JDC (The Joint) Australia hosted a “We Sing As One, Jointly For Israel” concert at Kehillat Kadimah synagogue (see
Jhingoor
Brad Sewitz
JDC (The Joint) Australia hosted a “We Sing As One, Jointly For Israel” concert at Kehillat Kadimah synagogue (see page 8)
ANNE-MARIE ELIAS CONSIDERED OPINION
“I have never met a dog that said: ‘I don’t have time. I can’t go with you.’ I have never met a dog that said: ‘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.”
I came across this quote recently on social media and it resonated with me as a reminder for how to manage daily life.
Let’s start with time management. 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’. Take a moment to consider what 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.
YONI GLATT KOSHER CROSSWORD
How to make the most of your day
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
Pastries
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.
Use a mikvah, perhaps
You, once
"___ the Walrus" (The Beatles)
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
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?
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
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.
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?
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”.
• 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
AIMEE SAJE AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Choosing to convert to Judaism is always a deeply personal and meaningful journey, but doing so in the shadow of rising global antisemitism has made it even more profound. Over the past year, as I have studied, learned and embraced Jewish life. I have also witnessed the immense challenges facing the Jewish people. From the October 7 attacks to the rise in antisemitism around the world – including here in Australia, with attacks on Jewish schools and synagogues –this has been a time of both sorrow and strength.
And yet, none of this has deterred me or my fellow conversion students. If anything, it has only reinforced why this path is so important. We have not shied away or second-guessed our decision; instead, we have felt an even greater sense of purpose. Judaism has endured for thousands of years and in times like these it becomes clearer than ever why the world needs it – its wisdom, its moral clarity, its unwavering commitment to justice and kindness. The Jewish people have always responded to darkness with light and being part of that legacy is something I am deeply proud of.
Throughout this journey, SAJE and Mizrachi Bondi Synagogue have been pillars of support, providing not just education, but a true sense of belonging. In times of uncertainty, SAJE
Standing strong: converting to Judaism in challenging times
has remained a place of strength, encouragement and inspiration. It has shown us that no matter the challenges, Jewish life continues with joy and meaning. The resilience of this community – its ability to come together,
to stand strong and to celebrate life even in difficult times – has been one of the most powerful lessons of my journey. The return of some of the hostages has been bittersweet – a time of relief, but also a painful reminder of those
still in captivity. Yet, the Jewish world has not lost hope. Their names are spoken at every gathering, their faces remembered, their return prayed for. It is this sense of responsibility for one another – Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh – that defines the Jewish people. And it is why, no matter the hardships, why we will never be defeated.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. A huge thank you to SAJE and Mizrachi Bondi Synagogue for their guidance and to Rabbi Shua Solomon, Candice Wermut and my partner, Dean Fester, whose wisdom, kindness, and encouragement have meant so much. And of course, thanks to SAJE, whose generosity has created the space for so many of us to learn, grow and strengthen our Jewish identity.
Converting to Judaism at this time has not been a challenge – it has been an honour. It has shown me not just the weight of Jewish history but the unbreakable strength of the Jewish people. And for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.
Aimee
YEHUDIS LITVAK COURTESY AISH.COM
Amichai Ressler is on a mission to bring joy and happiness to other families who have experienced unfathomable loss.
From his warm and enthusiastic greeting to heartfelt wishes for a great day, Amichai Ressler projects positivity and optimism that is contagious. Anyone who comes into contact with him can’t help smiling and feeling a little better about the world. Amichai says that he learned to make everyone happy from his son, Dvir Haim, an IDF hero who was killed on October 7th while saving the lives of his friends. Amichai is committed to perpetuating his son’s legacy. To that end, he founded Extreme Joy, a project offering Jeep tours of the Judean Desert to families of fallen heroes.
It’s not easy for Amichai to maintain his happiness. “I’m trying my best”, he says in an exclusive interview with Aish. com. “What gives me strength to wake up every morning is the understanding that my son, a hero, gave us life. I am not happy about what happened, but I am very happy with the gift that we got. I miss him so much! But because I understand the privilege, I’m trying to live my life only with positivity and optimism. And this is what I’ve been doing for the past 15 months.”
Dvir’s gift
Dvir was the oldest of four siblings. From early childhood, Dvir brought light and joy to everyone around him. “He always noticed when someone was sad or needed anything,” shared his mother, Ravit, in a video memorial. Amichai recalls, “He made everyone around him happy. How did he do it? Very simply –he gave everyone a feeling that they are the only one in his life. He gave them so much light! He saw the special, unique light of everyone. And that’s what made them happy.”
Dvir’s happiness united others. Amichai explains, “When you’re happy, people want to know why you’re happy. People want to be around you. It brings unity.” Dvir’s lifelong dream was to serve in the elite Golani unit in the IDF. He attended a yeshiva, followed by a premilitary academy, and was thrilled to be accepted into Golani. Eventually, Dvir became a commander of a unit.
In the days before October 7th, 2023, 21-year-old Dvir was stationed at an IDF outpost near the Gaza border. He was supposed to go home for Simchat Torah and spend the holiday with his family. However, true to his nature, he noticed that a fellow soldier seemed unhappy. He asked the soldier what was wrong and found out that the soldier was scheduled to spend Simchat Torah on the base and would be missing out on a family event. Dvir immediately offered to switch with him. And that’s how he found himself on the army base on the morning of October 7th when the base was penetrated by terrorists.
At the first sound of sirens, Dvir ran around the base, making sure that everyone under his command made it to a protected space. Satisfied that
Extreme joy: a bereaved father’s mission to bring happiness to families of fallen heroes
everyone found a safe space, Dvir entered a small shelter together with two of his friends. From the shelter, Dvir and his friends heard gunfire and shouts in Arabic. They understood that terrorists were right outside their door. Dvir grasped the door handle and held it tight. He felt the terrorists trying to open the door, but he wouldn’t let go. The terrorists gave up and left.
Unfortunately, the terrorists later returned with explosives, which they attached to the door. Dvir, who was standing next to the door, was killed in the explosion. His two friends who were behind him survived. Dvir’s quick action had saved their lives.
Amichai’s resolve
In the aftermath of October 7th, it took the IDF four days to recover Dvir’s body and inform the family about what happened to him. His mother, Ravit, says, “I knew that Dvir was not alive. He would have found a way to get in touch with us.” When the dreaded news finally came, the family felt grateful, despite their grief. Ravit says, “The first thing I did was thank God – for getting a definitive answer, for the fact that Dvir was killed and not taken hostage, and for the story of his heroism. Dvir was too perfect for this world.” At the funeral, Amichai spoke about his heroic son. “I told everyone, ‘I’m the father of Dvir Haim. He gave us life, he gave us happiness. I will do all in my power to continue my son’s legacy and make people happy.’”
Since then, Amichai has remained true to his word. On Passover last year, he conducted his first Extreme Joy tour. To date, ten such trips have taken place,
with more in the works. “We are helping families like ours to continue their lives,” says Amichai. “It’s not easy, but it helps to think positive. We take them to the desert in Jeeps and ATVs. We take them for extreme rides, to give them extreme joy. I tell them during the trip, ‘Your sons, the heroes, gave you life to stand on this land. We need to show everyone that we are happy and that we understand this privilege.
Then the rest of the Jewish people will understand it also.’ This gives us strength to continue our lives. This is how I see the life that I got. This is how I see what I’m doing. And this is what helps me, again and again, to wake up in the morning, thank God.”
Amichai’s love for the Land of Israel is just as contagious as his optimism. During each trip, he gathers everyone in one place and reminds them, “We are standing on holy land. This is the land that God gave us. This is the land of our forefather, Abraham.”
He tells the groups, “Look around! Look at the view! You are standing on two feet and looking at the beautiful land that we got. Because of whom? Because of our heroes. They gave their lives for us. We need to continue their lives. They gave us life to be happy.
They are looking at us from Heaven, and they are happy when we are happy.” Throughout the trips, the families talk about their heroic sons or brothers who had given up their lives to protect others. They strengthen each other and help each other find joy in life.
The trips are appropriate for all ages. Some trips are intended for a specific demographic.
Amichai organised a special trip for widows of IDF soldiers and another special trip for fathers and sons. The common denominator is that the trip participants are dealing with warrelated loss. The participants call the trips the best gift they’ve received. And the joy on their faces is precisely what keeps Amichai going.
Happiness through giving Amichai does not take life for granted. Especially since losing his son, Amichai has thought a lot about the meaning of life. He believes that God gives us good things in life in order for us to appreciate them, to enjoy them, and also to use them to help others. When the soldier with whom Dvir had switched places on Simchat Torah told Amichai that he felt bad that Dvir got killed because of him, Amichai responded that it was just the opposite – he had given Dvir the opportunity to become a hero.
“You helped Dvir fulfill his mission,” Amichai told the soldier. “His mission was to go and save the two soldiers he was with. Keep smiling! You gave Dvir the privilege of doing what he was meant to do.” Amichai feels that he, like everyone else, is in this world on a mission. He sees his mission as being happy with his lot and bringing happiness to others. Ultimately, he says, giving to others is what makes us human beings happy.
Amichai is committed to bringing Extreme Joy to anyone who could benefit from it. He invites everyone to “come see it and feel the energy.” The positive energy generated on the trips and the enthusiastic feedback from the participants give him the strength to continue on his important mission.
Dvir Haim Ressler with his parents
Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin will be the guests of honour at UIA’s 2025 Campaign Gala Event to be held in Sydney on 23 February.
Rachel and Jon, parents of Hersh Golberg-Polin z”l became the faces and voices of families fighting to bring Israeli hostages back home.
They spent 330 days advocating for their son and all the hostages through incredible personal pain – making speeches to leaders around the world and using social media to ensure Hersh and the other hostages remained top of mind. Rachel’s words of courage and strength have echoed across the globe, as she has proudly declared that “hope is mandatory” and reminded the hostages that they were loved and that, above all, they needed to stay strong and survive.
Even after Hersh was tragically murdered on 31 August 2024, Rachel and Jon continued to advocate for the hostage families – determined that no other family should have to suffer the extreme loss and anguish that they faced. The bravery they have shown in the face of this unimaginable adversity is what makes them UIA’s Stars of David.
Together with Rachel and Jon, Stars of David will also honour other ordinary Israelis that have exhibited extraordinary courage on and since October 7. Their names will be announced in the weeks to come.
UIA is central to the planning and rebuilding of Israeli communities, implementing nation-building programs on a mass scale that impact lives, while focusing on people's recuperation and rehabilitation. From the northern communities that have had to evacuate their homes, to those in the south that have lost family members and livelihoods, UIA’s reach knows no bounds for the People of Israel.
UIA Australia President Esther Frenkiel OAM said: “We will stand together and show the People of Israel that their courage and sacrifice are not taken for granted by our community over 13,000 kilometres away. We invite the community to unite with us as we continue rebuilding lives and communities.”
This event will sell out, so we encourage you to book at https://www.uiaaustralia. org.au
Follow UIA on Facebook and Instagram (@uiaaus) to stay up to date on its 2025 Campaign events.
Mutterings
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin
VICKI KAPLAN
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 with her son, Jeremy, volunteering with Israeli not-for-profit Tachlit, in Jerusalem
Vicki working with Leket in Moshav Achituv, in central Israel
CONSIDERED OPINION
RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG COURTESY AISH.COM
To inspire non-observant and disaffected Jews, and excite teens and youth about their Judaism, we all need to be leaders in making happiness, joy and meaning contagious in our institutions and homes
With my youngest child approaching his teenage years I thought my Disney days were over, but when my grandchildren came to me asking, “Zayda, can you come with us to Disney,” I couldn’t say no. So, I spent two days this week at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and brought a baseball cap so that nobody would be able to tell that I am Jewish.
As we pulled into the park, I decided not to wear it. In a time when too many are trying to scare us, attempting to intimidate us into removing our symbols, hiding our practices or being ashamed of our identity, it is more important than ever to proudly wear our yarmulkas, show our tzitzis, or necklaces displaying Jewish stars, maps of Israel, or solidarity with hostages, and not cower from practices that are appropriate in public.
A woman and her family came over to me at one of the parks to say how happy she was to see Jewish people not afraid to wear their yarmulka in public. When I asked if she was Jewish, she told me she was and that she went to a Jewish school in Minneapolis as a child. A man walking by stopped to say, “Shalom.” I responded “Shalom” and asked if he was Jewish. He told me he is a pastor from Alabama and that he and his congregation regularly pray for Israel and the Jewish people. His wife quickly added, “and we have been praying constantly for the hostages.”
We got a “boker tov” (good morning) from one of the Disney employees and
Judaism and the Disney effect
a few more “shaloms” and, I’m happy to report, no negativity or hostility. The truth is, I would expect nothing more at the “Happiest Place on Earth”. It is hard to think of another place where such a large quantity of people all seem so courteous, kind, pleasant, and polite.
Generally speaking, one doesn’t find pushing or shoving, short tempers, a culture of criticism, or impolite and impatient people at Disney, despite having to wait on long lines, pay large fees, endure the hot sun and spend hours on one’s feet.
As we observed the throngs of people with smiles on their faces and extraordinary consideration towards one another, I couldn’t help but think, wouldn’t it be amazing if our shuls were like Disney? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people thought of our campuses and communities as the happiest places on Earth, places that even if they had to stand for long periods, sometimes wait on lines and endure imperfect temperatures, it would not only be well worth it, they would be clamouring and counting down to coming back.
How does Disney do it and what could we learn regarding creating a culture of happiness?
How to create a culture of happiness
Many years ago, I participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of Disney to explore that very question. The design and layouts of the parks, the placement of vendors and the timing of the shows are all meticulously and brilliantly strategised and arranged. But what struck me most from the tour was the culture and how the attitude of the Disney’s tens of thousands of workers impacts each and every one of their guests.
In every employee only area, there are signs highlighting the Disney credo, including: “I project a positive image and
energy. I am courteous and respectful to all guests, including children. I go above and beyond.” Disney understands a fundamental psychological principle supported by extensive research –happiness and joy are contagious. Just as if one person yawns, others will follow suit, so too, if a person smiles, others around him will start smiling as well. A happy disposition, a positive spirit and a pleasant countenance are literally contagious.
Whose responsibility is it to spread the smiles? There are roughly 77,000 employees at Disney World in Orlando. All members of the staff, from custodial and maintenance, to the ride operators and people who wear the Mickey costumes, are all referred to as “cast members”. How many of the 77,000 cast members do you think are responsible for picking up the garbage? The answer is all 77,000. How many are responsible for helping someone with directions or return a lost child to their parents? 77,000. How many are required to smile and spread the happiness? That’s right, all 77,000.
At Disney, the cast members know that they each have different tasks, but they are taught that they all have the same purpose: spreading happiness.
Every Jew is responsible
How do we go from a culture of complaining and criticism to creating the happiest place on Earth?
Perhaps we can create a culture in which every single Jew, every participant of the community is a member of the “cast.” We must go from consumers, from members with entitlements and privileges, to stakeholders, cast members who feel a sense of personal responsibility, duty and obligation.
If we want to be a place that attracts all, that inspires non-observant and disaffected Jews, that makes teens
and youth excited about their Judaism, we ALL need to be leaders in making happiness, joy and meaning contagious in our institutions and homes.
When speaking with a child, Disney cast members are trained to bend down and meet them at eye level. I saw firsthand the subtle but powerful impact of speaking to someone, even a child, at eye level, instead of making them look up at you while feeling small. We need to speak to all the members and participants in our community at their eye level. Sometimes that will mean bending down, ensuring nobody feels small, no matter what their Jewish education or level of observance.
In complimenting and blessing Yehuda, Yaakov says, “His teeth are whiter than milk.” Of all virtues, why is Yaakov highlighting Yehuda’s teeth? The Talmud (Kesubos 111b) explains that Yaakov saw a quality in Yehuda he greatly admired and benefited from. Yehuda had a habit of smiling, of flashing the white of his teeth when seeing others. Indeed, the Talmud concludes when a person shows the white of his teeth to another by smiling widely, it is more beneficial than giving a cup of milk to drink. Why the comparison to milk?
Rav Shlomo Wolbe explains that milk nourishes and nurtures growth. What milk does for the body, a smile does for the heart and soul. He writes that just as plants require sunshine to live, converting the rays of the sun into nutrients, people convert smiles into energy and strength, and without it they wilt and perish. Dogs and cats can’t smile. Smiling at one another is part of what differentiates us as humans.
Let’s all be active members of the Jewish people’s cast and convert our shuls and communities into the happiest places on Earth.
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
EDUCATION FEATURE
From left, Mount Sinai College 2025 school captains Liat and Elias
New leadership
MIRA HASOFER PRINCIPAL MORIAH COLLEGE
As the 2025 academic year begins, Moriah College welcomes two distinguished educators to guide its high school into a new era of academic excellence and innovation.
With the appointment of Ryan Gill as Head of High School and Sarah Zinkin as Head of Learning and Teaching, the College is poised for an exciting future, focused on student success, faculty excellence and a commitment to Jewish values.
Ryan has a wealth of experience in educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and student wellbeing. His education career started in the UK, before he moved to Australia in 2011, where he joined Masada College as a teacher of Geography and Society and Culture.
Over the past 14 years at Masada, he has held multiple leadership roles, including as Head of Senior School and most recently, Deputy Principal ELC-12.
Ryan’s dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence and student-centred learning has earned him widespread recognition. His leadership style is marked by honesty, integrity and a deep commitment to student success, making him a respected figure among students, parents and staff.
“As Head of High School at Moriah College, my key priorities will be centred
on learning and teaching, ensuring a high-calibre faculty and support team, and enhancing our students' overall wellbeing,” Ryan said. “I have high expectations for everyone in the College.”
His approach to education emphasises active learning, student engagement and a strong focus on reflective practices. His work on the Review and Reflect Process has provided senior students with valuable insights into their academic progress, helping them to set clear goals and work towards realising their full potential. Joining Ryan in the High School leadership team is Sarah
Zinkin, a highly respected educator with more than 25 years’ experience in learning and teaching. Her career has been defined by her passion for curriculum innovation, pedagogy and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Sarah spent two decades at St Aloysius College, where she held various leadership positions, including Assistant Head of Year, Acting Head of Year 12, Head of Professional Learning and Dean of Studies. Since 2023, she has been the Head of Upper School at Wenona, where she played a crucial role in enhancing academic and wellbeing programs, and supporting student development.
Sarah’s academic credentials include multiple postgraduate qualifications in education, as well as a Master of Educational Leadership from UNSW. Her expertise in professional learning and curriculum development aligns perfectly with Moriah College’s vision for excellence in teaching and learning.
In her new role, Sarah will drive innovation in curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment strategies. She is passionate about empowering students and teachers, fostering a collaborative and enriching educational environment. A strong advocate for building partnerships with families, she is committed to ensuring that every student at Moriah College thrives academically, socially and emotionally.
“We are excited to have Sarah join our leadership team,” Ryan said. “Her
warmth, experience and commitment to excellence in education will greatly enrich our community. I look forward to working alongside her to create outstanding learning experiences for our students.”
Sarah is dedicated to fostering strong relationships within the school community and ensuring that students feel supported and inspired in their academic journeys. Her student-focused approach and inclusive leadership style make her a valuable addition to the High School team.
The appointment of Ryan Gill and Sarah Zinkin marks an exciting chapter for Moriah’s High School. Their combined expertise, passion for education and dedication to student success will undoubtedly enhance the College’s already strong academic and pastoral foundations.
Working closely with the High School leadership team and all High School staff members, Ryan and Sarah will adopt a collaborative approach to excellence in learning and student wellbeing. Together, with the dedication and passion of the entire faculty, they will create an outstanding experience for every High School student, fostering a thriving and dynamic educational environment, leading Moriah College to new heights of achievement and success.
Open Week – welcoming prospective families
Moriah is inviting prospective families to visit the College and experience all that the school has to offer. Open Week will take place from 23-28 February, providing families with the opportunity to visit the Early Learning Centres, Primary School and High School. Engagement with Heads of Schools and student representatives will provide them with insight into the College’s educational approach and strong sense of community.
Moriah continues to build on its strong foundations, guided by five core pillars: To learn, to heed, to act, to teach and to thrive.
These principles shape the future direction of the school, ensuring students benefit from a cohesive and enriching learning journey.
This year, the Early Learning Centre will introduce additional weekly Jewish Studies and Hebrew lessons, incorporating storytelling, dance, art and music, to strengthen connections to Jewish life and Israel.
The Primary School will maintain a strong focus on writing with purpose, literacy and numeracy, reading fluency and comprehension, while also implementing a new Hebrew
phonics program for Kindergarten and Year 1. This initiative aims to improve Hebrew reading fluency and establish a strong foundation for future success.
In the High School, academic programs will be further enhanced under the leadership of newly appointed Head of High School, Ryan Gill, and Head of Learning and Teaching, Sarah Zinkin.
The Review and Reflect Program, which was successfully piloted in Year 12 last year, will now expand to Years 10 and 11, providing students with structured support in refining subject selections, setting goals and preparing strategically for the HSC. These developments reflect a whole-of-school approach, where the foundations established in the Early
Learning Centres strengthen learning in the Primary School and equip students for success in High School and beyond.
A variety of tour options are available during Open Week. For more information and to register, go to https://www.moriah.nsw.edu.au/ events
From left, new Moriah College High School appointees, Sarah Zinkin and Ryan Gill
MORIAH COLLEGE
From left, Moriah College Early Learning Centre students Ella Rutovitz and Josh Tischmann
CLASS OF 2024
We are so proud of all your achievements and your contributions to our community. Thank you to our inspiring educators for your unwavering commitment and dedication.
11 NSW Top All-Rounders
Jonathan Cass, Rebecca Cohen, Lily Ilsar, Elijah Jones, Michaela Machlin, Jenna Marks, Montana Pager, Galit Silberman, Joshua Waine, Ava Warhaftig
Saul Pinshaw Joshua Waine
Apple Distinguished School
KELLY CABRAL MARKETING MANAGER MOUNT SINAI COLLEGE
After 12 years as an Apple Distinguished School, what have we gained?
Being an Apple Distinguished School isn’t just about having the latest technology for the sake of it. It’s about providing access to modern tools and resources that empower teachers and students to teach and learn more effectively, preparing them for the dynamic careers of the future. The right technology becomes a gateway to a global community, with an ever-growing database of knowledge and skills. It enables our students to move beyond routine classroom tasks and truly engage with the ‘how’ of learning.
Mount Sinai College is pleased to announce that it has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for a fifth designation (2024 – 2027) for its unique implementation of Apple technology. Schools are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine and impact teaching and learning. Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals.
Schools globally are using iPad and Mac to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
During the three-year designation (2024 – 2027), schools like Mount Sinai College will share stories and successes with other progressive educators to uncover the most exciting practices in education.
“With our 1:1 iPad Program, students are given the flexibility to learn at their own pace, ask questions, express their creativity and make observations in any area of the school. Students have also been able to collaborate with other schools around the world, sharing what they've learnt with others”, said Mount Sinai’s Director of IT and Innovation, David Colville.
Educators at Apple Distinguished Schools have a clear vision for how their technology-enhanced environment supports their learning goals. School leaders cultivate an atmosphere of continuous innovation, ensuring that their vision evolves through thoughtful planning, practice and iteration. By embracing the innovative use of technology and fostering agile classroom learning, they create opportunities for students to enrich their educational experience in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
“We share this designation with pride and feel it recognises the continuity and efficacy of our technology program for well over a decade. The recognition encourages our teachers to continue to innovate and think of effective ways of using their technology to benefit the students and our wider community,” said Principal Noelene Bellingham.
Early Learning Centres: a foundation of growth, learning and kindness
KELLY CABRAL MARKETING MANAGER
MOUNT SINAI COLLEGE
At Mount Sinai Early Learning Centres (ELC) in Kingsford and Maroubra, we are deeply committed to shaping young minds and hearts, setting them on a path of lifelong learning, emotional growth and social responsibility. Catering to children aged two to five, our ELCs provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, socially and emotionally, laying the groundwork for future success. Our philosophy goes beyond literacy and numeracy. At Mount Sinai College, we believe that instilling values like kindness and empathy is as vital as academic readiness. Children in their early years are at a formative stage and by fostering emotional intelligence, we aim to nurture a generation of compassionate individuals, ready to create a more harmonious future.
A unique two-campus journey
The journey begins at our Kingsford Campus, where two-to-three-year-olds are welcomed into a warm, inclusive environment. Here, children participate in a variety of enriching activities –including sports, music and Hebrew lessons – led by experienced educators. Weekly visits from the College Rabbi and
celebrations of Jewish festivals, challah baking and Shabbat enhance their understanding of traditions and values. From Kingsford, children transition to our Maroubra Campus, which caters to three-to-five-year-olds. At Maroubra, the comprehensive educational program continues, ensuring seamless integration into kindergarten. Our connection with the primary school provides unique opportunities for continuity, enabling students to build relationships with primary educators and develop a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
The power of teaching kindness and empathy
At Mount Sinai ELC, we understand that emotional development is integral to lifelong success. Our educators model kindness and empathy daily, creating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves and connect with others. Through storytelling, cooperative play and teamwork, children learn to understand and appreciate the feelings and needs of their peers. Our curriculum incorporates activities that promote gratitude and conflict resolution,
empowering children with the skills to navigate challenges peacefully and positively. Random acts of kindness –such as sharing toys, helping a friend or offering comfort – are celebrated and encouraged, fostering a culture of compassion and social responsibility.
Why choose Mount Sinai ELC?
Being part of the broader Mount Sinai College offers a distinct advantage. Our expert educators, specialised music, Hebrew and sports programs, and a strong focus on Jewish values provides children with a holistic foundation. These experiences, coupled with our emphasis on emotional resilience, independence and routines, prepare children for a smooth transition to primary school and beyond. Teaching kindness and empathy is a gift we give not only to our students, but to the world. By shaping children who are both academically prepared and emotionally intelligent, we are helping to create a brighter, more caring future for all.
To see our nurturing environment firsthand, we invite families to book a tour of our Kingsford or Maroubra campuses. Limited spots are available, so please contact our Enrolments’ Director, Rachel Schwartz, at rschwartz@mountsinai.nsw. edu.au to secure your child’s place today.
Mount Sinai’s Director of IT and Innovation, David Colville, running a lunchtime tech club with students
Mount Sinai students with ELC Educator Stacey Pizzol
Class of 2024: a year of excellence and unity
Masada College is incredibly proud of the extraordinary achievements of the Class of 2024. These graduates have displayed remarkable dedication, resilience and hard work throughout their studies, and their successes are a direct reflection of the outstanding support provided by their teachers and the entire school community.
Masada College achieved an impressive 37th place in the 2024 HSC Rankings, which highlights the academic strength of the school. Not only did Masada rank among the top schools in the state, but it also claimed the position of the highest-ranking coeducational school on Sydney’s North Shore. Additionally, the college ranked 6th among all co-educational, nonselective schools in New South Wales, cementing its reputation as one of the premier educational institutions in the region.
Across a diverse range of subjects, students from the Class of 2024 excelled. One of the most notable achievements came in Classical Hebrew, where Masada students achieved joint First in State results in both Classical Hebrew Continuers and Classical Hebrew Extension.
This is testament to the high level of scholarship and commitment demonstrated by students in these challenging courses.
Among the standout students was Ricky Maltz, who achieved the title of dux, with an ATAR of 99.7. Rebecca Roozendaal, who followed closely behind, with an ATAR of 99.5, also made a significant impact.
The collective academic performance of the Class of 2024 is outstanding. 92 per cent of the cohort’s results were in the top two bands, reflecting the high level of achievement across a wide variety of subjects. Further, 68 per cent of students were named Distinguished Achievers, having earned a Band 6 in at least one subject. The cohort’s median ATAR was an impressive 92, highlighting the overall
strength and consistency of the group.
Masada College students also continued to shine in the HSC Showcases, with two ARTEXPRESS nominations, an ARTEXPRESS selection, two ENCORE nominations and a SHAPE nomination.
The cohort also boasted two allrounders: Rebecca Roozendaal and Asher Hasofer, both of whom achieved consistently high results across multiple subjects.
This cohort has shown exceptional resilience and unity. Their success is a direct result of their commitment to their studies and the incredible support they received from their teachers, peers and
families. They have demonstrated not just academic excellence, but the values of perseverance, kindness and teamwork that are at the heart of Masada College. While these academic achievements are impressive, what truly makes the Class of 2024 stand out is the sense of unity and camaraderie that defined their journey. The cohort worked together, supported one another and celebrated each other’s successes. Their Prefect slogan, “Together we are more, 2024,” captured the essence of their experience. It reflected their shared commitment to academic excellence, personal growth and mutual support.
Masada’s proudest achievement, however, is that year after year, its graduates embody the values of integrity and kindness. The Class of 2024 is no exception. Their ability to foster a supportive and respectful community makes them role models for future generations.
The achievements of the Class of 2024 have brought immense pride to Masada College. These graduates have grown into exceptional young adults, leaving a lasting impact on the school. As they step into the next chapter of their lives, Masada College wishes them every success and continues to celebrate their many accomplishments. May their paths be blessed with continued growth and fulfillment. Beracha Ve'hatzlacha.
Masada College Class of 2024, with dux Ricky Maltz, fifth from the left, in the bottom row
Goodness Makes Greatness
Excellence in education
Kesser Torah College (KTC) has again demonstrated its commitment to academic and personal excellence with the outstanding achievements of its 2024 Year 12 graduates. The HSC results highlight the school’s dedication to its vision of “growing minds and nurturing character – guided by the Torah.”
Impressively, students achieved an average of 91 per cent across all extension courses, a testament to KTC’s emphasis on academic rigour in top-tier subjects.
The school’s achievements are further underscored by its estimated 45th place ranking in the state, a significant jump from 2023’s position of 100th.
KTC’s dual curriculum is central to its mission. It blends a text-based Jewish Studies program with the NSW curriculum, equipping students with the tools they need to shine academically, spiritually and personally. This approach not only fosters a deep connection to the strong Jewish values of the school, but also prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Graduates from 2024 received early offers to prestigious university programs in fields such as Business, Animation, Medical Science, Commerce, Sport Science, Education and Communications. Many
others are dedicating the coming year to advanced Jewish learning at seminaries and yeshivas in Melbourne and Israel, further enriching their spiritual and personal development.
KTC Principal Rabbi Chaiton shared his pride in the graduates, praising their accomplishments:
“Our dual curriculum equips our graduates with the keys to open countless doors – academic excellence, a deep and unwavering connection to their Yiddishkeit, communal responsibilities and the readiness to excel in every aspect of their lives. Beyond academic accomplishments, our students leave
KTC with a clear understanding and deep knowledge of their identity. They are fully grounded in both Torah values and the skills needed to navigate the modern world, prepared to contribute meaningfully wherever they go. With these keys in hand, they are empowered to pursue a future filled with boundless opportunities.
“These results reflect the dedication of our amazing educators and the belief that they have in every one of their students. Under the leadership of our Head of High School, James Mulhall, and his team, our students have thrived academically while developing a strong moral compass, underpinned by our vision and values.”
The school’s dux, Liorah Kessel, exemplifies the qualities that KTC aims to nurture in its students. After achieving outstanding results in 3-unit English, 3-unit Classical Hebrew, Modern Hebrew, Biology and Modern History, Liora plans to take some time to develop her Yiddishkeit, before continuing her postschool journey at OC in Melbourne. She has long-term aspirations to pursue a career in medicine.
The success of Kesser Torah College’s 2024 graduates reaffirms the school’s leadership in education. Its ability to integrate Jewish and secular studies has created an environment where students can thrive.
KESSER TORAH COLLEGE
Kesser Torah College 2024 dux Liorah Kessel
A new chapter
Emanuel School is delighted to welcome Linda Emms as our new Principal. With a rich background in education and a passion for fostering a love of learning, Linda brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the values that define our school community.
Linda is a highly respected and experienced educator and leader, and comes to us from the MLC School in Sydney, where she has been the Head of Learning and Teaching for K-12. In this position, Linda led a culture of excellence, focusing on the development and implementation of a whole school framework for teaching and learning, a strong focus on academic results, teacher development and the development of well rounded, confident students.
Linda's leadership is guided by values that align closely with those of Emanuel School. She said: “Emanuel graduates are curious and resilient learners, tenacious problem solvers, daring doers and compassionate advocates. These are all such wonderful qualities and resonate deeply. The other is the focus on Tikkun Olam and social justice that is so evident across the school.
This, along with the commitment to reconciliation and the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
histories and cultures, in harmony with the proud Jewish heritage of Emanuel School, is something I feel proud to be a part of.“
Linda is committed to supporting students in achieving their personal best, fostering individual growth and nurturing a strong sense of community and pride in heritage. She values the opportunity to interact regularly with the school community, emphasising the importance of connection and
engagement. In announcing Linda’s appointment, Emanuel School
President Gary Joffe said: “Emanuel has experienced exceptional growth over the last decade, with an expanded and experienced senior leadership team, strong academic platforms and a significantly improved campus. We have had amazing achievements across the entire school, including academics, Jewish Life, sport, music, art and drama. With strong foundations in place, we
are fortunate to have found someone of Linda’s calibre to lead our school through its next exciting chapter. After an extensive search, Linda stood out as an exceptional and experienced educator, and a kind and compassionate leader. Linda has an ambitious and exciting vision for our school to ensure we remain a leading Jewish educational institution for generations to come.”
Linda’s career highlights include establishing the Indigenous Education program at MLC School, fostering cultural understanding. The development of the Arnhem Land Immersion program, which enabled students and staff to spend time on country with the community, remains a highlight of her career. Linda is also proud of the teams she has led, finding great satisfaction in seeing her colleagues realise their professional aspirations.
In her first year, Linda is eager to learn more about Jewish life and looks forward to being guided by the staff and students. “My priorities for the school will no doubt evolve as I come to know our community better. For now, it is continuing to provide an outstanding holistic education for our students, while scanning the horizon for future directions and opportunities, so that Emanuel School remains at the forefront of education.”
Emanuel School Principal Lind Emms with the Head Madrichim
A new era for Jewish learning
JOHN HAMEY CEO BJE
In 2025, BJE (Board of Jewish Education) continues to redefine what it means to engage and inspire Jewish students across New South Wales and the ACT through our Jewish Journey. With an unwavering commitment to Jewish education that extends far beyond the classroom, BJE is focused on fostering meaningful connections –between students, their families and their communities. The way we have tackled this mission for the coming year is with a renewal of our curriculum offering, the expansion of our afterschool Learning Hub to the southeast (as well as retaining the hub in the east), expanded enrichment programs and fresh opportunities for Jewish students attending non-Jewish schools to embrace their identity and live their Jewish experience to the fullest.
A highlight for 2025 is the renewal of BJE’s Hebrew and Scripture curriculum, reflecting a modern, engaging approach to Jewish learning. Designed to be more interactive and meaningful, the refreshed curriculum ensures students gain a deep and relevant understanding of Jewish traditions and language. This, combined with the Learning Hubs and the continuation of the Hebrew Learning Hub, launched on the North Shore in 2024, means that more students can benefit from high-quality Jewish education that is local to them. Beyond
curriculum and location growth, BJE is excited to offer enriching programs that deepen Jewish connections. The Nesiah program, a transformative five-week Israel experience, is greatly anticipated in 2025, allowing Year 10 and 11 students from NSW, the ACT and Queensland to explore their heritage in a deeply personal way. Past participant Shiana said: "The five weeks I spent with BJE was simply amazing. I was able to experience Israel in a way tours don't offer.
We explored the entire country, visiting staple places like Masada and Tel Aviv, and less common areas like Tzfat and Zichron Ya'akov. Israel is such a magical place and to be there exploring and making friends with other Jewish Aussie students was so worth it."
An information night for the Nesiah Israel Program will be held on March 9. To register, go to www.bje.org.au/nesiah/ BJE remains steadfast in its mission to empower Jewish youth through education, community and connection. Our teachers are passionate about supporting Jewish children and young people, as they seek to deepen their understanding of what it means to be Jewish. Our initiatives reflect BJE’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaged Jewish future. For more details or to register for any of our programs, visit www.bje.nsw.edu.au or call us on 9365-7900.
A parent joining her daughter as part of BJE’s Chanukah meet and greet activity, one of the organisation’s Extension programs
COMMUNITY
DAVID SOLOMON, CEO AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY AROUND THE
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.
Situated in Israel’s cultural, financial and tech capital, TAU embodies Tel Aviv’s
50 years and counting …
dynamic, pluralistic spirit – mirroring the city’s innovation, discovery and diversity.
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.
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.
AFTAU activities
With a global outlook, TAU fosters interdisciplinary research and education to tackle the 21st century’s most pressing challenges.
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.
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
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.
The gift of a lifetime.
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.
Tel Aviv University in the foreground
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
YOASH DVIR, CEO TECHNION AUSTRALIA
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.
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).
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. 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
In the field of technology, Technion graduates were early pioneers in Israel’s emerging high-tech industry,
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
Graduation ceremony at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
ROBERT SCHNEIDER, CEO
AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
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
MICHAEL MANHAIM AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
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)
Graduates at Reichman University (photo by Kfir Bolotin, Reichman University)
RABBI MOSHE GUTNICK RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY
The recent surge in antisemitic incidents in Australia has been deeply troubling for the Jewish community and beyond. Antisemitism is not a new phenomenon. It has plagued our people for millennia, manifesting in various forms of discrimination, violence and hatred. However, the recent incidents in Australia, including the torching of a shul and a daycare centre, and the vandalism of homes and cars, has brought this issue to the forefront of our collective consciousness.
One of the inspiring aspects of our tradition is the concept of "tikkun olam", which means repairing the world. This principle calls on us to take action, to be proactive in making the world a better place, not just for us but for the entire world. In the face of hatred, we must respond with love and understanding. We must educate others about the dangers of antisemitism, but equally about the importance of the Torah's moral code – the seven universal Noahide commands, and work towards creating a society where such hatred has no place.
We have all read and heard of the fear that has gripped some in our community. They say these events are reminiscent of the 1930s in Nazi Germany. It was
Fear not
not long between the Jews having the rights of ordinary citizens in Austria and Germany, and Kristallnacht and the Holocaust. The fear is palpable.
I would like to say a few words to those who are scared. Gather around, because at first I am going to whisper it, but then we will all shout it from the rooftops. We say it at the end of prayers three times a day.
“Do not fear a sudden terror, or the destruction of the wicked when it comes. Our enemies plot against us,
but their plans will be nullified. They will speak against us and their words will be as nothing, because G-d is with us."
In the lead up to the Holocaust, we were alone. We had nowhere to turn.
Australia’s famous response was “we do not want to import racial tension”. Antisemitism was as common as Vegemite. Even the Allies, when they went to battle against Nazism, to their everlasting shame, gave the war effort precedence over saving Jews from the gas chambers. Even G-d appeared to
have turned his face from us, as was, indeed, prophesied in the Torah. And then something beyond remarkable took place. The Jewish people on a small tract of land, promised to Abraham 3,300 years ago, rose from the ashes brighter and stronger than even the proverbial Phoenix. If G-d hid his face from us 80 years ago, today His eyes are wide open.
No matter what threat is raised against us, we have the knowledge that we have defeated our enemies before, and we will do so again. The most powerful nation on Earth is our staunchest ally.
The Republicans in the United States Congress are to pass a bill that the West Bank should no longer be called that, but rather its biblical name, Judea and Samaria.
Contemplate this for a moment: Gaza is rubble, Lebanon is no longer a threat, Assad's Syria is no more and Iran has been humiliated. Remember the beepers? Israel is today one of the most powerful (and feared) countries on the planet.
There are still more dangers. There are still battles to be fought and wars to be won. But now is not reminiscent of the 1930s, now is reminiscent of Joshua leading the Jewish people into the promised land, when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. So, shout it from the rooftops – the eternal people are not afraid. Am Yisrael Chai.
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 DR BENJI LEVY
Rabbi Dr Benji Levy
Question
RABBI
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
Feb 14, 2025
Shabbat ends, Feb 15, 2025
Feb 21, 2025
Shabbat ends, Feb 22, 2025
Friday, Feb 28, 2025
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PM Friday, Mar 7, 2025
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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.
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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)
Yoni
CONSIDERED OPINION
Complicated times
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
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.
RAMONA FREEDMAN
Apple kugel Strawberry rhubarb kugel
Method:
St Louis Gooey Butter Cake recipe
Peel and slice thinly the granny smith apples.
Ingredients:
4-5 Granny Smith apples
5 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup plain flour
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.
1 cup white sugar (which can be adjusted, if you want less sweetness)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup orange juice
Cinnamon sugar
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
Place them in two 9 x 9 inch baking dishes, or one 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl. When combined, pour over apples in the baking dish.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 50-55 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Ingredients:
Dough:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
cup sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla sugar ½ cup oil
Filling:
1 bag frozen strawberries
1 bag frozen rhubarb
¾ cup sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
reach a lump-free and smooth consistency similar to condensed milk.
Method:
Mix together dough ingredients.
Press down half the dough mixture to line the bottom of a greased pan. Mix together filling ingredients.
Pour on top of the dough and bake at 180C for half an hour.
Crumble remaining dough mixture on top and bake for another half hour.
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. Add a dusting of powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 180C. Line a 23 x 32 cm or 9 X 13 inch baking dish
Add the flour, sugar, almond flour, baking powder, ground ginger and the bowl, as necessary. You should
Spelling bee answers
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
Alan Bender is head chef at Soul Gourmet. To find out more, go to https:// soulgourmet.com.au
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
½ teaspoon salt
225g butter melted (Nuttelex also works)
REBBETZIN ESTY GUTNICK
REBBETZIN ESTY GUTNICK
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
