Have you been accused of not listening? There is a key difference between hearing and listening.
All too often, we interchange these two concepts and can be confused into believing that they mean the same thing.
Hearing revolves around the physiological act of hearing sounds.
Listening is actively paying attention to the words and sounds that you hear to absorb their meaning.
When we choose not to listen to someone, whether that be our spouse, coworker, friend or child, we potentially create a rift in the relationship.
Have you heard someone utter these words: “You might be hearing me, but you’re not listening to what I say”?
The results of the recent federal election served to demonstrate that the Coalition was not listening to the electorate.
Let’s consider some ways that we can improve our listening skills:
• Pay attention and concentrate on what the speaker is saying.
• Use empathy, curiosity and motivation to provide connection.
Hearing and listening and the lack of each can drastically affect our mental health.
KOSHER CROSSWORD
Are you listening?
Sometimes we choose not to listen to another person because we are distracted, too busy or do not want to hear what they say. What that tells them is what they are saying and feeling is not important. That can put strain on a relationship and thereby affect our mental health.
Conversely, if we choose to actively listen and engage with others, we are showing them that they matter and the relationship is reinforced.
So, by actively listening and engaging with other individuals, we can:
• Create strong and genuine friendships.
• Exchange knowledge.
• Share memories.
Rebels
(Var.)
Biblical rebel (Numbers)
Biblical rebel (Melachim II)
One of 34-Across
Natural opening?
Links hazard
Beginning of a fast day
Rickles of comedy
• Pass on stories and ideas.
• Resolve conflicts and create better solutions.
A pitfall to be aware of is non-verbal behaviour. Does our body language indicate that we are listening? Are we leaning in towards the speaker, sitting with uncrossed arms, nodding and so forth? It is also important to have communication where the speaker allows the listener to chime in.
The feeling of not being heard can be isolating and upsetting. It is necessary to put in effort when listening to another person. If need be, ask for clarification as to what they are saying, so that the result is meaningful dialogue.
Thus far we have explored active
listening. There is also passive listening, which is characterised as being disconnected, inattentive and unreceptive. A passive listener has no desire to contribute to the conversation. Most likely, they have already formed an opinion and are not willing to engage. Unsurprisingly, passive listening is not a great way to communicate with people with whom you are striving to form a relationship.
We should also consider what happens when a person experiences hearing loss and they are simply unable to listen. The loss of hearing is also linked to mental health concerns. Losing our ability to hear can potentially lead to social isolation and depression. This is when seeking professional help can be crucial.
Some final tips for becoming a better listener are to ask questions and to wait to speak – don’t speak over the person to whom you are listening and stay focused.
The late American author and communications expert, Ralph Nichols said: “The most basic of all human needs is to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”
Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
8. Har where Yaakov saw angels
9. Rap megastar
10. Bomb
11. Canal of note
12. Disney rat
17. Jewish season
22. City of Kings, for short
24. Financial chan.
25. Israeli child
26. Bonus
27. Turn the trip meter to 000
28. Sister of Elizabeth I
30. Big name in Torah commentary
31. First name in terrorism
32. Entertaining Shore
35. Tabula ___ (clean slate)
38. One way Jews might defend themselves
39. "Alas!"
43. Cunning
45. Bar or Pearl
47. Southern Arizona city
48. Do, in the Torah
50. Teased (with "with")
52. Locale
53. Back muscles, briefly
54. Start of an incantation
56. Part of a U.S. commonwealth
57. Bibi's wife
58. Baby food choice
Har where Moshe saw Israel
Requiring little effort
59. Range in "The Sound of Music"
62. Range abbr.
Pampering spot
Midrash ___
Biblical rebel (Yirmiyahu)
Chutzpah
Maccabiah or Saba
Addis Ababa is its capital: Abbr.
Montana capital
May parsha (this year)
Disney lion
YONI GLATT
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
TAMARA PORAT AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM
Why MDA is the lifeline you’ll be proud to support
From high-tech innovation to humanitarian heroism, Magen David Adom is saving lives every day — and now Australians can step up and help carry the stretcher.
When you hear the name Magen David Adom (MDA), you might picture sirens and ambulances, but that’s only the beginning of the story.
As Israel’s national emergency medical service and blood bank, MDA responds to an emergency every 24 seconds. But what makes this organisation truly exceptional is not just its speed – it’s the scope, soul and sophistication behind every life saved.
Let’s start with the tech. MDA is a global leader in emergency medical innovation. From AI-powered dispatch systems that predict ambulance positioning, to underground blood vaults designed to withstand missile attacks, to drones that deliver defibrillators to remote areas, MDA is redefining what’s possible in crisis response. These advancements aren’t just saving lives in Israel; they’re shaping emergency medicine around the world.
And then there’s the heart of the organisation: its people. MDA is a living
More than an ambulance service
example of coexistence and unity. With more than 33,000 volunteers and 3,000 staff, it brings together Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and others, all working side by side. It’s more than a workforce; it’s a family united by compassion and purpose.
As a non-government organisation, MDA relies almost entirely on philanthropic support from communities in Israel and generous donors around
the world, including here in Australia. It’s thanks to this support that MDA remains Israel’s second line of defence, responding during conflict, terror attacks and mass casualty events.
MDA’s training programs start early. Israeli students as young as Year 9 can begin volunteering.
By the time they reach adulthood, many are already certified emergency medical technicians. This youth
empowerment fosters a deep sense of responsibility, service and national pride.
And MDA’s reach doesn’t stop at Israel’s borders.
From the earthquake in Turkey to disasters in Haiti, Ukraine and South America, MDA teams are deployed around the world, bringing life-saving aid wherever it is most needed.
This is not just an ambulance service. It’s a humanitarian movement. A symbol of Jewish resilience.
A source of pride for anyone who values saving lives, regardless of nationality, faith or politics.
And now, we’re putting Australia’s red Star of David on the map. We've launched Team MDA for the 2025 City2Surf and we’re calling on our community to support the cause.
Run with us, fundraise alongside us, sponsor us as a business or simply make a tax-deductible donation to support the cause.
In a world where tragedy strikes fast, MDA is ready first. And with your help, it always will be.
Join us here: https://city2surf25.grassrootz.com/ australian-friends-of-mda/team-mda
Magen David Adom medics in Israel: 36,000 strong, from all backgrounds, saving lives every day, with the help of global supporters
CONSIDERED OPINION
A modern-day battle
Part I: the PR war I spend a lot of time on the internet. I admit, I’m a self-confessed, chronically online digital native. While it may not have been a life I willingly chose, having been born into the connected generation, sadly it’s the life I choose now. Why? Because what starts online never ends online and whether we like it or not, the digital and physical worlds are inextricably linked.
Too often recently have I heard the argument that social media is insignificant or “not real”. Because of this detrimentally flawed attitude, Israel is losing the PR war and Jews in the diaspora are being doxxed and their families threatened. To understand the significant role that the internet plays in the future of the Jewish people, we need look no further than the Instagram account @jewhatedb, or Jew Hate Database, that was created shortly after October 7th, 2023. This initiative was started by two American Jews who saw a rise in attacks against Jews around the world and felt the need to expose them through the power of social media. To this day, they have exposed thousands of incidents that have resulted in real world consequences for the offenders. The power of the world wide web is such that if you report an incident to Jew Hate Database, they can find the names and identities of the perpetrators long before the police even know something has happened. What’s more, in recent months, Australian related content has become a common feature on their page, despite their focus being
on antisemitic incidents in America. Whether it was the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue or the two New South Wales nurses who claimed to have killed Israelis, the rest of the Jewish world is finally aware of the Australian Jewish experience, largely thanks to the Jew Hate Database.
Since October 7th, the same attitude has been adopted by numerous others who realised that waiting for the government or the authorities to act is simply not enough. So, a Jewish presence online, calling out the lies and the hate, is essential. One such activist is Jewish Australian lawyer Zara Cooper, most commonly known as @clammy_ fraud. Cooper has made a name for herself due to her unwavering efforts to call out hate in this country. She has been attacked, abused and her children’s lives threatened. Still, despite the risk to herself and her family, she chose not to hide, but to turn her experiences into something positive. Digital Defence is a not-for-profit co-founded by Cooper and advocate Jennifer Lee to combat harmful online behaviour in Australia through education and support. Organisations like hers only demonstrate the stark reality that no Jew or Zionist is safe online anymore. The intensity of Jew hatred that we’ve seen in the past year and a half is so unbelievable that I am personally still struggling to come to terms with it. Yet, the reality is clear. We cannot afford to continue ignoring the importance of the online space. We must invest further in it and we must start now.
Part II: changing the narrative
Earlier this month, as I sat in Caulfield Shule listening to Zara Cooper in
conversation with one of my favourite online influencers, Syrian-born Abraham Hamra, I realised that it’s not only essential that we are actively present in the PR war, but how we fight it. During the discussion, Hamra made a profound point. When asked about his approach to advocating for Israel, he made it clear that while the Holocaust was a terrible tragedy and Holocaust education has served its purpose for many decades to encourage empathy for the oppressed, it can no longer be used as the framework from which we justify Israel’s existence and tell the Jewish story today. For most non-Jewish Australians, education about the Jewish people has almost solely consisted of a trip to the Holocaust Museum and, if they’re lucky, a neighbouring synagogue.
For those with Jewish friends, a Shabbat dinner or watching the lighting of the menorah at Chanukah may be added to the mix. But when the world is hurling ‘White European Coloniser’ accusations against you, telling them the story of your seemingly White, European grandparents fleeing to Israel to build the country seems almost counterintuitive. What we must reflect upon is that the Jew hatred of 80 years ago is not necessarily the Jew hatred we face today.
Yes, there are still Neo-Nazi’s around espousing the same replacement theory of the past, but they’re not the trending audio.
Hamra illustrated it best when he shared his recent experiences speaking directly to Arabs online. At first, they would hurl insults at each other … in Arabic, of course. Then, they would curse each other … again in Arabic. And then finally, with the niceties out
the way, the real conversation would begin. Perhaps surprisingly, by the time Hamra had finished sharing his family’s experience as Jews in Syria and why they had to flee, he found more friends than enemies. Clearly, this is a tactic that Ashkenazi Jews cannot replicate, yet it seems to be an effective one.
So, what does this mean for us – the majority population of Australian Jewry of European descent? The answer is straight forward enough. Platform diverse Jewish voices. Share the stories of Middle Eastern and North African Jews. Educate the Jewish and nonJewish communities about the Farhud (a pogrom carried out against the Jewish population of Baghdad in June 1941) and the Jewish persecution at the hands of Arab colonisation. Change the face of the Jewish world.
Jews are not white. We are a multicultural, racially diverse people who, for the most part, can trace our ancestry back to a tiny sliver of land in the Middle East called Israel.
This may seem like an obvious statement to most of you reading this, but for many apparently it is not. So, if this is the ignorance we are fighting against, why is it that Hamra is one of the first Middle Eastern Jews to be brought out here by our Jewish organisations?
It's time we faced the fact that ours is not only a European story anymore. It’s also very much a Middle Eastern one. And it’s about time we allowed the Middle Eastern Jews to tell it.
Find the exclusive full conversation between Zara Cooper and Abraham Hamra on YouTube @loadedinkmediaaus.
DAHLIA D’ONGHIA
From left: Zara Cooper, Abraham Hamra and Rabbi Daniel Rabin
For Eve Fridman, walking into COA’s kitchen revives warm memories. It’s where she feels closest to her late mother – a place filled with the spirit of love, laughter and shared meals.
“My mum used to come to COA,” Eve says. “She loved the activities and the people here. Every time I come in to cook, I feel like I’m reconnecting with her. It brings me comfort and I feel like she’s still part of this place.”
Eve’s love of cooking was passed down from her mum, and now, through her time in the COA kitchen, she continues that legacy, pouring heart and heritage into every dish.
She visits COA most weeks, often arriving early to prepare food ahead of special events.
“I’m so grateful that COA trusts me and gives me the flexibility and creativity to use my own recipes. It brings me great joy to watch people enjoy the food.”
This Shavuot, Eve will be baking cheesecakes to be served at the ‘Play for JCA Shavuot Morning Tea’ – a fun morning of Kalooki, rummy tiles and community connection at 10am on Wednesday 28th May.
Below is Eve’s favourite cheesecake recipe, one that she loves to make and share with others.
Ingredients:
250 grams Philadelphia regular cream
cheese block (must be the block)
500 grams cottage cheese
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 tablespoon plain flour
250 grams sour cream (Dairy Farmers, if possible)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Method:
Put both cheeses into a food processor or mix master and blitz until combined.
Add sugar and eggs, one at a time. Then add cornflour, plain flour, zest and juice.
Bake in a lined 23-centimetre springform tin at 160°C for approximately one hour.
Cool in oven with the door ajar.
Then place the cake in the fridge and enjoy.
To learn more about or book for the Shavuot Morning Tea, contact coa@ coasydney.org, call (02) 8367 5051 or visit www.coasydney.org
Happy cook Eve Fridman
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
JEMs CTEEN SYDNEY
Earlier this year, under the leadership of Rabbi Chida Levitansky, a group of passionate Jewish teens from JEMs CTeen Sydney joined thousands of their contemporaries from 60 countries at the CTeen International Shabbaton in New York City.
This year's summit was especially meaningful, as Jewish teens worldwide seek solidarity and strength in the face of increasing challenges.
The annual event – the largest Jewish teen gathering in the world – provided a powerful weekend of inspiration, leadership training and Jewish pride.
“For some of our teens, they are the only Jewish students in their schools and face antisemitism,” said Rabbi Levitansky. “Being among 4,000 peers who share their heritage is an experience that will strengthen them … for life.”
For Ella, a Year 10 student at JJ Cahill Public School in Mascot, attending the Shabbaton was a powerful moment of unity. “Joining the international Shabbaton is more important than ever because of what’s happening in the world. It’s bringing us together as one Jewish community to be united,” said Ella.
Leia, a Year 12 student at Rose Bay Secondary College, emphasised the need for Jewish teens to stand strong together. “I think it is important for me and others to join this international Shabbaton, now more than ever, to represent the strength our community has to overcome the prejudice we face and unify, to call for the safety of Israel and
Sydney teens travel more than 15,000 kilometres to join largest global Jewish teens’ summit
Jews,” she said. A dedicated volunteer at JEMs CTeen, Leia, also noted how the CTeen fosters connections. “CTeen is a great organisation because it allows kids from many different schools to come together and talk. It has really grown me as a person and helps me feel not alone during this time of havoc.”
The Shabbaton’s theme, “Shine On”, encouraged teens to proudly embrace their Jewish identity. Through workshops and peer-led sessions, participants shared personal experiences of overcoming adversity, from facing antisemitism in schools, to supporting
their communities in times of crisis. One of the most emotional moments of the weekend was visiting the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher rebbe, whose vision and leadership inspired the creation of the CTeen movement.
“Standing at the Ohel with thousands of other teens was incredibly powerful,” said Year 9 student from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Eli. “It made me think about my role back home and how much we can accomplish, if we work together.” A highlight of the weekend was the Times Square Havdalah, where thousands of
Jewish teens publicly celebrated their Jewish identity. “We didn’t just talk about being proud Jews. We stood in the heart of New York City, singing, dancing and showing the world who we are,” said Leia. “That’s something I will carry with me forever.” Parents in Sydney saw the impact immediately. “My daughter came back energised, not just proud to be Jewish, but ready to bring that pride to her friends,” said a parent of one of the attendees. “Seeing her so confident in her Jewish identity means so much, especially in today’s world.”
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International, emphasised the lasting effect of the summit. “When teens like those from Sydney return home, they bring the energy of this summit with them. They create new opportunities for their friends, step up for their communities and embrace their Jewish identity as a natural part of their daily lives.”
JEMs CTeen Sydney, led by Rabbi Chida Levitansky, is part of CTeen – the world’s largest Jewish teen organisation – with 824 chapters in 62 countries. CTeen empowers teens to become leaders and changemakers in their communities through acts of kindness, social responsibility and Jewish learning, inspired by the Rebbe’s belief in the power of youth as a force for positive change. Since October 7, 2023, CTeen chapters worldwide have expanded efforts to ensure every Jewish teen feels supported, proud and connected to their identity.
Thousands of Jewish teens gathered at Times Square for a Jewish pride concert
The Australian JEMs CTeen contingent on the Shabbaton weekend
The Aussies outside “770”, the headquarters of the Chabad movement in New York City
More than 80 members of the local community joined UIA for three weeks of Missions and an International Women’s Mifgash in Israel. Being in Israel over Yom Hazikaron is a sacred time which gives our nation the space to remember … to witness … to stand in solidarity with the victims of October 7 and their families. Mission participants visited memorials at Be’eri and the Nova site. They met survivors and terror victims. They joined ceremonies at Mount Herzl and the Knesset. They walked the streets of Sderot, Kiryat Shmona and the Golan Heights, where recovery is powered by UIA’s generous supporters.
The next day participants danced in the streets, ate traditional food and felt the true pulse of a nation that is eternal on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Mission participant Helen Goodman had this to say: “Eight days of a lifetime. My first Mission. Why did I wait so long? An exhaustive program, but an itinerary with so much information, so much to see and hear. The joy – Yom Ha’atzmaut. What fun and incredible happiness. The dancing … the food. It did not disappoint. The “family” on the Mission gel and form relationships. Funny, serious, quiet, talkative and all with opinions. Thank you. Your knowledge, organisation and courage are truly
A people on a Mission
inspiring.” Another Mission participant, Philippa Hall, echoed those sentiments.
“For 34 years I've been yearning to return to Israel. I'm not Jewish, but as soon as I arrived, I felt at home.
Time and again, I came across beautiful, compassionate, loving people inside and out. I met and had lunch with gorgeous, young but mature soldiers, younger than my kids, so happy to be serving their country. The Mission is priceless. I feel so privileged and grateful
to have taken part.” Michael Koodak said: “Of course there's been a mix of sad moments, but at the same time it was uplifting listening to the experiences of hostages and their families, and how they cope with such adversity.
It makes me realise how fortunate I’ve been in my life and as a proud Zionist Jew that we are in good hands.”
The People of Israel need us now more than ever, but perhaps the diaspora community needs Israel and her People
more than we realise. So, grab your opportunity to see, feel and experience Israel like never before with a UIA for a Day trip to the north or south, or the upcoming September Mission.
For more information about upcoming dates for UIA for a Day and Missions, go to uiaaustralia.org.au/experienceisrael-uia-way or email philippa@ uiansw.org.au
How many common words of five or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one Jewish word will use all seven letters.
Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score one point for each answer and three points for a Jewish related word that uses all seven letters.
Rating: 15 = Good; 21 = Excellent; 25 = Genius
PAGE 18
Participants of the recent UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission outside a dormitory at Hadassah Neurim Youth Village, built with the generous support of UIA donor Nora Goodridge
Yoni
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
CANDICE WERMUT SAJE MANAGER
We are thrilled to have celebrated so many SAJE weddings, a testament to the dedication, perseverance and love that our couples have poured into their Jewish journeys.
For couples undergoing an Orthodox Jewish conversion, the wedding represents far more than a celebration of love. It is the final, transformative step in a deeply meaningful process. These weddings mark not only the union of two individuals but also the creation of a Jewish home, something we at SAJE are proud to support and be a part of.
In Judaism, a wedding is more than a ceremony; it is a sacred celebration of life, unity and commitment. To see a couple stand beneath the chuppah after a significant period of learning, growth and introspection is an emotional experience.
Many of these couples have been with us from the start of their journey. To
Celebrating SAJE weddings
then witness them walk down the aisle, ready to begin their lives as part of the Jewish people, fills us with immense pride and gratitude.
These moments are the heartbeat of our mission. They are a reminder that every conversation, class and connection we foster plays a role in building Jewish families, rooted in tradition, faith and love.
“It is a huge honour and privilege to guide these couples through their journey and to be able to stand under the chuppah with them, seeing the love and joy they share with each other and their warm embrace of a Jewish way of life,” said Rav Shua Solomon, the SAJE rabbinic representative who has officiated at many of these weddings.
To all the couples who have trusted us to be part of this life-changing path, thank you. Your weddings are not only a personal milestone, but also a celebration for the entire SAJE community.
We look forward to sharing in many more beautiful beginnings.
From left: Itzik, Benji, Daniella and Nicole
Jenna and Adam
Cecila and Jerome
Dean and Aimee
Josh and Jodie
Michal and Lais
THE COMMUNITY
IAN SANDLER JCA PRESIDENT
There is no denying that we are living in challenging times. Our community has felt the tremors of the global rise in antisemitism reverberate in the most personal of ways – on our streets, in our schools and even in the way we think about walking through our own neighbourhoods. For many, what once felt safe and familiar has shifted.
This is not just a story of physical safety. It’s a story of emotional resilience, of communal strength and of an urgent need to look after one another, because if we can’t rely on each other, who can we rely on?
At JCA, we’ve always believed that charity begins at home. For more than half a century, we’ve served as the central communal organisation supporting the breadth of Jewish life in NSW and the ACT. Our role has never felt more essential than it does right now.
Now more than ever, community counts
that our concerns are heard and our rights protected. At a time when misinformation and hate can spread at lightning speed, JBOD has been a powerful voice of truth, education and calm.
But safety isn’t only physical – it’s emotional. The rise in community anxiety is real. People are worried. There is a heaviness in our conversations and, for many, a deep uncertainty about the future.
JewishCare, one of JCA’s core funded partners, has seen an increase in mental health referrals since October 7th, 2023.
Their dedicated professionals are working with children, parents, survivors carers and individuals of all ages to provide appropriate counselling, support and connection. We cannot underestimate the importance of this work.
With the official launch of JCA’s 2025 Campaign, I want to underscore just how vital communal support is this year.
The funds we raise directly sustain the programs, services and infrastructure that underpin Jewish life here in NSW and the ACT. From security to education, welfare to advocacy, culture to leadership, this ecosystem cannot survive without your support.
This is not just a call for donations. It’s a call for connection. For showing up. For caring deeply. For choosing community … because our strength has always come from each other. And when we stand together, we are capable of extraordinary things.
Organisations like the Community Security Group (CSG) and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) have become frontline protectors of our physical safety and our democratic voice. CSG has been working tirelessly to provide security at schools, synagogues, events and institutions across Sydney, ensuring that our community can live and express our Judaism openly and safely.
JBOD is our political and civil advocate, engaging with government, law enforcement, media and other faith communities to ensure
The trauma of feeling unsafe in your own suburb – of hearing hate speech shouted from a car window or reading antisemitic graffiti in your local park – does not disappear on its own. It requires care, expertise and community-funded resources.
For our 2025 Campaign, I ask you to support the organisations that protect us, heal us, educate us and connect us … to remember that in a world that often feels divided, our unity is our power.
Let’s show the world and ourselves that no matter the challenge, we rise together. Because community isn’t just something we have. It’s something we build. Am Yisrael Chai.
JCA president Ian Sandler AROUND
CONSIDERED OPINION
BY NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: HAARETZ
Melbourne-based Orthodox rabbi Ralph Genende OAM has been involved in interfaith work for more than three decades. A former president of the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia, he resigned soon after October 7, 2023, deeply troubled by the lack of response of his non-Jewish colleagues to the Hamas massacre, in which 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were murdered.
In his letter of resignation, he cited the organization’s “lack of moral clarity and moral courage”. The JCMA folded soon thereafter, as did many other Jewish-Muslim partnershipbuilding initiatives across Australia.
But in recent months, in an effort to rebuild bridges, Genende has been participating in a private dialogue group with Muslim and Christian clergy. “October 7 has changed everything and demands a paradigm shift from both Jews and Muslims,” he says.
Jewish-Muslim relations around the world collapsed since October 7 and Gaza. Can they recover?
Moving forward, he says, Jews and Muslims need to explore “just how we are talking about each other in our homes, schools and places of worship. It’s about learning about the texts that we hold dear and the toxic texts that separate us, about the primacy of Zionism for Jewish identity in Australia and about how antisemitism is prevalent in some Muslim circles.”
In Sydney, the Together for Humanity Foundation, an interfaith educational organisation, has been more successful in sustaining its relationships since October 7. Dean and founder Rabbi Zalman Kastel, who has been working alongside Muslims for more than 20 years, says that despite some tensions that erupted immediately after the war began, the foundation’s intercultural work has persisted.
“The program was delivered by a woman in a hijab, next to a young man in a kippah and a Cambodian son of a refugee,” Kastel reports. “The mixed group led youth in games and story sharing that led them to think about the ways we can misunderstand people, the impacts of casual racism, including jokes and banter, antisemitism, xenophobia, insensitivity and Islamophobia.”
But not all interfaith work is seeing a return to the days that preceded October 7. Jenny Better, a retired schoolteacher from Melbourne, was engaged for many years in JewishMuslim partnership initiatives, among
Revitalising Israel’s north
Israel’s northern region has borne the brunt of war for more than a year and a half, with ongoing rocket attacks, mass evacuations and widespread disruption leaving deep scars across towns, infrastructure and the social fabric. More than 60,000 residents have been displaced from 24 northern cities and rural areas. Many have yet to return. Local economies have stalled, municipal services have collapsed and the psychological toll on residents –particularly the elderly and youth – is staggering.
Recognising the immense need, the Government of Israel has turned to JDC (The Joint) to lead the effort to rehabilitate and revitalise this vulnerable region. The partnership marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s recovery and continues JDC’s 110-year legacy of responding to crises with action and compassion.
The Joint’s response is multifaceted, designed to address immediate needs and long-term development across several core areas.
1. Rebuilding local infrastructure and capacity:
JDC has embedded expert project managers in each of the hardesthit northern communities. These professionals are working side by side with local leaders to assess damage, plan recovery efforts and access vital government resources. Regional
strategies are also being shaped to promote educational growth, close healthcare gaps and expand economic opportunity, especially in emerging sectors such as food-tech and medtech.
2. Supporting older adults: The elderly have been particularly vulnerable – isolated, displaced and often without access to regular care – during this crisis. In response, JDC has launched programs to train caregivers, establish community wellness initiatives and deploy specialised caseworkers
to support homebound seniors. These efforts not only provide essential services, but restore dignity and connection to those most in need.
3. Helping children and youth heal: War has taken a serious toll on the emotional and academic well-being of young Israelis in the north. JDC’s programs address this with traumainformed education, resilience workshops, afterschool initiatives and peer support. Specialised learning programs are helping children close educational gaps, while teenagers are
them a program that brought Jewish and Muslim children together for dialogue sessions in local museums affiliated with their respective communities. She also served as a Jewish representative on the boards of several interfaith organisations. In the past year-and-a-half, however, she has completely disengaged.
“After October 7, I changed my worldview,” she says. “I had always believed education and communication were the keys. But now I think this is beyond that. The antisemitism, the silence of important organisations and the fuzzing of the lines between Jews, Israel and Zionism – it’s just devastating.”
Despite stepping back, she has no regrets investing so much of her time and energy over the years building understanding with Muslims. “On a personal level, you have to take certain journeys, even if they aren’t successful,” she says.
offered skills-building opportunities that prepare them for a changing world.
4. Restoring livelihoods and the local economy: Displacement has left thousands of people without work, particularly in industries already under strain before the conflict. JDC is delivering targeted training and employment programs aligned with real job market needs. From upskilling tradespeople to strengthening small businesses, these initiatives are focused on sustainable economic recovery.
5. Strengthening community resilience: Beyond physical reconstruction, JDC is working to rebuild the social fabric –reviving public spaces, restoring essential services and helping communities reconnect. Initiatives like Reviving Spirits are already underway in frontline cities, including Nahariya and Karmiel, offering support to families, youth and vulnerable groups.
6. Rebuilding social services: Local welfare departments – many of which collapsed under the weight of crisis – are being rebuilt with JDC’s guidance. By modernising systems and training local staff, The Joint is ensuring communities can provide the care their residents need now and in future years. As the dust settles in Israel’s North, JDC is not only helping the region recover, but positioning it for a brighter, more resilient future.
JDC (THE JOINT) AUSTRALIA
JDC (The Joint) is helping those in need in Israel’s north
Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM
KYLIE ORA LOBELL COURTESY: AISH.COM CONSIDERED OPINION
Their new comic book is a thrilling celebration of Jewish culture with captivating stories and illustrations.
Jack Kirby. Stan Lee. Jerry Siegel. Joe Shuster. These Jews were pioneers in the comic book industry. They created everybody’s favourite superheroes, from Spider-Man and Superman to the Black Panther, the Avengers and the X-Men.
Now, continuing the tradition of Jews in comic books are the Berkowitz Bros, Max and Ben Berkowitz, who recently released a four-series comic book called “The Writer”, with actor Josh Gad (Olaf from “Frozen” and “The Book of Mormon”). Ariel Olivetti, who drew for comics like “Daredevil” and “Superman”, illustrated the series.
“The Writer”, which is for ages 14+, follows Stan Siegel (a nod to Stan Lee and Jerry Siegel), a prominent comic book writer and college professor who looks like Josh Gad. He puts on a ring that his father gave him and turns into a golem-type figure, going on a terrifying and exciting adventure filled with Nazis, demons and mythical creatures found in Jewish folklore.
Along with his daughter, Izzy, and his mum, Liz, Stan has to reveal hidden mysteries before time runs out and an emerging terror wins.
The comic book has been compared to both “Percy Jackson” and “Indiana Jones”, the latter of which was inspiration for the Berkowitz Bros.
Cultivating a love of comic books
Max and Ben have always loved comics and would read them all the time when they were growing up. Their grandfather, whom they called Papa, introduced them to comic books.
“During sleepovers at our Papa and Nana's, we'd eagerly watch the George Reeves ‘Superman’ series or the Fleischer-animated ‘Superman’ shorts, whenever they aired,” Ben said. “Those moments weren't just entertainment; they were formative experiences that instilled in us a deep appreciation for storytelling and heroism.”
Josh Gad and the Berkowitz Brothers explore Jewish mythology, history and folklore
However, they noticed something troubling when it came to Jewish representation in this art form. “[There was] a pattern in the way Jewish characters in comics were being handled in film and TV adaptations,” Ben said. “While characters like Daredevil were allowed to fully embrace and explore their Catholic identity, Jewish heroes often had their heritage erased or watered down, relegated to being ‘Jewish-coded’, instead of explicitly Jewish.”
The brothers wanted to push back against that erasure. “The Writer” not only explores Jewish myths and history, but does so with characters in kippahs, Hasidic men and Hebrew letters.
“We wanted to create a character whose Jewish identity wasn’t a background detail but a driving force – messy, beautiful, powerful,” said Ben. “The story started with a simple but wild idea: what if a comic creator’s writing could shape reality and what does that kind of responsibility do to a person? But it quickly grew into something much deeper: a meditation on family, memory, legacy and the often invisible contributions of Jewish creators who helped build this industry.”
According to Ben, the Jewish comic book creators who built the industry, usually from the margins, utilised fantasy to process real-world pain, such as the Holocaust (i.e. “The X-Men”).
“Our book is both a celebration and a reckoning with that history,” he said. “We pull from Jewish folklore, dybbuks, the Ring of Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, not as window dressing, but as living mythology. The inclusion of Nazis isn't just a historical antagonist. It's about confronting the evil that has pursued our people and continues to mutate in modern forms. It's also a way to honour the courage of our ancestors who stood up to it, with pen or sword or silence or scream.”
Getting Josh Gad involved
According to Ben, years ago Josh received an unexpected email from comic book creator Frank Miller (“Sin City”). Frank invited Josh to write a comic book, but Josh decided not to move forward. “However, this experience planted a seed and over time he found his voice in the medium,” Ben said. “Collaborating on ‘The Writer’ became
the perfect opportunity for him to merge his brilliant storytelling talents with a newfound appreciation for comics.”
When the Berkowitz Bros first shared the concept of “The Writer” with Josh, a grandson of Holocaust survivors, it was more than a pitch. “It was a conversation about legacy, identity and the kinds of stories we felt needed to exist in the world,” Ben said. “He lit up, not just because the idea was fun and inventive, but because it spoke to something deeply personal for all of us. Josh has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Jewish history, mythology and folklore – he brings both emotional depth and intellectual rigour to everything he touches.”
Spreading Jewish pride through comic books
Max, Ben, and Josh are proud and visible Jews – not just in their work, but in their personal life. “Judaism isn’t just a heritage,” Ben said. “It’s a lens through which we see the world. It’s woven into our humour, our grief, our restlessness and our creativity. It informs the questions we ask in our work: about memory, identity, responsibility and repair. We may each practice differently, but the core values of our tradition, chesed (kindness), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and zachor (remembering), are deeply present in everything we create.”
At a time when antisemitism is on the rise and Jewish identity is being weaponised, Ben said “The Writer” is their way of fighting back “with creativity, complexity and pride. We want readers – especially young readers – to see themselves in these pages and feel seen, powerful, weird and wonderful. And for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, this story is for you, too. Because sometimes the only way out is through the story.”
Kylie Ora Lobell is a Los Angeles-based writer as well as president of KOL Digital Marketing, where she does publicity and marketing and helps clients share their unique stories with the world.
CONSIDERED OPINION
DR YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM
On the miracle of Jewish survival:
1. The Jews present us with an outstanding spectacle: the laws of (the ancient kingdoms) of Numa, Lycurgus and Solon are dead; the far more ancient ones of Moses are still alive. Athens, Sparta and Rome have perished and all their people have vanished from the earth; though destroyed, Zion has not lost her children. They mingle with all nations, but are never lost among them; they no longer have leaders, yet they are still a nation; they no longer have a country and yet they are still citizens …
-- Jean Jacques Rousseau, French philosopher (1712-1778), Rousseau's private writings, quoted in La Religion de J.J. Rousseau by Pierre Maurice Masson (1906)
2. If statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one quarter of one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous puff of star dust, lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people and his importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk.
His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abstruse learning are also very out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvellous fight in this world in all ages and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for it. The Egyptians, the Babylonians and the Persians rose, filled the planet with sound and splendour, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greeks and Romans followed and made a vast noise, and they were gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, and have vanished.
The Jew saw them all, survived them all and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert but aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jews; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?
-- Mark Twain, American Author (18351910), "Concerning the Jews" Harpers Magazine March 1898
3. How is it possible this old fellow (Voltaire) should represent the Hebrews in such a contemptible light? They are the most glorious nation that ever inhabited this earth. The Romans and their empire were but a bauble in comparison to the Jews. They have given religion in three quarters of the globe and have influenced the affairs of mankind more and happily than any other nation, ancient or modern.
-- US President John Adams, in a letter to Dutch jurist Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, dated December 31, 1825
On Israel:
4. If, as may well happen, there should be created in our own lifetime by the banks of the Jordan a Jewish State under the protection of the British Crown, which
Inspirational quotes about Jews and Israel
might comprise three or four millions of Jews, an event would have occurred in the history of the world which would, from every point of view, be beneficial.
-- Winston Churchill, future British Prime Minister, February 8, 1920 Illustrated Sunday Herald
5. Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralised by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honours the sword of freedom.
-- US President John F. Kennedy, message to Zionist Organization of America annual convention 1962
6. The view of Jerusalem is the history of the world; it is more, it is the history of earth and of heaven.
-- Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister (1804-1881), Tancred or A New Crusade (1847) by Benjamin Disraeli
7. Peace for Israel means security and we must stand with all of our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity and the right to use whatever sea lanes it needs. I see Israel, and never mind saying it, as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvellous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy. Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality.
-- Reverend Martin Luther King, address to the Rabbinical Assembly, March 26, 1968
8. A nation that cries and fasts for over 2,000 years for their land and Temple will surely be rewarded with their Temple.
-- attributed to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), after he visited a Jewish synagogue on the holiday of Tisha B’Av and witnessed Jews fasting and weeping for the destruction of the Temple
9. I have watched with genuine admiration the steady and unmistakable
progress made in the rehabilitation of Palestine which, desolate for centuries, is now renewing its youth and vitality through the enthusiasm, hard work and self-sacrifice of the Jewish pioneers who toil there in a spirit of peace and social justice.
-- US President Herbert Hoover, private letter to Lewis L. Strauss on the occasion of the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, 1922
10. One of the proudest days of my life occurred at 6:12pm on Friday May 14 (1948) when I was able to announce recognition of the new state of Israel by the government of the United States. In view of the long friendship of the American people for the Zionist ideal, it was particularly appropriate that our government should be the first to recognise the new state.
-- US President Harry S. Truman, recorded in secret meeting with Chaim Weitzman in the Oval Office, March 18, 1948
On Jewish morality:
11. …. I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilise men than any other nation. If I were an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilising nations ... I should believe that chance had ordered the Jews to preserve and propagate to all mankind the doctrine of a supreme, intelligent, wise, almighty Sovereign of the universe, which I believe to be the great essential principle of all morality and consequently of all civilisation.
-- US President John Adams, in a letter to Dutch jurist Francis Adrian Van der Kemp (1783-1825), dated December 31, 1808
12. The moral teaching of the Jews and the practical example of their lives incomparably higher than the moral teaching and the practical example set by (others) ... Judaism, by adhering to
the moral principles which it professes, occupies a higher position than ... everything that comprises the goals of our society’s aspirations.
-- Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer (18281910), "What is a Jew" essay, published in 1891
13. The Hebrew is never a beggar; he always kept the law – lives by toil –often under severe and oppressive civil restrictions. (It) is also true that no race, sect or class has more fully cared for its own.
-- US President Benjamin Harrison addressing Congress on December 9, 1891, after a series of pogroms devastated Jewish communities in Russia
On antisemitism:
14. I am against preventing Jews from doing anything which other people are allowed to do. I am against that and I have the strongest abhorrence of the idea of antisemitic lines of prejudice.
-- Winston Churchill, addressing British Parliament in 1946
15. Some people like the Jews and some do not. But no thoughtful man can deny the fact that they are, beyond any question, the most formidable and the most remarkable race which has appeared in the world.
-- Winston Churchill, February 8, 1920, Illustrated Sunday Herald
16. When people criticise Zionists, they mean Jews. You’re talking anti-Semitism!
-- Reverend Martin Luther King speaking with students who complained about Israel, October 27, 1967
17. How dare you tell a Jew that their outrage is ‘patently synthetic’? How dare you demand that they lay bare their pain and fear on demand for your personal evaluation? What other minority would you speak to this way?
-- J.K. Rowling (via Twitter, August 26, 2018)
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
In the shadow of war, another battle rages – one fought not with weapons, but within the minds of Israel’s soldiers and civilians. As Israel confronts an unprecedented surge in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases following the October 7th attacks and subsequent multi-front war, Tel Aviv University (TAU) has emerged as a vital force for healing, research and hope. A landmark study by TAU recently revealed that one in eight IDF reservists are now reporting PTSD symptoms following their reserve duty in the Gaza war. This figure represents a sharp rise from pre-war levels, underscoring the severe psychological toll of combat.
Professor Yair Bar-Haim, head of TAU’s National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience, said: “This war has brought us to a point where 12 per cent experience PTSD symptoms. These are not just numbers – these are people living with open wounds.”
The six-year longitudinal study, presented at TAU’s “Future of Israel” conference in May 2025, tracked nearly 600 IDF combat soldiers across five key milestones, from enlistment to 18 months after discharge. The findings
Invisible wounds: how Tel Aviv University is leading Israel’s battle against PTSD
paint a sobering picture. While fewer than 0.5 per cent of recruits entered service with PTSD, rates climbed steadily to 4.4 per cent by the end of regular service. Disturbingly, six months post-discharge – before the outbreak of war – symptoms had already risen to 8 per cent. The war then pushed rates
to 12 per cent, a level comparable to veterans of Vietnam, Iraq and the Yom Kippur War.
“This data reflects a mental health emergency in Israel,” said Professor Bar-Haim. “We urgently need longterm solutions, including better training for therapists, regional trauma clinics and sustainable support systems for veterans.”
Tel Aviv University didn’t wait for others to act. In a bold and compassionate move, the university fast-tracked the launch of Israel’s most advanced posttrauma clinic to address the soaring need for treatment. The clinic opened in January 2024 – two years ahead of schedule. Staffed by more than 30 of Israel’s leading trauma clinicians, the clinic is already at capacity, treating reservists, civilians and, notably, TAU’s own students.
For many TAU students, the war’s trauma is deeply personal. Nearly 7,000 served in reserves last year, 19 were killed and countless others lost family or friends. Now they are battling invisible wounds while trying to rebuild their futures. The clinic has already provided care to nearly 1,000 patients
Countless TAU students have lost loved ones or endured unimaginable trauma, and many now suffer from PTSD. To address this crisis TAU established Israel’s most advanced post-trauma clinic, providing cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments developed by our globally-renowned researchers over the last 30 years. The clinic has become a critical resource for Israel, treating many TAU students struggling to rebuild their futures.
– including many of these students –but demand far outpaces available resources.
In response, the Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) has launched a critical fundraising campaign to ensure every TAU student suffering from PTSD receives expert, subsidised care.
Every $3,000 raised covers a full cycle of treatment for one student, giving them the tools to heal, recover, continue their studies and move on with their lives.
“Supporting our students is not just a moral imperative – it’s a strategic investment in Israel’s future,” said Professor Bar-Haim.
David Solomon, CEO of AFTAU said: “This is a call to action. With the support of our Australian supporters, we can stand with Israel’s future doctors, engineers, scientists and leaders. We can help heal the wounds of war and ensure that trauma does not define their destinies.”
To donate to this critically importance cause, go to https://www.aftau.asn.au
Professor Yair Bar-Haim, head of Tel Aviv University’s National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
YOASH DVIR CEO TECHNION AUSTRALIA
In recent decades, the traditional boundaries of academia have started to blur. Universities are no longer seen solely as institutions for theoretical exploration and publication. Increasingly, they are expected to take part in solving real-world problems – social, environmental and economic. Just as academic research is commercialised through the creation of startups and intellectual property licensing, there is a growing recognition that social impact should be an equally important outcome of academic work.
This shift reflects a broader understanding that knowledge, when confined to lecture halls or academic journals, misses much of its potential. Turning discoveries into businesses has become a well-trodden path. Translating academic insights into community-led initiatives deserves the same emphasis.
Socially engaged research, where knowledge is co-created with the public, can lead to tangible improvements in areas such as urban planning, education, accessibility and environmental justice.
Against this backdrop, the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has established a model for connecting academia with community through its social hub. Founded in 2011 by Professor Rachel Kallus, the hub was created to apply academic knowledge in service of
From ivory tower to street level: bridging academia and community
Israeli society, particularly in addressing social inequality and fostering civic engagement.
Today, the social hub is led by Professor Meirav Aharon Gutman, who continues to expand its reach and deepen its integration within the Technion and surrounding communities.
Unlike ad hoc volunteering programs, the social hub is embedded within the Technion’s academic structure. It integrates research, teaching and applied work across disciplines, often in collaboration with municipalities, nonprofits and grassroots organisations. Students and faculty work together to develop solutions that are both technically sound and socially sensitive. These range from housing projects and community mapping to technology that helps redistribute underused public resources.
One of its hallmark initiatives involves leveraging technology to reduce social disparities by tracking surplus resources in public and private sectors and redirecting them to areas of need.
Rather than inventing new materials or systems from scratch, the approach often focuses on rethinking the way existing resources are distributed and accessed.
Importantly, the hub isn’t limited to a single faculty or department. It draws from architecture, engineering, planning and computer science, and operates in close partnership with local stakeholders – residents, schools and local councils.
This approach helps build overall capacity: students gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of social dynamics, while communities
benefit from evidence-based, collaborative interventions.
The hub also collaborates with other socially engaged bodies within the Technion, such as the Students’ Association and sustainability programs, and is part of international networks, such as Living Knowledge. This broader context underscores that the move toward community-oriented research is not unique to Israel; it is part of a global academic trend.
The case of the Technion social hub illustrates how universities can move from knowledge production to active participation in shaping society. As more institutions grapple with their role in a complex, rapidly changing world, models like this show that academia doesn’t need to choose between theory and practice. The challenge and opportunity lies in doing both, thoughtfully and with purpose.
Professor Meirav Aharon Gutman will be vising Sydney and on May 27 to talk about science and the civic mission of academia. Her address is titled “From Ruins to Renewal: Rebuilding Israel’s North”.
For tickets, go to: https://events. humanitix.com/from-ruins-to-renewalrebuilding-israel-s-north
Professor Meirav Aharon Gutman
THOUGHT
RABBI DR BENJI LEVY RABBINIC
Long before fire touched the mountain and the world heard the voice of God at Sinai, a Greek thinker named Heraclitus wrote: “You cannot step into the same river twice.” At first glance, this feels obvious –of course, things change. Time moves forward, and so do we. But Heraclitus meant something deeper: not only does the river change, but we do, too. The “you” who steps into the river is never the same.
Shavuot, the festival commemorating the giving of the Torah, offers a profound Jewish lens on this idea. It reminds us that while we are constantly in motion, there is something that does not change. The Torah, eternal and unbroken, stands as a pillar in a world of flux. We return to it each year, but never as the same people.
Each year, we count the Omer, 49 days from Pesach to Shavuot. We don’t leap from freedom to revelation overnight. Instead, we journey slowly, day by day, soul by soul. It’s a process of growth, of intentional change. That’s the Jewish approach: yes, change is inevitable, but let it be meaningful, directed, sacred.
Heraclitus taught that change is the only constant. His philosophical rival, Parmenides, insisted the opposite – that change is an illusion, and all is fixed, unchanging. Strangely enough, Judaism embraces both. We are souls, rooted in eternity, like Parmenides imagined. Yet we live in a physical world that shifts and
The strange face of change
moves, like Heraclitus described. At Sinai, these opposites meet. God descends onto the mountain, a moment of Divine revelation within the frame of time. And every year, we return to that moment. The sages teach: “In every generation, each person must see themselves as if they received the Torah today.” It’s not just history, it’s memory. Living memory.
We hear the same Ten Commandments, but our ears have changed. Our hearts have changed. The Torah remains constant, but we engage with it anew. The same cycle, but a different you. That’s the strange face of change: what stays the same on the outside transforms us on the inside. The paradox of Shavuot lies in this blend. We’re taught, “It is not upon you to finish the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.” We may never fully “arrive”, but we’re meant to journey. It’s the act of climbing the mountain that matters, even if we never reach the summit.
Judaism marks time through cycles –weekly Shabbat, monthly Rosh Chodesh, yearly festivals. Time, for us, is not a straight line, but a spiral. We come back to the same points, but with new perspective. As Matthew McConaughey’s character once said: “Time is a flat circle.” But Jewish time isn’t flat – it’s layered.
Shavuot teaches that amid life’s flowing river, we’re not adrift. We’re anchored. We’re invited to hear the Divine voice again and again. Each time, we hope to be a little more refined, a little more awake. We change, but the Torah doesn’t. And somehow, in that tension, we find our truth.
Right or wrong? Who decides?
RABBI MOSHE GUTNICK RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY
The concept of morality (what is right and wrong) has been debated by philosophers, theologians and societies for centuries. At the heart of this debate is the distinction between subjective and objective morality. Understanding this difference is key to grasping the profound shift that occurred with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, an event that introduced a new foundation for moral law: the word of G-d, rather than the fluctuating standards of human society. Subjective morality refers to a system of ethics that is based on personal or cultural preferences. It suggests that moral judgments are shaped by individual beliefs, emotions, upbringing or societal norms. What is considered right in one culture may be deemed wrong in another and there is no absolute truth in the realm of ethics. For example, practices such as polygamy or slavery have been morally acceptable in some societies and abhorrent in others. Under subjective morality, truth is relative. Morality evolves with time, context, opinion and, often, might is right.
On the other hand, objective morality holds that certain moral truths are universal and unchanging. These truths
exist independently of human opinion and are valid regardless of individual or cultural beliefs. According to this view, acts like murder, theft, or lying are inherently wrong – not just because a society disapproves of them, but because they violate an enduring moral law that transcends human judgment … even in a society that legalises euthanasia or assisted suicide.
The pivotal moment that objective morality was introduced into the world was the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This event, occurring roughly 3,300 years ago, is described in the
Book of Exodus, where G-d revealed His will to the people of Israel. The Ten Commandments and the broader Torah are not presented as human legislation, but as divine instruction. They originate from an eternal, allknowing Creator, rather than from the consensus of fallible men.
This was revolutionary. In ancient times, laws were typically decreed by kings or councils and reflected the priorities of the ruling class. Even where law aimed for justice, it was subject to change and manipulation. The Torah, by contrast, declared a fixed and divine
standard. It introduced the idea that morality is not determined by power, popularity or political necessity, but by an unchanging Divine will. Justice was no longer whatever the powerful decided – it had an independent source and ultimate authority.
Moreover, the public nature of the Sinai revelation added weight to its claim. Unlike private mystical experiences or the decrees of single prophets, the Torah asserts that the entire Israelite nation – hundreds of thousands of people – witnessed G-d’s revelation and passed the knowledge of this revelation on to their children and children’s children and so on. This communal experience laid the groundwork for a moral system that claimed universal applicability and permanence. And so it is that we celebrate this revelation, the festival of Shavuot, each year, as we have done for 3,300 years.
The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai marked a monumental shift in human consciousness. It presented morality not as a matter of personal or cultural opinion, but as an objective reality grounded in the will of G-d. In doing so, it challenged humanity to rise above self-interest and to live in accordance with a higher, eternal truth.
Rabbi Benji delivering a d’var Torah recently
RABBINIC THOUGHT
Question
My mature five-year-old asked me a series of questions about happiness.
• How can I be happy if my friend is hurt and I can’t help him?
• How can I be happy if I did something bad?
• What if you are in the army and you had a sword and you accidentally killed your friend? Can you be happy?
• What if I gave all my food to a poor person and I had nothing left. Can I be happy?
Answer
We can feel conflicting emotions at the same time. Sadness can fill one side of our heart, while joy fills the other.
In all these examples, you need to feel both joy and pain. It’s not always easy, but when we work on being happy, even when there’s reason not to, our happiness has the power to heal some of the sadness.
Let’s look at each question, one after another:
How can I be happy if my friend is hurt and I can’t help him? You can help him. Be sad about his pain, but also be positive and happy. That may help ease
Happiness and sadness
Method:
his pain. You can give him hope and cheer him up. You can’t change what happened, but you can change the mood. Joy is contagious.
How can I be happy if I did something bad? You should regret doing bad, but
Honour for former school head
MP, after 33 years spent at the College, 21 of those as head of the school.
He stepped down from the role in the middle of 2023.
Ingredients: 4-5
A former long-serving principal of Mount Sinai College (MSC) was recently recognised for his contribution to education.
Phil Roberts received a commemorative certificate from the NSW Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig
Under Roberts’ guidance, MSC experienced record growth and established a culture of excellence, which continues under principal Noelene Bellingham.
you shouldn’t get depressed about it. Our yetzer hara, the devil inside us that gets us to do bad things, also wants us to feel depressed about it, because when we’re depressed, we end up doing more bad things. Rather say sorry, regret your
Peel and slice thinly the granny smith apples.
mistake, be happy and move on. Happy people do more good.
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.
What if you are in the army and you had a sword and you accidentally killed your friend? Can you be happy? This is a very painful situation. It will take a lot of hard work for the soldier in that situation to find happiness again.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
But if we could ask his friend who died, what would he say? He would say, please don’t stop living a happy life because of me.
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 50-55 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Find joy and do good things for my sake. It will be good for my soul if I see you happy. Living with joy in this world helps the souls in the next world.
What if I gave all my food to a poor person and I had nothing left. Can I be happy?
This is the greatest happiness – to give to another. Our stomach gets full from eating a good meal, but our heart gets full from giving it away.
You need to eat too. But you should feel the joy of seeing someone else happy. Joy grows best in a heart that gives.
Your five-year-old may not understand these answers now. But one day he will. Introduce him to the idea that his heart has two sides, so next time he is feeling sad, he can choose to be happy too.
RABBI ARON MOSS
MOUNT SINAI COLLEGE
Rabbi Aron Moss and his happy (and curious) five-year-old-son, Yossi
The former and current principal of Mount Sinai College, Phil Roberts and Noelene Bellingham
RAMONA FREEDMAN
ALIYAH ADVENTURES
Israelis seem to be as well educated as anyone else about healthy foods. Whether they embrace nutritional advice is another story. One fruit they love, but often can’t afford is a small, sweet superfood that is high in Vitamin C and fibre. “Yes”, the blueberry.
Here’s the story: traditionally, imported blueberries can be found here in most supermarkets … if you look hard enough. Typically, they are left unrefrigerated and are imminently mouldy within. So, disrespected. Don’t go near. But there is one brand that seems to come into fruit shops on Thursdays, ready for customers to enjoy as a special Shabbat treat. They are Carmel Berry blueberries.
As soon as I tried one, I loved it. I mean, I really loved it and if no one was watching I could readily have consumed a punnet in record time. A small bit of sleuthing uncovered that this entire crop is based on a variety of Australian blueberries. No wonder!
Impressively, some innovative Israelis discovered that if you take Australian blueberries and grow them in the Golan Heights on platforms within containers in a greenhouse, this modern agricultural equation results in brilliant blueberries, bursting with flavour.
This all began back in 2018, half a dozen years before my family and I made Aliyah. Clearly, they wanted to get it just right, so any Aussie could feel even more at home in our holy land.
Why am I telling you all this? Well, one Friday afternoon, just before a friendly fruit shop in Ra’anana was closing for Shabbat, I was very much channelling my inner-Israeli when I rushed in with my
A punnet of blueberries
friend Orli to quickly grab what I needed for our desperately needed upcoming day of rest.
While I was thinking about my Shabbat menu and buying accordingly, I couldn’t resist the Carmel blueberries, despite their prohibitive price. Meanwhile, Orli did her shopping simultaneously and began chatting with the weathered greengrocer, who looked like he had served in too many wars and had just seen it all and then some.
Orli was nervous and anxious and blurted out that her youngest son was a combat soldier who was home for Shabbat and he was currently based in a very dangerous location. Whenever any Israeli, religious or not, hears about a combat soldier in active service, they all seem to utter the same phrase, which includes the following words: “God should protect him going in and coming out”. Comforting.
With the clock ticking, Orli and I didn’t have the time to look at what each other had purchased. We paid, wished attendants a Shabbat Shalom and were on our way. As we hurried to my car on the street, the fruit shop owner started running after us. My heart started beating fast. Did I miss something crucial? I just thought, this country is so dramatic. Can’t we just do a quick fruit shop in relative peace? How wrong I was.
Reuven approached … out of breath. He looked at Orli and said, “Your son. For your son. For his Shabbat. Tell him I love him. Tell him these are from me, just for him.”
And with that, Orli received a gift on her son’s behalf, equivalent to Israeli gold dust … a punnet of (Aussie) Carmel blueberries. We both stopped and had tears in our tired eyes. This country has
a spiritual soul like no other. One more thing on this topic. Guess what they call blueberries in Israel? If you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find the guttural word ‘ochmaniot’ … but on the street, like so many other words nowadays, you just put on your best Israeli accent and say our English word ‘blueberries’, rolling your r’s for an extra second or two, of course.
As my Hebrew lexicon increases, I am starting to make more sense of my surroundings. If I am walking on my street and see a Hebrew sign in front of a driveway, I will pause, try and decipher it and then want to tell all and sundry in a loud, definitive voice that ‘parking is forbidden’. And then smile a while, because I am oh so proud of myself for that little win.
When it comes to my Hebrew, I am progressing, but these Russians are like grammar racing Olympians. In comparison, I am the little puffed out girl at the primary athletics carnival. In fairness, I don’t dedicate every waking moment to my Hebrew studies, so I can’t really complain. But ‘wow’, our Vladimir, Boris and Tatiana are currently in gold, silver and bronze medal positions.
In the spirit of exposing myself to more Hebrew, I am now listening to Israeli radio stations when driving (with my steering wheel, oddly, on the left-hand side). Somehow, I tuned in to FM 93.0 and stumbled on a radio station called Kol Chai, a charedi and national religious broadcaster, which started in 1996.
As it was Hebrew, I listened intently, trying to grab a word or two, as I could. That day the main news was to do with Yemen. A ballistic missile had landed near Ben Gurion airport. Israel was retaliating. The seasoned guy behind the microphone decided that they
should have a segment dedicated to Yemenite Jews living in Israel. Before I knew it, I was listening to random Moshe David from Jerusalem with family hailing from Yemen, or Teiman, in Hebrew.
I was hearing about their foods, culture and then he burst into what I initially thought was a song. No filter, no audition.
He wasn’t singing pop. He was chanting Psalm 121 in Tehillim, which is uttered in many synagogues here at the beginning and end of shul services. It is all about imploring God to protect Israel and we all have our beyond brave soldiers in mind.
His voice had a unique Mizrachi melodic lilt. It was so mesmerising, I could have listened for hours. Okay, you may think this is a religious flex to say that I knew exactly which psalm he was singing. Actually, I really did recognise it, because it is my favourite one. How that came about is a story for another column.
Meanwhile, new immigrants keep gravitating to Ra’anana daily. We are now officially property owners in Israel. Apparently, if I do nothing else, that is considered a real mitzvah.
A friend who is in the property game here keeps telling us that as new olim arrive so many want to be in walking distance of our shul, Kehillat Lev Ra’anana. It is dynamic and welcoming and vibrant, so that makes sense.
If you happen to come this way, let’s have a coffee and catch up. I might even bring a punnet or two of Carmel blueberries for us to enjoy beyachad (together).
Until next time then, it’s over and out from Ramona in Ra’anana.
FOODIE CORNER
ALAN BENDER
SOUL GOURMET
The inspiration for this cheesecake is a combination of ideas from Joy of Baking and Yummly. I have adapted them to suit my requirements, taste and kashrut.
Crust:
2 cups (about 300 grams) of plain biscuits, finely crushed
3 tablespoon castor sugar
½ cup (125 grams) melted butter
½ teaspoon mixed spice or ground ginger
Cheesecake filling:
1 tablespoon lemon essence
1 cup castor sugar
3 tablespoons (30 grams) self-rising flour
1 kg full fat cream cheese at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup cream, at room temperature
Pecan topping:
1 cup dark brown sugar
2/3 cup CSR golden syrup
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup cream
200 grams toasted and chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180C with the oven rack in the centre of the oven. Spray a 23 cm round springform pan with a vegetable spray.
To make the crust: In a medium sized bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs, sugar and melted butter and spice, then mix until all the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom of the bowl and about two centimetres up the sides of
Pecan pie cheesecake
the springform pan. Cover and refrigerate while you make the filling.
Cheesecake filling: Put and pour the cream cheese, sugar, lemon and vanilla extract into the bowl of your electric stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment or use a hand mixer. Beat on medium low speed until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating them well (about 30 seconds after each addition). Add the cream and beat until that has been incorporated. Taste the mixture. If you want it sweeter of with more lemon flavour, now is the time to adjust the taste.
Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour in the filling. Place the springform pan on a larger baking pan to catch any drips and put it into the oven.
Bake for 15 minutes and then lower the oven temperature to 120C and continue to bake for about another 40 to 50 minutes or until firm. The centre of the cheesecake will still look a little wet and if you gently shake the pan the cheesecake will jiggle just a bit. Switch off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar and allow the cheesecake to cook slowly in the oven (this will keep it lighter in texture). When fully cool remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Once the cake has cooled and set, combine and cook all the topping ingredients until the sugar has dissolved.
Then pour the pecan sauce over the cheesecake while it is still in the tin. Allow the topping to cool until it is just warm, place the cheesecake on a display plate and gently remove the tin, allowing the pecan topping to run down the sides.
Alan Bender is head chef at Soul Gourmet. To find out more, go to https:// soulgourmet.com.au
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
Friday, May 23, 2025 4:40 PM
Shabbat ends, May 24, 2025 5:37 PM Friday, May 30, 2025 4:37 PM
Shabbat ends, May 31, 2025 5:35 PM Friday, Jun 6, 2025 4:35 PM
Shabbat ends, Jun 7, 2025 5:34 PM
Sydney Jewish Report Disclaimer:
Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Sydney Jewish Report is provided as general informations only. The articles in this paper have been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content here are presented solely by the author, and The Jewish Report assumes no responsibility for them. It is not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. We do not make any representation or warranty that any material in the papers will be reliable, accurate or complete, nor do we accept any responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions. We will not be liable for loss resulting from any action or decision by you in reliance on the material in the papers. By reading the papers, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for, and accept no liability in relation to, any reader’s use of, access to or conduct in connection with the papers in any circumstance. Photographs submitted by individuals or organisations are assumed to be their property and are therefore not otherwise credited. All articles in this paper have received the expressed consent of the author to publish in this paper.
The Jewish Report; ISSN 2204-4639
Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981)
Distributor: TJR Distribution Pty Ltd ACN 165158029
Comments or suggestions to: editor@thejewishreport.com.au
Article submissions to: www.thejewishreport.com.au/article-submission-guidelines
Advertising: editor@thejewishreport.com.au
Website: www.thejewishreport.com.au
Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd
Spelling bee answers
Jewish Answer: MISNAGDIM. 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): ADDING, ADMAN, ADMIN, ADMINS, AIDING, DAGIM, DAMMING, DAMNING, DAMNS, DINGING, DINGS, DINIM, DINING, DISDAIN, DISDAINS, DISMISS, DISSING, GADNA, MAIDS, MADAM, MADAMS, MADMAN, MINDING, MINDS, SANDING, SANDS, SIDING and SIDINGS.
Questions/comments, please email Yoni at koshercrosswords@gmail.com Crossword answers
MOVIE REVIEWS
BEATING HEARTS (MA)
Romeo and Juliet on steroids with a decided twist.
That is what you get when you see one of the most stunning films of the year.
It is a love story steeped in extreme violence and rebellion.
Clotaire is a wild child – a troublemaker – from a working-class family (his father is a dock worker) whose life was always going off the rails.
Jackie is a diligent middle-class student who, tragically, lost her mother in a car accident when she was only young.
Changing schools, Jackie immediately encounters name-calling school dropout Clotaire.
Clotaire, along with his younger brother and a friend, are on hand to meet the school bus when it arrives every morning, readily verbally abusing those on board.
Although she abhors violence, Jackie finds herself drawn to the bad boy and he to her.
The chemistry between them is undeniable. Their first love is passionate and dangerous.
Invariably, he transitions from fighting and petty theft to robbery, impressing a crime boss with his natural instincts and ability to bounce back from a beating.
The path he has chosen is laid out for all to see.
The film is set in Northern France in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
Co-writer and director Gilles Lellouche has cited Martin Scorsese, Quentin
Attracted to a bad boy
Tarantino and West Side Story as influencers.
He set out to create a love story against a backdrop of a class struggle.
Jackie’s character transitions from a sixyear-old to an adult in her mid-twenties, while Clotaire is first seen running amok as an eight-year-old.
There is innocence and beauty about Jackie at 6, curiosity, spirit and a sharp wit at 15 and a hardened edge at 25.
In contrast, menace, the unhinged and vengeful define Clotaire at ages 8, 17 and 28. So, Beating Hearts is a coming of age, romantic crime drama with a pulsating soundtrack and many intense, visceral scenes. Production design is a major drawcard.
It is fearsome and unrelenting in its tone. Umpteen twists are introduced, the movie characterised by a series of memorable performances.
Particularly noteworthy is Malik Frikah, who plays Clotaire as a reckless teen and Francois Civil who picks up the role following a 10-year prison stint.
Equally impressive is Mallory Wanecque who, as Jackie, starts to explore life’s possibilities as a mid-teen.
And then it is over to Adele Exarchopoulos who has lived in Jackie’s shoes by her ‘20s, including trying to fool herself that middle class mediocrity is enough.
With no beg pardons, Beating Hearts is the metaphorical train wreck from which you dare not divert your eyes.
It is tough, tortured, terrifying and intoxicating.
Rated MA, it scores an 8 to 8½ out of 10.
Finding a way forward
The odds are well and truly stacked against you, but you feel you have nothing more left to lose.
That was the situation that confronted married couple Raynor, 50, and 53-yearold Moth Winn, 53, in 2013.
They had just lost their family farm in Wales, which they had rebuilt and renovated themselves and raised their two children in.
A childhood friend of Moth’s convinced them to become involved in some financial investments that went south.
To make matters worse, the same week they lost their home after a three-year court battle, Moth was diagnosed with a rare, terminal condition.
Called corticobasal degeneration or CBD, those with it develop a range of difficulties with movement, speech, memory and swallowing.
The average life expectancy is around six to eight years from when their symptoms start.
Moth and his wife thought he had arthritis and were floored.
They sought council housing but were told that Moth was not sick enough and they would not qualify immediately.
When the bailiffs descended on their property, whilst hiding under the stairs, Raynor spotted a copy of the South West Coast Path guidebook.
So, with nowhere to turn, they decided to walk, but I am not just talking about
any walk. With virtually no money and no assets, they set off from Minehead in Somerset to trek just over 1,000 kilometres through often rugged terrain to Lands End. That is the equivalent distance of climbing Mount Everest three times and all they had with them was what they carried on their backs, including a tent.
At first, Moth, with an appreciable limp, really struggled, but something
happened on that trip that was totally unexpected.
Due to the loss of Moth’s cognitive abilities, Ray kept a record of their journey in her guidebook to try and help him with his memory. At the end of their trek, she gathered all her notes and gave them to Moth as a birthday present.
Her daughter then encouraged her to turn what she had written into a book,
which Ray did. The Salt Path sold more than a million copies worldwide and spent nearly two years on The Sunday Times bestseller list.
Now the book has been turned into a film. Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and directed by Marianne Elliott, it deals with the highs and lows that constituted the Winns’ experience. That includes some of the people they met along the way, complete with the sights, sounds and wildlife they encountered. It showcases the challenges, of which there was no shortage, and the beauty.
It reveals a couple deeply in love and committed to one another.
A quirky element is that Moth, while on the journey of his life, was mistaken by some for English poet Simon Armitage.
Two mighty fine actors have recreated the pilgrimage to freedom. I speak of Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Without pretence, they readily settle into their respective roles.
There is a rawness about their representations, which makes us – the audience – care … build a connection and root for them.
The Salth Path features some stunning cinematography by Hélène Louvart and an emotive soundtrack from Chris Roe. This is a real story of tenacity and courage, of finding the way forward and beating the odds. It deserves to resonate.
Rated M, it scores a 7½ out of 10.
For more of Alex First’s reviews, go to https://www.itellyouwhatithink.com
ALEX FIRST
THE SALT PATH (M) ALEX FIRST
Adele Exarchopoulos and Francois Civil go through highs and lows as Jackie and Clotaire in Beating Hearts
Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs play a husband and wife with a long walk in front of them in The Salt Path
