The Melbourne Jewish Report - December 2019

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December 2019

Emunah Australia’s Mission to Israel EMUNAH AUSTRALIA NICOLE KOHN During an eye-opening week in November, twelve participants on the Emunah Australia mission to Israel, enjoyed a journey of discovery into the transformative work Emunah does every day to improve Israeli society through its many projects.

Emunah runs five Children’s Homes across Israel which provide residential and afternoon care and are a safe haven for hundreds of abused and neglected children who are unable to live with their families.

Emunah changes lives by aiming to break the cycle of disadvantage and empower these vulnerable children to build their own stable and fulfilling lives. The warmth, love and patience of the staff who dedicate themselves to improving the prospects of children who have faced unimaginable hardship in their young lives is incredible to see.

Alongside providing a range of therapies to support the children, Emunah works hard to provide them with a real home life – comfortable living spaces, a room filled with toys where they can choose their own birthday present, the opportunity to go shopping for clothes, the option of learning a musical instrument and of course attending school. Emunah makes a remarkable impact on the children under their care. We met Manny, who came to an Emunah home as a troubled child and now works there, helping other children in need. Together with his pastry chef wife Chen, he runs a patisserie where the children learn how to bake and are exposed to the running of a

business through selling their creations. His own children are growing up in a secure and loving home – the cycle has been broken.

At Emunah high schools, colleges, multidisciplinary daycare centres and family counselling centres, we met with inspirational professionals who impressed us with their passion for improving the lives of the families, women and children in their care. Therapy services are provided at a subsidy to ensure that they are accessible to anyone who needs them and the daycare centres provide intensive support for mothers and children in need of guidance to overcome personal challenges.

Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the Emunah Sarah Ronson Family Counselling Centre in Sderot which provides professional support for the residents of the area who live with the constant existential threat of attack. The first day of the mission coincided with an escalation of rocket attacks. As we stepped off the plane, we were met with the news that sirens were sounded in Tel Aviv and schools and work places were closed.

The uncertainty created a sense of panic I had never felt before. These were only brief moments of fear. However, for the people of Southern Israel, the counselling centre is a lifeline for the many children and adults suffering trauma induced by the ever-present threat of harm in the area.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explains that the word emunah is wrongly translated as faith. It should really be understood as faithfulness, loyalty, not walking away even when the going gets tough. This is exactly what Emunah does across its diverse projects in Israel every day.

Women coming together to aid homelessness

Magen David Adom Australia

JEWISH CARE VICTORIA

MAGEN DOVID ADOM

Two hundred and forty women attended Jewish Care’s 23rd Annual Generations of Women Brunch, held on Tuesday 29 October 2019 at The Ivory, Elsternwick.

The event raised approximately $80,000 in support of Jewish Care Victoria’s Housing Support Program, which supports individuals and families in the Victorian Jewish community who are at risk of homelessness.

Guest speaker Alison Jones, author of The Jones Family Food Roster, was interviewed on stage by her mentor, ABC broadcaster and writer, Sian Prior. Jones shared her story of how the Jewish community rallied around her following her diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer, a decade ago.

Jones discussed how in her time of need, friends, acquaintances, and even those in the community she didn’t know, came together to provide lovingly prepared meals for her family. This incredible community support and Jones’ journey with cancer forms the basis of her inspirational book.

Marilyn Kraner, Manager of Individual and Family Services at Jewish Care, also addressed the audience, highlighting the links between family violence and homelessness, and sharing the importance of Jewish Care’s housing offering in meeting the needs of those in the community affected by family violence.

“Unlike other housing providers, neither our housing offering nor our family violence support receive government funding. Our ability to offer housing support means that

In recent times MDA in Israel has been on high alert due to constant rocket fire from Gaza, with crews all around the country ready & prepared to deal with any emergency situations. Magen David Adom works closely with the IDF and security forces to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians.

The rocket alert sirens and explosions cause many, some whom suffer from PTSD to panic. MDA has treated 100’s of civilians with stress symptoms due to the escalation.

MDA Australia launched an emergency appeal to raise urgently needed funds to purchase medical supplies to equip the ambulances, Medicycles & first responders all around the country with additional supplies during this period of heightened alert.

Magen David Adom Australia is excited to announce that we have Mr Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, as our keynote speaker at the Blood, Sweat & Tears for 90 years Gala Dinner on Monday 3rd February 2020 celebrating 90 years of Magen David Adom Israel, and 80 years of Magen David Adom Australia.

Mr Neuer is a Canadian born international lawyer, writer, Executive

our family violence offering is unique; in fact, Jewish Care is the only organisation in the Bayside Peninsula region that moves from prevention right through to response,” said Kraner.

Tammie Slade, Member of the Generations of Women Committee, reminded attendees of the importance of supporting Jewish Care, saying; “Jewish Care is a truly exceptional and impressive organisation, unparalleled in any other ethnic community or culture.

We are all so privileged and lucky to have access to this help when we need it. You can be sure that at some point in our lives we, or someone close to us, will need it.”

For more information about Jewish Care’s Housing Support Program, visit www. jewishcare.org.au/community-services/ housing-support or contact 8517 5999 or info@jewishcare.org.au

Director of UN Watch, the human rights NGO and UN watchdog group based in Geneva, Switzerland and is also the founding chairman of Geneva summit for Human Rights and Democracy, a coalition of 25 NGOs from around the world.

Tickets are selling fast, do not miss your chance to hear from Israel’s greatest defender when he visits Melbourne in 2020.

For more information contact Magen David Adom Australia office at 03 9272 5633 or www.magendavidadom.com.au

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December 2019

Masa Israel Journey Fostering Impactful Change

YAHEL SOCIAL CHANGE FELLOWSHIP

“Can a foreign volunteer actually make a difference in a service program when they don’t even speak the language?”

“In a place with so much complexity, how can we, as outsiders, actually know what is needed?”

These questions are very common when people chose to dedicate time to volunteering in an international setting and they are true for people who spend time volunteering in Israel as well. And yet one program has found that building strong local partnerships is one of the keys to dealing with these tensions that are part and parcel of international volunteering.

The Yahel Social Change Fellowship is a 9 month service based fellowship for young adults passionate about social change. The fellowship which is in its 10th year, brings people from around the world to engage with Israel through the lens of social change and dig into some of its most pressing social issues.

Based in the Ramat Eliyahu neighborhood in Rishon LeZion and the city of Lod, fellows work with many different populations such as the Ethiopian-Israeli community, Arab residents in Lod and many others.

The Yahel Social Change fellowships is an accredited Masa Israel Journey program. Masa Israel Journey is a project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency of Israel and offers young Jewish adults between the age of 18 and 30 immersive, cultural and meaningful experiences in Israel through the means of volunteering, studying or interning. Masa Israel Journey also provides generous funding to all of its program participants including participants from the Yahel Social Change

Fellowship program. The Zionist Federation of Australia is the local representative for Masa Israel Journey.

The fellowship is run by an Israeli nonprofit called Yahel, which specialises in service and social action programs in Israel.

At the core of all Yahel programs is the belief that working in partnership with local organisations is what enables the foreign volunteers to have an impact.

Sydney born Amelia Loewensohn experienced first hand the power of this model. Amelia lived in the city of Lod as part of the Yahel Fellowship. She taught English at an Arab primary school, worked with children of Eritrean refugees and worked with people with mental health disabilities.

“Throughout the nine months I was able to explore Israel in such a deep and meaningful way through my placements, the

amazing seminars and trips and even my relationships with fellow Yahelnikim. Yahel pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many different ways and I know I am a better person for the experience.”

Between these two cities, Yahel fellows work in close to 50 different projects and placements weekly and contribute thousands of volunteer hours to the cities.

But a big emphasis is put on creating partnerships that allow the fellows to have an impact in a responsible and sustainable way. The Lod Young Adult Center is one of those examples. In the words of Lior Benisty, the Executive Director of the Center: “ working with Yahel is much more than receiving volunteers for a certain amount of hours. Yahel is a key player in the city. They give their fellows the context to understand the city and the knowledge of how to best

answer local needs. Their fellows do not replace local resources. They enhance, initiate and bring energy that allows us to do more and better and they develop real relationships with local young adults that are beneficial to both sides”.

This model is not only beneficial to the local communities, it also is a life lesson for the fellows, many of whom are looking to develop careers in the social sector, in policy and other capacities. Betty Soibel who lived with Amelia in Lod spoke about this aspect of the fellowship. “. I learned how to work with marginalized communities in a way that guaranteed them long term agency and thus better understood my social position in the world as a change agent. This has proven invaluable in my ability to pursue my activism in a more nuanced and humble way.”

Yahel Fellows come from different backgrounds, religions and nationalities and this years fellowship includes individuals from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Argentina, the US and Canada. The Yahel fellowship is one of Masa’s smaller and more exclusive program. It is highly selective and has room for 20 fellows yearly since it is subsidised by Masa, the local municipalities, Jewish federations, foundations and private funders. Fellows pay a US$1,000 program fee and all other in expenses are covered such as housing, a living stipend, insurance, 9 different courses offered in Hebrew and Arabic, seminars, day trips and more.

For more information about the Yahel Social Change Fellowship and Masa programs in general please contact the local Masa office: masa@zfa.com.au, 03 9272 5584

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December 2019

Gandel Young Leader Award Winner Takes the Chop for Change STAND UP Congratulations to Ellie Frey, the 2019 winner of the Victorian, Gandel Young Leader Award. Gandel Philanthropy awards a Stand Up B’nei Mitzvah child for going above and beyond with their social justice action project! Ellie, a Year 7 Mount Scopus student, won for donating her hair to kids in need.

Ellie was motivated to take action after completing the Stand Up ABC social justice program as part of her Bat Mitzvah year. She donated her ponytail to Hair with Heart, a charity that creates wigs for people who have lost their hair due to medical conditions such as cancer and alopecia.

Ellie patiently waited for her hair to grow to the required length of 35.5cms and gave to this cause because sufferers have been through so much already. She wanted them to feel confident in how they looked.

Ellie said: “I wanted to do something different, something that would be meaningful and personal. I chose Hair with Heart because there are kids in this world who feel embarrassed to go to school without hair.”

Ellie continued, “Stand Up ABC taught me what it is like to be a leader, and

Nicole Brittain, Ellie Frey, Jo Silver inspired me to make a difference. I learnt that even the smallest action can have a big effect on someone’s life. If you’re going to do an action project, do one that is meaningful to you. One that you will remember in 10 years and that you can be proud of”.

Nicole Brittain, Grant Manager for

Gandel Philanthropy’s Jewish and Israel programs said: “Each year we continue to see the positive impact the Stand Up ABC B’nei Mitzvah Program is having on these young participants.

The engagement they develop and the personal growth they experience is quite amazing.

Through the program these young students witness what is happening outside their own world. The program also allows them to learn and explore social justice, understand the importance of having a strong moral compass and importantly make a difference through their own ‘Social Justice Action Project’.

On behalf of Gandel Philanthropy, I would like to congratulate Ellie for her outstanding contribution to making the world we live in, a better place.”

Through the generous support of Gandel Philanthropy over the past six years, the Stand Up ABC program has flourished in Victoria and NSW, attracting hundreds of boys and girls from Jewish and non-Jewish schools.

Jo Silver, Stand Up CEO said “It’s exciting to see Bnei Mitzvah kids find their voice on important social issues and feel empowered to take action.

“Ellie has shown great determination to help others through her heartfelt gift.

I’m sure her example will inspire other young people to stand up as well. Well done!”

Registrations for Stand Up ABC 2020 are now open.

Visit www.standup.org.au abc, email: education@standup.org.au or tel: (03) 9500 2206.

Emergency Preparedness at Shaare Zedek AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF SHAARE ZEDEK INC MIRIAM PACANOWSKI Despite the many challenges facing modern day Israel, there is a sense of vitality and growth in the country. Yet, the threats are serious and require a level of preparedness that would be unheard of in many other places around the world.

As Jerusalem’s most central and dynamic hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre has a profound responsibility to the citizens of Jerusalem. At Shaare Zedek, emergency preparedness needs to take many forms. In recent months the hospital has focused on a diverse range of important initiatives.

Recently, the Emergency Response Teams at Shaare Zedek conducted a special drill which simulated a Toxicological Mass Casualty Event (TCME). The drill included receiving the injured, dealing with injuries from toxic materials and working in teams while adhering to specific protocol.

The threat to major hospitals is not always physical. Shaare Zedek observed how the effects of a cyber attack in London in May 2017 affected 16 hospitals, some of which could not treat patients for some time. Medical centres rely heavily on complex and critical technology systems to ensure that the medical teams have accurate, up to date patient information.

Shaare Zedek’s Information Systems Team has invested in protecting the integrity of the hospital’s computer systems in the event of a computer

Nirit arrived at Shaare Zedek\'s Department of Emergency with a knife millimetres from her spine. Every every year on the anniversary of the event she visits Shaare Zedek to thank the staff and visit patients.

shutdown. The Information Systems specialists work closely with the hospital’s Emergency Team to conduct simulations and training for various critical scenarios.

They have incorporated safety measures to protect the hospital’s computer systems to minimize the risk of a shutdown and to protect the integrity of data and enable staff to responsibly treat patients in the event of an IT shutdown.

Whilst consciously preparing for these serious possibilities, Shaare Zedek has an ongoing commitment to maintaining

and running its Department of Emergency Medicine.

Shaare Zedek plays a critical role in responding to terror attacks, traffic accidents and a vast range of emergency medical scenarios. Shaare Zedek’s Urgent Care Response System has significantly increased its activities and the hospital now provides the largest and fastestgrowing comprehensive emergency service in the greater Jerusalem area.

Yet, despite the serious nature of the issues Shaare Zedek addresses,

there is always an overarching sense of compassion, kindness and personal care in all of its activities.

Recently, Dr. Ofer Merin, Director General of Shaare Zedek, joined a very special visitor to the trauma unit at Shaare Zedek. Four years ago, Nirit was brought to Shaare Zedek after a terrorist stabbed her in a grocery store in Gush Etzion. She arrived at Shaare Zedek with the knife positioned mere milometers away from her spine.

Since then, every year, on the anniversary of her stabbing, she comes to Shaare Zedek to distribute gifts to patients and to thank the medical staff.

Shaare Zedek is now launching a bold campaign to double the size of its ER as demand for Emergency Room services rapidly increases. In the past 15 years, the number of patients treated per annum has grown from 42,000 to almost 100,000 last year. Plans are in place to more than double the area of its emergency department with the addition of an all-new urgent-care pavilion.

Dr Allan Garfield, chairman of the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Inc says, “We are so proud of our support of this unique institution in the centre of Jerusalem.

“It is characteristic of the hospital that its response to threats is a blend of intelligent planning, compassionate care and a prayer that these measures never need to be used.” www.shaarezedek.org.au

December 2019

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Eu Grant Sheds Light On Project Rozana PROJECT ROZANA Project Rozana, an international charity dedicated to building the health capacity of Palestinian society by leveraging Israel’s world-class healthcare system has been awarded a €741,286 (A$1,193,650) grant by the European Union (EU).

The funds will expand the work of the Binational School of Psychotherapy (BNSP), a unique training program based at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem.

The BNSP was established in 2016 to train Palestinian and Israeli child psychologists in the latest strategies and techniques for dealing with children in the region suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Project Rozana was founded in Australia in 2013. Today it has affiliates in Canada, Israel and the USA. Its mission is to build bridges to better understanding between Israelis and Palestinians through health.

The BNSP opened as a Project Rozana pilot program in 2016 with A$420,000 from World Vision Australia (WVA). The first cohort comprised eight Israelis and eight Palestinians (six from the West Bank and two from Gaza.

The success of the pilot and the resulting professional and personal outcomes encouraged Project Rozana to submit an application for funding under the EU Peacebuiliding Initiative (EUPI).

The announcement of the EU grant is a significant milestone for Project Rozana and a resounding endorsement of its approach to people-to-people relationship building. This also meets the EU’s priority for professionalized programs that offer measurable outcomes and scalable models.

Tim Costello AO, the former CEO of WVA, said cross-border learning and cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian mental health professionals is critical to enhance psychosocial

health care to children and adolescents.

“We have already noticed an increase in the professional interaction between Israeli and Palestinian mental health professionals as a result of their involvement in the BNSP,” Mr Costello said. “This is promoting co-existence and building mutual trust through shared experiences.”

Mr Costello also said that the BNSP is contributing to women’s empowerment by ensuring that no less than 50% of students are women.

The EU grant represents 80% of the funding needed for the next 40 months, with the balance to be provided by Project Rozana. It’s estimated that the funding will allow for 60 Israeli and Palestinian psychotherapists working in the field of child and adolescent mental health to complete the course.

It will also fund the BNSP to undertake curriculum development and accreditation by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ron Finkel AM, founder of Project Rozana and Chair of Project Rozana International noted

that “Since 1998, the EU has been actively supporting civil society initiatives in the Middle East. There is no shortage of worthy recipients, but through its EU Peacebuilding Initiative, they have chosen to make this grant to a relatively new organisation.

“Even more impressive is that it represents 7.9% of the total grant available in this funding round. I believe it’s a deep endorsement of our work, our values and the importance of building cross-border professional networks.

It also recognises Project Rozana’s support for children from Israel and Palestine who are dealing with many trauma-related issues resulting from the ongoing conflict, and other issues like bullying, domestic violence and sexual abuse” John Lyndon, Executive Director of Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) said that with the Trump Administration’s decision to cut the cross-border component of USAID’s longstanding Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM) Fund, the EUPI is now the largest pot of resources available to projects with Israeli and Palestinian cooperation at their

core.

“We welcome the EU’s decision to support innovative cross-border actors like Project Rozana, who are focused on providing tangible, positive outcomes for at-risk communities, while simultaneously disrupting a status quo that keeps Israelis and Palestinians apart, and an unjust status quo intact.”

Understanding Project Rozana Project Rozana operates with three primary aims: the Training of Palestinian healthcare workers in Israel with the expectation that they will return and build the health capacity of Palestinian society; the free Transport of mainly Palestinian children and a care-giver from their homes in the West Bank and Gaza to the checkpoints and from there to hospital in Israel (through partnerships with other NGOs); and the Treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli hospitals when the services to deal with their complex medical needs are either unavailable or in limited supply in Palestinian hospitals.

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December 2019

I’ve been to Israel 10 times but these are 10 things I had no idea about

with has given me the technological means

UIA JONTY RZECHTA

The Jewish state has always been special to me. My dad was born in Israel on the 20th of May 1948. A true Sabre, born just 4 days after Israel became independent. You could even say that my Father and the State of Israel grew up together. My Grandfather, who escaped the Holocaust to come to Israel, later moved to South Africa but then my parents moved back to Israel when I was a child. Even though my family, then moved to Australia, my connection with the land ran deep, so from Maccabiah to trips with my family I have taken every opportunity to go back and visit. I’ve been a long term supporter of the UIA and naturally jumped at the chance to go on a mission that would give me access to the Israeli tech scene I had heard about. Little did I know that this trip would not just open my eyes to that scene but entirely shift my perspective and reshape my identity as a whole. Below are a list of realisations I came to through this UIA mission that I hadn’t experienced on any other visit to my homeland.

1. Gaza is nothing like it looks on TV. From the height of a military checkpoint we gazed down into Gaza. As a property developer myself I was surprised to see how much construction of high rise buildings and other economic activity seemed to be happening in a place where mainstream media will have us believe is under “siege.”

2. Communities can be forged “under fire.”

We visited Sderot, the town that sits closest to the Gaza border. This is a place where residents have only fifteen seconds to get to a shelter when a rocket alert is sounded.

This happens on a daily basis! However in amongst the danger, the community is thriving. The soul of the town is vibrant and alive with a real sense of warmth and welcoming. The community feel is infectious and despite the danger - I felt safe and at home.

3. The “start up nation” is no lucky accident.

It’s well known that Israel has a thriving tech culture but what I didn’t know is how young that starts. We visited the UIA supported Net@ program where they take vulnerable children from lower socioeconomic areas and use real world computer and tech skills to bridges the gaps between Jewish, Christian and Muslim children. The program is linked with Microsoft and CISCO and the degrees these students emerge with have them career ready. Seeing this made it obvious to me why technology is yet another thing that Israelis have enabled to flourish in the desert.

to entirely rethink how my developments deliver clean air to its occupants. Not only will I be able to build healthier environments but I’ll also be able to save thousands of dollars using this technology.

9. Shabbat in Jerusalem made me feel comfortable wearing a Kippah in public for the first time.

My Father and Grandfather always told me to be proud to be Jewish but at the same time hide my Jewish Identity. As such, I never felt safe displaying being Jewish in public. When pressed I would identify myself as South African. What I experienced in Jerusalem whilst walking to the Kotel on Shabbat was nothing short of a spiritual awakening for me. Looking around I saw people dressed in their best clothes. I heard the sounds of footsteps walking in between the walls of the old city. I smelt the smells of a thousand 4. Israel treats refugees with true compassion.

My Grandfather and his Father were refugees and I grew up hearing first hand how hard life was for them. Because of their own experiences, the founders of Israel have treated refugees very differently. At a refugee absorption centre in Tsfat we heard from an Ethiopian woman who talked about her harrowing journey to Israel through Sudan. With tears in her eyes (and around the room), she talked about the siblings she lost along the way and the prayers that brought her to her homeland. She then talked about life in Israel and the nurturing they have received in the absorption centre.

They are taught real skills for surviving in modern society. She is now married with two kids, she lives in her own house and loves her life and loves Israel. It made me think of the refugees in my own country and compare and contrast the experiences I have heard about.

We also learned about a secret mission to house, protect and feed 4,500 Syrian refugees who fled their civil war. This amazing act of kindness was not even publicised because Israel did not want these refugees to be at risk when they returned to Syria. I believe that Israel showed that peace may have a chance of happening if we show the other side that we are humans with compassion who feel pain and cherish life.

5. Israel wields innovation as its “weapon for peace.”

Of course, I knew about the Iron Dome.

We all know how this is the innovation that protects Israel from rockets and thereby from all-out war with her neighbours. What

I came to realise through this mission was that military innovation is not the only force that Israel uses to drive Peace in the region.

We learned that desalination and solar power plants and technology have allowed Israel to supply water and electricity to Arab regions. It’s moves like this which allow Israel to broker Peace with its neighbours in a quieter and less aggressive way.

6. Israel has defined the “moral army.”

Morality comes from the top. The Israeli military has a mandate to hold life as precious. It’s this mandate that gives the Israeli army its soul. As such the army works on innovations and technology to ensure that they limit collateral damage in battles. They teach the soldiers restraint and practice for situations which may test their morality.

7. There just simply isn’t an “apartheid” here.

In Jerusalem I witnessed everyone of different religions living together. Bahia, Druzim, Muslims, Christians and Jews all living together in Freedom. Only hate is unwelcome there. Contrarily, being in in the port city of Akko, where there is a large Muslim majority, at election time, I saw that citizens were only allowed to vote for Muslim leaders. It seemed evident to me that the leaders in these areas were actually diminishing the right of its citizens to vote freely. A freedom that is given to all under Israeli law.

8. I was introduced to companies that will change my Australian business.

Of course on this trip I expected to learn about Israeli tech. However, I had no idea that I would discover tech that will change the way my business builds back home in Australia. One of the companies we met

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Shabbos meals being prepared at the same time combined with the perfumed smells of the Arab markets as we made our way to the Kotel. All my senses combined with the experience of walking the same steps that my Grandfather and Father had previously walked, led me to feel a nervous excitement I can only compare to opening a present. As the sound transformed to that of a thousand voices singing at once, welcoming in the Shabbos I quietly pulled the Kippah from my pocket and placed it on my head. It was unlike any experience I had previously had.

A true gift. I felt refreshed and full of purpose.

It’s a feeling that has stayed with me and indeed, it’s the reason I’ve written this - the reason I feel so passionate about sharing my story.

10. All of which led me to the realisation that we, as Jews, should feel proud to be Jewish and support a county with a soul of its own.

One thing that crystallized for me during this trip was that people lost their lives for being Jewish and for wanting to be free to be Jewish. They went through the atrocities of the Shoah and then lost their lives fighting for freedom. Now we are able to witness first hand the realisation of their efforts. The “nachas country” is right there, waiting for YOU to experience it. And when you truly do, I know you will feel the same way I do… the love, the nachas, the pride you feel when your child succeeds. This is the pride I now have for Israel.

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The Palestinian Refugee AJA ALLAN ELLISON

There are actually very few real Palestinian refugees.

How is it possible that while other refugee populations shrink, the Palestinian refugees only grow in number exponentially? Because it is big business, a scam. The Palestinian refugees are the only refugees in the world to inherit refugee status, and are not actual refugees fleeing conflict, expelled, fleeing famine, or natural disasters.

They can become citizens of other countries; they could be living in Gaza itself they could be fourth generation – but as long as their ancestors (may have) lived in Mandated Palestine for a two year period from 1946-1948 and left their home, they are refugees – and their descendants remain refugees forever.

After Israel gained its independence in May of 1948, it was attacked by the surrounding Arab nations. About 700,000 Arabs living in Israel fled. They were told by the attacking Arab leaders to leave the Jewish areas. The idea was that they would return once the Jewish state had been destroyed.

Khalid Al-Azm, the Syrian Prime Minister in his memoir wrote: ‘Since 1948, we have been demanding the return of the refugees to their homes. But we ourselves are the ones who encouraged them to leave.’ That’s how the Arab, later re-named Palestine, refugee crisis was created. In 1949 the United Nations formed UNRWA – the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees following the failure of the Arab war against Israel’s independence. Seventy years later it still exists tending to the children and

grandchildren of the original refugees.

In a recent speech Dumisani Washington said, over 850,000 Jews were expelled or fled from the Middle East and North Africa after the Arab countries’ attack on Israel.

Around 650,000 of these fled to Israel and the remainder to the United States. They came with nothing, most had been forced to leave their homes, possessions and businesses behind. Why are these facts never spoken of and why was no united nations relief fund set up for Jewish refugees of the same war?

They did not remain refugees for long as the countries’ that took them in also took

responsibility for their rehabilitation.

UNRWA on the other hand depends on the refugee problem for funding which it extracts from other countries. It has no motivation to resolve the Palestinian refugee problem, since this would render it obsolete. The agency not only perpetuates the refugee problem, but has, in many ways, exacerbated it. In doing so, it has made Israeli-Palestinian peace all but impossible.

Any country or organisation which provides money to UNRWA is funding hatred and assisting in facilitating terrorism. UNRWA schools in Israel have recently been closed

down when it was discovered that their text books were encouraging Arab children to want to kill Jews. These schools were shown to have links to Hamas who were recruiting young terrorists directly from the schools and also hiding weapons within the schools.

AJA is at present lobbying the Australian government to remove all funding to UNRWA. Acknowledging Dumisani Washington, Nat’l Diversity Outreach Coordinator for Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI).

Compelling photographs reveal never before seen objects from concentration camps SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM Artefacts on loan from Auschwitz now on display at the Sydney Jewish Museum Sydney Jewish Museum As the anniversary of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz approaches, and knowledge of Auschwitz wanes, the Sydney Jewish Museum has put on display a loan of 12 artefacts from the AuschwitzBirkenau Memorial and Museum.

These historic objects, now on display in the Museum’s permanent Holocaust exhibition, are sourced directly from the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland. These items were found amongst piles of personal artefacts on the site after the liberation of Auschwitz in January 1945.

The items on display include inmates’ possessions such as a suitcase, toothbrush, hairbrush and a pair of glasses. Also on

display are items like a Zyklon B canister and a whip.

Head Curator, Roslyn Sugarman says, “One suitcase bears witness to the largescale plunder of personal possessions and the murder of their owners; one Zyklon B cannister is a sinister and direct connection to the killing process, evidence of murder on an unprecedented scale. As the years pass, and survivors are no longer in the Museum to talk about their experiences, the need to display artefacts from the death camps becomes more imperative as these objects evoke the history and the memory of the Holocaust.”

The Museum hopes these historical remnants will fill gaps in the knowledge of Australians to Holocaust history, providing powerful starting points for talking about and understanding experiences of deportation, dispossession and murder.

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international

December 2019

Political Leaders: Stand Up And Be Counted ISI LIEBLER There is an ever-increasing likelihood that we may be forced into a third election.

This would be an abominable reflection on Israel’s political leaders and could have disastrous consequences.

If the reason for this demoralizing situation were attributable to ideological differences, that would be at least partially understandable. But the reality is that the country today is more united on basic foreign policy and defense issues than at any time since the failed Oslo Accords, nearly three decades ago. Aside from a reaction against coercion by the haredi politicians, there has been no meaningful debate during the past two elections on any issue other than personalities.

There is a consensus among most Israelis, who wish ultimately to separate themselves from the Palestinians but currently oppose a Palestinian state which would become a terrorist entity and launching pad for the Iranians. There is also a broad consensus that the major settlement blocs and the Jordan Valley should be annexed to the Jewish state.

Despite minor differences, Likud, Blue and White, and Yisrael Beytenu share these objectives and with the exception of the extreme Left, the smaller parties, like most Israelis, also support a unity government.

The only reason we have ongoing

governmental paralysis is simply due to the burning personal ambition of the leaders of the two large parties to head the government and their inability to reach a compromise.

History will surely judge our leaders adversely for behaving in such an irresponsible manner at this critical time.

We are told by politicians and defense officials alike that there are serious threats of military confrontation on two fronts.

The first term of the Trump administration is drawing to a close and, from being blessed with the most pro-

Israel US administration, in a little over a year we could have a reverse situation. If one of the current leading contenders of the Democratic Party becomes president, we might face the most hostile US administration we have ever encountered – one that would make even the hostility of the European nations pale by comparison.

Although there has been considerable concern over the manner in which Trump abandoned the Kurds, he still remains publicly committed to backing Israel.

Besides, his evangelical allies who represent his base would terminate their

support of him if he acted otherwise.

Due to the current impasse in Israel, Trump has been forced to suspend the release of his peace plan. Although most analysts predict it will contain some recommendations that will displease Israel, overall it is likely to be a positive step forward and will take account of Israel’s security requirements and may even include recommendations endorsing Israel’s determination to annex the major settlement blocs and the Jordan Valley.

It is highly unlikely that Israel will ever have a more opportune time to pursue a sustainable regional settlement with its neighbors. But alas, this opportunity will be lost if our political leaders cannot get their act together.

There is little doubt that under normal circumstances, many Israelis, including those who dislike him personally, would prefer the politically experienced Benjamin Netanyahu to the political neophyte Benjamin Gantz to lead the nation over the next 12 months. Aside from Netanyahu’s friendship with the US president, he enjoys a unique relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other Asian, Latin American and African leaders. On a purely practical level, one would assume that it would be in Gantz’s interest to have 12 months to work with CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Chief Rabbi: Corbyn ‘sanctioning a new poison’ in the Labour Party JEWISH NEWS Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has accused Jeremy Corbyn and his allies of “sanctioning a new poison” in the Labour party.

Writing in The Times today, Mirvis made the comments just two weeks before Britons vote in the general election.

Writing “with a heavy heart,” Mirvis accused Corbyn of being “complicit in prejudice,” adding that Labour “can no longer claim to be the party of diversity, equality and anti-racism… This is the Labour Party in name only”.

Mirvis said “the overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety” at the prospect of Corbyn becoming prime minister, and argued that the problem was one of culture, rather than process.

“The party leadership have never understood that their failure is not just one of procedure, which can be remedied with additional staff or new processes. It is a failure to see this as a human problem rather than a political one,” said Mirvis.

“It is a failure of culture. It is a failure of leadership. A new poison – sanctioned from the very top – has taken root in the Labour Party.”

Mirvis acknowledged that a Chief

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has launched a scathing attack on Jeremy Corbyn, accusing him of being “complicit in prejudice,” adding that Labour “can no longer claim to be the party of diversity, equality and anti-racism…"

Rabbi should stay out of party politics, but countered that “challenging racism in all its forms is not a matter of politics, it goes well beyond that”.

He said Corbyn’s assertion during an ITV debate that Labour had investigated all outstanding cases was a “mendacious fiction,” before asking:

“What will become of Jews and Judaism in Britain if the Labour Party forms the next government? This anxiety is understandable and justified.”

He added that “raising concerns about anti-Jewish racism in the context of a general election ranks amongst the most painful moments I have experienced since

taking office,” saying he did not wish to influence people how to vote but urged them to “vote with their conscience”.

It is the first time Mirvis has written a piece attacking Corbyn and Labour over antisemitism, although he has made his views known before. May 2016, he accused Labour of “political posturing and empty promises” and in August 2016, he accused the Labour leader of making “offensive” comments at the launch of Shami Chakrabarti’s report into antisemitism in the party.

In 2018, he said Corbyn had shown “contempt” for British Jews by not adopting a new definition of antisemitism, and in January of this year, he told BBC Radio 5 Live he was “still waiting to see” Labour taking antisemitism “seriously enough”.

In July, following a BBC Panorama programme, he tweeted: “This is no longer a question of the leadership’s inability to deal with… antisemitism, but of its direct complicity in it. The cloud of hatred and acrimony that this creates must be lifted.”

This comes as Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis strongly criticised Labour in a piece for the times on Monday, claiming “a new poison sanctioned from the very top” has taken root in Jeremy Corbyn’s party.

9

international

December 2019

Enter Michael Bloomberg … and his draw for Jewish votes THANE ROSENBAUM With Michael Bloomberg’s announcement that he will be running for president as a Democrat, the former New York mayor may have given American Jews a reason not to decamp for the GOP en masse.

Yes, I realize that the Democratic Party has been home to American Jews since the New Deal. So cozy has this domestic arrangement been that nearly 80 percent self-identify as Democrats. Even proIsrael Republican presidents—the current incumbent, especially—have been exasperated by this staunch party solidarity.

But apparently, American Jews are not a single-issue constituency.

The party that American Jews have been calling home for decades now has some restrictive covenants—a new welcome mat adorned with progressive engraving and fine print. And soon, Jews may no longer feel so welcome.

The progressives—or Democratic Socialists, who some bluntly call themselves—are setting the agenda for the party on issues such as universal health care, free college tuition, aggressive taxation, climate change, open immigration and even Israel. Why Israel became a foreign-policy priority can only be imagined, but three of the candidates—Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Mayor of South Bend, Ind. Pete Buttigieg—recently announced that military aid should be conditioned on Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians.

Where do the other Democratic candidates stand on Israel? Find out at this week’s debate. Israel will surely be a talking point, and not a friendly one. It will be blamed for the impasse in peace and the use of excessive military force. Palestinian terrorism, of course, will go unmentioned.

Congress, too, is showing less love for Jews. The so-called “Squad” of four freshmen congresswomen, buttressed by the Black Caucus, has sounded dog whistles that anti-Semites hear clearly. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described Israel’s defense of its southern border as a “massacre.” Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar accused Jewish-Americans of dual loyalty and suggested that U.S. foreign policy is directed by Jewish money that demands support for Israel.

The new inhospitality has even infected female empowerment. Ask the Jewish women who founded the Women’s March.

They found themselves lectured on how Jews funded the slave trade and that, as white privileged women, they should defer to those who deserve to lead a progressive movement. That leadership, repulsively, included the embrace of Louis Farrakhan.

Meanwhile, Sanders’ candidate whisperer, Linda Sarsour, proclaimed that feminists can’t be Zionists.

On college campuses, gay Jewish students, Jewish feminists, and Jewish ecoand social-warriors have been booted from the intersectional freight train that rolls over anyone with a kind word to say about Israel or a critical one about Palestinian violence.

Being honest to others is the best way of being honest to ourselves (Thought for the Day) JONATHAN SACKS This morning a ComRes survey for the BBC was published into “What We Think is Right and Wrong” in Britain in 2019, based on interviews with more than three and a half thousand adults aged 16 and over. In many respects, it’s uplifting. The majority of people say they have a strong sense of right and wrong. 70% say it’s important to have a moral framework for your life. And we’re tolerant. Almost 70% say people should be free to live their lives as they want so long as they don’t harm others.

There are, for me, some worrying signs.

Younger people have a weaker sense of nationhood than older adults and are less likely to be proud of British history. People care about the environment but seem unwilling to make major lifestyle changes to protect it, by changing their mode of transport or stopping using disposable cutlery, cups and plates.

But what really stood out for me in the survey was the gap between principle and practice. A fifth of people interviewed said they had been unfaithful to their partner, but of those, 60 per cent said it was wrong to do so. Of the people who admitted taking illegal drugs, 43 per cent said it was wrong. Half of those who’ve lied to cover up their own mistakes condemned

their own behaviour.

How can you know something is wrong and yet do it anyway? Plato thought it was impossible. But Aristotle thought otherwise. He called it akrasia, weakness of will. The Bible begins with the most famous of all stories on this theme. Adam and Eve knew the fruit was forbidden yet they went ahead and ate it anyway.

Their reaction when they heard God approaching was to hide, forgetting, as we still do, that when it comes to bad behaviour, you can’t hide forever. Sooner or later you’ll be found out. That’s how paradise was lost.

People, sometimes very intelligent people, can throw away their whole lives, their careers, their reputation, their future happiness, because they can’t resist temptation, and because they think they can hide, they can cover up what they’ve done. They start by deceiving others; but they end by deceiving themselves.

Which is why morality matters and why we should always heed the inner voice we call conscience. It’s there to guide us from principle to practice. It’s our satellite navigation system as we chart our course through the wilderness of time. Being honest to others is the best way of being honest to ourselves.

Don’t be surprised if some Jews won’t take the hint, even though there is no subtlety to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. They are decidedly direct. That won’t divert the thinking of some liberal Jews, however, who care about only one thing: defeating Donald Trump.

Enter Michael Bloomberg. In a crowded field of candidates, some playing to the cheap seats of the Democratic left, he represents a resolute centrist of independent mind with a proven record on the environment, public health, gun control and even a tax policy designed to narrow the inequality gap. The latter is the central issue of our time. After all, in 10 years, “Occupy Wall Street” went from tent show to main event.

Yes, Bloomberg is a white billionaire, making him a pinata for progressives. But he is self-made, and a proven chief executive in both the private and public spheres. What’s more, he has no history of shady deals, “Access Hollywood” tapes, hush-money payments to porn stars or insults to war heroes, women or the handicapped. His tax returns won’t be declared a state secret. And since his campaign will be self-financed, he won’t be beholden to anyone—foreign dictators included.

A Democratic Party headed by Bloomberg will offer progressives a choice without sacrificing a chance at regaining the White House. He’s the best candidate to take on Donald Trump. Compared to everyone else, he’s the only adult in the room.

Of course, Trump is not without some appeal to American Jews. After all, during

his first term, he has played Santa in the Holy Land, bestowing Israel with many gifts that arguably no one else would have ever granted. Where’s the gratitude, even if you find him repugnant?

While that’s true, his policies have been more impulsive than ideological, guided by an unscripted worldview that favors chaos and despots, and disdains coherent strategy.

How else to explain his flirtations with the altright from a man with Jewish grandchildren?

Meanwhile, during Israel’s last war in Gaza in 2014, with Hamas rockets lighting up the sky and former President Barack Obama announcing a federal ban on travel to Israel, Bloomberg, at the time mayor of New York City, flew on his private jet to Israel for no reason other than to be there.

As for their eternal domicile in the Democratic

Party,

if

Bloomberg

isn’t

heading the ticket in 2020, Jews might find themselves heading for the exits at a convention where they’ve just been evicted.

Of course, knowing the perseverance of Jews and social justice, some will choose to stay, anyway.

Thane Rosenbaum is a novelist, essayist, law professor and Distinguished University Professor at Touro College, where he directs the Forum on Life, Culture & Society. He can be reached via his website.

Political Leaders ...

FROM PAGE 8

Netanyahu at the helm of a national unity government so that he would be far more equipped to assume the role of prime minister.

The demand of Blue and White that Netanyahu abandon his right-wing bloc of 55 MKs is disingenuous. All those who voted for this bloc effectively also voted for Netanyahu. Likud therefore has every right to insist on retaining the bloc because to do otherwise would be political suicide for it. The right-wing bloc is really no different from the composition of Blue and White, which comprises three distinctly different groups that only joined together for political expediency, with their sole common agenda being the ousting of Netanyahu. At least the right-wing bloc of 55 can agree on their preferred candidate for prime minister. That cannot be said for the Blue and White MKs, many of whom are not overly enamored with their candidate, Gantz.

The legal issues facing Netanyahu may drag on in the courts for a year or more.

Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit should determine whether he proposes to indict the prime minister as soon as possible and this could have an influence on the formation of the next government.

But even now, weeks after the hearing in which Netanyahu’s lawyer submitted evidence to rebut the allegations against him, Mendelblit appears unlikely to make

a decision before the time allotted for forming a new government expires.

During these stressful times, when the prime minister will be obliged to make critical decisions, it will be very problematic if his mind is distracted with defending himself in court and facing an ongoing flow of scandalous leaks and rumors promoted by the media. Irrespective of whether he makes the right call, many will allege he was motivated by personal interests rather than the national interest.

If we are faced with new elections, a government will not be formed before April at the earliest, when the US will be in full election mode. There is every possibility that Trump would simply delay the release of his peace plan with no guarantee that he would be re-elected or that he would revert to the plan after the election. Should that happen, we may miss a heaven-sent opportunity of possibly annexing the major settlement blocs and securing American support of our security requirements. That would be a self-inflicted disaster.

It is therefore incumbent on both Netanyahu and Gantz to stand up and be accountable to the nation. They must act responsibly, suspend their personal ambitions and reach a compromise that will achieve a unity government able to move forward to serve the country that elected them.

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

10

schools and shuls

December 2019

Community Service in a Digital World

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE GERARD MAX AND ARI SCHACHNA

Rabbi Hillel used to say: If I am not for me, who will be for me?

And when I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, when? Pirke Avot 1:14 To a large extent, the digital world in which we now live is customised precisely for us.

We consume media, curated just for us, on devices designed for use by an individual.

Our Facebook feeds, iPhones and online profiles push content that commercial, social and political organisations feel represents our interests and prompt our likelihood to respond, according to their wishes - to buy, to vote, or to act.

If the only way we perceived our role in life was through our phones, we could be led to believe that we were the centre of the world, and life revolved around us It is particularly ironic, that in this digitised world, which provides more access than ever to information, this generation is under more pressure of insularity than generations that have gone before. Those growing up in the 1970s and 1980s were exposed to content which was not individually targeted.

Many of us listened to the music and watched the programs of our parents. We developed, at least tolerance for, and more likely an appreciation of, content not created specifically for our interests, but for the

interests of others.

Given how targeted the digital world is, it is even more important that, in the real world, Leibler Yavneh College inculcates in its students the central values of Chesed and Community Service. Programs such as Smile on Seniors, through which our students visit residents of Sheridan Hall and Arcare, the Purim program Leibler Yavneh College conducts at Arcare and commission housing facilities, and the Year 3 visit to Jewish Care fundamentally benefit both the recipients of our students’ care and attention, and the students themselves.

When reflecting on Parshat Mikeitz, Rabbi Isaac Bernstein zt”l made a similar observation about the roles that dreams played in life of the Biblical character, Yoseph. When he dreamed how he would be in the center and all would bow down to him, that is what led to his downfall. However, when he used his Go-d-given talents to put others in the middle, and assist them with their dreams, his life took a turn and he reached great heights.

The exposure to people with vastly different experiences, and many who can share important historical insight with our students, provides context that is missing in so many young lives in the digital world of today. The community service activities that those in our school community undertake reminds us that if we are only for ourselves, who are we?

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Youth Minyan at Caulfield Shule CAULFIELD SHULE SAMMY BRYGEL On Friday night 25th of October, over 60 kids and youth filled the seats of the Or Chadash minyan for the inaugural Youth Minayn at Caulfield Shule. Celebrating the 1st Birthday of Zusha (Caulfield Shule’s group for post Bar Mitzvah teenagers) and joined too by Zohar (post Bat Mitzvah teenage girls), Hineni and the Caulfield Shule Kids Club, the service was conducted entirely by the youth, including the divrei torah. The

energy and ruach in the room was electric with plenty of singing and dancing to the famous Kabbalat Shabbat songs of Shlomo Carlebach. The Youth Minaynim will be once a month, with the next one booked in for Friday night, December 6th.

There will be a meat pie kiddush following the service and all kids and youth from the community are warmly invited to attend.

For any questions or queries please contact Director of Programs at Caulfield Shule, Sammy Brygel: M: 0466 873 557 E: programs@caulfieldshule.com.au

December 2019

11

schools and shuls

Bialik College’s Creche Foundation Opening BIALIK COLLEGE Bialik College’s spectacular new creche, housed in the Judith Hellen Children’s Centre, opened its doors in July to its first wave of tots and their families. To celebrate the opening, the Bialik College Foundation hosted an intimate breakfast to officially open the centre and to thank all those who supported the project. New families were welcomed to the Bialik community and donors were able to see the state-of-the-art facilities that would not have been possible without their support.

It is an exciting time for the Bialik College Foundation. Michael Carp and Stacey Dodge were appointed as Co-Chairs earlier this year along with the school’s first Foundation Director, Tanya Cherny. The Bialik College Foundation creche breakfast was an opportunity for new and old families to come together and marked the first official event for the new Foundation team.

“School fees and government grants cover the day-to-day running of the school but we rely on our community to support our Bialik College Foundation to ensure that we are able to dream big and continue to provide the very best facilities, programs and opportunities for our children,” said Bialik College Foundation Co-Chair Stacey Dodge.

“More than 40% of the creche project was funded by donors and it is a testament to the strong leadership of Principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner, President Kate Beaconsfield and Building Committee Head, Nigel Givoni, that the creche was delivered on time and within budget and is already meeting enrolment targets,” said Bialik College

Foundation Co-Chair Michael Carp.

Designed by Ron Unger Architects, the Bialik Creche is an inspiring and nurturing environment for Bialik College’s youngest children and draws on the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach.

“In Reggio Emilia, they say that the youngest and oldest in the community should walk into their buildings – care homes and schools – and say to themselves ‘my community loves me.’ We believe that we are fulfilling this mission,” said Principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner.

The Foundation will be announcing their new committee in the coming weeks and are looking forward to a big year ahead in 2020.

For more information on the Bialik College Foundation please contact Tanya Cherny, Foundation Director on 9822 7981 or email chernt@bialik.vic.edu.au

Anna Laguntina and Melanie Turkopp

To find out more about the Bialik Creche or to enrol your child, please call 9822 7982 or email creche@bialik.vic.edu.au

Eleanor Muscat, Daphne Gaddie, Melanie Turkopp, Michelle Rabinov

Ilana Nissen, Dan Sztrajt, Emma Carp Ilana Nissen, Leah Freilich, Leora Givoni

Stacey Dodge (Foundation Chair), Kate Beaconsfield (President), Nigel Givoni, Michael Carp (Foundation Chair)

Jeremy Stowe-Lindner, Debbie Taylor

OPEN NOW

Georgia and Paul Solomon

Tanya Cherny (Bialik Foundation Director) and Julia Teperson

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Leibler Yavneh College is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships awarded to students entering Years 7, 9 or 11 in 2021.

These scholarships are designed to assist families seeking a first class Jewish education and will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence.

Register for the scholarship exam no later than 10 Feb 2020 at yavneh.vic.edu.au/scholarships You must be in Years 6, 8 or 10 in 2019 to be eligible for an academic scholarship. Exam date: Sunday 16 February 2019 To seek further information on any of our scholarships or how to apply, please contact our Enrolments Administrator at enrolments@yavneh.vic.edu.au or 9528 4911.

All enquiries are kept strictly confidential.

yavneh.vic.edu.au

Living Judaism today. For tomorrow.

12

schools and shuls

December 2019

Collaborative learning at Scopus MOUNT SCOPUS COLLEGE

Mount Scopus College Year 10 students visited the junior campus’ Fink Karp Ivany Upper Kinder children recently to run a series of fun Science and Art activities. The result of a collaborative program between early learning and secondary staff, and aiming to bring Israel to life through Science, the Year 10 students created activities focussed on the Dead Sea and its salinity.

Both staff members had recently taken part in a JNF educators tour and developed the collaborative program, applying a holistic learning approach by making cultural, environmental and language connections, while also raising awareness of themes in relation to Israel.

All experiments involved salt and saline water and engaged the children thorough their senses.

The sparkle of curiosity and excitement on the faces of the kinders as they conducted their experiments, and the joy and satisfaction felt by their Year 10 mentors was wonderful to see.

The activities also connected to the kinder children’s unit on How the World Works, and the very beginning of their Science learning.

They were fascinated as they investigated how salt changes when mixed with water, and how salt crystals grow.

There was a true sense of learning and connection between students and benefits for both young and older learners. www.scopus.vic.edu.au

Record Ulpan for Scopus MOUNT SCOPUS COLLEGE The Mount Scopus College Ulpan program is truly a highlight for students, and this year a record 98% of Year 10 students have opted to take part.

Seventeen students spent a month living and learning in Jerusalem on the nine week program, before being joined by 99 of their peers on the five week program.

This year students have a greater choice of activities than ever before. In Jerusalem they can choose from a culinary experience in Ben Yehuda market, a visit to the Knesset, an archaeological dig, an art workshop at the Israel museum, volunteering or a sports activity.

While in Tel Aviv the options include a visit to Machon Ayalon, the Palmach Museum or an Independence tour.

This is in addition to their time spent touring the country from north to south, as well as three days in Prague exploring its once vibrant Jewish community.

Ulpaniks not only experience Israeli culture, language and food, they immerse themselves in traditions and teachings that are far more meaningful than a class room could provide.

We wish all Ulpaniks an enriching and rewarding time in Eretz Israel and thank our wonderful benefactors who make this program possible every year.

Jewish Ranger visits South Caulfield Shule

Fee assistance for entry in 2020 and 2021 at Mount Scopus Mount Scopus is proud to assist parents to provide an immersive Jewish education to children during their formative primary years and in secondary schooling when they are consolidating their identity.

Bursaries are available on a needs basis, open to current or new students.

Grow with Scopus primary bursaries (Prep entry) Bursaries of up to $11,000 per year, open to current or new students entering Prep in 2021, these grants are awarded for Prep to Year 3 or Prep to Year 6.

Applications close Friday 15 May, 2020.

Ruben Fried Scholarship (Year 7 entry)

Open to students entering from government schools for entry in Year 7 in 2020, covering tuition fees for the six years of secondary school.

Applications close 28 February, 2020.

Scopus Values Excellence in Learning

Holistic Development

Jewish Identity

Community and Service

See our website for full details on these and other bursaries or contact Enrolments on 9834 0070 for a confidential discussion.

www.scopus.vic.edu.au

SOUTH CAULFIELD SHULE Jewish ranger Sean Rubinstein gave a fantastic presentation about his experience as a game ranger at various game parks in South Africa and other parts of Southern Africa. His favourite place is the Kruger National Park and he spoke to the attendees about the animals he has encountered over the many trips he has enjoyed and the stories from leading groups through the park. Sean told the crowd that he feels

at home when he is driving through the bush and feeling one with nature. He said that exploring Kruger with a qualified and passionate ranger makes it a far greater experience. Rabbi Rabin said the talk was incredibly interesting and it was amazing to see the passion that Sean has for the wildlife. Expressions of interest are being sought for Sean to lead a group on a tour of the Kruger National Park next year. Email rabbirabin@schc.org.au if you would like to learn more about a tour of the park.

December 2019

13

schools and shuls

Business Leaders Support Yeshivah-Beth Rivkah Colleges YESHIVAH BETH-RIVKAH COLLEGES A Corporate Breakfast event held at Crown Palladium in November hosted by Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges and the school’s Parents’ Association drew a capacity crowd of over 350.

Attendees were privileged to hear an address from The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP (Federal Member for Kooyong, Treasurer of Australia and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party) and took the opportunity to mix and mingle.

Partner at KPMG and Co-Chair of the Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Schools Limited Board, Daniel Houseman led the proceedings – welcoming dignitaries, Rabbonim, politicians, sponsors and corporate guests.

He touched on the Schools’ journey and heritage and continued “We are proud to provide high quality education options from Crèche and Early Learning Centres, all the way through to Year 12, offering excellence in Jewish and General Studies, a leading VCE program, Intensive Jewish Studies programs, and trade schooling. We do this in a warm, caring and nurturing environment, heavily focussed on the well-being of all the children in our care” and he expressed his excitement about the future of Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges.

Following an Acknowledgement of Country by Josh Burns MP, Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum (Joint Principal, Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges) addressed the room with words of Torah and reflected Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges’ enthusiasm to reach

The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP pictured with Mrs Beruria Tenenbaum, Head of Beth Rivkah Secondary and Australian Politics teacher with VCE Units 3&4 Politics students in attendance at the Corporate Breakfast new heights and “constantly improve”.

A video presentation showcasing the enriching education offered at Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges was shown followed by The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP addressing the crowd. He highlighted that the future of our nation hinges on education and expounded that “Education is the first defense of the nation” with Jewish day schools allowing students to be “versed in our faith but also with the right set of values to embark in the greater world”.

He commended the “high quality education… [and] provision of a Jewish education to those without financial resource” that Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges provides. Mr Frydenberg kindly fielded questions in a Q&A session with Mr Zelman Ainsworth, followed by an address from David Southwick MP. To round off the morning, as an expression of hakaras hatov (gratitude) Mrs Barbara Belfer (Joint Principal, Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges) presented Mr Frydenberg

with a beautiful tzedakah (charity) box engraved with a saying from Pirkei Avos (Ethics of our Fathers).

Appreciation is extended to all the generous supporters, attendees and sponsors of the event who help Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges continue to provide a quality Jewish education to the Melbourne Jewish Community: Gold Sponsors – Valara Capital, Wilson Agents and Schachter Group; Silver Sponsors – CBRE, TMG and Colliers.

hosting must reach.

A few weeks ago Josh Burns MP invited me to the Marek Edelman Centenary Lecture in which Senator Patrick Dodson - ‘The Father of Reconciliation’ spoke. Not only did Senator Dodson speak about the shared commonalities between Indigenous Australians and the Jewish people in the face of persecution and injustice, but also in their perseverance and strength in maintaining traditions and heritage in an ever-changing and somewhat hostile society.

It is no mere coincidence that Jewish UN official Raphael Lemkin when defining the word ‘geniocide’ which had occurred to European Jewry based his research on the atrocities and suffering of Indigenous Australians. The duel similarities of pain and hardship are uncanny.

However just as we find the rebirth and rebound of post-war Jewry throughout new found pockets of the Diaspora, so too till even today we find from the Kimberlys to Cape York the continued growth and renaissance of the Indegeous way of life and culture.

Senator Dodson’s eloquent words are

echoed in the actions of our forefather Abraham. Abraham depicts the vitality and importance of being a gracious host and guest. Ultimately we, as Australian Jews, are guests in this land of the First People.

It is our obligation to be gracious guests but also to be gracious hosts.

Sadly even till today further discrimination and unbridled societal challenges face the Indigenous Australian population and many lack the prosperity and success that we Australian Jews are often blessed to have on their ancient land. It is our duty to help and assist those in need whenever we can.

A key component in understanding our forefather Abraham is in his name. ‘Av-Ram’‘The Father to Many.’ Abraham’s messages and spirit are still vitally prevalent today for us and for all people.

Despite all the odds, Abraham rushed out to assist the three disguised angels in the desert. How much more so are we obligated to ‘rush out’ and help those of the First People- a nation with which we share a duel history, in both the good times and bad.

Patriarch Down Under

THE ARK CENTER RABBI GABI KALTMANN

It has often been questioned throughout the ages the necessity of the tales and stories of the Torah.

Ultimately the Torah is a codex, a manual and a guide written in order to lead us in living a pious and moral life.

Thus, why is it necessary for Torah to be so interluded with sagas and narratives which seemingly add little to the laws relevant in our lives?

In his acceptance speech for the 1978 Nobel Prize in Literature Yiddish author Isaac Bashevis-Singer described Jewish literature as being: “Capable of bringing new horizons and new perspectives – philosophical, religious, aesthetical and even social. In the history of old Jewish literature there was never any basic difference between the poet and the prophet. Our ancient poetry often became law and a way of life.”

Through the stories of we can delve into the ‘psyche’ and discern the inner-meanings and internal perspectives of the mitzvot and commandments.

Torah mandates many positive societal mitzvot such as ‘loving your fellow man as yourself’ and ‘pursuing justice and kindness’.

However Torah does not dictate as to what extent these commandments should go. The Bible does not detail any limitations and with how much religious fervor they should be pursued.

Only through several hints of Abraham’s relentless pursuit of hospitality, is it truly illustrated the all encompassing lengths and breadths Torah prescribes for us to love and cherish one another.

First and foremost, is Abraham’s remarkable desire to host guests and assist people . Even at the ripe age of ninety nine, Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent recuperating from his ‘Brit Milah.’ The Torah describes Abraham sitting in the “heat of the day” but according to commentators it was no mere Gold Coast or Bangkok sun in which so many of us love, but rather a scorching temperature which G-d had caused purposely in order to discourage any visitors disturbing Abraham’s recovery.

Despite all these circumstances Abraham enthusiastically runs in order to invite the three angels to be his guests!

In addition, the very nature of the three angels being described as desert nomads further depict the lengths of vast love and care one should have for all people. One of the prime reasons Abraham pitched his tent in the middle of the desert was due to the relentless persecution he suffered from other idolatrous societies in his midst. Abraham’s ethical monotheism and the morality he lived by caused him great ridicule and physical harm. Nevertheless Abraham requested of these assumed desert wayfarers, known for their idolatry and banditry, to dine and lodge in his tent.

To contextualize, Abraham’s encounter of the angels occurs when G-d is in the midst of well-wishing Abraham a speedy recovery from his circumcision. Placing on hold his discussion with Hashem, Abraham rushes out to invite these seemingly lowly vagrants into his abode!

The Talmud says ‘Ma’aseh Avot Siman Lebanim’- ‘the stories and traversings of our forefathers are signs and guides for us’ even in this modern day. The actions of Abraham set the par as to what lengths kindness and

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schools and shuls

December 2019

Engaging the Youth ST KILDA HEBREW CONGREGATION RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN I’ve learned much from my teachers. I’ve learned even more from my colleagues.

But I’ve learned the most from my students” (Rabbi Hanina - The Talmud).

Judaism venerates our teachers and elders - and so it should. But the above truism opens our eyes to a radical idea that was virtually unheard of in the era it was coined. It says that young people can be elders too; that students can also be teachers.

The Talmud is alerting us to the need for communal leaders to focus on new and innovative paths for youth engagement. It recognizes that every generation is different and each demands a personalized approach. Recognizing that the youth of today see the world through an entirely different lens than their forebearers - and that there is so much we can learn from them - is key if we wish to remain relevant as a community.

Gone are the days when boards and roof bodies could “tick the youth box” by inviting a token young person to the table to represent his/her peers. Young people today don’t need our invitations. They’re creating their own brand and it’s up to the rest of us to choose whether or not we want in.

I can attest to the changing dynamics from personal experience. St Kilda Shule celebrates a Bar Mitzvah every second Shabbat as well as multiple

L-R: Behm and Myles Gaddies, Rabbi Glasman weddings annually. I spend many hours a week engaging young members of my congregation and am in touch with a broad spectrum of young Jews ranging from teenagers to young adults. It’s not difficult to recognize how much their thinking has changed and how grossly inadequate old models (which may well have worked in the past) are in today’s rapidly changing world.

But change in the youth’s mindset isn’t informed by their age as much as it is by their societal influences. Today’s Gen Y for instance (to which I belong) has a

Artefacts on loan from Auschwitz now on display at the Sydney Jewish Museum

SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM

Artefacts on loan from Auschwitz now on display at the Sydney Jewish Museum Sydney Jewish Museum As the anniversary of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz approaches, and knowledge of Auschwitz wanes, the Sydney Jewish Museum has put on display a loan of 12 artefacts from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

These historic objects, now on display in the Museum’s permanent Holocaust exhibition, are sourced directly from the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland.

These items were found amongst piles of personal artefacts on the site after the liberation of Auschwitz in January 1945.

The items on display include inmates’ possessions such as a suitcase,

toothbrush, hairbrush and a pair of glasses. Also on display are items like a Zyklon B canister and a whip.

Head Curator, Roslyn Sugarman says, “One suitcase bears witness to the largescale plunder of personal possessions and the murder of their owners; one Zyklon B cannister is a sinister and direct connection to the killing process, evidence of murder on an unprecedented scale.

As the years pass, and survivors are no longer in the Museum to talk about their experiences, the need to display artefacts from the death camps becomes more imperative as these objects evoke the history and the memory of the Holocaust.”

The Museum hopes these historical remnants will fill gaps in the knowledge of Australians to Holocaust history, providing powerful starting points for talking about and understanding experiences of deportation, dispossession and murder.

fundamentally different outlook to the baby boomers that grew up in the 1950’s.

This is because we are products of our environment; our “weltanschauung” is molded by the values of the society in which we live.

It’s no wonder therefore that today’s youth think differently. Society has moved away from hierarchical power structures. It has shifted instead towards empowerment of the individual. As a direct result, young people are paving their own paths towards personal fulfilment and self-actualization.

And, in so many cases, they’re doing an

outstanding job.

Some months ago a female congregant lamented to me that her son didn’t join her at “our Shule’s beautiful Friday night services” because he preferred attending the Mount Scopus minyan with his mates.

I reassured her that I too would love nothing more than to see traditional Shule pews brimming with youth. But if in place of following a service at my Shule they are leading a service in theirs, that’s an empty seat I view as a win.

On another occasion I was invited to lead a group discussion at Zooz, a community centre for university aged students. By the end of the session I was both impressed and inspired by what I’d observed. It wasn’t just the simulating, open-minded discussion. It was the genuine sense of leadership and purpose that imbues all their activities.

These groups aren’t being “trained” as leaders by their seniors. They’re finding leadership within themselves. When I engage with people younger than me I don’t just teach. I listen and learn. And in doing so I know I will have been enriched from the experience.

It’s these and many other success stories which fill me with hope of a bright future of emerging Jewish leaders. Indeed, I feel humbled to be part of a community of young Jews who are finding their voices.

And, like Rabbi Hanina, I am proud to call them my teachers.

Introducing Scout at The King David School THE KING DAVID SCHOOL

The King David School is thrilled to announce the employment of a new staff member in our Wellbeing and Student Services Departments at the Senior School. Scout is a Golden Retriever / Labrador cross and is only 14 weeks old. Currently, he is familiarising himself with the sights and sounds of our School in preparation for his formal training in the Paws in Education program. Next year he will be officially on duty, to offer unconditional love, empathy and support as part of the Senior School Wellbeing program. A wellbeing dog can help with; empathy, kindness, respect, relationship building, behaviour, self confidence, responsibility, control, anger, meltdowns, communication, lowering blood pressure, anxiety and much more! Jayne

Wise, Senior School Wellbeing Coordinator, is Scout’s primary carer, both at School and at home. Jayne said, “Scout is thoroughly enjoying all the love from the staff and students.

Everyone is being so respectful of his needs and always ask if it is the right time for a pat or a cuddle.” Radmila Harding, Head of Student Services said, “There is evidence to support that interaction with a trained wellbeing dog can help develop emotional regulation skills and therefore be a gateway for coping strategies and positive education as well as social skill development. At KDS, tailored animal-assisted programs will be implemented with Scout.

He will be used in greetings, during recess, over the exam period and during counselling - whenever and wherever he can best assist student life.” You can follow Scout on his own Instagram page here @scout_kds

December 2019

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lifestyle

The Test of Cricket and Grief CAULFIELD HEBREW CONGREGATION RABBI RALPH GENENDE OAM

I’m not a cricket tragic, but I was struck by the 16 year old Pakistani wunderkind Naseem Shah, currently playing Test cricket in Australia. By all accounts he’s an extraordinary young man and the youngest player to make his debut in Australia at the Wacca. He’s certainly challenging the Australians.

Naseem has only been playing cricket for five years but his rise has been meteoric. Pakistan Captain Azahar Ali commented on the teen’s exceptional talent “What (first) impressed us most was his understanding of bowling. Sometimes bowlers show a lot of talent at a young age, but they can’t execute plans… He knows his strengths and weaknesses and knows how to read the batsman”.

Naseem is obviously an individual with a poise and maturity beyond his years.

Naseem is an Arabic word which means cool breeze and it’s been pointed out that his smooth bowling action and a breeze-like bowling run-up make him very pleasing to the eye. He is also closely connected to his family and had only recently convinced them to move for Dir to Lahore so they could be closer to one another. Tragically on his second day’s play in Perth, his mother passed away unexpectedly.

Since Muslims like Jews don’t delay funerals, Naseem would not have made it home in time for the funeral. His brothers suggested he stay in Australia to fulfil his mother’s dream of seeing her son play cricket for Pakistan – which he is doing as I write.

Naseem has been praised for his awesome resilience in the face of loss. His team- mate Shan Masood best summed up the approval and acclaim for his decision not to return to Pakistan to grieve with his family: “… Staying here and putting his hand up…. to do well for the team, for the country, that’s commendable. That sort of attitude is what we’re looking for in all the guys. As a team, we’re trying to stick

behind him.”

There’s no doubt that Naseem is no ordinary teenager, but I can’t help wondering what impact this decision may have on his life and what message it sends to young men and indeed all of us.

Grief is complex, it affects people in different ways; it is as subtle as it is sorrowful; as startling as it is sensible.

There’s also no standard or prescribed way of mourning; people process their loss in a variety of responses. Some do it in the deep silence of their souls, quietly unpacking the layers of their loss. Others need to talk, sometimes compulsively, retelling every details of the death of their loved one. Yet other people find little solace in words and prefer the relief of tears and strong emotions.

Despite the diversity of responses, two things are for certain: nobody can escape a life without loss and nobody can escape the effect of bereavement. Grief, by its very nature, wounds and like a wound needs to be treated so that it can heal. A failure to address the quake of death doesn’t spare you from its ongoing tremors and jolts. They may go underground but they are there, brooding and quivering and will surface sooner or later.

So I worry about Naseem playing through his grief, delaying its inevitability.

For now he’s brave and commendably courageous and hopefully those around

him will give him the time and space in the near future to deal with his sharp and sudden loss.

And I worry for the young men and women seeing Naseem as a model for mourning. I am concerned especially for the young men having the egregious trope of ‘stiff-upper lip’ and ‘man up’ reinforced.

Men may well grieve differently from women but they too need to walk through the ‘dark shadow of the valley of death’ (Psalm 23).

In this week’s Torah reading (Chayei Sarah), we are told “Abraham came to eulogise Sarah and to cry for her” (Gen 23:2). Abraham, man of courage and passion, warrior and politician, leader and shaker, was also a man who could cry in public; show the inchoate ache of his soul, express the loss of his covenantal partner through a noble eulogy. He, no doubt, was a model for his son, Isaac and helped him face the loss of his mother Sarah.

I was fortunate to learn from my dad’s friend not to supress my grief. My father (whose name was also Isaac) was stoic through the funeral of my Zeida. It was only after, as we moved from the graveside, that a friend said to him, “Cry Isaac, let it out…”, that he let go. To this day I can see the shuddering of his shoulders and the relief of his body as the tears flowed.

The American Philosopher Henry David Thoreau put it powerfully: “Never smother

your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh”.

I would suggest that Abraham’s son, Isaac, was helped by his father’s example to face his own anguish.. Abraham lets Isaac know that everybody is lessened by the loss of their loved ones: this is suggested by the small letter Kuf (“‫ )”כ‬in the middle of the word to cry (Ibid) in the Torah text. Abraham felt diminished by the absence of Sarah, he felt smaller….

Abraham also recognizes that once you have mourned, the scar may remain, but you need to move on and so he seeks a partner for Isaac and a new companion for himself. Thus “Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother, he married Rebecca, she became his wife and he loved her; and he was comforted after his mother” (Ibid 24:66). The Midrash comments that a light, blessing and protective cloud returned to the tent…

Isaac and Abraham regained their mojo, the light was back in their hearts after the darkness of their grief, their confidence was restored like a hopeful cloud. As Lebanese poet, Khalil Gibran put it: “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain”. Abraham and Isaac allowed the sadness to carve into their being and so were able to open themselves to a renewed and overflowing joy.

www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au

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lifestyle

December 2019

Are you drinking enough fluid?

Ways to boost your water consumption!

- Drinking herbal teas (regular or green tea and coffee have caffeine so act as a mild diuretic, therefore are not as effective in hydrating the body) - Adding a slice of lime or lemon to your water may improve the taste and make you want to drink more water than you usually do. You can also drink hot water with lemon if you prefer a warmer beverage.

- Sparkling water can be used in place of soft drinks to get that fizzy kick - Eating foods with a high water content such as broth soups as well as fruit and vegetables such as celery, tomatoes and melons - Order water when eating out. This will keep you hydrated and reduce calories at the same time.

Happy Hydrating!

ME NUTRITION MONIQUE ETKIND

The most common response I get when asking how much water or fluid my clients drink a day is “not enough”. Drinking the recommended 2L per day is often not achieved as a result of people not understanding the importance of hydrating their bodies adequately.

Since the body is approximately 60% water, drinking water is essential for so many of the most basic biologic functions.

Consuming enough fluid daily is vital for maintaining every function of our bodies — from our brain to our muscles and organs, including our skin and heart. Cells need to be hydrated with water or they shrivel up and can’t do their job as efficiently.

What are the benefits of drinking adequate water daily?

- It delivers oxygen throughout the body since the blood is ~ 90% water - It aids the digestive system as the bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to constipation and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.

- It keeps the mouth clean and when consumed instead of sweetened beverages,

it can also reduce tooth decay.

- It flushes body waste as water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and faeces.

- It regulates body temperature when exercising and boosts performance in sporting events - It helps maintain blood pressure - Its aids weight loss since water has no calories compared to the high sugared soft drinks and juices. "Preloading" with water before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness. Often when you think you hungry, you are actually thirsty so always try drink something first before

eating.

- It helps to prevent kidney damage as the kidneys are responsible for regulating fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.

It boosts skin health and beauty My recommendations on how to reach your daily fluid targets include: - Keeping a 2L water bottle with you throughout the day www.healthish.com - Carrying a water bottle with you when doing outdoor activities or running errands, especially in warmer months.

Monique is a Sydney based Dietitian (APD) and nutritionist, who believes one should eat everything in moderation.

She runs a private practice in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. All her plans are individually based to ensure that they attend to the nutritional needs of both adults and children, by facilitating the processes of fat loss and management of related medical diseases.

Dramatic Musical Packs Punch KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (MTC) ALEX FIRST A compelling and dramatic storyline and evocative score are matched by a series of stellar performances in MTC’s musical Kiss of the Spider Woman.

The plot concerns the extraction of information through torture and humiliation of prisoners held in an Argentine jail.

It focuses upon the relationship between window dresser Molina (Ainsley Melham) and Marxist revolutionary Valentin (AdamJon Fiorentino).

Molina is serving the third year of an eight-year sentence for corrupting a minor when he is joined in his cell by Valentin, who is in bad shape after being tortured.

At first Valentin is repelled by Molina and his incessant talking.

He wants nothing to do with him, going so far as to draw a line on the floor between him and Valentin to stop his cell mate coming near him.

Molina distracts himself by escaping into a fantasy world of movies, where he is enchanted by the glamorous diva Aurora (Caroline O’Connor).

He has seen and adores all of her films, but one, which involves a spider woman who kills with her kiss. That imagery haunts him.

While Molina longs to see his mother again, Valentin pines for his love, Marta (Elandrah Eramiha).

Kiss of the Spider Woman was first

performed in the West End in 1992, before moving to Broadway the following year and claiming seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

With a book by Terrence McNally, music

by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, it is based upon the 1976 novel of the same name by Manuel Puig.

Melham acts up as storm as the sensitive gay guy, Molina, inhabiting his persona like few could. He breathes life, heart and soul, into the words and music.

Fiorentino gives a nuanced performance as his hard-nosed cell mate, Valentin – a dissident who gradually warms to Molina’s

charms.

And then there’s the incomparable O’Connor, with a star turn as the femme fatale, the object of Molina’s fantasies and great fear.

In the 11-strong cast, I was also taken by the performance of Bert LaBonte as the evil and manipulative warden, who calls the prisoners “animals” and treats them appallingly.

I haven’t yet detailed the diverse elements that all come together to take us to where the action is set.

That starts with the realisation of the prison where Molina and Valentin are housed (the set and costume designer is

Alicia Clements) – a dark and foreboding place of pain and heartache.

It is a large two-tier set, incorporating a small portable room for scenes that warrant it.

A number of metal beds with dirty mattresses, upon which the prisoners sleep, immediately transport you to the prison environs.

Coloured lighting is used to great effect to create different moods and distinguish day from night.

The choreography by Andrew Hallsworth, including some dance numbers, is another distinguishing feature.

The costuming is in large part sombre, in keeping with the mood of the piece, apart from the array of vibrant gowns and a short shimmering number with tassels worn by O’Connor.

Video is also used to add to the atmospherics (projection design is by Jamie Clennett)..

The production is completed with the talents of a five-piece band at the back of the stage, which is exposed on a few occasions.

Kiss of the Spider Woman weaves an intoxicating web in which dark truths are only lightened by the world of make believe.

Directed by Dean Bryant, with musical direction and orchestration by Jack Earle, it is playing at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, until 28th December, 2019.

It is playing at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, until 28th December, 2019.

December 2019

17

lifestyle

Psychological Insights into Chanukah ZIPPORAH OLIVER O.A.M. M.A.P.S. Every day of the eight days of Chanukah we successively increase the number of candles that we light. There is a powerful message here for us: that which was sufficient yesterday, is not enough today. To be optimally functioning individuals we need to be constantly moving forward, increasing the light that shines within us, around us and from us. As Jews, our focus is on increasing light. The lights of the Menorah are modest single candle flames, ever increasing.

The subject of growth is reflected in the observance of the lighting of the Menorah.

Growth underpins much work done in therapy, where the client seeks to move forward, developing a steadily increasing capacity to deal with challenging situations.

What was enough yesterday may not be enough today. Clients who present with feelings of depression are often enveloped in a sense of darkness, feeling that there is little hope for the future. Part of the psychological intervention will introduce the idea of the possibility of change and growth, and hence a future no longer surrounded by darkness, but of light.

Many psychological conditions including depression and anxiety may involve significant feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. The miracle of Chanukah brings a message of hope, declaring that even when we are in the darkness of life there is the possibility for a positive outcome. This is an uplifting message to us as a people

and to each of us in our individual lives.

Chanukah showcases our goal to gradually and steadily grow, to increase the light in our lives, which simultaneously diminishes the darkness. It is not a dramatic moving forward; rather, a consistent positive increasing of light, which can often be seen as similar to the therapeutic goal of moving forward positively, gradually and consistently.

By way of example, a client who presented with anxiety associated with his recent diagnosis of Diabetes II was able to move through to a gradual acceptance and management of the diagnosis. The therapy included psychoeducation and explorations of various treatment options. As a result of the therapy, the client adopted a number of significant lifestyle changes and exhibited an openness to develop positive approaches to health. He was able to decrease his need for diabetic medication, eventually not requiring medication at all. The relaxation

and meditation techniques which the client learned in therapy also contributed to lowering his symptoms of anxiety.

Chanukah is a manifestation of optimism.

The Maccabees lit the tiny bottle of pure oil demonstrating a commitment to doing the most that they could in their situation.

Their positive and proactive approach was rewarded when the available quantity of oil, enough for one day, burned for eight days.

Fostering a positive outlook towards the future can assist clients in becoming more motivated to move through their current challenges.

Therapy may appear to the untrained eye as “chatting”, but it is in fact a process that can facilitate client insight and change, which leads to healing.

As the observance of Chanukah centres around the lighting of the candles of the Menorah, the flame of the candle is compared to the human soul, the ‘Neshama’. The flame brings light and warmth into darkness and

it is by nature always striving upwards. In some ways the candle flame is an intangible substance – more spiritual than physical.

When you spread a physical substance it becomes thin, however when you spread spirituality it multiplies and grows. When you use a physical substance it decreases in volume. The spiritual however, is not diminished by use, it increases.

Hence as we use the ‘Shamash’ to light the candles of the Menorah we see that it is in no way diminished by giving light. On the contrary, it remains shining bright, and the volume of light becomes multiplied.

A recurring theme in therapy is the fear of giving, a fear of not having enough, and a fear of being emotionally starved, which is connected to our primitive programming for survival as a species. Difficulty in sharing and caring undermines the capacity for healthy stable relationships. This is a very complex area; suffice it to say that one helpful message to distil from the lighting of the Menorah is that when we cultivate our capacity to give light and warmth to others, in an appropriate manner, we need not fear being diminished.

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 broad-spectrum community service.

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

The Glue That Binds Us

SUE ZIMMERMAN

There is a mysterious something that unites Jews in a deep, bonding way, but what is it? I know that I seem to have a heightened awareness of this when attending a wedding, barmitvah or batmitzvah on the one hand and a funeral or minyan on the other.

These are different occasions but are all accompanied by a strong sense of closeness to fellow Jews. Without a doubt we know that the Jew sitting or standing next to us and all the Jews in attendance are feeling much the same as we do. There are other occasions as well. Attending shul on Shabbat and Yomtov, even walking in the street and wishing people who we don’t necessarily know, ‘Good Shabbos’ or ‘Good Yomtov’ gives rise to a strong feeling of belonging. Other examples are sitting at a Seder with family, or walking the streets of Jerusalem. There is simchah (joy) in these moments or alternatively nachamu (comfort) when attending a funeral or minyan.

There is also something more that goes beyond a sense of belonging and a feeling of unity or kinship with other Jews, although these are precious gifts that we all cherish in our hearts. What is this other element that gently binds us together? This mysterious something is worth discovering because it provides us with a deep sense of well-being and peace. It comes from somewhere far beyond us and our earthly world. We may

well be sitting alone meditating on the calm beauty of the Chanukah lights and feel a connection to this something far beyond us.

The aura of the Chanukah flame is of immense Holiness. We may not necessarily be aware of its mysterious power but nevertheless it is transporting our souls beyond here and now; first back to the Mishkan in the desert, then to the Temple built by Solomon, then the Temple built by Herod and finally to the third Temple of the future to be built by Mashiach (Messiah). Pause in your thoughts for a moment after the candles are lit and feel your soul suddenly grow wings as it flies back and then forward in time.

The Chanukiah (Candelabrum) has eight cups with an extra one known as the shamas (the lighting flame) whereas the

Menorah of old has seven cups. Chanukah commemorates a miracle that happened 2100 years ago after a small band of faithful Jews (the Hasmoneans) succeeded in driving out a mighty army of SyrianGreeks who had defiled the second Temple.

Seeking to re-dedicate the Temple, the Jews wished to relight the Menorah but found only a single cruse of pure olive oil that had not been contaminated. This was enough for only one day but it burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.

According to Kabbalah the seven cups of the Menorah are symbols of the seven kinds of Jewish souls or the seven emotional attributes within the Jewish soul. The Menorah also signifies our anticipation of

the Mashiach who will build the third Holy Temple and rekindle the Menorah.

In the observance of our customs and traditions we forge pathways towards the Divine and are bound together through something that is explained best by the basic tenant of our faith ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One.’ As Yidden we are truly blessed to have pathways hued

by Tradition, Torah and Time that lead us directly to the Creator of everything. We don’t need intermediaries. The essence of the glue that binds Jews to one another and for all eternity is G-d.

Susan Sara Feiga Zimmerman published author of two books ‘Journal of Disability to Ability’ and ‘Like Streams in the Negev’.

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lifestyle

December 2019 news

T RS ON FI ITI ED

HELP! Anxiety is taking Over!

THE SLEEP COACH CHERYL FINGLESON Anxiety!

We’ve all felt it before, sometimes it creeps up on you throughout a particularly stressful day, taking you altogether by surprise and in some cases, it’s a debilitating state of mind that can leave you physically and emotionally drained, highly strung, nervous or even completely paralysed.

A recent US study has shown that anxiety is one of the leading causes of health problems in adults over the age 25; and between working, looking after a family and striking a balanced lifestyle, it seems no one is immune to it’s uncomfortable symptoms. Considering how debilitating it can be for adults, just imagine how overwhelming it can be for babies and toddlers!

Separation anxiety is a particularly sensitive area for babies and toddlers and inevitably, high levels of anxiety significantly impact on a developing child’s sleep patterns; from mid-sleep disruptions to night terrors, fear of napping or simply a resistance to sleeping alone. So what can you do to ease your precious child’s sleep anxiety and establish a healthy, happy, sleep routine? Over the next 2 articles, in this special edition, I will offer you some tried and tested, gentle sleep solutions for you and your baby or toddler that may just be the key to moving through what can otherwise be a particularly challenging problem area in the establishment of an ongoing, effective sleep routine.

Firstly, one of the key factors in overcoming separation or sleep anxiety at nap or bedtime is consistency. Babies and toddlers thrive on routine as it inspires a natural sense of safety, security and familiarity with both their own place of sleep and internal body clock. I can not stress enough how valuable it is to establish a consistent schedule for nap times, bedtime times. By providing your child with a carefully designed sleep routine, you can significantly decrease their level of separation anxiety as

they form a greater level of trust and security within the defined structure you provide for them. I like to think of it this way; how destabilising it can be to sleep in a completely foreign country, jet lagged! Now imagine how destabilising it is for a child to adjust to fluctuating or inconsistent bed times – quite a challenge! To further alleviate your child’s sense of sleep anxiety while establishing their sleep routine, you can help guide them through the process by creating a specific (and consistent!) routine that provides soothing cues, such as nappy changing, bed time story, prayers, cuddles, kisses, and then lights out. By being consistent with your own process, your child is able to adjust and relax into the oncoming sleep, significantly reducing their level of anxiety! This process can be a great way for you to bond with your child during bedtime routine and you can have fun being creative with the routine you establish! Now that we have outlined the foundations for alleviating sleep anxiety, next edition we are going to delve deeper, dealing with issues such as sleep disruptions and fear!

Here’s to healthy, happy sleeping for you and bub (and reduced anxiety for all!)

Happy Sleeping Cheryl Zzz For more sleep tips and advice, please visit www.cherylthesleepcoach.com.au Or why not like our facebook page? www.facebook.com/thesleepcoach Our Blog has gone live! Check it out 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.

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES DATE

LIGHT

CANDLES Friday, Dec 6, 2019 8:13 pm Friday, Dec 13, 2019 8:18 pm Friday, Dec 20, 2019 8:23 pm Friday, Dec 27, 2019 8:26 pm Friday, Jan 3, 2020 8:28 pm Friday, Jan 10, 2020 8:27 pm Friday, Jan 17, 2020 8:25 pm Friday, Jan 24, 2020 8:22 pm Friday, Jan 31, 2020 8:17 pm Friday, Feb 7, 2020 8:10 pm

END 9:18 pm 9:24 pm 9:29 pm 9:32 pm 9:32 pm 9:31 pm 9:28 pm 9:23 pm 9:17 pm 9:09 pm

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EMMA BOYAR JEWISH CARE VICTORI

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19

lifestyle

December 2019

Shout Out If You've Never Heard Of Schindler THE SAVIOUR FLLM LINDA ROYAL

Linda Royal (nee: Margolin) only recently discovered her father and grandparents were saved by a Righteous Gentile. They fled Nazi-occupied Poland to Lithuania and were saved with 6,000 other Jewish refugees in 1940 by the Japanese diplomat, Chiune Sugihara. At great personal risk and defying his government’s strict orders not to, he illegally issued them transit visas to Japan, saving them from extermination.

She discovered, sadly, that although Yad Vashem had honoured him in 1985 as a Righteous Among The Nations, few had heard of him. Being a writer her first instinct was to honour this brave individual by perpetuating his memory in film, like Spielberg did with Schindler.

Because she is alive, as are her children and siblings, because of him.

And so, she partnered with esteemed writer, Nico Lathouris (co-writer of Mad Max, Fury Road) and talented young writer/editor Joshua Lundberg to develop a feature film - The Saviour, inspired by

Sydney Sugihara Survivors and descendants the true story of Sugihara's selfless act of bravery.

Set in 1968, the story deals with antisemitism, the psychological trauma carried through life by survivors, the struggle refugees face and the impact on the next generation.

"With the Charlie Hebdo massacre, Pittsburgh attack, the Yom kippur murders in Germany recently etc, we can't ignore the worldwide escalation in anti-semitism" she says. "Our goal is to educate a gobal audience with the reach that only cinema can achieve so that we and the world never

forget."

The bottom line is Hollywood-stye drama is more attractive to the man on the street than a documentary; and unlike museums which need people to walk into them, cinema flows out to small communities and tiny villages whose inhabitants would otherwise not have accessibility to museums, or the impetus to seek one out.

She has just received approval from the Australian Cultural Fund to assist her in raising finance, which, under their umbrella, attracts tax deductbility for donations. She also has a Kickstrater campaign up and running.

Fellow descendant Ziva Moss kindly hosted an event recently attended by the 30-strong community of Sydney Sugihara survivors to launch this initiative.

"Shout out if you've ever heard of Sugihara. No? I intend to change that" she says.

To help her in her quest to realise her dream, reach out to Linda at lroyal@outlook.com.au or on 0410 623789.

Website: thesaviourfilm.com

I Probably Should Have GLOBAL AMBASSADOR, MORIAH COLLEGE & CEO, MOSAIC UNITED RABBI BENJI LEVY Parshat Vayeitzei begins with Jacob, a lonely wanderer, falling into a deep slumber after arranging the ground for a fitting place to sleep. Isolated in the wilderness, Jacob dreams of ‘a ladder grounded in the earth, with its head reaching the heavens and behold; angels of God are ascending and descending.’

This intense prophecy brought Jacob to the realisation of the sanctity of the ground in which he was located – Mount Moriah.

Jacob awoke and said, ‘Indeed Hashem is in this place and I did not know!’ What does Jacob mean when he professes to not having known that God was in this place?

Does Jacob, the forefather of faith, lack

faith here?

Jacob was fatigued at the time; physically from travel and emotionally after having duped his father and angered his brother.

He was roaming from his painful past into his arduous future where he would have to dedicate over a decade of his life to a deceiving father in law. But in this moment of tranquilly, his body craves sleep. Rashi explained that if Jacob had known he was in such a holy place, he would not have slept. The Netziv extends this to explain that Jacob was sorry that he slept in the same place where he encountered the Divine presence when he could have stayed awake to pray. Essentially Jacob, it seems, bemoaned the fact that he had the opportunity of a lifetime, in this localised period of calmness in his life on holiest site on earth, to pour his heart out to his Creator. And instead, he escapes reality and falls asleep.

Regret can be a gut-wrenching sentiment. It is terrible when an opportunity passes us by and in retrospect we know we

could and would have done it differently.

We review what we have done and realise it is simply ‘a twisted thing that cannot be made straight, a lack that cannot be made good.’ Often we live in the moment, for the moment, within the parameters of the moment. This means that much of the significance of our acts and their effects on others is hidden from view.

What was Jacob’s dream? A dream is a set of thoughts taking place in the mind without connection to the outside reality. In that sense, a great deal of our waking life is like a dream. Dreams are forethoughts that occur while we are making other plans, focused on other goals. We sleep walk through life, too busy with our past or future to truly live in the present. In response to this the Rambam states, ‘awake sleepers from your sleep; rouse yourselves, slumberers from your slumber…’

We can all recall people we wished we spent more time with or activities we wished we invested more in. Retrospect works to our detriment when thought of in terms of

regret and we use the common phrase: ‘I probably should have.’ But it can also propel us forward if we learn for the future rather than dwelling on the past. The Torah brings the example of Jacob’s realisation, to awaken within us the understanding that the seemingly insignificant moments in life are often the most important and that the greatest opportunities are sometimes right beneath our nose.

Rabbi Benji Levy is the CEO of Mosaic United, a partnership between the State of Israel and the global Jewish community dedicated to addressing wide-ranging approaches to Jewish engagement and raising the playing field to ensure a stronger Jewish future. A recent Oleh from Australia, he previously served as the Dean of one of the largest Jewish schools in the world, Moriah College and now is their global ambassador.

The Melbourne Jewish Report wishes everyone a safe, restful break and a Chag Chanukah Sameach We will be back in Feburary 2020!

Next issue: February

20

sports

December 2019

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING

MACCABIAH 2021

Maccabiah 2021 will bring together the best Jewish athletes from over 80 countries around the world to compete from 20 July 2021 to 3 August 2021. The Australian Team will be fielding teams in a range of sports in the junior, open and masters categories.

Australia has a proud history of attendance at the Maccabiah games having sent a team of over 550 in 2017. Under the guidance of Barry Smorgon OAM, Head of Delegation for the games in

2021 and Simone Cohen, General Manager, the team has started to take shape.

The Senior Leadership team has been inducted, with team manager and coach interviews now underway. Appointments will made in the next month.

Nominations for athletes will open on 2 December 2019 and close on 30 April 2020.

Visit www.revolutionise.com.au/maccabiah1 or email maccabiah@maccabi. com.au if you have any questions.

Your Will...

Israel’s Future Continue the legacy of the Founders and Leaders of Israel by leaving a Bequest or an Endowment Fund for OUR PEOPLE For a confidential discussion, please contact: Idan Goldberger Executive Director/Shaliach Idan.Goldberger@uiavic.org Estelle Wytwornik Planned Giving Co-ordinator Estelle.Wytwornik@uiavic.org or 1300 ISRAEL (1300 477 235)

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