Brancott Estate, Whither Hills, Giesen, Forrest Estate are all within a 15 minute radius including the one that really put this region on the map. The iconic Cloudy Bay. After a day touring the stunning vineyards and windy lush green roads you’ll get back onboard, where the amazing crew of Azamara are preparing to host their signature ‘White Night’ event, which fits in perfectly after the rather ‘White’ day in the Marlborough.

Nothing to do with wine however, this alfresco extravaganza is where all the poolside deck chairs are replaced with brilliant white dining tables and festive flags overhead.

The entire ship turns up also wearing white and sits under the setting sun. Multiple selections of flame grilled meats and freshly prepared salads, all cooked and served right there on the pool deck, before the band kicks off for a party into the evening.

Being a luxury cruise line, it goes without saying that the food onboard Azamara is exceptional. Some other cuisine focused brands can tend to serve quite rich and delicate dishes that although are lovely occasionally, might become less favourable night after night.

Chef Colin onboard Azamara Quest however prefers to serve his guests simpler, less heavy fare, focusing on freshness and inspired by the local produce of the region, once again delivering on their destination immersion ethos. He caters to all tastes on board and his team only cook in small batches or to order, rather than the usual ships galley of ‘on mass’ cooking methods.

With the two main South Island wine regions of Central Otago and the Marlborough Valley adequately explored and tasted, Azamara sets course for the well known Art Deco port of Napier on the North Island. What’s not so well known though is the town of Napier is just 30 minutes drive from another of New Zealand’s most cherished wine producing districts,

Hawkes Bay. Very different in landscape and soil to the more lush Marlborough, where the earth is softer and easy for the vines to kick back, relax and sink their roots into the nutrient rich glacial soil.

Hawkes Bay is rugged and dryer, with an almost French Provincial feel and driving down the coast past the Oleander trees or Bougainvillea you’d be forgiven for visualising the Cote’d’ Azur is over the very next hill. Here the vines have to work much harder to bed down through sand and clay seeking out vital nutrients. That romantic notion of a struggling grape vine spreading it’s roots far and wide to overcome agricultural adversity and produce an awarding winning wine is actually the reality here.

Nature on this land needs to prioritise to our benefit. Instead of producing a canopy of lovely to look at but undrinkable leaves, all the plants energy is directed to the roots for finding food and ultimately intensifying the sugars of the grape in a last minute attempt to attract birds and reproduce before what the vine assumes is imminent plant death.

Fortunately, the vines survive and we get the intensely sweet grapes before the birds. The result? The prefect Sauvignon Blanc.

A visit to this truly gorgeous Estate simply must be added to your New Zealand cruise day trip itinerary. Allow a few hours to really absorb the impeccably manicured grounds and work your way through the wine tasting samples, followed by lunch with a glass of your favourite.

Ultimately Good wine making is all about Great weather, soil, grapes and people.

All of which New Zealand has in barrel loads.

Don’t postpone that planned NZ cruise anymore. Alaska and the Med can wait, they will always be there, but New Zealand is ready to drink and to be enjoyed right now.

Azamara’s Summer 2019 / 2020 intensive New Zealand program is now available for booking through me. Contact me on 0406267716 today.

20

lifestyle / sport

Maccabiah 2021 - Launches At Maccabi World Union Congress MACCABI Maccabi Australia joined the global community at the Maccabi World Union Congress in Israel in May and as part of an extensive agenda the Maccabiah 2021 was launched.

Not only was the logo unveiled, a really exciting and innovative games program was released which will see the inclusion of new sports such as surfing, skateboarding, boulder climbing, beach football and beach rugby to name a few.

MWU look forward to welcoming almost 90 countries and 10,000 athletes from 20 July to 3 August 2021. Australia will be looking to send a strong delegation of Juniors, Open and Masters athletes.

With Maccabiah 2021 just over two year away, Simone Cohen (General Manager) and Barry Smorgon, OAM (Head of Delegation) are preparing to build the Australian team - From Management to Athletes and call on anyone interested in being part of this exciting event to make contact.

The official launch in Australia will be held in due course but in the meantime if further information is required contact Simone

Cohen at simone@maccabi.com.au.

Pictured: Left to Right – Barry Smorgon OAM (Head of Delegation and Maccabi Australia Board Member), Simone Cohen (Australian General Manager Maccabiah), Jeff Sher (President of Maccabi Australia) and Tom Goldman OAM (Vice President of Maccabi World Union and Board of Governors Maccabi Australia).

June 2019

What price fame?

ROCKETMAN ALEX FIRST

While Elton John has produced some of the finest music of our times, his life of excess and indulgence is stripped bare in this moving biopic.

As is common in the music business, it is a riches to rags tale that, in this case, blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality.

The story unfolds in flashback as Elton checks himself into a rehab clinic decked out in an outrageous winged and horned bright orange “look at me” costume.

Rocketman tells of the lowlights that accompany the journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight to international superstar Elton John.

Writer Lee Hall (Victoria & Abdul) and director Dexter Fletcher (Eddie the Eagle) had a rich tapestry as source material.

The narrative is punctuated by the songs (at times just parts thereof) we all know and love ... sung by the actors and not Elton.

While they (Elton is represented by two boys and an adult, as we pick through his life) can mostly hold a note, they still don’t hold a candle to the real thing.

Taron Egerton (Kingsman) is compelling in the lead, moving seamlessly from reverential to prattish.

Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) plays second fiddle as Elton’s creative partner Bernie Taupin.

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While deeply respectful, I thought his character could have had more impact.

Richard Madden (Bastille Day) makes for a smarmy villain as Elton’s exploitative manager John Reid.

Steven Mackintosh (Underworld) has no problems inhabiting Elton’s cold and distant father Stanley (you quickly hate him).

Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World) leaves an indelible impression as Elton’s self-absorbed mother Sheila.

Interestingly, the filmmakers chose to end the movie before we see Elton get together with David Furnish. The latter has been his partner for the past quarter century and the pair shares two children.

Rather, the film focuses on Elton relationship with his parents, his breakthrough years, his climb to fame and fortune and subsequent downfall. His collaboration with his master lyricist is another important ingredient.

I, for one, though would have liked elements of the more recent co-existence included.

Still, overall, I am pleased those behind the project didn’t opt for a soft sell ... in fact far from it.

The way Rocketman is presented leaves you asking the question “what price fame?”.

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