Grace, at the start of her primary years at The King David School (more school photos and stories on pages 6-7)
The immediate past chair of Australia’s only Jewish community radio station J-AIR has received an Australia Day honour.
Community service has been 69-yearold Sean Meltzer’s passion.
That began at age 19 when he was elected president of La Trobe University Union.
Thereafter, he started the first on-air university campus radio station.
He was also instrumental in implementing a university childcare program and in establishing a new union hall.
Sean began his working life on Willesee at 7 and spent the next three decades developing his skills as a sound recordist, videographer, editor and producer.
He contributed to shows including 60 Minutes, Four Corners and Shirl’s Neighbourhood.
He worked on the landmark, Emmynominated documentary Suzie’s Story (1987) on the trauma of HIV/AIDS on a mother and her eight-year-old child.
In 1999, Sean worked with the Shoah Foundation to record Holocaust testimonies.
KOSHER CROSSWORD
Sean Meltzer OAM – for service to the Jewish community and to the arts
For a decade, he interviewed participants in the annual March of the Living, which visits Poland and Israel, producing a full-length documentary each year.
He travelled throughout Eastern Europe to locate and document sites of mass graves associated with Holocaust atrocities.
Sean donated the footage he took to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum for the creation of a permanent display.
He was a foundation member, president and then chair of J-AIR.
He filmed AJAX football matches to enable coaches to review and analyse games, and was a member of the AJAX board for several years.
Sean was a Rotary volunteer and created a series of educational videos on domestic violence for the organisation.
In summary, he has spent a lifetime recording the history, and ensuring the growth of, the Melbourne Jewish community and the community at large.
His legacy is one of service, preservation and impact.
Pastries
10. Deleted scene
11. Home of Zion, in America
12. Aspirin amount
13. Shea was near it
19. Prime Minister Sharon, to some
22. Single-celled creature
24. Not ands or buts
26. Mass. neighbor
27. Rami who won an Oscar in 2019
28. "Daily Planet" reporter Jimmy
29. Michelob option
30. Middle X, in a game
31. Rich, in Ramla
33. Under sail
34. Devoid of emotion
35. Occur in Torah?
40. Cherokee maker
41. Virginia college, briefly
42. Spurs (on)
45. "It slipped my mind"
47. Business designation, for short
49. Cut, as timber
51. Inter, as a Pharaoh
53. Faucet flaws
55. "___ ma'aseh bereishis"
56. 1965 novel set on the planet Arrakis
57. Haza who sang in "The Prince of Egypt"
59. Sefira month
60. Uber option
61. Line crosser, of sorts
62. Merkava, e.g.
63. It, in Rome
65. "Jeopardy!" monitor display: Abbr.
67. "V for Vendetta" actor Stephen
Sean Meltzer OAM
YONI GLATT
JUDAISM VICTORIA AROUND THE COMMUNITY
As a university student, it is challenging to describe the inner turmoil that has become part of my every day since October 7. While walking between classes, or having lunch outside, I am frequently overcome with a sense that I am not welcome on campus.
As an educator and mentor in Progressive Jewish Zionist youth movement Netzer from 2019 to 2023, I am proud to have been part of a community celebrating Jewish heritage and diversity, and engaging with the challenges of dual narratives, coexistence and listening to the truths of others. Post-Netzer, I feel more passionate than ever to be part of community with my young adult Progressive Jewish peers. For decades, such a space has only been talked about in idealistic terms.
Enter Tamar, Tnuat Magshimim Reformit, a global platform for engaging Progressive Jewish young adults aged 18 to 35 looking to build and strengthen Progressive Jewish connections and communities.
Tamar Australia & New Zealand launched in December 2024, at an inaugural Shabbat retreat. Twenty-five participants welcomed and farewelled Shabbat, then began strategic planning.
Launching Tamar Melbourne: a Progressive Jewish community for young adults
Amongst new friends, I was struck by how alone I had felt up until then. I have been torn between feeling unheard in progressive social justice spaces I have participated in for years, while simultaneously being misrepresented by various Jewish spaces I wished to otherwise affiliate with.
In our Tamar discussions, it became clear that this sense of isolation and
rejection wasn’t just mine – it resonated collectively.
Tamar Melbourne’s objectives developed organically. They include holding space to openly discuss the tumult (both global and local) of today, intentionally exploring our Jewish identities as young people and creating a community in which we feel at home.
Tamar Melbourne programming will
involve monthly Kabbalat Shabbat Services on the third Friday of each month and monthly "Sunday Sessions”, on the first Sunday of each month. The latter will involve facilitated discussions, guest speakers, music or craft sessions, or a purely social space. There will also be a Tamar Melbourne Retreat in the middle of the year.
I hope one day to feel safe being Jewish and Zionist, and an advocate for Palestinian rights, in Left spaces, amongst my peers and on campus. Today, it seems wildly out of reach. Yet, Tamar is a beacon of hope – a safe space for discourse, Progressive Jewish pride and collective healing.
As we put down roots and grow, it will be a pleasure to nurture this space with more young people in their 20s and 30s who seek a community in which they are seen and heard, in which they may explore their Jewish heritage and identity with intentionality and with pride.
For more information, please email Noa at melbourne.tamar@gmail.com
Tamar Australia & NZ linktree: https:// linktr.ee/Tamar_AusNZ
Tamar Australia Instagram: tamar_ ausnz
Torah Service at Tamar's inaugural Australia & New Zealand Retreat, December 2024
CONSIDERED OPINION
Understanding the unthinkable
I recently had the opportunity to watch Steven Spielberg’s documentary The Last Days. The film masterfully weaves together the testimonies of Holocaust survivors, presenting a harrowing account of the most industrialised genocide of the 20th century. But watching it in the wake of October 7 gave me a profoundly different perspective. One survivor’s story, in particular, struck me.
She described life in her picturesque Hungarian village, where Jewish and non-Jewish residents coexisted harmoniously. The town of 20,000 had a substantial Jewish population – around 40 per cent – and they identified more as Hungarians than as Jews. They attended the same schools, worked together and shared a peaceful, integrated existence. But when the Nazis arrived, everything changed.
They were given 24 hours to pack no more than 25 kilograms of belongings before being marched to the train station. What shocked her most was not the Nazi soldiers, but the hostility of her own neighbours – people she had known all her life – who hurled abuse at them. Familiar faces, including parents from school committees, screamed “Jews, get out! You are not welcome here!” Decades later, the pain in her voice was
still raw. Since the horrors of October 7, I have found myself grappling with similar questions about human nature. What disturbs me most is the widespread participation of ordinary people in proPalestinian rallies. Many openly support Hamas, the group behind one of the most barbaric terrorist attacks in modern history.
The sheer brutality of their assault on women, children and other innocent civilians, coupled with their grotesque celebration of violence, should be
Reviving the spirit
After 16 months of war and relentless hostilities, the northern coastal city of Nahariya, located close to Israel’s border with Lebanon, is at a critical point. The prolonged state of emergency has severely impacted infrastructure and deeply shaken community morale. Essential municipal services – welfare, special education, and elderly care – remain in crisis. Many residents are afraid to return to their daily activities or venture outdoors.
Nahariya is one of four frontline cities where JDC has launched its Reviving the Spirit (‘Mashiv Haruach’) program. This innovative model is restoring stability, instilling personal strength, rebuilding resilience and delivering interventions tailored to the community’s needs. Designed to address both immediate and long-term challenges, the program is helping the city start its journey toward healing.
In Nahariya, Reviving the Spirit has already impacted more than 10,000 residents. Thousands more, however, remain in urgent need of emotional and physical support to recover from the devastating effects of the war.
JDC has implemented several lifechanging initiatives, including:
• A therapeutic music room to impact more than 1,000 vulnerable and traumatised youth at risk, providing
beyond justification. And yet, people march in their name, flying flags and paying respect to Yahya Sinwar (a person whose reputation for ruthlessness and violence earned him the nickname “The Butcher of Khan Younis”). Who are these individuals? What compels them to identify with this ideology?
And what about the vandals in Sydney who, under cover of night, torch cars and scrawl hateful messages on Jewish property? What do they hope to gain?
The risks – incarceration, a lifetime of being branded a terrorist – surely outweigh the fleeting satisfaction of being the intimidator?
I was in New York at the United Nations on September 26 last year, the day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address. I stood in disbelief as I watched the massive crowd of anti-Israel demonstrators – ordinarylooking individuals, including members of an ultra-Orthodox sect – stretching for blocks. What drives them?
Could the youth in first-world countries be more exposed to these characteristics, which may explain why large protests are staged there? Could the increasingly unhinged and vicious electioneering in the US, UK and France also be an expression of this?
I do not have definitive answers to these questions. Nor do I hold out much hope that things will return to normal anytime soon. But one thing is clear, I truly grasp the stunned bewilderment of that Holocaust survivor – betrayed by those she once considered as “ordinary”.
Dr Sagit Yehoshua, an Israeli applied criminologist specialising in the psychology of terrorism, offers an interesting insight into the thinking of a terrorist. In her research for her book “Terrorist Minds”, she has observed a significant shift in the mindset of terrorists over the past two decades. Previously, ideological commitment was a primary motivator – whether framed as a fight against corruption, social liberation or resistance to occupation. These individuals viewed their actions as selfless sacrifices for a greater social cause. Today, she argues, ideology serves merely as a pretext. Today's terrorists, many of whom are young people grappling with personal grievances, identity crises and a desperate need for belonging, often find themselves drawn to extremist ideologies. When an extremist ideology presents itself, it provides them with a purpose – a narrative in which they can channel their frustrations. Could this explain why we now see LGBTQIA+ activists marching in solidarity with a group that would persecute them under its rule? Are social media algorithms exploiting these vulnerabilities, leading individuals down radicalising pathways?
them with an outlet to process their emotions and regain a sense of normalcy.
• Tailored workshops equipping parents and educators with the tools to support more than 2,000 anxious and stressed children in coping with their emotional distress.
• Community gardens that foster inclusion, connection and resilience for more than 500 residents, creating safe spaces for healing and rebuilding social ties.
• Home tutoring and group workshops addressing learning gaps for hundreds of students whose
education has been disrupted by the war, ensuring they do not fall further behind.
• Support for small businesses negatively impacted by the war, with a distinct focus on revitalising tourism and nightlife to reignite the city’s economic vitality.
“The war is extremely challenging for children with special needs,” said Nahariya resident, Anna, a mother of a six-year-old son living with autism. "He becomes hysterical when the sirens sound and he hears rockets exploding. It is so painful for me to see him in that state … and it takes me hours to calm him down."
Describing a recent JDC-sponsored sports day, Anna said: “It gave me a moment to unwind … a respite from the anxiety and stress … and something meaningful for the soul. It was even more special for the kids … an opportunity to be set free and just be kids – the way it is meant to be."
JDC (The Joint) remains steadfast in its commitment to the reconstruction of northern Israel over the coming years, including the emotional healing of its residents and the restoration of the spirit of its communities.
Your support will enable JDC to strengthen and expand the Reviving the Spirit model across northern Israel, setting a path for emotional healing and economic recovery in the region.
To donate, go to: https://thejoint.org. au/
DION COHEN
New York, 26th September, 2024 (photo by Dion Cohen – The Jewish Report)
JDC (THE JOINT) AUSTRALIA
JDC volunteers working in a community garden in Israel
THE COMMUNITY
What began as a bold experiment in 2006 now serves more than 14,000 Israelis in 49 communities throughout Israel.
Youth Futures is an innovative national initiative dedicated to providing at-risk children aged six to 13 and their families with the support they need to achieve long-term success. The program, operating across 36 locations in Israel, delivers comprehensive interventions designed to help children become independent and productive members of society. In 2023/24, Youth Futures reached 14,823 beneficiaries across 49 communities, with an additional 9,882 children benefiting indirectly.
At the heart of Youth Futures are professionally trained mentors who work closely with each child and their family for three years. These mentors connect the children with essential community resources, develop customised plans to close educational and social gaps, and help set goals for a brighter future.
Following October 7, Youth Futures has become a crucial support system for many families affected by the conflict. Families were forced to evacuate their homes and Youth Futures acted swiftly, providing financial grants, remote
From risk to promise – UIA supported Youth Futures program receives national recognition
learning tools and trauma support. Its quick and effective response to these unprecedented challenges demonstrated the program’s immense value to Israeli society.
This responsiveness led to Youth Futures being recognised as a national initiative, reaffirming the importance of investing in long-term support for at-risk children. This national recognition culminated in
a powerful ceremony at the residence of President Isaac Herzog, where Youth Futures was officially acknowledged as a national program. In the presence of ministers, municipal leaders and key partners, President Herzog praised the program’s impact. The ceremony included an exhibition showcasing the creativity and personal growth of children in the program. One of the
Mutterings
most touching moments came when Keren Dodzon, a program graduate from Be'er Sheva, presented a project called "Our Story", which she created with her mentor, reflecting the deep, lasting influence of Youth Futures on its participants.
With national recognition comes the opportunity for expansion. Youth Futures plans to introduce 70 new mentors and open 15 additional centres in high-need areas across Israel.
These efforts will ensure more children can access the psychological and social support they need, particularly through ‘Family Space’ centres designed to help families cope with trauma. Backed by UIA, Keren Hayesod-UIA, The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Israeli government and local authorities, this initiative is a critical step toward securing a brighter future for Kol Yisrael.
The success of Youth Futures depends on the continued support of the community.
The intent is to ensure that every child in Israel has the chance to build a brighter future. To find out more, go to https://uiaaustralia.org.au
Youth Futures mentors support at-risk youth, turning risk into opportunity
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
The King David School's Early Learning Centre offers a dynamic, growthoriented program for young children, from the age of two years. At the heart of the Centre’s philosophy is a commitment to nurturing each child’s innate curiosity.
The curriculum is carefully crafted, shaped by the interests and ideas of the children themselves. Educators work in close collaboration with families to ensure that every child’s individual learning needs are met and that the programs are playbased, educationally rigorous and developmentally appropriate.
Jewish Life is at the core of King David’s Early Childhood program and the ELC moves to the rhythm of the Jewish calendar. Children are introduced to Jewish traditions, values and culture in a way that is accessible and engaging for their age.
The program facilitates learning through exploration and peer interaction, and fostering respect for others and the world. It recognises the need for different types of experiences to accommodate individual learning
Hands on learning at King David’s ELC
styles and allow children to explore their world through hands-on experiences, encouraging them to ask questions, solve problems and develop critical thinking skills.
A range of parent education sessions on a variety of topics
relevant to the early years is also offered throughout the year.
Part time places are available, as is the opportunity to choose between school hours or long day care.
New to the school this year is a weekly playgroup, run every Friday,
called Kef Kan (meaning fun here) for newborns to 30 months olds. Activities include singalongs, Shabbat, hands on activities and much more.
To enquire about joining Kef Kan on Fridays or enrolling in the ELC, please email admissions@kds.vic.edu.au
KDS Playgroup
Kef Kan (Fun Here) is a new weekly playgroup run every Friday (in the Junior School Library) Starting February 2025. There will be two sessions: 9:00am - 10:00am (up to 18 months) 10:30am-11:30am (for 19-20 months)
Activities will include: Singalong music
Hands on activities
Shabbat/Chagim
Games Guest speakers
Register your interest
THE KING DAVID SCHOOL
From left: Raphael and Miri at The King David School ELC Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration 2024
From left, Naiya and Rafi at the ELC last year
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
At King David there are structures in place to ensure students can start the school year inspired and ready to learn.
Starting school can be intimidating for our youngest learners. Everything is so big and new.
To ensure the Prep students can get used to their surroundings and the school routine, they start a day before all the other students return so that they have the whole place to themselves.
This year, they excitedly explored their new classrooms and had a visit from Principal Marc Light who welcomed them to their education adventure.
For those students who attended Senior Kinder at King David’s ELC, it wasn’t their first time in the Prep classrooms. During Term 4 last year they had several orientation sessions, where they met their Prep teachers, spent time in the Prep space and joined their doll guides ‘Snookie’ and ‘Pookie’ on an adventure around the school.
Brilliant beginnings in Prep
The Prep students will soon begin the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) program, enabling them to use phonics to learn the 44 letter combinations of the English alphabet and start to read within a few weeks.
Being part of the Junior School at King David means they will also have a number of exciting specialist lessons, including Art, Digitech, Music, Philosophy and Sport. Prep students in particular love the time they spend in the Kibbutz garden, planting and harvesting seasonal vegetables and herbs.
Find out more by enrolling on a Discovery Tour. Visit www.kds.vic.edu. au to book.
THE KING DAVID SCHOOL
Keren Rochwerger and Ziggy
Tamar
THE COMMUNITY
DAHLIA D’ONGHIA PRESENTER ON J-AIR 88FM AROUND
One of the most admirable qualities of the former chief rabbi of the Commonwealth, Jonathan Sacks, was his propensity for empathy. Whether he was talking to a Muslim high school student, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins or the Archbishop of Canterbury, he always maintained a respectful, intelligent and kind approach, without a hint of judgment. In the four years since his passing, the world has descended into chaos, first with a devastating global pandemic and now with the rise of extremism and widespread support for terror. Never have the rabbi’s words and wisdom been more pertinent to the future of not only the Jewish people, but of free societies everywhere.
In 2001, in the aftermath of 9/11, Rabbi Sacks wrote a book called The Dignity of Difference. In the tome, he wrestled with what he perceived to be the potential for a clash of civilisations due to religious extremism and globalisation. He predicted that if we didn’t change the way we related to one another, we would end up living in a culture of confrontation without compromise or nuance. Today, we call that cancel culture. Seems that Rabbi Sacks’ predictions were correct. However, his book was not an exercise in fear mongering, rather a message of hope.
In 375 BC, Plato’s Republic introduced a concept of universalism to the world that surmised that truth and reality were universal. What is true for one, is true for all. This theory has since underpinned the very fabric of Western civilisation and haunts us to this day. Rabbi Sacks argued that it was this very idea of universalism, ‘Plato’s ghost’, that led to some of the greatest crimes in history. The bone of contention was as follows: if my belief is the truth, then your belief, which may differ from mine, must be wrong. A culture like this leaves no room for difference. In contrast, Rabbi Sacks suggested that our very dignity as human beings is rooted in our uniqueness as individuals. By honouring and even celebrating the differences between us, whether they be cultural, religious, personality traits or personal experiences, we begin to break down some of the fear that arises when encountering the unfamiliar. The way I see it, there are two kinds of people. There are those that say we are just a meaningless speck of life in a vast universe and others that contend we all have inherent value in this world.
To cite the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, it is our personal responsibility to use our unique abilities for good. But we can’t do that if we don’t first recognise that we all have unique strengths as individuals. Too often do I find prejudice and judgment both inside and outside the Jewish world, where difference is perceived as a threat. A threat to identity, a threat to homogeneity, a threat to the convenience of everyday living. Yet, who are we, as a people that have suffered so much for being different, to judge someone else for being different?
The dignity of difference
I wrote this article on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Doing so, I thought about the remaining survivors of the Holocaust that find themselves again living through a time of hate and fear, simply because they are Jewish. To have your life bookended by hate in such a way is tragic. Yet, when you listen to the testimonies of many Holocaust survivors you realise that there is no hate or feelings of revenge in their hearts. Overwhelmingly, what they preach is a message of kindness and tolerance towards all people. Rabbi Sacks’ message was the same. It is not enough for us to simply seek out our commonalities in order to unite us. We must actively celebrate the ways in which we are unique. There is a tradition in the Jewish world to honour the righteous among the nations – those that are not Jewish that risk their lives to save or assist Jews during periods of persecution. When I was thinking about the guests I would interview on air and the stories I wanted to share, I knew that I couldn’t solely focus on sharing diverse Jewish stories, but should also look at stories from those outside the community that bravely support us.
I chose to launch The Dignity of Difference by featuring Barbara and
Norman Miller (pictured), the founders of Indigenous Friends of Israel International. This couple has spent almost three decades tirelessly speaking up for not only Indigenous Australian affairs, but also for Jewish civil rights and Israel. Both Barbara and Norman are Christian pastors that were inspired by the story of William Cooper. He was a Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Christian that led the Australian Aborigines’ League in one of the few protests worldwide against Kristallnacht in 1938. William Cooper was the first Indigenous Australian to be honoured by Yad Vashem. Over the past 15 months, Barbara and Norman have continuously spoken out against antisemitism and have donated numerous art works to the Australian Jewish community, symbolising the strong bonds between us. Stories like theirs are not shared often enough and are essential to combatting some of the false narratives being propelled against Israel and the Jewish people.
My second guest on the show was one of the many Israeli content creators and advocates that have emerged since October 7th. I have never admired the strength and drive of my generation of young Jews more than in the past year or so and it is because of this surge of
activism that I maintain a sense of hope for the future. Tal Oran (@thetravelingclatt) is an Israeli/American/Iraqi influencer who now dedicates his days to sharing his family’s story of persecution in the Middle East and to combatting the false narrative that Israel is a white Colonial state. Exploring the diversity of the Jewish world is a fascinating venture and when you realise how culturally rich we are as a nation, you also realise that there is no single Jewish story.
Stories like these serve to remind us that it is precisely when we value the individual that we learn to value the whole. We cannot learn to love or respect humanity without first learning to love and respect ourselves, our families and our neighbours. Without this, we lose the diversity that is so essential for a free and flourishing society.
Perhaps Rabbi Sack said it best: “The only adequate response to the fear and hatred of difference is to honour the dignity of difference.”
Dahlia hosts The Dignity of Difference on J-AIR 88FM, Sundays at 5pm. Tune in live/listen back at j-air.com. au/programs/the-dignity-of-difference
You can also choose to follow the show on Instagram @thedignityofdifference
Barbara and Norman Miller
CONSIDERED OPINION
I was enraged.
How could even one of those despicable terrorists still walk the face of the Earth?
To have committed those heinous atrocities on so many innocent people of all ages is beyond comprehension.
Much as I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about that abhorrent and gruesome day (October 7, 2023). My stomach had been in a knot for one year and one day, and that sick feeling just wouldn’t go away.
If I felt like this, being geographically so far removed, I could not even begin to imagine how the grandparents, parents, siblings, extended family and friends of those dear souls felt.
Candidly, for me to function 'normally' was an impossible ask because I didn't know what normal was anymore. To simply "get on" with life was a struggle. Everything was tarnished now. Joy and real happiness eluded me. A walk at the beach on a beautiful sunny day saw me comparing my day with that of a 19 or 20-year-old girl, stuck in a dungeon in Gaza, subjected to unthinkable horrors.
Those killed and kidnapped on October 7 were decent people whose lives had been callously ended or put on hold … endlessly.
We are all so used to being asked, "How are you?", with the usual response being "fine", but I had been lying for 366 days. “Fine” is just a cop out – a nothing word. By “fine”, I actually meant “not fine”, but nobody really wanted to know that.
Life in Israel changed instantly on October 7.
Regrettably, life in Melbourne also changed all too quickly after that dreadful day. Pity, sympathy and empathy lasted but momentarily.
"Yes … but” became the new catch phrase. There was and is nothing to justify this convenient and loathsome sound bite. Still, it was thrown around at every opportunity. Let me be clear, what happened on October 7 deserves ONLY unequivocal condemnation. Period!
Like so many Jews around the world, the magnitude of the horrors of October 7 and the shock emanating from it deeply affected me. Almost immediately, I said I must do something … I need to do something to try to help.
I became fixated on a Facebook group called Sword of Iron, which listed all sorts of volunteering opportunities throughout Israel. It was there that I discovered SarEl, a voluntary organisation assisting and supporting the IDF, mainly in terms of logistical needs, through hands-on work.
I made the necessary calls to SarEl Australia and within 10 days all was confirmed. So, I booked my flight and off to Israel I flew.
As my son, Jonny, said when he came to farewell me, "Many people volunteer, but it's usually for a particular cause or a charity. You're volunteering to help an entire nation.”
My first day in Tel Aviv and my first volunteering opportunity was at a huge distribution centre called Eran's Angels. Alongside two American volunteers, I spent the morning sorting clothes to be distributed to displaced people and others in need.
Thereafter, we travelled by bus to our new 'home' for the next little while, namely a large tent, housing 28 ladies in bunk beds, three toilets and three showers.
After we were kitted out in uniforms and a quick lunch in the communal dining
Lend a hand, lift a nation
room, it was off to work. For a fortnight, our job was packing snacks for the soldiers. Thousands and thousands are needed every day, so it's a constant churn.
We bundled, packed, stacked and boxed a good few thousand items.
My next volunteering job was with Meir Panim, an organisation that supports those most affected by the war, front line soldiers and displaced evacuated families.
Meir Panim has provided warm, comforting meals and goods for soldiers in the field and displaced families since the war began. I peeled a multitude of potatoes and crumbed hundreds of schnitzels.
In addition to food related services, Meir Panim also provides lifesaving army equipment to reservists.
Then, three other volunteers and I travelled two hours south from Tel Aviv, close to the Gaza border, to serve vegan food to 600 fighters. These brave soldiers,
some still in their teens, were going on a break after two months in Gaza, although their leave was almost cancelled. I was told by one of the organisers that the battalion we were helping out had had a difficult morning, with another death within their ranks. But after consulting with officers, they said they needed volunteers more than ever.
So, we got to work cutting up onions, slicing tomatoes, deep frying schnitzels (all vegan) and preparing chips, served with pita, hummus and tehini.
All the vegan food was supplied by a vegan restaurant in Tel Aviv called J17 Vegan Home Kitchen. J17 is a kosher vegan restaurant that since October 8 has been providing about 3,000 vegan dishes a day to soldiers and those in need across the country. We quickly learned that our vegan food van was part of a much larger event held in an enormous tent, where hundreds of soldiers and their families
could come to let down their hair – to eat, talk and dance.
More than that, hairdressers and massage therapists were also on hand to spruce up and relieve tired and aching bodies.
My next volunteering job was picking cherry tomatoes at a moshav. Leket Israel sends volunteers to help farmers during times of crisis. After October 7, many farmers were drafted into the reserves or lost their farmhands (mainly Thais) following Oct 7. As a result, their produce was being left in the fields to rot.
Thereafter, down south near Gaza again, I helped out with the biggest barbecue of my life, this one for IDF units.
Organiser Jeff Seidel, said: “These gatherings are not just about enjoying delicious food and great, live music, but also offer moments of relaxation and camaraderie for the soldiers.
The positive impact on morale is immeasurable, giving soldiers a muchneeded respite from their duties."
We served these grateful and ravenous soldiers succulent steak, chicken, sausages, burgers, salads and pita, all paid for by volunteers and other philanthropic organisations.
My final volunteering job was in Jerusalem with an organisation called Tachlit. We packaged fresh produce for soldiers, evacuees, the poor and also for people with disabilities.
We spoke to wonderful Israeli teenagers who were also eager to help out, along with other dedicated adults doing their bit.
My month in Israel was an unforgettable and enriching experience. The People of Israel were so appreciative that we were willing to come all this way to help and support them. The look on their faces was one of extreme gratitude.
Vicki Kaplan has produced a 23-minute documentary about her time as a volunteer. You can see it for free on YouTube: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSRPlT_P19s
VICKI KAPLAN
Vicki Kaplan with her son, Jeremy, volunteering with Israeli not-for-profit Tachlit, in Jerusalem
Vicki working with Leket in Moshav Achituv, in central Israel
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
DAVID SOLOMON, CEO AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
In 2025 the Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
For five decades, AFTAU has been committed to serving as a dynamic bridge between two inspired communities –Australia and Israel. We are dedicated to the nurturing of higher education, as well as the development of some of Israel’s best minds. We enthusiastically pursue the advancement of Tel Aviv University (TAU) in the world by raising money, awareness and influence. In this way, we support TAU’s vital role in changing lives that change the world.
Tel Aviv University
For Israel, education is not a luxury, it is essential for survival. And in Israel today, Tel Aviv University is a focal point for that education.
Founded in 1933 as the University College of Sciences, TAU was formally established in 1956 and gained full autonomy with the opening of its Ramat Aviv campus in 1963.
Now, Israel’s largest university hosts more than 30,000 students across the country’s broadest range of degree and nondegree programs. A major teaching and research hub, TAU comprises nine faculties, 27 schools, 98 departments and upwards of 130 research institutes and multidisciplinary centres.
50 years and counting …
through its individual donors, has been one of the highest per capita of any of TAU’s Friends groups globally.
Our record is a proud one and the TAU campus holds many examples of the Australian Friends’ generous support. There is also a long list of people who through their personal achievements have been awarded honours – including Honorary Doctorates, Honorary Fellowships, President's Awards and Friendship Awards – through the university.
Since 1977, we have been fortunate to welcome many distinguished and impressive professors from the university. These visits have greatly inspired us in our efforts and have helped in our growth and development.
They have become an integral part of the Friends’ activities, as well as contributing to general communal life in Melbourne and Sydney.
Consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and top 20 in scientific citations, TAU is Israel’s top choice for students, with its graduates highly sought after by employers.
With a global outlook, TAU fosters interdisciplinary research and education
Situated in Israel’s cultural, financial and tech capital, TAU embodies Tel Aviv’s dynamic, pluralistic spirit – mirroring the city’s innovation, discovery and diversity.
to tackle the 21st century’s most pressing challenges.
AFTAU activities
This is a year for AFTAU to thank and honour the many benefactors that have supported TAU. With them, the contribution over the past fifty years, by both the Australian Friends as an organisation and
1987 was a special year for the Australian Friends as it marked the first occasion we were visited by the university president. Other presidential trips followed and again, this October, we will greet TAU’s president, Professor Arial Porat. Other exceptional TAU academics, researchers and leaders will also make their way to Australia throughout the year.
While the climate in Israel and Australia is not conducive to celebrating, 2025 will still see a range of AFTAU activities recognising the last 50 years and the people that have made it happen.
aftau.asn.au
The gift of a lifetime.
The things we care about don’t stop when we do.
No matter your stage in life, now is the perfect time to plan for your values to be represented long after you are gone. What do you want your legacy to be?
Supporting Israel’s greatest natural resource - its people - and contributing to the education of future generations, is one of the most inspiring gifts you can give. It’s a promise today for Israel’s tomorrow.
Making a gift in your will to Tel Aviv University will ensure your legacy lives on with Israel, forever.
Please contact David Solomon on 0418 465 556 or davidsolomon@aftau.org.au
Tel Aviv University in the foreground
YOASH DVIR, CEO TECHNION AUSTRALIA AROUND
THE COMMUNITY
Hebrew Language Day
A century of innovation: celebrating 100 years of the Technion
“We cannot tolerate such indifference toward our language ...”
Every year, Israel marks Hebrew Language Day on the birthday of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda (7th January, 1858 – 16th December, 1922), the man credited with reviving Hebrew as a modern, living language. The commemoration (on the 21st of Tevet) serves as a reminder of the transformative power of language in shaping a nation’s identity. Ben-Yehuda, a linguist, journalist and ardent Zionist, viewed Hebrew not only as a link to Jewish history, but as a cornerstone for the modern state of Israel. His tireless efforts turned an ancient tongue into a vibrant, evolving medium for daily life, literature and academia.
In 1924, on a hillside in Haifa, the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology opened its doors, igniting a journey that would intertwine scientific rigour with visionary ambition. Born from the aspirations of a fledgling community, the Technion set out to train engineers and scientists that would help shape the nation of Israel. Today, as we approach its centennial, the Technion stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience, a living testament to how education can transform societies and push the boundaries of human potential.
At the time, Germany was the leading country in the world in science and Hebrew didn’t even have all the words for the teaching of engineering. Ultimately, the Technion yielded to the movement’s demands, cementing Hebrew’s role as the language of instruction. This victory not only solidified Technion’s place as a pioneer in integrating Hebrew into higher education but also made the institution one of the places where the Hebrew language was formed. It showed that the language could handle the complexities of scientific and technical discourse.
The revival of Hebrew was never merely a linguistic endeavour. It was a cultural and national mission. In the early 20th century, as waves of Jewish immigrants began to rebuild their homeland, there was no guarantee that Hebrew would take its place as the common language.
Throughout the years, the Technion’s contributions have rippled across the world, impacting fields from medicine to computer science and clean energy. Among the Technion’s storied achievements, one of the most remarkable was the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Professors Avram Hershko and Aaron Ciechanover for their discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Their breakthrough has had far-reaching implications for cancer treatment, shining a light on processes that control protein breakdown in cells and opening doors to novel therapies (source: NobelPrize.org, 2004).
In the field of technology, Technion graduates were early pioneers in Israel’s emerging high-tech industry,
Many in the Jewish community spoke Yiddish, Russian, German, or Ladino and there were fierce debates about which language should dominate. Nowhere was this debate more evident than at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, one of the country’s first modern academic institutions. Whilst the Technion only opened its gates in 1924, its corner
stone was set in 1912, and the prospect of its opening became a battleground for the infamous “Language War”. At the time, the German-speaking Ezra youth movement proposed that the institution adopt German as the primary language of instruction, particularly for teaching science and engineering. This sparked widespread outrage among Hebrew revivalists, who saw the move as a betrayal of the Zionist dream. What followed was an extraordinary grassroots movement known as “The War of the Languages”, in which activists demanded that Hebrew, the language of the Bible and Jewish heritage, be
firmly established as the academic and national lingua franca.
contributing to critical advances like the microprocessor, which has fuelled digital transformation worldwide. This legacy lives on today with innovations in AI, nanotechnology and autonomous vehicles. Technion alumni lead groundbreaking companies such as Mobileye, which has been at the forefront of self-driving car technology. However, this remarkable journey has not been without its challenges. The Technion’s story is one of forged in times of conflict, global
upheaval and scientific frontiers that demanded perseverance and courage. It’s a story that resonates with the spirit of so many Israelis who, while contributing to science and society, carry the weight of history and hope. This spirit is reflected in the experiences of current Technion students, including those who serve in the reserves, balancing their studies with a commitment to protecting their country.
To honour these 100 years of excellence, innovation and determination, Technion
The resistance to German and the insistence on Hebrew were not just symbolic. They were practical. The Jewish pioneers of the time believed that a shared language was essential to unify a diverse population and forge a distinct national identity. The protests were fierce and the Technion’s administration faced immense public pressure. Letters from groups like the “Hebrew Language Battalion”, an organisation founded by graduates of the Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium, articulated the community’s sentiments:
Australia warmly invites you to share two special evenings that will celebrate the past, present and future of this extraordinary institution. On December 3 in Melbourne and December 4 in Sydney (venues TBA), we will gather for an event that goes beyond commemoration –it’s a chance to connect with the spirit of the Technion and the minds shaping tomorrow. The events will feature talks by distinguished figures, including Nova Peris OAM, Mr David M. Weinberg from Misgav Institute for National Security and a Jerusalem Post contributor, Professor Wayne Kaplan, vice president at the Technion and Professor Moti Segev, a Technion graduate who has seen firsthand the intersection of education and service. Alongside these voices, an art exhibit by Melbourne-born Avraham Vofsi will offer a glimpse into the heart of Israeli culture and creativity, reminding us that science and art often go hand in hand. We invite you to share in a night of brilliance, resilience and soul. Join us in celebrating the Technion’s enduring impact and look forward to the remarkable contributions that still lie ahead.
Today, Technion continues to stand as a testament to the power of cultural resilience. Hebrew Language Day reminds us that languages are more than tools of communication. They are vessels of identity, history, and pride.
As we celebrate Eliezer Ben-Yehuda’s legacy, we honour the visionaries and activists who fought for the Hebrew language’s rightful place. Their efforts have ensured that Hebrew remains not only a link to the past but also a vibrant thread in the tapestry of Israel’s future. You will be able to see more on this subject when a documentary about Technion premieres in Australia at the Jewish International Film Festival later this year.
To be part of these events, go to https:// collections.humanitix.com/technion100-years-grand-event
For 100 years, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has strengthened the State and people of Israel. No institution holds more promise for its future. It educates global entrepreneurs, develops pioneering technologies, expands our scientific frontiers and betters life around the world.
Technion 102 will screen at JIFF 2025
YOASH DVIR TECHNION AUSTRALIA THE
Graduation ceremony at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
ROBERT SCHNEIDER, CEO AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY AROUND THE COMMUNITY
In a transformative step toward healing and renewal, to support the rehabilitation and recovery of those that endured captivity in Gaza, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering full scholarships for a three-year academic degree in any field of study to all released hostages.
This program complements a range of efforts undertaken by The Hebrew University since 7 October, 2023 to assist reservist students and their families, students displaced from their homes and prospective students who served as combat soldiers. These efforts include significant resource allocations, doubling courses and dedicating specialised staff, underscoring the university’s unwavering commitment to bridging academic excellence with profound social responsibility.
This recent initiative will result in the Hebrew University offering full scholarships covering both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs to all released hostages, along with a dedicated fund to ensure children held hostage can access higher education in future. It includes personalised academic
Hebrew University launches scholarship fund for released hostages
guidance, psychological support and career counselling, aiming to provide a foundation for their recovery and reintegration.
The university emphasises not only the academic aspect of this program, but also the importance of creating a warm, supportive community. This holistic
approach aims to restore a sense of belonging, rebuild self-confidence and facilitate a smoother transition back to everyday life.
It also sends a broader message of unity, encouraging Israeli society to extend its support to those who endured unimaginable trauma. President of
the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University Michael Dunkel said: “During the 2024 Board of Governors Meeting, the Hebrew University arranged for delegates to travel to the south to see firsthand the devastation caused by the Hamas invasion on 7 October. We have noted with great pride all that the university has done since 7 October for Israelis affected by the invasion. T his latest announcement is one which we all appreciate and welcome as freed hostages and their families begin to adjust to life post captivity.”
Rector of The Hebrew University Professor Tamir Shefer said: "We are committed to standing by all who experienced the horrors of October 7th and the prolonged captivity under Hamas. It is our responsibility to support them in every way possible.
We aim to help them rebuild a hopeful future and provide a solid anchor in their long rehabilitation journey. As Israel’s leading academic institution, we believe in the transformative power of higher education and its potential to drive personal and societal change. This initiative reflects our deep ethical and social commitment."
Reichman University's innovative approach
Professor Uriel Reichman founded the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (IDC) in 1994, establishing the foundation for what would become Reichman University –Israel’s first private, nonprofit university – in 2021. Its vision blends personal achievement with social responsibility, pioneering interdisciplinary higher education and shaping the future of academia. It creates a new reality that connects with the spirit of the era in which Israel has become known globally as an innovative, start-up nation, where the sky is the limit to reach new scientific and research achievements with realworld impact.
At its core, Reichman University embodies a Zionist ethos, dedicated to serving the State of Israel and cultivating future leaders. Inspired by the humanism of Herzl, Jabotinsky, Ben Gurion and Begin, the institution upholds a Zionism that balances freedom with responsibility.
The university is committed to a Jewish and democratic state that safeguards its minorities, champions entrepreneurship and addresses the needs of disadvantaged communities. Zionism and social responsibility are more than just slogans at Reichman
University. This past year, 55 per cent of Reichman students were called up for reserve duty. That was by far the greatest percentage drawn from any Israeli university. The remaining students mobilised in support, establishing a 24/7 advocacy hub, as well as legal and psychological aid clinics. The research institutes, including the renowned ICT (International Institute for Counterterrorism), play a vital role in providing tools and expertise in the fight against antisemitism and terrorism, in Israel and for governments worldwide.
The Raphael Recanati International School (RRIS) refers to itself as the largest academic absorption centre in the country.
It provides more than 2,500 students from all over the world the opportunity to earn their degrees in Israel, in English, under the guidance of world-renowned lecturers, including many from Ivy League universities. In addition to offering 10 undergraduate degrees and 11 graduate degrees, RRIS provides an extensive range of extracurricular activities. Graduates that return to their home countries
become ambassadors for the State of Israel, while contributing to the leadership of their communities.
This month, federal chair Albert Dadon AM, along with NSW chair Yosi Tal and Victoria chair Eitan Drori OAM, will launch the Australian Friends of Reichman University (AUFRU).
It aims to connect the Australian community with the excellence and opportunities that Reichman University offers.
AUFRU’s goals include fundraising, countering the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement through academic partnerships, and recruiting students to Reichman University as a safer alternative to institutions that have neglected the rise of antisemitism. It also aims to strengthen the alumni network.
Additionally, it seeks to foster collaborations and community initiatives with the university’s research institutes to support the needs of the local community.
Reichman University attracts ambitious young men and women, determined to excel in law, medicine, diplomacy, business, entrepreneurship and science.
The Australian Friends of Reichman University will help make this exceptional academic institution accessible to all Australians.
In June 2024, members of the Board of Governors of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem visited the Nova music festival site, where Israelis were slaughtered and taken captive on 7 October, 2023 (photo by Maxim Dinshtein Photography)
MICHAEL MANHAIM AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
Graduates at Reichman University (photo by Kfir Bolotin, Reichman University)
RABBINIC THOUGHT
Joy and relief, pain and sorrow
suffering is our suffering and their return is our highest priority.
This week, like the previous weeks, I watched with bated breath and relief as a number of hostages were finally released and returned home to Israel. Like all Jewish people around the world, I was overwhelmed with emotion knowing that some of our people have emerged from the hellish depths of captivity and are now back where they belong.
It is difficult to describe the anguish and suffering these men and women have endured and the painful price Israel has paid to secure their freedom – releasing convicted terrorists, many with Israeli blood on their hands.
Here in Melbourne, I felt the palpable joy as spontaneous gatherings erupted in prayer and celebration, welcoming them back. It has been 16 months since October 7. More than 490 days. During this time, the faces and names of the hostages have become like family to us. We see them in our synagogues, on posters lining our streets and everywhere Jews gather – whether that be at weddings, bar mitzvahs or during the High Holidays. Their absence has been a wound we have all felt deeply.
Jewish history has ingrained in us an acute awareness of captivity. Our enemies know that taking Jews hostage cuts to the core of our collective soul. There is a reason that Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh LaZeh (all Jews are responsible for one another) is more than just a saying. That is our reality. I may not have met the remaining hostages personally, but they are my brothers and sisters. Their
Thank you
It’s not every day that you get to bring a UK-born initiative to Melbourne and watch it bloom into something extraordinary, but that’s exactly what happened last December with A Time to Say Thank You.
In a world marked by challenges, division and uncertainty, expressing gratitude has never been more important. Gratitude is a uniquely unifying force – a simple act of kindness that can uplift the giver, inspire the receiver and remind us of the shared humanity that binds us all. And as Jews, we’re no strangers to the power of gratitude. In Judaism, the concept of hakarat hatov – recognising and appreciating the good – is deeply ingrained. From daily blessings to the mitzvah of thanking those who help us, gratitude forms the foundation of our values.
This was the driving force behind bringing A Time to Say Thank You to Melbourne. The initiative, originally founded by Rabbi Albert Chait MBE in the UK, was launched here at Caulfield Shule, with the help of Caulfield Shule member Dr. Joel Symons. The mission was simple yet profound: to show heartfelt appreciation to first responders, emergency workers and hospital staff that dedicate themselves to keeping us safe and cared for, even when the rest of us are celebrating the holidays with family.
On the morning of December 25th, our community came together, armed with beautifully packaged chocolate hampers and an abundance of gratitude. Volunteers fanned out across Melbourne, delivering hampers to fire stations, police stations and
As a people, we know how to endure tragedy, but we also know how to celebrate, even in the face of hardship. After all these months, we cherish any moment of joy –relief that some of our people are finally home, gratitude that Israel has something to celebrate and the elation of families that never gave up hope and are now seeing their loved ones again. No one takes that for granted.
Yet, we also mourn. The price Israel has paid is staggering. As Hillel Fuld, whose brother Ari was murdered by a terrorist in 2018, painfully wrote upon learning that his brother’s killer was among those set to be freed: “Anyone have advice for someone whose brother was murdered by a terrorist who was supposed to sit in prison for the rest of his life and is now getting out and will walk freely? Is there a user guide somewhere on how to navigate this? Not sure there’s a word for this emotion.”
And this is where words do fail to capture the enormity of what Fuld and others are facing. What is going down sees a mix of elation and exhaustion, sheer joy at seeing our people return and deep sorrow for the families of terror victims who must now watch their loved ones’ slayers go free.
Yet amid this complex web of pain and relief, one truth remains unshaken: the resilience and unity of the Jewish people. We celebrate every life reclaimed and every soul returned as a testament to our unbreakable hope and spirit. We continue to pray, act and believe as if there are brighter days ahead. May it be so.
hospitals. But the real magic wasn’t in the chocolates (as delicious as they were); it was in the smiles, the handshakes and the heartfelt “thank yous”.
A firefighter, visibly moved, said: “We’re so used to just doing our jobs and not thinking twice. But knowing that people see what we do and value it means the world.” A nurse, finishing a long night shift, held back tears as she expressed how much it meant to feel appreciated. These weren’t just deliveries; they were moments of connection that reminded us of the profound impact of gratitude.
The day also had a transformative effect on those who participated. Families spoke about how meaningful it was for their children to experience giving rather than receiving during the festive season. One volunteer said: “In a world that sometimes feels overwhelming, this was a moment to focus on what’s good and the people who make a difference every day.”
Judaism teaches us that gratitude isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a cornerstone of a meaningful life. Through A Time to Say Thank You, we were able to live out this value in a way that brought joy not just to those who received our thanks but to our entire community.
As we continue to reflect on this incredible day, I can’t help but feel inspired to carry forward the spirit of hakarat hatov. Whether it’s through this initiative or a simple thank you to someone in your own life, let’s commit to creating more moments of kindness and connection, because in today’s world, gratitude isn’t just powerful – it’s essential.
RABBI GABI KALTMANN
RABBI DANIEL RABIN
Rabbi Daniel Rabin and his son Eli delivering A Time To Say Thank You hampers to Oakleigh police station
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann at the Kotel
RABBINIC
THOUGHT
Late last year, St Kilda Shule welcomed Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and her husband Simeon Beckett. The GovernorGeneral’s visit was an important occasion for our congregation and for the wider Jewish community, reflecting her commitment to supporting diverse faiths across Australia.
Her Excellency met with leaders of several key Jewish entities, including the Adass Israel Synagogue (which had been firebombed in a disgraceful antisemitic attack), the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).
Her visit underscored the significance of the Jewish community’s contributions to the fabric of Australian society and highlighted the importance of promoting mutual understanding and respect.
As the highest ranking official in the nation, the Governor-General holds a unique role in representing all Australians. To have Her Excellency at St Kilda Shule was humbling and inspiring. Her presence conveyed a powerful message of solidarity with the Jewish community at a time when unity and social cohesion are more important than ever. The Governor-General’s dedication to fostering inclusivity was
Governor-General’s visit
evident throughout her visit, as she engaged meaningfully with leaders and listened attentively to our concerns and aspirations.
The visit began with a guided tour of the shule, one of Melbourne’s most iconic synagogues. Her Excellency and Mr Beckett were introduced to the rich history and traditions of our community.
I had the opportunity to show them the Torah scrolls, the most sacred and cherished items in Jewish life, symbolising the continuity of Jewish learning and values across generations.
The Governor-General expressed genuine interest in understanding the rituals and practices of the Jewish faith, reflecting her commitment to building
bridges across diverse cultural and religious groups.
Following the tour, Her Excellency participated in a roundtable discussion with Jewish communal leaders.
This was a pivotal moment of the visit, as it provided a platform to address pressing issues facing the community, including the alarming rise in antisemitism.
The leaders shared firsthand accounts of challenges being faced locally and globally, emphasising the need for proactive measures to combat hate speech and foster greater understanding among different communities.
Her Excellency’s thoughtful and empathetic engagement during the discussion was deeply appreciated.
She expressed her commitment to advocating for social cohesion and ensuring that all Australians felt safe and valued, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The Governor-General’s visit was a momentous occasion, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of meeting her. It was a powerful reminder of the shared values that bind us together as Australians and the ongoing need to uphold the principles of respect, tolerance and unity in our society.
Seven Jewish ideas to help you find happiness
Happiness is something we all seek, yet it often feels elusive. Judaism offers timeless wisdom that can help guide us toward a more joyful and meaningful life. By embracing key Jewish principles, we can cultivate joy, purpose and meaning.
Hatred is a burden that harms the one who carries it. The Torah instructs, “Do not hate your brother in your heart” (Vayikra 19:17). Holding onto resentment or anger only breeds negativity, making happiness harder to achieve. By letting go of hatred, we create space for peace and acceptance. Forgiveness benefits not only others, but ourselves, allowing us to move forward unburdened.
Our sages teach, “There is no joy like resolving doubt” (Proverbs 15:30). Doubt can create anxiety and stress, which impede happiness. Some doubts are natural, but others can be addressed. Listen to your inner critic and question its voice. Are your concerns based on reality? Many worries lose their power when we confront them directly. Let go of doubts beyond your control and work to resolve those within your reach.
A study on happiness suggests that it’s not about how well things go, but whether they go better than expected. If expectations are too high, we may feel disappointed, even when things go well. Managing expectations realistically can lead to greater happiness. When
we expect less, we are more often pleasantly surprised. Appreciating small victories and finding joy in daily moments helps create fulfillment.
Giving is a powerful tool for happiness. When we give – whether it’s time, money, expertise or kindness – our bodies release
chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which enhance joy. The Torah teaches, “You shall surely open up your hand to your brother” (Deuteronomy 15:11).
Small gestures of generosity create a ripple effect of positivity, making both the giver and receiver happier. Giving
strengthens our connections with others and enhances our own sense of wellbeing.
In Deuteronomy 30:19, we are commanded to “Choose life”. This means more than just survival – it means embracing what makes us feel truly alive. Engage in experiences that bring meaning and joy, from connecting with loved ones, to pursuing personal growth. Choosing life means making conscious decisions that bring vitality and purpose, allowing us to find deeper joy in our everyday lives.
One of the greatest obstacles to happiness is jealousy. The Torah commands, “Do not covet” (Exodus 20:14) because comparing ourselves to others can rob us of joy. When we focus on what others have, we lose appreciation of our own blessings. Learning to celebrate others’ successes, rather than envying them, allows us to feel more content with our own lives.
The Mishna teaches, “Who is rich? The one who takes pleasure in his lot” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Contentment is key to happiness. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, we should cultivate gratitude for what we do have. Gratitude turns what we have into enough, providing a foundation for true happiness.
By embracing these Jewish principles, we can cultivate joy, purpose and meaning. True happiness is not about external circumstances, but internal perspective. Aligning ourselves with these values brings lasting fulfillment.
RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN AM
RABBI DR BENJI LEVY
Rabbi Dr Benji Levy
Governor-General Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC with Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM
RABBINIC THOUGHT
Question
A shul was firebombed in Melbourne. Cars were torched and homes were vandalised in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Hate-filled graffiti is all over the country. It seems like antisemitism in Australia is ramping up and becoming more daring. As a rabbi, you are unmistakably and obviously Jewish, so my question to you is, are you scared?
Answer
Yes, indeed. As a rabbi, I am very scared. I’m scared I will lose my job. I feel that my position is at risk and my livelihood threatened, all because of the increasingly brazen attacks of antisemites.
You see, antisemites are doing my job for me. I am not sure if I’m needed anymore.
My job as a rabbi is to inspire Jews to connect to their Jewishness. I encourage those less observant to take a step forward and do another mitzvah. I invite those who seldom or never attend shul to give it a try. I seek out lost Jews to bring them out of the shadows and into the community. And I try to inspire Jews who are ambivalent about their identity to be proud and wear their Jewishness openly.
But with all this antisemitism, I don’t need to inspire Jews to be more Jewish. Antisemites are doing the work for me. And they do it better than I can.
The nefarious attempts to terrorise the Jewish community are having a profound effect. But not the one intended by the
Confronting antisemitism
perpetrators. They want us to cower and hide. But we are getting bolder and prouder. They want us to retreat. But we are stepping up.
The Jewish response to antisemitism is to become more Jewish and we are doing just that – more Shabbat candles lit, more Tefillin wrapped, more Mezuzas going up.
A jeweller in our community has sold more Star of David necklaces in the last year than he did in the past decade. And the last month has been his best month ever. His marketing strategy didn't achieve this. Antisemitism did.
People you’d least expect to are now regularly putting on Tefillin. Homes that never had one before are now proudly displaying a Mezuzah on the front door. I have seen people at Shabbat services who haven’t stepped foot in shul for years. I couldn’t get them to come. The antisemites did.
This is nothing new. One of the earliest known antisemites was the biblical Pharaoh. He tried to oppress the Israelite slaves into oblivion, but the result was the opposite: “The more they afflicted the Children of Israel, the more they increased and the more they grew” (Exodus 1:12).
Our modern enemies should take note. We are not intimidated by you. We are not scared of you. You can’t weaken us. You just make us stronger.
Perhaps I need not fear becoming obsolete after all. Rabbis are still needed. The antisemites inspire wandering Jews to return to their true identity. We are there to welcome them back with open arms.
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
Friday, Feb 14, 2025 8:02 PM
Shabbat ends, Feb 15, 2025 9:00 PM Friday, Feb 21, 2025 7:53 PM
Shabbat ends, Feb 22, 2025 8:50 PM Friday, Feb 28, 2025 7:43 PM
Shabbat ends, Mar 1, 2025 8:40 PM Friday, Mar 7, 2025 7:33 PM
Shabbat ends, Mar 8, 2025 8:29 PM
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How many common words of five or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all seven letters and have a direct Jewish connection.
Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish word that uses all 7 letters.
Rating: 8 = Good; 11= Excellent; 16 = Genius
Yoni Glatt has published more than 1,000 crossword puzzles worldwide, from the LA Times and Boston Globe to The Jerusalem Post. He has also published two Jewish puzzle books: "Kosher Crosswords" and the sequel "More Kosher Crosswords and Word Games".
PAGE 18
RABBI ARON MOSS
Rabbi Chaim Telsner helps a student put on Tefillin during a Jewish pride event at Illinois State University (photo by Eric Stock/WGLT)
CONSIDERED OPINION
RAMONA FREEDMAN
Welcome to my first column of 2025. I should qualify that heralding this new year on the first day of January last month, as calculated on the Gregorian calendar, was … underwhelming here at best. It is simply not celebrated in any way on Ra’anana streets, or to my knowledge, in the vast majority of Israeli regions. But fear not, when we open our lunar calendar to Rosh Hashanah, Jewish new year, this nation truly parties. In fact, locals live and breathe each festival authentically.
Having lived in Israel now for more than half a year, I have the strong feeling that times in this Land of Milk and Honey are always … complicated. Ceasefires, rockets, nasty neighbours, talks, deals, agreements, allies, enemies – it all adds up to each day being complex and yet, simultaneously, oh so interesting.
I am trying to be responsible about consuming news – it would be unhealthy to inhale and digest it 24/7. All too often, it is hard and heavy. Lately, I have been sitting down, like in yesteryear, and watching a nightly news program. Channel i-24 English has a wrap-up of the day’s events from around the Middle East and the Jewish world. For about 45 minutes, news presenters with accents from the USA, South Africa and England attempt to shed light on … it all.
You can imagine how disheartening it has been to see news stories about antisemitism Down Under and the plight of Australian Jewry. Israelis deeply care about all Jews around the world and their solution is simple: “Nuuu, Ramona, we are seeing this sickness of antisemitism play out all over – from London to Paris to Stockholm to Sydney – we’re waiting for them all. Am Yisrael Chai!”
When it comes to Israel, it often feels like one of its ongoing reasons for being is to be the back pocket ‘Plan B’ destination for each and every Jewish person, when and if times get tough. Take any vox pop in any city here in the Holy Land and all would agree on one thing: “Israel is here for world Jewry – those outside Israel just haven’t yet realised that it is in their best interests to move.” Such chutzpah. Yet, Israelis aren’t worried. “No problem”, they say, “we will be here when they are ready.”
And then there is Efraim – let me introduce you. Efraim is a real sweetheart. He is a local in Ra’anana and comes to sit on the street bench near my front door each afternoon. Efraim moves and speaks slowly and has a tremor. I always smile and chat with him. He was a soldier in Lebanon during a war. There was trouble, real trouble and he is living with some sort of post-traumatic stress disorder, amongst other challenges.
Government agencies support him, the community supports him, but Efraim’s life, like so many others, has been compromised and complicated for our freedom. The freedom to live in our homeland. The price, sometimes, just seems ridiculously, impossibly high. So, I speak basic Hebrew to him, ensuring he has what he needs. Mostly, he enjoys a chat. That is a task I can do
Complicated times
daily. Just ask anyone who knows me. Efraim’s story is poignant and powerful and reminds us of the often unspoken cost of our homeland.
In the meantime, we recently had the most Israeli of days. Let me paint the picture: early one blue sky morning, we were told to drive to a kibbutz in the Negev in southern Israel called Revivim. This was to be the location where our son, along with his army unit, was to jump out of an aeroplane replete with a parachute on his back.
The first win of the day was decoding the hundreds of all-Hebrew messages within the army parents WhatsApp group. Thank you, dear inventor of Google Translate. The second was navigating there. And then our luck seemed to run out. We arrived and didn’t see another car of parents, soldiers nor any planes in sight. No one from our group was responding and we were, in effect, stuck.
Back on the highway, we pulled over and hit the hazard lights. Stumped. Revevim located? Check. Punctual? Affirmative. One minute later I gazed in the distance to my right and saw a giant army plane and the specks in the sky were … brave boys wearing parachutes sailing through the air. We knew we only had a handful of minutes before our son’s group and their scheduled jump. So, how to traverse the terrain without further instructions?
At that exact moment a car pulled over and the driver said one word: “Tzanchanim”. This was our son’s unit –we replied “yes” and he motioned for us to follow him. A few seconds later we turned right off the highway. Desert. We zig-zagged this way and that and turned a corner. We found the Israeli parents. We made it just in time. They were busy setting up quite the celebration station for their sons’ post-jump.
It was as if suddenly we had a front row seat to a Broadway show, except it wasn’t New York, this was somewhere off-grid near Beer Sheva and the broadshouldered boys were beyond brave. I prayed fervently that each parachute would open, that they wouldn’t get tangled. I prayed that each was safe as they sailed through the air. I have never seen or felt anything like it.
I made friends, chatted with one mum who was from Ethiopia who had six daughters and one son. That day it was all about her son. Or, as she put it, her ‘melech’, her king. Oh, Jewish mothers and their sons. As for my prince, well, he was a champion. One parent started blaring through their car stereo what must have been the go-to song about the pride of being in this unit. I’m still learning. I was teary and let’s be honest, relieved they were all once again on terra firma.
What a day – imprinted in my mind forever. On the way home, still with a
vista of desert terrain, I couldn’t help but marvel at the juxtaposition before me. We made it back to the highway and on my righthand side was a simple Bedouin village in which time stood still. No strong structures, no modern technology, no air conditioning. The bare minimum.
In contrast, about one kilometre up the road I looked to my left and saw a giant multi-storey Ikea, filled with everything a modern home could possibly want and need. I had to smile and shake my head. And yet … the two sides of the road hadn’t connected with each other. In time, that bridge will be crossed, like so many others before it. Old, new. Cultural crossovers.
Israelis love a good reality television show. I thought about how compelling it would be to fit out the Bedouin village with Ikea products.
Maybe I caught too much sun that day squinting up to the heavens watching the energised parachutists go through their rite of passage.
I tuned into an Israeli radio station and heard that the word-of-the-year here is ‘chatufim’, hostages. Naturally. May they all come home – we’re waiting with open arms.
Complicated times? Yes, but also energising and empowering. Till next time, over and out from Ramona in Ra’anana.
CONSIDERED OPINION
How to make the most of your day
ANNE-MARIE ELIAS
“I have never met a
For those who mean the world to you, only the finest will do.
‘Today won’t work.’ I have never met a dog that doesn’t enjoy every single moment. I have never met a dog that isn’t grateful for living.”
social media and it resonated with me as a reminder for how to manage daily life.
We appear to have created a lifestyle that results in people being time poor. We value the concept of multi-tasking, perhaps as a direct result of not having enough time. I refer to this type of whirlwind living as ‘busy, busy syndrome’.
Ian Sharp Jewellery Craftsmanship iansharpjewellery
it is that gets in the way of not having the time. I wonder whether it is not recognising how you want to spend your time. Do you prioritise the wrong things? Do the following exercise: if you allocate $1 to every second in a 24hour period, your day would be worth $86,400.
How do you spend this money each day. Firstly, ideally, you need to take out eight hours for sleep because this recharges the batteries, vital to maintaining health.
Then, allow time for preparing and eating meals, the latter being necessary for sustenance. So, how do you divide up the rest of the day? Consider work, family, socialising, exercise and leisure
activities, for starters. For dog owners, there is walking the canine. You can’t just ignore the animal’s needs, so you make the effort.
Yes, it takes effort, but it is necessary.
Consider for a moment when you last turned a human down and how did you feel about letting them down? Upon reflection, did you do the right thing or were your values misdirected?
In this time poor world are you still able to enjoy the moment? If you are constantly worrying and over-analysing the past or looking to the future, you are missing the opportunity to live in the moment. Being in the present is about living mindfully.
Let me continue with my dog analogy. The pooch continues to look at what is immediately in front of him or her – on that patch of grass, or the tree, or the other dog also being walked.
Perhaps his/her attention is taken by the friendly human who has stopped for a chat. The point is, we don’t need to spend inordinate amounts of time on one thing, but we do need to give our full attention to each thing. If you are walking, then focus on the walk –your surroundings, your breathing, your speed.
Finally, consider how grateful you are for each day. Do you make the most of everything you do? Are you able to view the activities in your day with gratitude or are you resentful? If it is the latter, please reflect on what needs to go and do something about it.
This quote speaks volumes: “Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.”
Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
When you love them that much, they deserve the best.
Ian Sharp Jewellery Craftsmanship iansharpjewellery
This buttery cake has a unique texture and is so delicious. I found the recipe online and adapted it to my taste. It’s crispy on the top, gooey in the middle and has a light base. This was all I could have dreamed of in a baked good.
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I found a few recipes that use yeast in the base component of the dish and others that use a cake batter, but they all seemed rather complicated, so when I found this recipe I decided it was the one I would go with to make my first gooey butter cake. It also claimed to be THE BEST gooey butter cake in the world and from a respected blogger who clearly knows what she’s talking about. I also liked the idea of the shortbreadtype base.
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I’ve adapted the recipe to make it metric, upped the vanilla a smidge, added lemon, ginger and cinnamon, and used already-ground almonds, as these are readily available.
I warn you that this is incredibly rich and you are advised to cut very small squares of it. I have made this a number of times for shul functions and it always goes down well.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
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The Jewish Report; ISSN 2204-4639
For the bottom layer
2 large eggs
225g butter melted (Nuttelex also works)
For the top layer
250 gms Tempo cream cheese
3 large free-range eggs
500 gms icing sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon essence ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981)
2½ cups flour
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1½ cups raw sugar
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½ cup ground almond flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd
1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Line a 23 x 32 cm or 9 X 13 inch baking dish with baking paper.
2. Add the flour, sugar, almond flour, baking powder, ground ginger and
reach a lump-free and smooth consistency similar to condensed milk.
For those who mean the world to you, only the finest will do.
5. Pour the mixture over the bottom layer. Place it on the middle rack in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. If you have a fan oven, start checking after 40 minutes. The top will be golden in colour and have a few cracks on the surface. If necessary, cover the tray loosely with a piece of foil from around halfway through the baking time to prevent over-browning.
6. Allow the gooey butter cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin. To speed up the cooling, put it into the fridge or freezer for a short while. A firmer cake is easier to slice.
salt to a cake mixer and with the paddle attachment mix briefly to ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined. Add the eggs and butter and mix until you have a soft crumbly-like dough.
3. Grate this dough into the lined baking pan and spread evenly across the surface. Don’t press down too firmly. You just want to lightly cover the surface.
7. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for decoration.
Chef’s tip
Ian Sharp Jewellery Craftsmanship iansharpjewellery
4. To make the top layer, wipe down the same food processor bowl and add the cream cheese and mix until it has softened. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until it is well combined, stopping to scrape the bowl, as necessary. You should
I made this recipe Chalav Yisrael, but you can definitely use regular butter and cream cheese. If you want to make it pareve, do a straight swap with nondairy cream cheese and margarine. If you want to make it gluten free, do a straight swap with gluten free flou, but you might have to add a little more gluten free flour to get the base texture right.
Alan Bender is head chef at Soul Gourmet. To find out more, go to https:// soulgourmet.com.au
Spelling bee answers
Jewish Answer: PESUKIM. Here is a list of some common words (“yes”, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common to today’s vernacular): ISSUE, ISSUES, MUMPS, MISUSE, MISUSES, MUSEUM, MUSEUMS, MUSKS, MUUMUU, MUUMUUS, PUKES, PUMPS, PUPPIES, SPUME, SUSSES, UPKEEP and UPKEEPS. Questions/comments, please email Yoni at koshercrosswords@gmail.com
Crossword answers
Melbourne Jewish Report Disclaimer:
MOVIE REVIEWS
It was the day live sports coverage became live news coverage of the most heinous kind.
That was September 5, 1972. The setting: the athletes’ village in Munich at the 20th summer Olympics.
Terrorists affiliated with militant organisation Black September captured and killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.
September 5, the movie, tells the story from the perspective of the American TV network covering the Games, that being US ABC.
Incidentally, those Olympics were the first to be broadcast live around the world via satellite.
Geoffrey Mason (John Magaro) is a young, ambitious producer.
He is keen to prove himself to his mentor Marvin Badar (Ben Chaplin) and their boss, legendary TV executive Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard).
Mason is behind the control panel when shots that shock the globe ring out.
Suddenly, it is all hands on deck, as Sarsgaard fights for the sports arm of the network, which is on the ground in Munich, to retain control of the unfolding story.
Usual practice would have been for news to cover it remotely.
With the help of German interpreter Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch), Mason and the crew scramble to bring
Revisiting the dark days of the Olympics
the world unfolding events. There is no shortage of internal and external tension as live pictures capture hooded guerillas on a hotel balcony and hostages in extreme peril.
September 5 is a deeply affecting – distressing – movie to sit through. Watching it, I became quite emotional. It has been remarkably crafted (the production values are phenomenal),
mixing broadcast vision from the time with a dramatisation of the events that went down.
The looks on the faces of the key players say it all. Their interchanges and what they do feels real. It is most impressive.
Bear in mind, this is unlike anything the TV sports team had previously confronted. One of the key questions
posed is just how far should they go in telling the story. What do they show? What don’t they?
Then, there is the politics of the situation and the behind-the-scenes political byplay.
As Mason, John Magaro comes across as dynamic and competent, while Ben Chaplin, as Badar, is keen to ensure they are on safe ground.
Sarsgaard shows real leadership as Arledge and Benesch adds character and depth as the German interpreter, highly attuned to the country’s ignominious past.
For those who lived through the horror of what unfolded at the time, the film brings it all back.
For others who didn’t or weren’t even aware of this stain on the Olympics and common decency, it is an eye-opener.
Co-writer (with Moritz Binder and Alex David) and director Tim Fehlbaum is to be commended for his focus on authenticity, which extends to the broadcast equipment.
While far from an easy watch, September 5 is undeniably gritty and gripping. As far as I am concerned, it is a must see.
Rated M, it scores an 8½ out of 10.
It was the day live sports coverage became live news coverage of the most heinous kind.
That was September 5, 1972. The setting: the athletes’ village in Munich at the 20th summer Olympics.
Terrorists affiliated with militant organisation Black September captured and killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.
September 5, the movie, tells the story from the perspective of the American TV network covering the Games, that being US ABC.
Incidentally, those Olympics were the first to be broadcast live around the world via satellite.
Geoffrey Mason (John Magaro) is a young, ambitious producer.
He is keen to prove himself to his mentor Marvin Badar (Ben Chaplin) and their boss, legendary TV executive Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard).
Mason is behind the control panel when shots that shock the globe ring out. Suddenly, it is all hands on deck, as Sarsgaard fights for the sports arm of the network, which is on the ground in Munich, to retain control of the unfolding story. Usual practice would have been for news to cover it remotely.
With the help of German interpreter Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch), Mason and the crew scramble to bring the world unfolding events.
There is no shortage of internal and external tension as live pictures capture hooded guerillas on a hotel balcony and hostages in extreme peril.
September 5 is a deeply affecting – distressing – movie to sit through. Watching it, I became quite emotional. It has been remarkably crafted (the
production values are phenomenal), mixing broadcast vision from the time with a dramatisation of the events that went down.
The looks on the faces of the key players say it all. Their interchanges and what they do feels real. It is most impressive.
Bear in mind, this is unlike anything the TV sports team had previously confronted. One of the key questions posed is just how far should they go in
telling the story. What do they show? What don’t they?
Then, there is the politics of the situation and the behind-the-scenes political byplay.
As Mason, John Magaro comes across as dynamic and competent, while Ben Chaplin, as Badar, is keen to ensure they are on safe ground.
Sarsgaard shows real leadership as Arledge and Benesch adds character and depth as the German interpreter, highly attuned to the country’s ignominious past.
For those who lived through the horror of what unfolded at the time, the film brings it all back.
For others who didn’t or weren’t even aware of this stain on the Olympics and common decency, it is an eye-opener.
Co-writer (with Moritz Binder and Alex David) and director Tim Fehlbaum is to be commended for his focus on authenticity, which extends to the broadcast equipment.
While far from an easy watch, September 5 is undeniably gritty and gripping. As far as I am concerned, it is a must see.
Rated MA, it scores a 9½ out of 10.
For more of Alex First’s reviews, go to https://www.itellyouwhatithink.com
Adrien Brody is in line for his second Best Actor Oscar for The Brutalist
It is all hands on deck in the pressure cooker environment of September 5
