THEMAINTAININGFAITH p11 FAITHHAVING p13 ONROCK p15 Fostering a closer Jewish communityFREE VOL. 71 Tuesday, 23 Aug, 2022 / 26 Av 5782 MAKING ENDURING CHANGE Maccabiahp10 Games Gold p4
JewishCare offers choice when it comes to residential aged care. The Jewish Report spoke with Jewish Care’s Elder Relations Manager Jessica Suraci about what is available. Tell me about the residential aged care offered by JewishCare. How many residential homes are there and where are they located? JewishCare has three residential aged careTwohomes.new state-of-the-art homes opened in late 2020 and early 2021 respectively.Oneisat K11 Union Street, Windsor (on the corner of Punt Road and Union Street) and another at 1 Wahgoo Road, Carnegie.Thethird is Gary Smorgon House (which incorporates Melbourne Hebrew Memorial Nursing Home) at 2-8 Freeman Street, Caulfield. That has been operating for 13 years. How many rooms are there in each and what are the differences between one home and another? The Windsor home supports as many as 156 residents. The spacious, luxurious, single rooms are each equipped with a private ensuites. We offer the option of “suites”, which include a separate living area and functioning kitchenette. Couples can have queen-size beds, if theyThewish.Carnegie home supports up to 120 residents. All the spacious, luxurious single rooms have ensuites. We also offer “suites” and interconnecting couples’ rooms.TheCaulfield home – Gary Smorgon House – can accommodate up to 120 residents in fully furnished private rooms, each with ensuites. Why should people choose a Jewish Care aged care home? What are the benefits you offer? JewishCare has a wide variety of accommodation options to cater for all financial situations and care needs.
How difficult is it to find a place at one of your residential homes? Not difficult at all. Please contact me to enquire about what we have on offer and how best we can meet your needs. I am an experienced aged care professional who can discuss everything with you and your family to make sure that a move to JewishCare is the right one for you. How much does it cost? The costs vary, depending upon your financial situation. In most cases, we can provide an affordable solution that meets your care and service needs. We also provide additional premium services, should that be your want.
So, if people are interested in taking a tour of a JewishCare aged care home, what should they do? Please call me on 0472 592 101 or email jsuraci@jewishcare.org.au and I can arrange that.
We support all residents – from those with low care requirements to others with highly specialised nursing needs. We offer palliative care and dementia specialised care. All our homes also provide respite care.Ours is a uniquely Jewish experience. We have rabbis on site and provide religious and cultural services. Further, we offer full kosher dining. At Windsor and Carnegie, we also have a small, “household” model of care, in which residents can feel “at home” within a small community of 15 or 16 to a house. What differentiates JewishCare’s residential homes from other such offerings? It’s the JewishCare way. At Jewish Care you will find a home and a community. For more than 175 years, JewishCare has assisted elders and their families. We put people first: their abilities, needs, culture and personal preferences. That is the philosophy at the core of our unique and personalised model of care. We design homes with communal areas that support elders to do the things they want and are able to do, with the confidence that trained help is always available.Theexperience is a celebration of culture that creates joy and lasting memories.Fromfood to holidays and special events organised with community partners, at JewishCare you can live comfortably knowing you can always express your personal identity. What is the typical experience of a JewishCare aged care resident?
From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by a friendly face. We aim to get to know you and your family from the outset. We ask what is important to you, to ensure that we can support you to live your best life.
JEWISHCARE AROUND THE JewishCareCOMMUNITYResidentialHomeCarnegie
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Schwartz Family Synagogue Residential Home Windsor
Living one’s best life
Windsor Hannah & Daryl Cohen Family Building K11 Union Street, Windsor, Victoria 3181 Carnegie Smorgon Family Building 1 Wahgoo Road, Carnegie, Victoria 3163 Caulfield Gary Smorgon House 2-8 Freeman Street, Caulfield, Victoria 3162 Call Jessica Suraci, Elder Relations Manager 0472 592 101 visit jewishcare.org.au
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The team has come a long way since 1950, the first time it sent a delegation, which at the time numbered one. This year more than 10,000 Jewish athletes from upwards of 60 countries participated in the 21st Maccabiah Games.That made it the second largest sporting event in the world, after the Summer Olympic Games. For the first time, the Australian delegation included a Maccabi Life VIP Supporters’ Mission, led by Maccabi Australia President Jeff Sher. He described the experience as “memorable, meaningful and worthwhile”. “We have experienced tours, dinners and sporting events, and bonded as part of the Maccabi team – becoming part of the Maccabi Life family,” he said. More than 50,000 followers shared Team Australia’s journey online with upwards of a million views on Maccabi’s socialAmongchannels.theplaudits, there was also a time for reflection of a tragedy that happened in 1997 at the Maccabiah Games. The entire Australian delegation attended a ceremony in Ramat Gan to mark the 25-year anniversary of the Maccabiah bridge collapse. Every year, Maccabi Australia holds a memorial service to commemorate bridge victims Greg Small Z’L, Yetty Bennett Z’L, Elizabeth Sawicki Z’L and Warren Zines Z’L. Each four years, a memorial service is held at the Maccabiah Games. This year, the Australian delegation, together with Games officials and dignitaries marched across the “bridge of remembrance” wearing uniforms displaying the 1997 Maccabiah Games logo.They laid wreaths at the stone memorial.“Ourteam showed support, kindness and care for one another, as we remembered the victims with dignity, decorum and deep-felt solemnity.” said Maccabi Australia board member Sam Strunin.Family of the victims, as well as Maccabi families and friends back home watched the ceremony online. Adam Zines, son of Warren Zines Z’L, was one of those. He sent a message from Australia to the team which read: “Know that through the Australian delegation competing, they are, indeed, paying tribute to my father and the other victims. Know that the best way they can honour them is to complete the journey they could not.”
Aussies strike Gold at Maccabiah Games
MACCABIAH GAMES AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Maccabi Australia has already started planning for The Pan American Games at the end of 2023 and the 22nd Maccabiah Games in 2025.
Photos courtesy Maccabi Australia
Australia had a most successful Maccabiah Games in Israel last month, ranking fourth overall in the medal tally behind Israel, USA and Argentina. We competed in 21 sports and picked up 104 medals – 24 gold, 33 silver and 47 bronze.The Aussies sent a 567-member delegation, 428 of which were athletes aged from their teens to their 70s. It was the 19th time Australia had competed at the Games.
Keren Hayesod-UIA (KH-UIA) provides affordable sheltered housing for seniors in need across Israel through “Amigour” – a national priority project. Amigour sheltered housing provides a quality of life that enhances a sense of dignity and personal worth. The 7,500 Amigour residents, most of whom are Holocaust survivors or elderly olim from the former Soviet Union, live in 57 wellmaintained facilities for singles and couples.Unlike public housing in Australia, Amigour facilities have dedicated on-site staff including social workers, diversional therapists and caregivers. To encourage social interaction, residents have access to a wide range of activities. These include handicraft, exercise and singing, as well as learning about health and nutrition, and picking up computer skills. For intellectual and cultural stimulation, residents are taken to museums, places of historic interest and movies. They can see and hear a choir and join in chagim celebrations.Despitethe immense support provided by the Israeli government and KH-UIA donors, the need for housing is increasing. From some 90,000 low-income seniors living below the poverty line in Israel, the waitlist for Amigour is in the thousands. Amigour presents a unique opportunity for KH-UIA donors to provide dignified and secure living for many remaining Holocaust survivors.
A meaningful
For more than 100 years, KH-UIA has focused on supporting the national priorities of the People of Israel. One of the ways you can assist the organisation continue its vital work and secure the future for Israel is by leaving a bequest to UIA in your will. UIA will ensure it is used to support these national priorities, including Israel’s senior citizens enjoying their twilight years. An example of the immense impact such a gift can have is that received from the late Joseph Gartner in 2020. The donation is being used to help fund a new $94 million Amigour development of 471 units in Ashkelon. The result will be the largest facility for the elderly in Israel. For more information about how you can help, please contact Estelle Wytwornik on 9272-5533, email estelle. wytwornik@uiavic.org or visit www. uiaaustralia.org.au
with
Giving help to those that need it most UIA
Friends of Shaare Zedek is focusing its efforts on adolescent health and wellbeing
The Australian Jewish community’s relationship with Israel is evolving and developing.Thisisreflected in the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek (AFSZ) and its commitment to Jerusalem’s Hospital with a ShaareHeart.Zedek Medical Centre is both a critical part of Israel’s history and a modern-day success story. With 1,000 beds across two campuses, treating almost a million people each year, it plays a crucial role in Jerusalem life. It is also a centre of excellence in research. The Centre does all of this within a framework of applying Jewish ethics to modern medical innovation, in a spirit of compassion and excellence in medical care.This year, the AFSZ campaign is shining a spotlight on adolescent health. It’s no secret that recent years have taken their toll on teenagers. They have spent far too many hours on their screens, isolated from social and educational networks. Emerging studies are confirming what is obvious to those of us with young people in our lives: life has altered significantly and carries with it far reaching ramifications. In Israel, teenagers contend with the additional stressors of political unrest. One of the key medical challenges that Shaare Zedek addresses is eating disorders. There has been a serious increase in the incidence and severity of such disorders in teenagers since the pandemic.TheAdolescent Medicine Service runs outpatient clinics, a day hospital and admits patients to the hospital in the case of severe illness. Demand for these services has soared over the past two years, placing huge pressure on the department. Despite its commitment to education and prevention, Shaare Zedek’s staff has minimal resources to offer parents and caregivers, some of whom have limited access to the internet. Yet knowledge of what to do and what to say can make a significant difference to medical outcomes, especially when there is a severe shortage of resources. This year, AFSZ wants to help Shaare Zedek save the lives of teenagers. In the case of eating disorders, it also wants to assist the hospital to provide parents and caregivers with the tools to prevent their children from getting sicker. It’s eBook, The Language of Seeking Help by Jaimee Krawitz is now being translated into Hebrew and Arabic. It will be available at Shaare Zedek as a gift from the Australian community and will empower parents, teachers and caregivers with the knowledge to say and do the right thing while waiting for and receiving medical support. The Australian edition with resources specific to Australia is also nearing completion.Yourgenerosity on 11th September will enable AFSZ to engage with the best of Israeli knowledge, compassion and innovation in a meaningful and significant way. To donate, go to www.shaarezedek. org.au relationship Israel SHAARE ZEDEK
AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF
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AROUND THE COMMUNITY Residents from the Keren Hayesod-UIA supported Amigour facility in Kfar Saba A gift to Israel in your will through the UIA will support the future of the People of Israel Your Will... Israel's Future Contact Estelle Wytwornik Donor Relations & Gifts in Wills Coordinator estelle wytwornik@uiavic org or 9272 5533
ANNE-MARIE
8. Who is the first musician mentioned in the Bible?
wedding ceremony does the Kallah (bride) stand with the Chatan (groom) on her left or right?
10. Which Jewish family owns a ten per cent stake in the Premier League club, Newcastle United?
RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN JUDAICA QUIZ “What – a functional family?”, I hear you shouting. For years The Simpsons has been touted as the reverse. Remember that this popular cartoon television show graced our screens for 33 seasons. Let’s test our hypothesis that The Simpsons is a functional family. In order to do so, we start with our definition of a family system. That is a group of related, interacting and connected people that form a complex whole, which responds as one unit.Ina family system one family member’s behaviour has effects on other family members.Thegoal of a family system is to create a safe, nurturing environment for all members to mature with ageappropriate capabilities. So far so good. The Simpsons meet thatWithindefinition.anunhealthy family system, the following concepts are enacted. Communication is closed, indirect and there are secrets. Emotions are frozen. There are either no boundaries or rigid rules. Members of a dysfunctional family system don’t take responsibility and apportion blame. Punishment is a shaming experience and love or approval need to be earned. In this type of family there is judgment, control and no fun. Roles in the unhealthy family are assigned. In a healthy family system communication is open and direct. Members are encouraged to express how they feel and what they think. Individual differences are not only allowed but encouraged. In The Simpsons, each character is, indeed, encouraged to pursue their own interests and use their talents. They are allowed to have spontaneous fun, choose their roles to match their abilities and skills, and experience unconditional love. While there is discipline in a healthy family, it is used as a learning experience. There is forgiveness, tolerance and care. More broadly, in each episode of The Simpsons conflicts are resolved. Family members are supported when pursuing their individual goals and interests. The family is community-minded, interacts with neighbours and extended family, and genuinely cares about them.
AROUND
6. Which American singer-songwriter is commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man"?7.ANU – The Museum of the Jewish People situated in Tel Aviv was known formerly by what name?
9. Who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Children of Israel?
1. ‘Bul’ is the Biblical name for which month on our contemporary Jewish calendar:a)Tishreib)Marcheshvanc)Kislev?2.InaJewish
13. Who was Haj Amin al-Husseini?
15. Who said to whom: “Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother.” a) Noah to Ham b) Abraham to Ishmael c) Isaac to Esau 16. Herman Wouk wrote which Pulitzer Prize winner?
21. Which one of these is the odd one out and why: a) The New Year for Kings b) The New Year for Festivals c) The New Year for Trees? 22. To whom did Lord Arthur Balfour write to on November 2nd, 1917?
Test your knowledge
So many readers have their interest piqued each month in below.comprehensiveDavidthanksall-things-JudaicatoRabbiFreedman’squizItiswonderful to hear that this is now a must-have at so many Shabbat tables around town. This quiz is unique in its breadth of topics, and each month you may find a question drawing on biblical knowledge, artistic endeavours, cultural landmarks, Israeli geography, our lunar calendar, prolific Jewish authors and more. When explored and answered with others, we draw on shared cumulative knowledge - the best way to learn! So pay attention and let’s build that knowledge base b’yachad – together!
12. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra was originally called the Palestine Symphony Orchestra. Its first concert (26 December 1936) was conducted by which one of the following famous musicians of the twentieth century: a) Igor Stravinsky b) Arturo Toscanini c) Arnold Schoenberg?
ANSWERS PAGE 16
14. The word Ushpizin means ‘guests’ in Aramaic. On which festival do seven ushpizin visit us?
23. What is the astrological sign for the month of Tishrei? 24. Zalman Shazar, president of the State of Israel (1963-1973), represented the State of Israel at the funerals of two Presidents of the United States, in addition to one British Prime Minister. Who were these three individuals?
Further functions of a healthy family system include the determination of who will hold the power and authority, how that will be used and how members are expected to respond. Is there a partnership (for example, the two parents hold equal power) or is there a captain of the ship? Take a moment to consider your own family system. Does your family fit the healthy model? Are the family rules made for the benefit of the whole family, rather than just the rule maker? Is each person accepted for who he or she or they are – a human with feelings … wellmeaning, but sometimes fallible? Is the worth of each member validated? Are the rules applied with an appreciation for the inevitable differences in circumstances and capabilities? Are the members of the family encouraged to grow and develop independence while staying interconnected?Ibelievethat The Simpsons also live by the five precepts of freedom from American author and psychotherapist Virginia Satir, who is recognised for her approach to family therapy. They are: To see and hear. To feel. To say. To ask. To take risks. Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
17. What occupations do the following Jewish surnames suggest: a) Edelstein b) Eckstein c) Zuckerman d) 18.Tabachnik?TheTelDan inscription (found on a ninth century BCE stone slab) discovered in 1993, is the first reference outside of the Bible to which biblical personality?19.Which American conservative radio talk show host and writer wrote a number of books of Jewish interest with Rabbi Joseph Telushkin? 20. Which Israeli city is 30km north of Tel Aviv, and 56km south of Haifa?
11. The Mishna is: a) The Oral Law b) The Code of Jewish Law c) One of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947?
25. Which artist released the album Tapestry, which topped the U.S. album chart for 15 consecutive weeks in 1971 and remained on the charts for more than six years?
3. True or False: Due to the lack of technical and scientific terms in Hebrew, did the Technion (Israel’s Institute of Technology in Haifa) initially use German as the language of instruction?4.Made famous by the movie Chariots of Fire, in which city did Harold Abrahams win the 100 metres Olympic gold medal in 1924? 5. The word Mezuzah is said to be connected to the Hebrew verb zuz. What is the meaning of this verb?
Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition.
The Simpsons – a model for a functional family ELIAS THE
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COMMUNITY
JEWISH HISTORY
Spokesperson for idealistic causes As Olivia Newton-John became a superstar, she used her fame to speak out on environmental issues. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, she worked tireless to support cancer charities. In 2012, she endowed the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne to help other cancer patients. Olivia Newton-John’s idealism has much in common with her grandfather Max Born, who also used his renown to speak out about the crucial importance of working towards global peace. Max Born is credited with saying that “those who say the study of science make a man an atheist, must be rather silly people”. In his later life, Born wrote a great deal, urging people to work to make the world a better place. His talented granddaughter Olivia similarly used her platform to help make the world a little sweeter as well.
Olivia Newton-John’s grandfather was a Nobel Prize-winning Jewish physicistDR. YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM s h i p a t S t K i l d a S h u l e i n c l u d e s a s e a t a t o u r p a r a l l e l s e r v i c e s f o r t h e H i g h H o l y d a y s i n t h e A d e l e S o u t h w i c k C e n t r e , l e d b y R a b b i R o n n i e F i g d o r a n d S t K i l d a S h u l e c h o i r , w i t h s e r m o n s d e l i v e r e d b y o u r S e n i o r R a b b i Y a a k o v G l a s m a n . ( V e r y l i m i t e d s e a t i n g i s a v a i l a bl e i n t h e m a i n S h u l e . ) T o a r r a n g e m e m b e r s h i p , p l e a s e e m a i l e x e c @ s t k i l d a s h u l e . o r g BS"D
Y O M T O V I M J o i n S t K i l d a S h u l e f o r t h e H i g h H o l y d a y s I t w i l l b e w o n d e r f u l t o b e b a c k a t S h u l e t o c e l e b r a t e a n d o b s e r v e t h i s y e a r ’ s Y o m T o v i m f a c e t o f a c e . M e m b e r
Olivia Newton-John is being mourned across the globe as a charismatic singer and the star of the 1978 hit movie Grease. Starting out in a teen band that she created when she was still a schoolgirl in Melbourne, Newton-John wowed audiences the world over, in a career that spanned decades. Yet the girl next door image that Newton-John cultivated in her long performing career hid the fact that she was a highly idealistic woman who hailed from a distinguished, intellectual family. Newton-John was the granddaughter of one of the 20th century’s greatest scientists, the German Jewish physicist Max Born, who worked with Albert Einstein and won the Nobel Prize (along with Walter Bothe) in 1954. Her family tree included professors and at least one rabbi.
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Max Born and Newton-John’s Jewish heritage Max Born was born in 1882 in the Polish city of Breslau, into a highly cultured, academic Jewish home. His professor father hired tutors to teach Max privately and Max soon distinguished himself in math and physics, gaining a PhD at the University of Gottingen in Germany in 1908.His friends and colleagues read like a list of some of the greatest scientific minds of the modern age. Born was good friends with Albert Einstein and is credited with developing modern quantum mechanics, along with Erwin Schrodinger and Werner Heisenberg. Max married a brilliant mathematical student named Hedwig Ehrenberg, who had some Jewish heritage. Though she wasn’t Jewish herself, Hedwig was a descendent of Rabbi Philipp Ehrenberg, a German jurist and spiritual leader. Max and Hedwig had three children – two girls and a boy – though their marriage was a troubled one and they later divorced. Their daughter, Irene, was Olivia Newton-John’s mother. The family originally lived in Gottingen, where Max completed his PhD and received a job as professor. He taught there until April 1933, two months after Hitler became leader of Germany. That month, all Jewish academics in Germany were summarily fired from their jobs. Born accepted a temporary lectureship at the University of Cambridge, a position that saved his life and the lives of his family. While he taught, Hedwig became active in trying to find jobs for the Jewish refugees who were streaming into Britain throughout the 1930s. Olivia Newton-John was born in Cambridge Olivia Newton-John’s mother Irene married Brinley Newton-John, a quickwitted intellect who worked as a codebreaker during World War II, helping Britain’s MI5 break the Enigma Code in Bletchley Park. After the war, he became a linguist and professor of German. Their daughter Olivia was born in Cambridge in 1948. When Brinley accepted a job teaching German at the University of Melbourne in 1954, their family relocated there. Olivia left behind her Jewish grandfather and built a new life in Australia.
Rating: 6=Good; 8=Excellent; 10=Genius
Telescopic tzedaka
How many common words of five or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one Jewish word will use all seven letters. Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish related word that uses all 7 letters.
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BY RABBI DR BENJI LEVY
Here is a list of some common words (Yes, we know there are more words in the dictionary ANSWERS PAGE 16
Yoni Glatt has published more than 1,000 crossword puzzles worldwide, from the LA Times and Boston Globe to The Jerusalem Post. He has also published two Jewish puzzle books: "Kosher Crosswords" and the sequel "More Kosher Crosswords and Word Games".
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RABBINIC THOUGHT
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The creation of the Internet has changed the notion of interconnectedness for eternity. Today, every global issue has the potential to be transformed into a local one. There are, of course, many positive offshoots of these developments. Examples include networking prospects, crowdfunding sources and crowdsourcing avenues for an unparalleled flow of ideas While these extraordinary opportunities should be celebrated, the inherent dangers are easily overlooked. In large western cities we are seeing that small stores are rapidly being forced to fold and close. They are neither able to compete with the digital retail market, nor with the megastore chains. While usually overlooked, this trend actually extends beyond the marketplace and into the world of charity. Instagram and Facebook feeds are flooded with competing needs that require “heroic” attention. Who doesn’t want to end widespread hunger, disease and war. These are all noble causes that deserve urgent help, but often our priorities are confused such that the global replaces the local. The more public, exciting and popular replaces the more anonymous, smaller-scale issues, which is where we are actually more likely to be able to make a real and lasting difference. Take a typical example of a teenager who reads of a disease affecting an African tribe in a social media post. The boy follows link after link to understand the problem and feels terrible about those lives being severely affected. He shares a photo and caption on his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. His charitable feelings have been successfully broadcast to his sphere of influence and he has therefore shown that he cares. As a result of his altruism, he can now enjoy the satisfaction of having done something to help save the world.What has been achieved is, indeed, positive and must not be belittled. But, unfortunately, his thirst to do good has, at this point, been somewhat and sometimes entirely quenched. And when his mother now asks him to do any act of kindness, he might not feel as compelled to do so. He may feel he has already done his bit for society, so toThisspeak. phenomenon may be compounded by the fact that often those suffering in our closest circles do not appear to be as desperate for help as the sensationalised tragedies on the other side of the planet. The fact that time is spent on the latter is not negative, however the fact that this supersedes taking responsibility for the former is. The Torah states, “if there shall be a destitute person with you, from your brethren, in one of your cities, in the land that the Lord your God has given you, do not harden your heart and do not close your hand from your destitute brother. For you shall surely open your hand to him.”[1] The Midrash deduces from this that one should prioritise one’s charity, beginning with the destitute among you – your family, your own city, Israel and then the rest of the world.[2] This prioritisation of charitable endeavours has been codified in Jewish law. One starts with one’s immediate sphere and moves outward.[3] That is not to say that one should not worry about what happens on the other side of the world – we should! However, if one has limited resources, one’s duty is first to those who are within one’s immediate range and only subsequently to those in the other wider spheres. To respond to any cause, near or far, is a noble endeavour. Yet, we must ensure that this telescopic charity[4] does not come at the expense of the tangible difference we can make to those who areRabbinearby.Yisrael Salanter, ethicist and founder of the Musar movement, is often attributed with the following declaration: “When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and, as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realise the only thing I can change is myself and suddenly I realise that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.” We have a biblical command to give charity.[5] Jewish law requires between ten and twenty percent of one’s income to be distributed, such that the more we have, the more we give.[6] This idea can be extended beyond the financial to time and talents. For the average person, the opportunity cost of pursuing the exciting global “mega causes” involves compromising the simple for the sassy. Rather than looking through the telescope of the digitally charitable, we should take out a microscope to focus on the needs of those nearest to us. [1] Deuteronomy 15:7-8. [2] Rashi ad loc., based on Sifrei 116. [3] Rema, Yoreh De’ah 251:3; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 34:6. [4] This term was coined by Charles Dickens in Bleak House, 1852, to criticise Victorian support for far-off charitable projects, whilst nearer to home millions of people were living in poverty. [5] See Leviticus 25:3538; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 247:1. [6] Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 249:1.
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CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
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From left: Courage to Care vice chair Kerryn Lowe and chair Judy Glick
ARGYLE
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COURAGE TO CARE AROUND THE COMMUNITY
couragetocare.org.auSuccession planning
Gandel supreme legacy
HADASSAH AUSTRALIA
IanSharp_Advert_Feb21.indd 1
As B’nai B’rith Courage to Care (Vic) Inc. marks its 30th anniversary, it is a time to celebrate the past and look to the future.DrTony Weldon OAM FRACP, who has been chair of B’nai B’rith Courage to Care (Vic) Inc. since 2005, stepped down at the AGM. The former vice-chair Judy Glick was elected as the new chair, while committee member Kerryn Lowe became vice-chair. Ms Glick has a background in education, having worked as a secondary science teacher in the public and private sectors for more than 18 years.Being a passionate environmentalist, she then moved to CERES Environment Park, teaching and developing excursion programs for primary and secondary students. Over more than 20 years at CERES, Judy became the manager of the excursion program and was involved in grant writing, strategic planning, fundraising and partnerships. At the end of 2017 she retired from CERES and a friend directed her to Courage to Care. Ms Lowe studied arts/law at Monash University, was heavily involved with many clubs and was a student representative on a university board. Most recently she worked for Melbourne Airport as its in-house legal counsel.MsLowe was attracted to Courage to Care because the schools’ program teaches and empowers students to stand up to bullies and discrimination. Raising awareness of the Holocaust is also important to her. About Courage to Care Courage to Care started as an initiative of B’nai B’rith and maintains that ordinary people have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others by being Upstanders. Taking inspiration from real-life extraordinary acts of courage, the organisation’s Upstander programs inspire people to make a real difference in their community by standing up and taking action, creating real change. Its Upstander programs for schools educate youngsters on how to counter the dangers of racism, prejudice, discrimination and bullying. Delivered by a team of skilled and dedicated volunteers, they feature inspiring testimonies from Holocaust survivors. For more information, contact Mike Zervos CEO Courage to Care CEO Mike Zervos on 0412 319 156 or email ceo@
– RARE
John Gandel AC said with more than 1.2 million living in the Israeli capital today “it definitely deserves to have a first-class, dedicated rehabilitation centre”.
Jerusalem is the fastest growing urban area in Israel and has the highest proportion of elderly residents in the country.MrGandel said the centre “will materially improve the quality of life for many people and their families”. Hadassah Australia President Ron Finkel AM was effusive in his praise for the“Withdevelopment.thistransformative and legacy gift to Israel, the Gandel family is delivering on its vision and commitment to the people of Israel. “Their gift – the largest single gift from the Australian Jewish community to Israel – is providing a 21st century expression of the spirit and values of Henrietta Szold. Szold was the Founder of the Hadassah movement and it was she who said: “dream and when you dream, dream big”. “We are incredibly proud to be actively helping to deliver Australia’s gift to Jerusalem – the Gandel Rehabilitation Center”.
Arguably the largest sole-purpose rehabilitation facility in the Middle East was dedicated earlier this month. When completed in 2024, the 20,000 square metre, eight storey, Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital, Mount Scopus, in Jerusalem will be a state of the art 132-bed facility. The $140 million complex is being built with significant support from the State of Israel and additional funding from the Gandel Family and the Gandel Foundation.Itwilladdress a gap in health delivery in Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
From left: Pauline Gandel AC, John Gandel AC and their daughter Lisa Thurin
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Making enduring change
RABBI DANIEL RABIN AROUND THE
“I would like to suggest that Albert Einstein was right on the money because during this time of the year people have grandiose ideas about wanting to make changes and doing better. But what ends up happening is that they do the same things and expect different results.”
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“Insanty is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This quote, attributed to Albert Einstein, was referenced to me by my personal trainer, Tal Marom from Trademark Performance. I have been fortunate to train with Tal over the past year and have really enjoyed his guidance and encouragement to live a healthier lifestyle. However, a few months into our program, I said to Tal that although the strength training was going well, the weight loss results were slow in coming.Isatdown with him and we discussed my overall lifestyle and what I was doing between sessions. After listening intently, he responded with the quote from above. Hearing that, I decided to make some significant changes in my overall health, including diet, training and general mental wellbeing. Doing so made a significant difference, and my wife, Tal and I refer back to it when things seem to be stalling. There are so many aspects of life where people seem to expect different results, yet continue doing the same things over and over. A couple came to see me because they were frequently arguing and constantly angry with each other. This was a negative ongoing pattern and, not surprisingly, the result remained the same. I am pleased to report that following a few, small changes, they are now in a better space. We are entering the month of Elul. It is a month when the shofar will be blown daily (except on Shabbat), reminding us that Rosh Hashanah is just four weeks away and we must reflect seriously on our journey in the coming year. I would like to suggest that Albert Einstein was right on the money because during this time of the year people have grandiose ideas about wanting to make changes and doing better. But what ends up happening is that they do the same things and expect different results. Many people have told me over the years that their Judaism doesn't inspire them or connect with them. I have heard people say that the High Holydays come and go without making a difference to their lives. I understand where they are coming from. They (and we) need to come up with different strategies. For instance, if you do not understand the meaning of the High Holyday prayers, spend some time learning about them … before they arrive. Understand their origin, meaning and significance. My colleagues and I would be happy to share our knowledge with those interested and there are numerous online resources available too. I assure you if you do take that step there will be a difference in results. The prayers will feel more relevant and inspiring, leading to a desire to learn and understand even more. Let me go further and suggest a few strategies for making broader, longlasting and impactful changes. First up, don’t go it alone. Pirkei Avot (Chapter 1: Mishna 6) teaches us that to "make yourself a Rav (a teacher or mentor) acquire yourself a friend". It is crucial to have the support of an expert or someone you trust. A teacher will provide the necessary education and information, while a friend will keep you motivated and share your ups and downs.Pace yourself. In other words, don’t swallow more than you can chew. A large distance can be covered in small steps. People often go back to their "old ways" because they try to do too much too soon. This year, if you learn the meaning of just one additional prayer, you will no doubt have a more positive experience.Don’tbe too harsh on yourself if you have a bad day. For instance, there are many who give up their healthy eating quest after consuming a few unhealthy meals. Speak positively to yourself and acknowledge the good work you have done – the mentor and friend can be tremendously helpful at these times. Finally, whatever you resolve to do, don’t wait. Get started immediately. I say that regardless of whether you plan to lose weight, get in shape, attend Shule more regularly, study more, apologise to those you have wronged, work on your interpersonal relationships or make any other commitment, The great Sage Hillel said it best in Pirkei Avot “… and if not now, when?”
RabbiCOMMUNITYDanielRabinliftingweights,overseen by his personal trainer
International
RABBI GABI KALTMANN ARK LIMMUDCENTREOZ AROUND THE COMMUNITY
the
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One Generation Plants the Trees, and Another Gets the Shade (Chinese proverb)Judaism’s rituals and festivals are centred around children. The inclusion of the newest and youngest members of our community shapes the way we teach the next generation about our history and Engagingreligion.children and youth takes on many different forms. For example, dressing up on Purim, inviting their questions at the Seder, encouraging dialogue and rigour of text study during Shavuot, and decorating the Sukkah. Judaism’s approach to actively include children in all things related to ritual is the antithesis of the 15th century British proverb “children should be seen and not heard”. In fact, the more young people participate in our rituals, the more Yiddishe Nachas we get from their engagement with tradition. As a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, there is now a cohort of youngster that have missed out on celebrating their bar and bat mitzvahs in a synagogue. Nor have they been able to mark Rosh Hashanah with their families in our holy sanctuary.Theyhave missed out on spending time with their bubbas and zaidas. They haven’t had the experiences that shape the way many of us relate to our faith, that is through multigenerational experiences with family in shule. While Zoom can help to bridge the distance and was obviously necessary, it is a poor replica for face-to-face, real timeOurattendance.religionfocuses on retransmitting Jewish traditions. The Haggadah refers to the story of the miraculous exodus of the Jewish people. It instructs parents "Vehigadeta Levincha" – “you shall tell it to your child”. This is how we learn about our rituals. Boys and girls mimic the actions of their parents. Now – after a period of distance – it is important to again lure people back to shule and show them the relevance of the synagogue in their lives. Serving G-d should always come from a place of love. The duty of a leader is to remind congregants of the joy and meaning that places of worship can bring to their lives and transmit to the next generation. One of the best parts of my job as a rabbi is seeing intergenerational families that attend services and participate in community events. In my time at the Ark, I have seen many couples go through momentous occasions, such as conversion, marriage and having children.Itishard to convey the immense joy I feel when offspring attend shule with their parents and grandparents. This isn’t just joy for me but for our whole community – recognition that children are our future and we have a collective responsibility to educate the next generation. In our sanctuary we sit together during life’s best and toughest moments. All are gathered there in support of one another. So, as we settle into our “new normal”, we have a new bounce in our step. We recognise the privilege and joy of being able to gather together again. We witness the new seeds that are being planted in the building when our children come back to synagogue and witness our traditions. We restore the links that started with Abraham and Sara … and our hearts swell with pride. May it continue so. For the first time in three years (covering both Limmud Oz and Yom Limmud), organisers of the Jewish learning festival will welcome overseas guests. The event will take place at the Theodor Herzl Club in Caulfield North on Saturday, 3rd September and at the Orrong Road campus of The King David School that evening and throughout Sunday, 4th September.Eachhour, there will be between four and 10 interactive sessions from which to choose.Subjects include Israel, the modern Jewish world, Jewish history, text-based learning, the arts and spirituality. There will also be live music and interactive workshops.Among the international guest speakers will be educator and thought leader Abi Dauber Sterne, who will be exploring the value of robust discussion in making our community healthier and moreNoahthoughtful.Efron,who teaches and writes about science, technology, religion and politics, will take a parent’s approach to the topic of Israel’s promising future. Author and educator Liza Wiemer will be sharing her story on stopping antisemitism in Australian/Israelischools.educator and journalist Ittay Flescher will talk about cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian youth. Artist, social entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ advocate Ruben Shimonov will be exploring the representation of queer Sephardic/Mizrahi Jews. The Jewish response to pandemics throughout history will be the focus for spiritual educator Elliot Malamet. His wife, clinical psychologist Leah, will challenge the stereotypes around mental illness and Journalistwellness.AnshelPfeffer will explore the increasing divide between less and more religious Jewish communities. Modern Israeli Orthodox rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis explores Jewish text and has the High Holydays in her sights. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.limmudoz.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann with Jacob Burrows at a Torah class A diverse and stimulating program awaits at Limmud Oz
com.auMaintaining faith guests back
The answer to our question was always the same formulaic response based in Islamic law, but adjusted to accommodate the regime’s particular version of Shia Islam. “Islam doesn’t allow assassination unless a marja – a source of emulation – orders it,” and because in their view Khomeini was a marja, pursuing the death of Rushdie wasAyatollahspotless.Ruhollah Khomeini passed away in June 1989, a few months after changing Rushdie’s life forever. It was foreshadowed by an incident from just a few weeks earlier. In January 1989, on Fatimiyya, the holiday marking the martyrdom of prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Iranian state radio asked random people to name the ultimate role model for Iranian women. The answer was obvious, Fatima. Everyone gave the right answer until one woman didn’t. Her idol, she said, was Oshin, the main character of a popular Japanese series! Ayatollah Khomeini found the interview insulting and demanded that the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting fire and punish those responsible for airing it. Khomeini wrote that if the insult was intentional, the blasphemer would certainly be sentenced to death. (Four IRIB employees were sentenced to four years in jail and 40 lashes they were later pardoned.)Khomeini’s reaction to the Oshin interview was surprisingly harsh, even for his close lackeys. The same was true of his fatwa against Rushdie. Khomeini called for a global attempt to summarily kill the author without any debate and with no room for challenge, as is the norm in the Islamic world. Even muftis in the Middle Ages didn’t issue a death verdict for a heretic without asking for repentance first. But by that last year of Khomeini’s life, the pattern of casual execution was already in place: In the summer of 1988 his orders led to the state-sponsored massacre of an estimated 30,000 political prisoners throughout Iran. Ali Deilami was a journalist in Iran, working for ISNA (Iranian Students News Agency) from 2019 to 2021. He now lives in Milan, Italy.
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DEILAMI WORLD NEWS
We studied the death sentence and argued with our teachers: how could it be permissible in Islam for Khomeini to order this killing? When elementary school teachers discuss authors, they usually talk about those who write for children and teens. Salman Rushdie is not that kind of writer, but one perk of growing up in the Islamic Republic of Iran was that I had already heard his name by the time I was in fourth grade. It was Quds Day (which is the last Friday of Ramadan, but since schools in Iran are closed Fridays, it was the last Thursday), and the principal gave a speech in which he talked about Salman Rushdie. In keeping with Islamic countries’ tradition of linking anyone you don’t like to Israel, he labelled Rushdie a “Zionist mercenary”. Any kid in England is familiar with the name J.K. Rowling, even if he or she has never read Harry Potter. In Iran, Salman Rushdie has the same status, although he’s not a local writer and his books are banned.Inhigh school, finding and sharing banned books was a hobby for me and my friends. It wasn’t too hard and, especially today, the internet makes it easy to find this stuff. And, if reading PDF files is hard on your eyes, offset printing is always an option. Yuval Noah Harari was added to the list of banned writers in Iran almost three years ago, but still today you can buy his “Sapiens” in plenty of bookstores.
Rushdie and me: a Persian tale ALI Salman Rushdie
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie was one of our early interests. The fun fact is we actually sent these files to teachers. I remember a few teachers even encouraged us. Of course, those were secular teachers. We had to study Islamic texts in school and those teachers weren’t secular at all, but that didn’t prevent us from debating with them about the ideas we encountered in the forbidden books. Of course, one of the first topics wasn’t in a book, but rather about the author of a book. How, we asked our Islamic studies teacher, could Imam Khomeini order the killing of Salman Rushdie? As is well known, Ayatollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, issued a fatwa (religious legal ruling) in 1989 ordering the assassination of Salman Rushdie. In Iranian universities, all students in all faculties must pass compulsory courses on Islamic theology and the Islamic revolution, and this fatwa is routinely studied in these courses. University classes tend to permit more freedom of expression than is the norm in Iran, and students often challenge the fundamentals of official state beliefs. In fact, arguing with these rigid professors was a form of entertainment for us. The overarching question was the matter of assassination in Islam. We asked dozens of teachers and professors whether Muslims have the right to kill heretics. The usual examples were Rushdie as well as Ahmad Kasravi, an Iranian lawyer and historian murdered in 1946 by a hard-line Islamic group that Khomeini often praised.
Having faith
FromCOMMUNITYleft:DeputyLeaderoftheVictorian
BY RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN ST KILDA HEBREW CONGREGATION AROUND THE
My speech coincided with Chanukah and culminated in a candle lightining ceremony.Formygrandparents, darkness carried a uniquely disturbing meaning. All were born in Poland and experienced the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis. They suffered – their parents and siblings were brutally murdered, rendering them orphans.Mygrandparents saw their own government transform its military into a killing machine and annihilate two thirds of European Jewry. It inflicted unbridled hatred and cruelty on Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, gays, gypsies, people with disabilities and others who were not part of the Aryan race.
“My grandparents saw their own government transform its military into a killing machine and annihilate two thirds of European Jewry. It inflicted unbridled hatred and cruelty on Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, gays, gypsies, people with disabilities and others who were not part of the Aryan race.”
Yet 70 years later, their grandson stood and spoke proudly as a Jew in the corridors of power in Australia. This is the country which took in all four, whose sole desire was to move as far away as possible from the carnage that robbed them of their childhood. They worked tirelessly to contribute to society and to raise their families in the safety and security successive governments provided. It was my grandparent’s story and my studies of the Holocaust and other genocides that inspired me to actively build bridges with other faiths. History illustrates that one of the primary causes of hatred is ignorance. Without developing relationships with those we consider to be different, our perceptions of those people are too easily defined by stereotypes born out of prejudice. The more we engage with a diverse range of people, the more we come to recognise that we are all cut from the same cloth. Last month, this truth was laid bare for me when I drove to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community mosque in Langwarrin. It had been disgracefully desecrated only a few days earlier. I met with their Imam, Wadood Janud. I listened to his story and shared with him some of mine. In reciprocity, I invited him to visit my synagogue. So, when the Imam and Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli both attended St Kilda shule we came full circle. We representatives of the three Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – talked faith, community and politics and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. We quickly realised just how much we have in common. Most importantly, our respective congregations saw in their leaders a willingness to not only co-exist, but to proactively establish meaningful crosscultural relationships. And if engagement with other faith communities has taught me one thing, it’s that the commonalities between different faith groups significantly outweigh our differences.
Liberal Party David Southwick, Imam Wadood Janud, Archbishop Peter Comensloi, Rabbi Yaakov Glasman and State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy
In 2016, at the invitation of Canberra’s small Jewish community I travelled to Parliament House, stood in front of MPs across the political spectrum and told them: “If my grandparents were standing here now, they’d be crying tears of joy.”
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While this could have been a typical rite-of-passage trip by young people looking for adventure, Spigler had heeded a call from the Lubavitcher rebbe in New York City to seek out Jewish people living in isolated areas. His mission was to unite them with their faith. With their RV operating as one of the first Australian Chabad Mitzvah Tanks, Spigler and his mates were pleasantly surprised by what they found. “During this trip we encountered many Jewish people living in outback Australia and I really saw how many were wanting to connect to their Judaism,” said Spigler. “Every house welcomed us with open arms and we could really see the positive effects our visits had.”
For 20 years, Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia has been connecting with Jews in unexpected places – far from Melbourne and Sydney In the 1970s, Melbourne businessman Sauli Spigler, then in his early 20s, rented a mobile home and travelled for a month across the outback with a few friends.
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Following this first trip, Spigler continued his passion for finding Jews living in the Australian outback and periodically sent emissaries into some of the least inhabited places on Earth to keep in touch with them. After a few decades of this, he decided to formally establish Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia, known as Chabad of RARA. “I established Chabad of RARA to provide some consistent Jewish presence for people living in remote areas. One-off visits are nice, but people really respond well to regular visits and it helps to keep them connected to their Judaism.”
NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: TABLET MAGAZINE AROUND THE COMMUNITY
This year, Chabad of RARA is celebrating its 21st birthday and employs four rabbinic couples full time who permanently live in some of the most remote communities across Australia. Chabad of RARA emissaries are responsible for providing all the Jewish needs of some 10,000 Jews living in places far from any centralised Jewish communities.Afterspending six years on the road as travelling emissaries, Rebbetzin Malki Rodal and her husband Rabbi Yossi Rodal settled in Newcastle at the start of 2020. When the Rodals moved there just before the global pandemic, they found a synagogue that had not had a permanent rabbi in many years. Its total membership was 40. Little more than a year later, the pair had connected with more than 200 Jews and helped create a vibrant Jewish community with weekly programs, Shabbat meals, and events. When asked how she and her husband discover and meet Jews living in regional and remote places in Australia, Rodal was“Wheneffusive.we arrive in a place where we do not know of any other Jewish people, we often go to a central location in the town, like a post office or pharmacy. In these places there is always an elder resident who knows all the inhabitants,” she said. “When we ask them if they know any Jewish people, they will often recall something that they heard, even many decades back, about a person who may have Jewish ancestry. And so, like good Jewish detectives, we follow the leads and contact the Jewish residents and ask them what we can do to help connect them to their Jewish heritage.” Chabad of RARA’s work was the subject of a 2017 documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of outback rabbinic couples. Screened on Australian TV and at film festivals around the world, it has also contributed to the pair’s reputation as Jewish sleuths. Another Chabad of RARA couple, Rabbi Ari and Mushkie Rubin, live in Cairns. When they arrived in 2016, they had a big job ahead of them. “There was no Jewish infrastructure there … absolutely nothing – not a single Jewish organisation, synagogue or mikvah. The only thing we knew for certain was that there were approximately 100 Jewish people living there, as we had a list of email addresses that had been collected from the periodic visits different Chabad of RARA emissaries had made over the years,” Rubin said. These days, the hard work that Rabbi Rubin and his wife have invested in creating a Jewish community has paid off, with in excess of 500 people now part of the Cairns Jewish community. They’ve also opened the first synagogue in Cairns … that runs weekly services, a Hebrew school and Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes.ForShira Stern, an Israeli living in Cairns with her husband and children, the presence of Rabbi Rubin and his wife has been game changing. “I don’t know where Rabbi Ari finds all these Jewish people in Cairns,” Stern said with a laugh. Her children attend the Hebrew school and Stern says she is grateful for the strong Jewish identity they feel as a result. “Having Rabbi Ari and Rebbetzin Mushkie here opens a lot of Jewish opportunities for my kids.”
In 2021 Chabad of RARA Cairns likely had the biggest communal Seder in Australia, with more than 130 people attending the in-person celebrations. “Cairns was largely spared from the havoc the global pandemic wreaked in other Australian cities that were subject to in-person gathering restrictions and lockdowns,” Rabbi Rubin said. He remains optimistic about the future and was keen to share a particularly meaningful text message he received from one of his congregants. “A community member messaged me saying that one Friday he had an inspirational moment and decided he wanted his daughter to light Shabbat candles,” said Rubin. “He took his daughter’s hand, lit the candles with her and was about to help her recite the blessing, but she already knew it. Afterwards, he sent me a thank you text message saying he was sure she only knew this blessing because she attends our Hebrew school. The last line of his text read: ‘thank you for not forgetting about this forgotten Jew in Cairns.’”
Rabbi Ari Rubin’s mobile sukkah in Cairns (photo courtesy Rabbi Rubin)
This story originally appeared in Tablet Magazine (tabletmag.com) and is reprinted with permission.
Outreach in the outback
Laying tefillin (photo courtesy Rabbi Rubin)
From left, students Emily Umansky and Giselle Berman in the Red Centre Stars and the Moon’s last production was Seussical, The Inclusical Over the past seven years, artist and visual storyteller Ryan Abramowitz has painted more than 170 Ketubot through his business “Today Tomorrow Forever”.Ryan’s artistic offerings include wedding stationary (to harmonise with the Ketubot), blessings, prayers and other texts, which can be paired withNoartwork.simcha – a birth, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding or anniversary – is beyond being painted. It is all about honouring the special moments in people’s lives. The photographs reflect the high calibre of Ryan’s work.
The King David School year 8 students recently returned from a culturally immersive camp in Central Australia. While there, they learnt about country and ancient practices of the Anangu and Arrernte people of Uluru and Alice Springs, and participated in a range of activities. Highlights included a guided tour around Uluru at sunrise, Shabbat outdoors, overlooking the East MacDonnell Ranges, hiking in the Ranges and star gazing. With a focus on sustainability and climate change, the campsite was equipped with its own wind and solar energy.
Rock on More to love about SpongeBob
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The bride and groom are symbolised through two metallic gold painted doves, flying through the skies united. For enquiries, please contact Ryan on: Email: ttfcreationsInstagram:Web:Mobile:ttfcreations@gmail.com0432343974todaytomorrowforever.com.auwww.instagram.com/
RYAN ABRAMOWITZ AROUND THE COMMUNITY
The first photo is Lattice of Love, featuring hand gilded gold leaf filigree and watercolour on linen. Through art deco-inspired adornment and multiples of Chai (18), the design celebrates botanical and architectural of Australia and Israel. These relate to the heritage of the bride and groom. In the middle is Leaves and Linen, a Ketubah which frames the text with a composition of natural elements in watercolour. Buds and leaves unfurl as a metaphor for life, love and light. At right is The Oceanic Chamsa. The Ketubah heralds a golden Chamsa, which floats on an ocean of water colour aquas, turquoises, emeralds and sea greens.
THE KING DAVID SCHOOL STARS AND THE MOON
Next month, all-abilities production company Stars and the Moon will bring “The SpongeBob Inclusical” to Alexander Theatre at Monash University. The show addresses the power of optimism and inclusion. The family adaptation of everyone's favourite sea sponge brings the world of Bikini Bottom to life and includes songs by John Legend, David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper.Performers with and without disabilities are paired and support one another in Stars and the Moon’s unique “CastMate” model.Thisapproach gives the opportunity for those with disabilities to fill a range of roles previously not achievable, given their additional needs. Each character part is “split” according to the strengths and weaknesses of the twoForactors.some, the role is divided into the elements of the character’s personality. For example, we will see a determined SpongeBob SquarePants, alongside an optimistic one. In other cases, the actors perform the same thing at the same time. The SpongeBob Inclusical will be staged four times between 18th and 21st September.Starsand the Moon is committed to making performances as accessible to audience members as it is to its performers.TheAlexander Theatre provides allinclusive wheelchair and mobility access. On 19th September, the company will provide Auslan interpretation. To purchase tickets, go to www.starsandthemoon.org
Today Tomorrow Forever
Jewish answer – BROIGUS. Here is a list of some common words (“yes”, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common to today’s vernacular) –BOORS, BRIGS, GROSS, GRUBS, GURUS, RIGOR, RIGOROUS, RIGORS, SOURS, SUBURB, Questions/commentsSUBURBS – email Yoni at koshercroswords@gmail.com
Wisdom
BOOK LAUNCH
1. b) Marcheshvan 2. To her left. This is based on Psalm 45:10 which states ‘A queen shall stand at your right side’ - hence the custom that the Kallah (bride) stands to the right of the Chatan (groom) 3. False. Originally, the Board of the Technion announced that the language of instruction would be German, but following opposition to this idea, Hebrew was chosen instead 4. Paris 5. ‘Zuz’ means ‘to move’ and is said to be related to a door which, when attached with hinges to the doorpost, has continual movement as it opens and closes 6. Billy Joel 7. The Museum of the Diaspora or Beit 8.HatfutsotInGenesis (4:21) Yuval is described as the father of all those who played the harp and flute 9. 10.JoshuaTheReuben brothers 11. a) The Oral Law 12. Arturo Toscanini 13. He was the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem before and during World War II. He violently opposed the formation of a Jewish state and worked closely with the Nazis to block all Zionist aspirations 14. The festival of Sukkot 15. c) Isaac to Esau 16. The Caine Mutiny 17. a) Edelstein - jeweller b) Eckstein - stonemason or bricklayer c) Zuckerman - sugar merchant d) Tabachnik - tobacconist or snuff 18.dealerKing David 19. Dennis Prager 20. Netanya 21. The New Year for Trees (it falls in the month of Shevat, the other two fall in the month of Nissan) 22. Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild 23. Moznaim – The scales corresponding to 24.LibraJohn F. Kennedy; Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill 25. Carole King
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Rabbi Ralph Genende
Judaica quiz answers
Jewish mystics Leonard Cohen, Eric Fromm and Shakespeare all find a place in Rabbi Ralph Genende’s debut novel Living in an Upside-Down World. Drawn from Jewish thought and compiled from more than 20 years of writing and public speaking, the wideranging anthology examines many crises of the 21st Century. From polarisation to loneliness, climate change to asylum seekers and the pandemic, Rabbi Genende reflects on the moral and ethical challenges these issues raise. Divided into seven sections, he combines his understanding of psychology with rabbinical thoughts and a deep love of literature. The book opens with a story about the impact of Eric Fromm’s writings on 18-year-old Ralph Genende. The South African-raised rabbi led congregations in Auckland and Melbourne for more than three decades, including 14 years at the helm of Caulfield Synagogue. He then joined the executive team of Jewish Care in Victoria and has worked as an advisor to governments. He is still engaged in extensive interfaith work. In Living in an Upside-Down World, Rabbi Genende offers practical wisdom for all, regardless of religious (or non-religious) affiliation. It is available online at https://shop. retrospect.agency or from Golds (9-11 O'Brien Street, Bondi Beach). of the ages
Spelling bee answers
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“The door to advancement to the most senior ranks is open to men and women alike, according to their suitability and their talents,” he said. “A” and “K” now join “H” and “Y,” who were recently appointed deputy head of the Intelligence Authority and deputy head of Human Resources respectively, as women who serve in the Mossad’s senior command, known as the Forum of Branch Heads.
As director, she is responsible for formulating Israel’s strategic intelligence picture on a variety of issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, global terrorism and normalisation with the Arab world. “A” is also responsible for gathering intelligence for all Mossad operations and managing hundreds of employees that collect and analyse information.
For the first time, women occupy some of the most senior roles in Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad. Incoming Mossad Intelligence Authority director “A” (photo courtesy: Israeli Ministry of Defence) “A,” who has served in the Mossad for 20 years, recently assumed the post of director of the Intelligence Authority, the first woman to hold the position, according to a statement released by the agency.
COURTESY: JWIRE.COM.AU ISRAELI
Mossad revealed that another woman, “K”, is currently serving as the head of the agency’s Iran desk, which the statement said is the “chief concern of the organisation” at present. “K” is responsible for developing Mossad’s strategy for dealing with all aspects of the Iranian nuclear threat and leads the process of integrating operations, technology and intelligence in the organisation, together with the IDF and all security services. “As soon as one enters the gates of the organisation, there is complete equality between men and women. Many women serve in all roles in operations, as agents and operators of agents and are integrated into the core of operations and intelligence, with talent, professionalism and energy,” said Mossad director David Barnea.
The most senior Mossad position previously filled by a woman was that of deputy director, filled by Aliza Magen approximately 30 years ago.
Mossad appoints new head
IncomingNEWSMossadIntelligenceAuthority director “A” (photo courtesy Israeli Ministry of Defence)
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18 the melbourne jewish report | August 2022
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The large, sprawling hotel room setting is a feature of the production. Designed by Anna Cordingley, outside the drawn curtains is an evocative, glowing pink neon sign, the epithet on which is striking. The three words sum up the opprobrium Anna cops for the position she has taken. The striking lighting – the work of Paul Jackson – also plays a vital role in proceedings.AnnaKisinspired by Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, first published in 1878. But unlike Tolstoy, writer Carissa Licciardello was interested in a feminist interrogation, which she skillfully navigates.Sheturns the spotlight on passionate expression as a force for destruction, being her response to gendered societal shaming.Justhow far have we moved in acceptance of a woman’s right to choose – to plot a path that she believes is true to herself? You be the judge after seeing Anna K, which is a searing reflection of the modern world, writ large. The conviction behind it is compelling, as is the piece itself. It is playing at Merlyn Theatre at Malthouse Theatre until 4th September, 2022.
The spark burns brightly in Hairspray, a delightfully breezy musical with discrimination as its theme. It is colourful and dynamic, with toetapping tunes, smooth moves and a stellar cast, with talent to burn. The show positively sizzles, bringing frenzied acclamation from an appreciative audience. We’re in Baltimore in 1962. Teenager Tracy Turnblad (Carmel Rodrigues) is small of stature and big boned … and knows what she wants. She wants to try out for a vacant spot on a teenage musical TV show hosted by Corny Collins (Rob Mills). The program is sponsored by Harriman F. Spritzer, the President of hairspray manufacturer Ultra Clutch. It is overseen by self-serving producer Velma Von Tussle (Rhonda Burchmore). She wants her daughter Amber (Brianna Bishop) – a show regular – to be crowned Miss Teenage Hairspray. Tracy’s larger-than-life mother Edna (Shane Jacobson) – who runs a laundry business out of their home – is dismissive of Tracy’s ambition. Not so her father, Wilbur (Todd McKenney), who encourages her to follow her dreams. The existing performers on the live-toair program include several from Tracy’s school, Patterson Park High, but when she turns up to audition, they diss her. Still, that is where she meets and falls for the show’s male heartthrob Link Larkin (Sean Johnston). While in detention for wearing her hair too high and skipping school, Tracy befriends hip, kind-hearted Seaweed J. Stubbs (Javon King). He shows her his dancing prowess and she is immediately sold. Tracy can’t understand why someone of his talent isn’t given more airtime on the TV program – that is more than the once a month on what is termed “Negro Day”.Everything changes after Tracy wins a place on the show, courtesy of turning the head of Corny Collins at a broadcast event, the Sophomore Hop. Tracy is nothing if not passionate and someone who knows right from wrong. She decides on a call to arms to protest against the treatment of blacks on the show.
THEATRE REVIEWS
Photo by Jeff Busby
A modern take on TolstoyBYHAIRSPRAYALEXFIRSTANNAKBYALEXFIRST
Something important to say underneath the froth and bubble
Anna K has been thoughtfully conceived and written by Suzie Miller. It is well directed by Carissa Licciardello. The tension – which is ratcheted up as the screws are tightened – is palpable throughout, with the focus primarily on AnnaCarolinerazor-sharp.Craig is outstanding as the defiant centrepiece who becomes a nervous wreck. She is adept at displaying the range of emotions that come with theCallanterritory.Colley impresses too with a measured performance as Anna’s more naïve lover, who has a revelation of his own to Louisashare.Mignone is adept at handling several roles. They include Anna’s sisterin-law and a fellow journalist (and friend) trying to “talk sense” to Anna, and a young reporter Anna has mentored.
19the melbourne jewish report | August 2022
In that, she has the full support of the sassy, strong-willed owner of a downtown record shop – Seaweed’s mother Motormouth Maybelle (Asabi Goodman).Hairsprayis a most impressive, uplifting musical. It is not for naught that it won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its message of inclusiveness continues to resonate and remains just as relevant as when it first appeared as a 1988 film, written and directed by John Waters. The Broadway musical debuted in 2002 and this is that original production 20 years on. With a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics from Scott Wittman and Shaiman, Hairspray is a winner all the way. In short, I couldn’t get enough of it. The show is slick, magnificently choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and features evocative, cartoon style sets designed by David Rockwell. But above all what stands out is the grand talent on show. Carmel Rodrigues has a superb, earpleasing sound and significant presence asShaneTracy. Jacobson is a vocal and comic sensation as Edna, while Todd McKenney is jaunty as Wilbur. A duet between them in the second act is one of the many highlights of the piece. Rob Mills slips effortlessly into the role of TV host Corny Collins. Rhonda Burchmore revels as the mean-spirited Velma and Brianna Bishop channels her narcissistic daughter with ease. Asabi Goodman is spirited as Motormouth, while Javon King has a natural graciousness as Seaweed. Sean Johnston charms as Link Larkin. Also noteworthy is Mackenzie Dunn as Tracy’s best friend Penny Pingelton, who makes the most of every scene she is in. So, too, Ayanda Dladla as Seaweed’s younger sister, Little Inez. Donna Lee and Todd Goddard are versatile and memorable as the female and male authority figures in the piece. Hairspray is a superb production of the highest quality that deserves to be seen again and again. With original direction from Jack O’Brien, it is playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. By their very nature, human relationships are often messy. The vast majority don’t hit the headlines, but public figures are considered “fair game”. So, it is that 44-year-old television anchor Anna Kay (Caroline Craig) starts trending and is “slut shamed” when she takes up with 27-year-old SAS soldier Lexie (Callan Colley). Their relationship began after she interviewed the whistleblower, who witnessed abhorrent behaviour from his superiors in Afghanistan. Anna subsequently walked out on her surgeon husband Jonathon and their 10-year-old son, Harry (both of whom are referenced frequently, but we don’t see).Anna maintains she has never felt the kind of love she has for Lexie. Lexie reciprocates Anna’s feelings, having broken up with his fiancé to be with her. Anna and Lexie want to be free to pursue their relationship without scrutiny, but that isn’t going to happen. After a short interlude, during which they greatly enjoy each other’s company, Anna is due back at work the following day. She is preparing to break a big and important story when social media goes haywire, exposing Anna’s “dirty secret”. The pair is holed up in a hotel room, which all but becomes a prison for Anna over the next few days. The media is camped outside, trying to catch a glimpse of “the scarlet woman”. Husband Jonathon is viewed as the aggrieved party and son Harry isn’t returning Anna’s calls. While Anna and Lexie maintain they have done nothing wrong, that’s not how the world around them sees it. By far the harshest judgment is being passed on Anna, who is having a major meltdown.Theconsequences of the choice she has made, both for her mental health and her career are momentous.
