Pictured are senior kindergarten students Mark and Mia. Educational innovation at The King David School starts with the earliest learners who attend the Early Learning Centre. For further information about the school’s ground-breaking approach to teaching and learning, see page 5
ANNE-MARIE ELIAS
Many people who emigrated to Australia from post-war Europe did so, in part, so that they had freedom, something that was denied to them during the war years.
I started to reflect upon this after one of my clients expressed his frustration that he no longer had freedom of speech. He said, “I’m a white, middle-aged, heterosexual male and I feel that I can’t say anything”.
He is not alone in expressing this sentiment.
Do you feel that you are able to speak freely in our current climate without the risk of recrimination? When did you notice a significant change in your ability to openly express yourself? Was it post October 7? Of course, we have never been able to do as we may want. We live in a society with laws and if we break the law there are consequences. Moses discovered this more than 5,000 years ago. He kept our People accountable when he presented us with the Ten Commandments.
Author and playwright George Bernard Shaw expounded on the
existential concept that freedom brings with it responsibility.
To be free means that one has the burden of making choices and decisions. In doing so, we are responsible for both our own freedom and the freedom of others.
Over the past few years, societal norms, including beliefs, values, morals
and ethics, appear to have changed.
Let us think again about my client who feels that he is stymied and his opportunities for self-expression are extremely limited. Not being able to fully express ourselves can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
Research suggests that the correlation between loneliness and wellbeing
5. What is the Hebrew word for a heel?
Three years has flown by in a flash and this month Rabbi David Freedman hangs up his proverbial Judaica Quiz hat for our publication. We have appreciated how enthusiastic readers have been and know it has been an engaging motivator and educator around countless Shabbat and Yom Tov tables.
Rabbi Freedman’s depth and breadth of Judaica knowledge has really been reflected in this ongoing series and we are grateful for his valuable and unique contributions and insights. Following is the final quiz –enjoy with your family and friends.
1. Frederick Austerlitz was born on May 10, 1899. His father’s family were Austrian Jews who converted to Christianity. Austerlitz is widely considered the most influential dancer in the history of film. By what name was he known to the general public?
2. Rabbi and statesman, Rabbi Isaac Abarbanel died in Venice in 1508, but where was he born?
3. The Talmud in Gittin 6b says that ‘anyone who introduces excessive fear into his house will ultimately cause three sins.’ Name one of those three sins?
4. Where in Israel would you find Yosef Caro Synagogue, and in which century was it built?
6. Manfred Mann was an English rock band, formed in London and lasting from 1962 to 1969. The group was led by Manfred Mann, who was born Manfred Sepse Lubowitz. In which country was he born? Name one of their hit records?
7. During Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing) how high should the kohanim raise their hands?
8. Which synagogue built in 1701 is the oldest synagogue building in the United Kingdom still in use?
9. In which year did Josh Frydenberg become federal treasurer and deputy leader of the Liberal Party?
10. The Roman empress, Poppaea Sabina (1st century CE) was described as ‘G-d-fearing’ and is said to have observed Shabbat and refrained from eating nonkosher animals. Who was her husband?
11. Known as the Arab capital of Israel, what is the largest city in the Northern District of Israel?
12. a) In January 1980 which country became the first Arab state to officially recognise the State of Israel?
b) Where was this peace treaty signed?
c) Name the three heads of state present at the signing
13. Who wrote the book, Exodus?
14. This is the badge of which Israeli organisation?
15. Who said, “If someone besides a black ever sings the real gut
depends heavily on the extent to which we can express ourselves authentically. When we have the freedom and confidence to say what we truly believe and feel, and when our actions align with our beliefs and values, we are more likely to experience good mental health, connection and wellbeing.
If we are unable to exercise this freedom, we are not living true to our own value system and can feel isolated. My client finds that he can express himself in the therapy room without judgment.
He is also fortunate that his wife is a sounding board and that he has a few like-minded friends.
We can all encourage self-expression by replacing judgment, criticism and shaming with openness in listening and developing understanding of where another person is coming from, so long as everyone is safe and no harm or offense is caused to another party.
The final word goes to the philosopher Voltaire who said: “I do not agree to what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
bucket blues, it'll be a Jew. We both know what it's like to be someone else's footstool.” Was it:
a) John Lee Hooker b) Louis Armstrong c) Ray Charles?
16. The Bene Israel Jews are said to be descended from the 10 Lost Tribes. They found their way to which country in the first or second century of the Common Era?
17. What is Wissenschaft des Judentums?
18. Billy Joel’s Piano Man begins with the following lyrics: “It's nine o'clock on a Saturday Regular crowd shuffles in There's an old man sittin' next to me” What is the next line?
19. British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was Chief Rabbi of which country between 1985 and 1992?
20. Bertrand Russell (1963), Isaiah Berlin (1979), Graham Greene (1981), Arthur Miller (2003) were all winners of which prestigious (Israeli) biennial literary award?
21. Born February 27, 1903, in Pruzhany, Grodno Governorate, Russian Empire. In 1926, he came
to Berlin, Germany, and entered the Friedrich Wilhelm University. He wrote his Ph.D. thesis on the epistemology and metaphysics of the German philosopher Hermann Cohen. In 1932, he migrated to America and lived in Boston for ten years before moving to New York, where he was a Rosh Yeshivah, giving semicha (rabbinical ordination) to over 2000 students. Who is he?
22. According to Seligman Baer, which liturgical poem was originally meant to be recited before going to sleep?
23. For how many years did Noah live after the flood?
24. Which city in Israel (founded around 1912) was originally called ‘Ahuza A – New York’? It was also called by the Arabs of the region "Little America" as most of its residents were English speakers and came from New York.
25. Ol’ Man River was written by two Jews, Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern. Who wrote the lyrics and who wrote the music?
ANSWERS PAGE 18
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As Jewish youth feel increasingly reluctant to engage with their community and take on meaningful leadership roles, AUJS is expanding its school engagement programs, reaching more high school students than ever and offering new ways of staying connected and engaged.
The growing disconnect between young Jews and Zionism, Judaism and the broader community, is not limited to Australia, nor is it solely the result of the aftermath of October 7. Though, it must be said, that rising antisemitism has definitely played a role in deterring some youth from expressing and exploring their Jewish identity. Rather, this trend seems to be a global one and has become ever more evident over the past couple of decades.
While AUJS focuses primarily on university students and Jewish life on campus, it relies on an active and involved youth for its next generation of leaders and has always considered school engagement a top priority.
Late last month, AUJS held the last session of its new leadership and community program for grade 10 students at Bialik College. The second semester program at the Jewish
day school included weekly sessions on Jewish identity and leadership, antisemitism and the vital connection between community and leadership. It introduced students to ways in which AUJS can help them stay connected and take on leadership roles now and in
studied the impact of social media and produced TikTok-style advocacy videos. They identified anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric in the media.
Recognising the challenges that young Jews face today and acknowledging the importance of keeping them connected and willing to engage, AUJS will continue to develop and expand its school programs for Jewish and nonJewish youth.
AUJS president Noah Loven said that the union “recognises the vital role of Jewish day school programs in fostering leadership and preparing students for university life. Our recent program at Bialik College, that was led by our shaliach, has been incredibly successful. In the post October 7 environment, it is more important than ever to equip the next generation with the tools for effective leadership and a strong connection to their heritage.”
AUJS shaliach Tobias Siegal said that empowering our communities and
COURTESY: AISH.COM
Zusha Goldin was living the high life. After arriving in Los Angeles from Brooklyn, in just under four years the young photographer had managed to build an impressive career. He was hired to take pictures of the likes of Bryan Cranston, Ben Stiller, Elle Fanning and Lily James, and had worked for huge publications like Variety and Deadline.
And then, October 7 happened. Goldin was on a relaxing vacation in Israel for the Jewish holidays when he heard the news: there was an attack. Just a few days after the massacre – which left over 1,200 dead and devastated Israel and the entire Jewish world – he put up an Instagram post of photos of Israel, writing, “The once bustling streets now empty. Shot on iPhone – Jerusalem, Israel 10.11.23
“Within hours, I received hundreds of comments telling me to ‘kill yourself,’” he said. “They wrote, ‘Hitler misses you’ and ‘Gas the Jews."’ If I was receiving these comments and I'm a grown adult, what about the tens of thousands of Jewish teenagers around the world who are the recipients of this hate?”
Upon returning to America, the 25-year-old knew he had to do something. Goldin conceptualised Artists Against Antisemitism, which would be a coalition of artists using their art and influence to combat hate.
“Exhibit one came to mind,” he said. “It would be celebrities holding up the real antisemitic comments I received in a photo studio environment. I imagined how Jewish teens would feel seeing their favourite celebrity having their back. I quickly began to take action.”
Getting Artists Against Antisemitism up and running
This past month, Goldin held an exhibit and opening party for Artists Against
Antisemitism in LA. With the help of Siri Garber of Platform PR and Shanni Suissa, the CEO of Jews Talk Justice, he photographed celebrities holding up signs containing the antisemitic and hateful comments he received, as they stood against a black background. Tiffany Haddish, Montana Tucker, Paul Walter Hauser, Ginnifer Goodwin, Elon Gold, Debra Messing, Julianna Margulies, Lizzy Savetsky and Emmanuelle Chriqui participated in the project.
In her photo, Savetsky holds up a sign that says, “The last thing the world needs is more demons.” The social media influencer and mom of three said she took part in Artists Against Antisemitism because many artists have stayed silent about antisemitism, “while they proudly stand up for every other marginalised group. This project was not only an important way to take a stand against the growing hate towards the Jewish people, but it did it in a way that showcased the hate we get for doing so. Social media has become a very toxic place for proud Jews and the world must not look away.”
Savetsky pointed out how hate speech, like the comments she receives online, can end in real violence – and even murder. “My family has received numerous death threats, not just online, but in physical letters and phone calls,” she said. “While we take these threats seriously, we will not be stopped by these intimidation tactics. Exposing the hate is my way of saying, ‘You don’t scare me. I’m a proud Jew and I’m not going anywhere.’”
Gold, a stand-up comedian who jokes about Jewish topics, held up a sign that said, “Genocidal tw..s” and said he would “do anything to promote awareness on the alarming global trend towards Jew hate. Even if that means exhibiting my fat face that my own Face ID can’t recognise. Don’t worry, I’ve lost weight since that pic. But I’m also losing faith in humanity. I at least hope to gain that back. The faith. Not the fat face.”
Jokes aside, Goldin and his team made a strong push to get the celebrities involved. They sent out hundreds of emails to publicists trying to get their talent to sign on, and he texted his
influential friends and urged them to participate. “The amount of rejection I've faced trying to get people to be part of this is truly destabilising,” he said. “I have screenshots of every rejection email I received. It took me half a year and so much overcoming my self-doubt to make this idea come to a reality. The number of times I wanted to give up, but continued pushing on, was frequent.” But he believed in the project, and so did his friends. Eventually, their hard work paid off. “It really was a group effort,” Goldin said.
High hopes for Artists Against Antisemitism
Goldin has very serious goals for his campaign. He hopes to: empower Jewish youth and show them that influential people have their back; normalise celebrities, especially nonJewish ones, not being afraid to stand up to Jew hatred; make an impact with social campaigns that run with every campaign launch; and fundraise for Holocaust survivors who are living in poverty. So far, it hasn’t been easy – but the results are worth it.
Goldin also hopes that more celebrities speak up.
“You'd be surprised at the amount of A-list celebrities who told me ‘I support you, but it's not smart for me to speak up right now,’ he said. “I understand how scary it is to speak out. I understand if you've worked for years to get to a certain point in your career how terrifying it can be to open your mouth to receive hate, lose opportunities or even be cancelled. I get it. I really do. But at what point are you sacrificing your integrity and values? If you've spoken out about every other social movement but failed to even condemn October 7, that's eye-opening and not okay." Some celebs on Goldin’s shortlist for his next campaign are Scarlett Johannson, Natalie Portman, Zoey Deschanel, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Floyd Mayweather, Daniel Radcliffe and Pink. He’s going to keep working hard to get them, as well as other Jewish celebrities and allies, involved.
For now, he has a message for all the celebrities and influencers who have yet to speak up: “We all want this war to be over, our hostages to be released, and innocent bloodshed to end, but even forget Israel or Gaza for a second,” he said. “It shouldn't be controversial or political to condemn a terrorist attack or to speak up for hostages. It shouldn't be controversial or political to speak out against Jew-hatred.”
The King David School’s approach to teaching and learning is one based on scientific research in the field of educational neuroscience. It is in line with our growing understanding of how the brain likes to learn. Pedagogy at King David is informed by evidence-based best practice.
As such, the school has been using a phonics-informed program, the Science of Reading (SOLAR), to teach literacy at the Junior School for some time now. It is pleasing to see that government schools are catching up with best practice and from next year students will be learning how to read using phonics.
The Science of Reading is a structured literacy program that teaches children how to read. As opposed to the whole language approach, which relies upon students already possessing the word in their vocabulary, the structured literacy approach uses explicit instruction to teach phonological awareness. That is, it teaches children to hear and then read the 44 combinations of sounds in English. This allows them to decode words without necessarily having to know their meaning first. Vocabulary is developed through the rich texts that teachers use in the classroom, alongside instruction and readers.
As prep teacher and Science of Reading champion Rebecca Fiala said: “70 percent of kids will learn to read no matter how you teach reading but the 30 per cent of kids who won’t learn, learn this way.”
Another integral part of our innovative teaching and learning programs at the
Junior School is the Writing Revolution. This program takes a step-by-step approach to teaching students how to build sentences, paragraphs and whole texts. Recent NAPLAN testing found that writing is an issue across the country. Writing Revolution addresses this. Assistant head of Junior School Janice Shearer said: “It starts from sentence building blocks – what is a fragment and what is a sentence. What is a question, what is a statement and what is an exclamation.”
To ensure students have relevant and sustained content to write about, English is now combined with what used to be called ‘Units of Inquiry’, creating a double
subject called ‘Integrated English’. Now as students learn their inquiry content, they utilise the Writing Revolution framework. Curriculum specialist Junior School (and Year 4 teacher) Kaisu Tonkyra said this means there is “more time for deep learning in the unit content and, at the same time, we can teach deep writing skills.” Writing Revolution teaches students how to take notes and revise and edit their own work. It also aids reading and comprehension by asking them to summarise what they have read.
At the Magid campus, staff are undertaking comprehensive training in Walkthrus, a systemic classroom
development framework. The Walkthrus program, developed by renowned UKbased educators Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli, is designed to enhance the quality of teaching and learning by providing structured, evidence-based strategies that teachers can implement in their classrooms. Tom Sherrington started this program to simplify the application of complex teaching techniques, making them accessible and practical for everyday classroom use. Key aspects of Walkthrus include breaking down complex teaching techniques into a manageable, five-step process including, but not limited to, explanation, modelling, practice, feedback and consolidation. The program draws from extensive educational research, including cognitive science principles and best practice studies, ensuring that the strategies are both practical and effective, promoting consistent, high-quality instruction at The King David School.
Kathy Ross, curriculum coordinator at the Magid said the “ultimate goal with the introduction of the Walkthrus program at King David is to embed best practice, evidence-based teaching and learning strategies within our school. By doing so, we aim to create an engaging, effective and supportive learning environment for all our students”.
The King David School is already seeing the results of these innovative programs, with students thriving throughout the school. For more information, contact Admissions on 9527-0102 or admissions@kds.vic.edu.au
The amazing story of Luis de Carvajal, a secret Jew who was murdered in the 1500s, and the unlikely survival of his handwritten memoirs.
Nearly 500 years ago, Luis de Rodriguez Carvajal, a secret Jew living in terror of the Spanish Inquisition, penned the following words at great risk to his life: “To practice Judaism is not heresy; it is the will of the Lord our God.”
The Jewish book he secretly wrote has been found and is on display for the first time in decades.
Luis de Rodriguez Carvajal and his family lived in the 1500s in Spain. Judaism had been banned in Spain in 1492 but many Jews, including the Rodriguez family, continued to secretly cling to Jewish faith and rituals, while living publicly as Catholics. The fearsome Spanish Inquisition ruthlessly hunted these secret Jews, torturing and executing anyone suspected of engaging in Jewish rituals.
In the 1580s, Luis de Rodriguez, his mother, father and siblings were invited to settle in the Nuevo Leon, an area in today’s Mexico governed by Luis’ uncle, Don Luis Carvajal. The family moved and became close to Carvajal, changing their surname from Rodriguez and publicly embracing their powerful relative’s Catholic faith.
In “New Spain”, Luis de Rodriguez, now de Carvajal “the Younger” continued to keep his Jewish identity as best he could. On Fridays before Shabbat, Luis’ mother and sisters washed the bed linen and prepared festive food, including a chicken dinner for Friday nights. The entire family wore their best clothes on Saturday and the women of the household refrained from the sewing that customarily kept them busy (though they made sure to keep their sewing handy, in case unexpected visitors dropped by).
Before Passover, Luis and other secret Jews in their Mexican community would slaughter a lamb, roast it and eat it, trying to recreate, as Luis described, the first Passover feast: “On foot, like people about to set out on a journey, staves in hands and loins girded”. Their community also secretly celebrated the Jewish holidays Purim and Yom Kippur.
In 1585, Luis and his father, Francisco Rodriguez, who worked as barterers and traders, travelled together to Mexico City for business. There, Francisco became gravely ill. Fearing he might never recover, he told his son all he could about their secret Jewish faith. For a month, he transmitted his knowledge to Luis, preparing him to be the leader of their circle of secret Jews. It was an intense time that
profoundly changed the course of Luis’ life.
When he returned home, Luis was more committed to his secret faith than ever. He circumcised himself and began to declare his Jewish beliefs publicly. He also encouraged other secret Jews to do the same. Sometime, around 1590, Luis and his family were arrested for encouraging Judaism. His mother, Francisca Nunez de Carvajal, was tortured into near madness. The Inquisition authorities later said that under torture she’d implicated her husband and children as secret Jews.
During this time, Luis began writing his memoirs, titled “Memorias”, in tiny script on miniature pages, about 10 centimetres by seven and a half centimetres. In this secret book, Luis seemed to give his imagination free reign, calling himself by a new name that might have had some secret meaning in his community, Joseph Lumbroso.
The book begins: “Saved from terrible dangers by the Lord, I, Joseph Lumbroso of the Hebrew nation …” and goes on to address itself to all “who believe in the Holy of Holies and who hope for great mercies.”
“Memorias” eventually grew to 180 tiny pages, penned in an almost impossibly small script.
As well as Luis’ memoirs, it included Jewish prayers, the Ten Commandments and Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles for Faith. Luis painstakingly stitched the book together; its small size implies that it
was hidden in a pocket and carried with him.
Luis was briefly released from prison. Some modern scholars think this was so the Inquisition authorities could track his activities. Tragically, in 1596, he was arrested, along with his mother, four sisters, brother and a number of other Jews and they were tortured. At one point, Luis was shown his manuscript and acknowledged that it was his. He was tortured so severely that he jumped out of a window to escape the agony. Somehow, he survived.
Finally, after weeks of gruesome torture and imprisonment, nine of the Jews were put to death in a mass public burning for the “crime” of being Jewish. The victims included Luis’ mother, his sisters Isabel, Catalina and Leonor, and Luis himself. Luis was 30 years old. (Five years later, another sister, Mariana, was publicly burned at the stake.)
Miraculously, Luis’ secret book somehow survived. Tattered, wellworn, its pages apparently turned over and over by an unknown number of readers through the years, “Memorias” eventually was placed in Mexico’s National Archives, where it remained for hundreds of years, until vanishing in 1932.
No one knows who took it, but modern scholars have a theory. At the time, at least three academics were researching the de Carvajal family at the National Archives. One historian accused a rival, a Jewish academic from Northwestern
University near Chicago, of stealing the book. The Jewish academic spent approximately three months in jail for the theft, but no evidence implicated him in the crime. It’s thought that the academic who accused him was the true thief.
For eight decades, “Memorias” remained lost. Then, in December 2015, it suddenly resurfaced in a London auction house. Bloomsbury Auctions didn’t recognise the book’s importance, blandly describing it in their auction listings as “small devotional manuscripts” and pricing it at $1,500, a small fraction of the work’s actual value.
In response to questioning about the document’s whereabouts, all the auctioneers would reveal is that it came “from the library of a Michigan family ... in their possession for several decades.” Timothy Bolton, a specialist at Bloomsbury Auctions, justified their decision to keep the previous owners’ identities private, saying “one of the fundamental cornerstones of the auction world is our client’s privacy.”
“Memorias” was bought in London, then promptly listed for sale in New York. There, Leonard Milberg, a prominent 85-year-old New York collector, saw it and recognised its importance. He consulted with experts who agreed that the tiny book was Luis de Carvajal’s and also cautioned Mr Milberg that it had been stolen. “It is the earliest surviving personal narrative by a New World Jew ... and the earliest surviving worship manuscript and account of coming to the New World,” explains scholar David Szewczyk.
Mr Milberg got in touch with Diego Gomez Pickering, the Consul General of Mexico in New York, and arranged to repatriate the book, paying tens of thousands of dollars of his own money to acquire it, so that it could be returned to Mexico’s National Archives. He had only two requests. One was that before its repatriation, “Memorias” would be on view in New York, on display at the New York Historical Society.
Mr Milberg also asked that digital copies of Luis de Carvajal’s book be made for Princeton University and for Manhattan’s Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue. This, Mr Milberg explained, is a way of “getting back at antisemitism. I wanted to show that Jews were part of the fabric of life in the New World,” he explained. “This book was written before the Pilgrims arrived.”
ROBERT GREGORY
JEWISH ASSOCIATION
World-famous Jewish American comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently wrapped up his Australian tour.
Instead of a chance to promote Australia’s image, distressing scenes of antisemitism have been broadcast globally.
On the opening night in Sydney, I was sitting with my wife, when a man a few rows in front of me jumped up and started shouting antisemitic slurs about killing babies, as well as the progenocide chant, ‘from the river to the sea’.
My first thought was to empty my drink on him, but then I considered how angry my wife would be if I was kicked out, so I took out my phone and started filming.
Security took their time, so the disrupter had a few minutes to rant. Seinfeld handled it like the comedic genius he is and the crowd was roaring with laughter at the troublemaker’s expense.
I took comfort from the fact that the lone protester was booed by the audience and received a resounding cheer when he was removed.
On my way home, I uploaded my footage to the Australian Jewish Association social media pages. The clip quickly surpassed half a million views on
Jerry Seinfeld
X (Twitter) alone. Emails started coming in from dozens of local and international media outlets. The next day it was shown on numerous programs, from Sunrise to The Project and on Channels 7, 9 and 10 and Sky News.
Numerous international media outlets, such as Fox News reached out and covered the story, giving it a reach of tens of millions.
Disappointingly, Qudos Bank decided not to say anything about the disrupter. Similar scenes played out the next night in Sydney and a few days later in Melbourne.
Jerry Seinfeld is the epitome of the American Jew. His titular television sitcom was about a group of single New Yorkers in their 30s, a ‘show about nothing’. His non-political, theatrical comedy show
presents family friendly humour without swearing.
What bothers antisemites is that Jerry Seinfeld is an unapologetic and proud Jew.
Unlike some other Jewish celebrities, he has spoken out about and condemned the horrific October 7 massacre. He visited Israel to show solidarity.
Seinfeld is a role model: a diaspora Jew who has had great success, but never forgot who he is.
To the anti-Israel extremists, the only good Jew is one who turns against his own people. (Sadly, to further their careers, many Jewish celebrities either make that decision or choose to stay silent.)
The image of the proud Jew disturbs fanatics so greatly that they spent hundreds of dollars a ticket just to try and ruin others’ nights.
The harassment of Jerry Seinfeld is just the latest in a string of anti-Jewish incidents to occur in Australia.
The ugly scenes at the Sydney Opera House on October 9 also played out in living rooms across the world.
We can’t let Australia’s international reputation be tarnished by a small group of extremists. Jews and non-Jews need to come together and denounce this ugly hatred and show the world what Australia really stands for.
Bet Olam Jewish Funerals began more than 30 years ago. We did so in response to requests from our community for an inclusive and sensitive service delivered by the clergy of the Progressive movement in Victoria.
The then chair of the Victorian Union for Progressive Judaism (now Progressive Judaism Victoria), the late Honourary Walter Jona AM, and his successor Jack Bock, took up that vision and ran with it.
One of Bet Olam's early senior funeral directors was Morrie James, whose son, Brandon, carries on the dedication and care shown by his father, as well as successive and current funeral directors.
Through Bet Olam, the clergy and associated civil celebrants have the flexibility to cater for individual needs and preferences, which each funeral requires, so as to provide a personalised and meaningful funeral service.
Most of Bet Olam’s funerals are performed at the Springvale Jewish Memorial Gardens, set amongst the eucalyptus trees and rose gardens, although we also perform funerals at other cemeteries. Later this year the landscaped gardens at the new Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South will also be available for us to use.
While initially servicing the members of Victoria's Progressive congregations, today, Bet Olam proudly cares for and welcomes all people who identify themselves as Jewish. Over 60% of our funerals are for non-members.
Bet Olam serves families living in greater Melbourne, Geelong, the Goldfields and other regions. From time-to-time, it is Bet Olam’s sad duty but privilege to assist families who need to repatriate their loved ones from interstate or overseas.
We invest in our youth and our community
Of significant importance and a fundamental core value of Bet Olam is
its “why”. Since its inception, Bet Olam’s profits have been, and continue to be, invested in Victoria's Jewish youth and community. As well as delivering a dignified and personalised funeral service, respecting the needs and preferences of both the deceased and the bereaved, Bet Olam’s custodianship for our youth is a legacy actively supporting Jewish continuity. Our bereaved families tell us this beautiful concentricity provides them with much comfort.
Supporting you all the way
Upon receiving the first phone call to advise of a death, our Bet Olam
funeral directors will arrange everything, from co-ordinating the clergy, or civil celebrant (as requested), the cemetery and the facilitation of a plot, if not already pre-purchased, to walking with you, hand-in-hand, every step of the way in a compassionate and professional manner. Purchase of the plot is between the cemetery and the family, which Bet Olam can help facilitate.
While reciting Psalms and prayers, a group of highly trained volunteers perform tahara. This ceremonial washing and dressing of the deceased in a classical shroud is performed in a spiritual and loving manner.
Bet Olam's funeral directors can also assist you to pre-arrange or pre-pay your funeral, alleviating the heartache for your next-of-kin when their grief is rawest.
When you require the services of a Jewish Funeral service, call 9883-6237 or go to our website jewishfunerals.org.au for more information.
Dr Philip Bliss OAM is the past president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the Union for Progressive Judaism, Progressive Judaism Victoria and the Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria). He is an honourary life member of the World Union for Progressive Judaism and current chair of Bet Olam Jewish Funerals.
NOMI KALTMANN COURTESY: THE JEWISH INDEPENDENT CONSIDERED OPINION
I can't help but feel hopeful about the future. Change may not happen overnight, but we are inching closer to a more inclusive and equitable world.
I recently celebrated my birthday. My 30th was a big shebang, but when it came to turning 32 this year, I was like, "meh, just another trip around the sun”. But then, as I approached the big 3-2, it hit me – this was a milestone! Suddenly, I found myself reminiscing about a pivotal moment in my life: my Bat Mitzvah, which took place 20 years ago.
It's funny how such an event from, so far in the past, still resonates so strongly.
Back then, I was just a spunky 12-yearold girl with a penchant for challenging norms and dreaming big.
My Bat Mitzvah was a pretty modest affair. While some of my friends had extravagant parties, I opted for an arts and crafts event with my classmates. I was in grade six at an all-girls Chasidic school. Most girls chose to do something fairly tame. Sometimes we baked challah, other times we made havdalah sets. At my Bat Mitzvah, the Art Factory helped my friends and I make Shabbat candle holders with tissue paper.
A quick peek at old pictures shows 12-year-old me surrounded by friends. I’m smiling widely, proud of the pearls my aunty from Sydney gifted me and wearing a brown hat I had recently purchased from Pumpkin Patch, which I thought was very chic.
Looking back at those photos now, it's wild to think how much has changed in just two decades.
In the early 2000s, the landscape of Judaism was undergoing a subtle revolution, particularly concerning the role of women.
While I was revelling in my arts and crafts Bat Mitzvah, some girls I knew were pushing boundaries by participating in women's Torah readings – a concept considered radical in our tight-knit Melbourne community.
Reflecting on those days, I can't help but chuckle at my youthful naiveté. My ultra-Orthodox friends and I would snicker at the idea of women reading from the Torah, dismissing it as silly and outlandish. Little did we know that we were merely products of our environment, soaking up societal norms like sponges. Little did I know where my path as an adult would take me.
The first time I ever saw a woman leyn from the Torah was at my friend Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah, where she held a women’s mincha service. I remember thinking it was a little strange, but I was fascinated. Growing up in a religious community, I was constantly bombarded with messages about how I should behave and what my role in society should be. During primary and secondary school, any plays that we performed would always depict women as mothers caring for babies or cooking and working in the kitchen.
But try as I might, those messages never quite stuck with me. I was always a bit too brash, a bit too outspoken, a bit too Nomi.
Back in my school days, trouble seemed to follow me like a stray puppy. I had endless opinions, enough chutzpah to fill a stadium, and a knack for backchat that could rival a talk show host. Following the group plan? No way! I was busy choreographing my own routine. And don't get me started on the uniform policy – I treated it more like a suggestion than a rulebook.
Yet, amidst the noise of societal expectations, my love for Judaism remained unwavering. While others grumbled about Hebrew lessons, I relished every opportunity to delve deeper into Torah study. Even as a 12-year-old, I found solace in the richness of our tradition, eager to absorb every nugget of knowledge like a sponge.
Looking back, it's clear that my formative years played a significant role in shaping the person I've become. Whether it was running for student office as a member of the red team or mastering the art of debating in grade five, those early experiences laid the groundwork for my future endeavours, including running (and losing) as a Teal independent and working professionally as a lawyer.
If you had asked 12-year-old Nomi what she hoped to achieve by 32, I'm not sure she would have had a clear
answer. But I'd like to think she'd be proud of where I am today – a trailblazer in my own right, challenging conventions and paving the way for future generations.
As one of the first female Orthodox rabbis in the world and the founder and president of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Australia, I've made it part of my mission to break down barriers and redefine what it means to be a woman in Judaism in Australia.
It’s comforting to know that in the 20 years since my Bat Mitzvah things have become better for Jewish women in this country. I know that when my daughters turn 12 and have their Bat Mitzvahs, they will be gracing a world with so many more opportunities than I had. They will be able to occupy leadership positions within Judaism and beyond, and will have exceptional role models to follow and emulate.
As I blow out the candles on my birthday cake, I do so with a sense of pride and gratitude for how far I've come. As I look to the future, I can't help but feel hopeful about what lies ahead. Change may not happen overnight, but with each small step, we inch closer to a more inclusive and equitable world.
So, while 32 may not be a milestone birthday, 20 years on from my Bat Mitzvah I have witnessed a milestone of progress for Jewish women in Australia … and that is worth celebrating.
In May, a group of 17 women from Melbourne and Sydney participated in a week-long Solidarity Mission to Israel. They visited the kibbutzim devastated by the October 7 terrorist attacks and met heroes who saved so many lives and those leading the fightback from a civic perspective. They also came faceto-face with the families of hostages and visited UIA projects to see the impact these are having.
Subsequently, UIA held an event, titled "Stories from Israel", at which Ashleigh Pyke, Amanda Smorgon, Amie Rochman and Serena Rotenberg spoke on behalf of the group, reflecting upon their experience. The women provided insights into what they observed and how they felt.
That included:
• Pride – Buildings, cars and buses were draped in Israeli flags, which was reassuring given the current situation in Australia, where hostage posters are being torn down.
• Unity – The relationship and unity between Israel and the Diaspora has been redefined. Highlighted was the Yom Hazikaron ceremony at Latrun, where 7,000 Jews gathered to honour victims of terror and fallen Israeli soldiers. Banners on the stage showcasing the words “we are one” had a profound impact.
• UIA Projects – Seeing the impact on the People of Israel through UIA programs. Particularly heartwarming was the visit to the Heartbeats’ centre in Dimona, recently built from the funding of the UIA Australia Women’s Division. Heartbeats supports at-risk Israeli mothers, children and babies for the first 1,000 days of their lives.
• Civic response – Despite the chaos of wartime, civil society has stepped up with a series of initiatives, such as the establishment of the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by
How many common words of 7 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 7 letters and have a direct Jewish connection.
Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish-related word that uses all 7 letters.
Rating: 20 = Good; 28 = Excellent; 36= Genius
ANSWERS PAGE 18
Hamas against Women and Children, led by Dr Cochav Elkayam-Levy. She is documenting the systematic violence and creating an archive in response to the silence and lack of condemnation from international bodies, including the UN.
• Being South – Driving down “the death road”, visiting the Nova Music Festival site, understanding the
memorial was most confronting and challenging.
• Hope – the strength and resilience of the Israelis was palpable. Despite the devastation in the south, kibbutz residents in the Gaza envelope are determined to rebuild and return. A strong message of hope and encouragement was delivered by the head of the Eshkol region, Michal Uziyahu, who emphasised that we will be okay because "we choose life". Her words inspired the group. Notwithstanding the trauma of the country, the ability to share Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations and recognise the remarkable achievements of the past 76 years was also a testament to this hope.
As a tangible way to show solidarity, the group – with the support of their families and friends – have decided to make a collective gift to the Eshkol Program. That is a learning, identitybuilding and skills development initiative for 50 Israeli teenagers from a southern border community impacted by the trauma of October 7.
UIA will be hosting two Solidarity Missions later this year, one for the General Division, from 29th October to 6th November and the other for the Women’s Division, from 29th October to
DAVID SOLOMON AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Choosing a university is much more than just an academic decision; it shapes one's personal journey, professional future and sense of belonging. Your future alma mater must be a safe and nurturing environment – a home away from home, if you will.
With the discrimination, antisemitism and overall disruption to learning that is rampaging across many of the most prestigious campuses around the world, for all students, a sense of safety and belonging has become crucial.
In this climate, Tel Aviv University (TAU) has become a beacon of opportunity and community for many international students.
Maureen Adiri Meyer, Director of the Lowy International School, underscores the university's commitment to providing a supportive environment. She said: "Everybody is extremely connected to what’s happening in the world. One of our top priorities is making sure that we provide a safe space and a soft landing … for all our students from around the world."
Professor Milette Shamir, VP of International Affairs said: "Our international school has always been an intimate niche for students who can feel at home with each other, with their professors and with our staff. This closeknit community is … why many students
Eva Fabian, Tel Aviv University alum
choose TAU.” The current students and alumni are just as clear about what TAU means to them.
"You feel security and safety, not only because you're in a place that you know you're not hated for who you are and what group you're part of, but because you know that everyone understands what you're going through,” said Ben Mizrahi, BA dual degree program with TAU and Columbia University.
"In general, when you think about community, it's about surrounding yourself with people who make you feel comfortable, loved and safe. That environment is tenfold here." said Ava Schwartz, BA in Liberal Arts.
Eva Fabian is a TAU alum with a MA in Security & Diplomacy Studies. She is also a world champion swimmer. She said: “If you are looking for a different academic experience, one where you know it will be balanced and where you will learn, you’ll be challenged and confronted with different opinions, but you won’t be inundated with hate while learning, certainly that’s Tel Aviv University.”
TAU’s interdisciplinary approach and entrepreneurial ecosystem are also major drawcards. Fabian said: "One of the things you can see is the quantity of experts that work here, as well as the integration between experts and industry, which I think is … unparalleled. A major focus of the university is … pushing forward, making progress, pushing students to innovate. That innovation and that passion for learning and improving … defines the spirit of Tel Aviv University.”
Nimrod Cohen, Managing Partner, TAU Ventures agrees. “Tel Aviv is a super interdisciplinary university. You can learn everything and if you take it one step up to the start-up world,
if you have founders with different backgrounds that creates the best startups,” he said.
There are so many other factors that make TAU a very special place to study, including:
• Academic excellence and rigour;
• A meaningful community life;
• The efficiency of getting a master's done in one year;
• The vibrant city life and rich cultural offerings in Tel Aviv;
• Always being only ten minutes from classes or the beach;
•A robust cultural and religious life, making it very easy for Orthodox students to flourish; and
•A dedicated student life team available 24/7 for all international students.
"If you want to be challenged as an academic and a thinker, and if you want to set up your professional career, it’s time to come home." These words from Eva Fabian resonate with many.
To see and learn more, go to: https:// bit.ly/TAU_Come_Home
You can explore the offerings at TAU here: https://international.tau.ac.il/
When duty called, they came! Now, it’s up to us to help them return to classworry-free - and become the bright future of Israel. The moment the war broke out Israel re-enlisted its reservists and over 6,600 of them are Tel Aviv University students. They already completed their regular IDF duty and are now in a different chapter in their lives: the one where they study to make their dreams and goals a reality. It’s up to us to ensure that our returning students, our heroes, have the academic and financial assistance they need to succeed in their studies. Help our students follow their true calling.
Support TAU’s Uniform to University Scholarship Fund.
“When I received the call to serve I was happy at the opportunity to contribute to my country during these challenging times. I hope to resume my studies and fulfil my dream of becoming an engineer.” – Yarin aftau.asn.au
YOASH DVIR TECHNION AUSTRALIA AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Last month, "Limmud Sydney" hosted a thought-provoking seminar that explored the far-reaching implications of the Hamas-Israel conflict on university campuses in Israel and abroad. The event featured insightful presentations from Professor Adi Salzberg, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and Professor Timothy Lynch from the University of Melbourne. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by academic institutions in maintaining a balance between free speech, inclusion and the safety of their communities.
Professor Salzberg's perspective: navigating tensions at the Technion
Professor Salzberg detailed the significant challenges that the Technion has faced in the wake of the conflict. She highlighted how the heightened tensions between Arab and Jewish students have threatened the harmonious academic environment. Additionally, there has been a notable surge in complaints about student publications on social media, with accusations of expressing support for Hamas or the October 7 massacre.
To address these issues, the Technion convened a day-long seminar involving 60 campus leaders. The focus was on understanding the needs of the academic and administrative staff and developing a strategy to nurture resilience within the Technion community. As a result, a series of training webinars and face-to-face workshops were developed, which were tailored to the needs of various groups within the institution. More than 700 staff participated in the training sessions, which were instrumental in the successful start to the academic year, despite a three-month postponement to accommodate reservists returning from battle.
Professor Salzberg explained that the Technion received dozens of complaints against students and teachers, Jews and Arabs, from inside and outside the university. The Technion established a committee comprising Jewish and Arab professors to evaluate the complaints, ensuring all were assessed the same way. The committee reviewed the complaints. Some were dismissed, others resulted in a warning and six people – five students
and a teacher – were brought before a disciplinary tribunal. Of the students, one was cleared and two were found guilty and are appealing that decision, while two are still in progress. A decision regarding the teacher is also pending.
Professor Lynch's perspective: challenges on Western campuses
Professor Lynch provided a contrasting perspective from the University of Melbourne, where the conflict has led to prolonged campus occupation by protestors. He described how these protests have been marked by anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments, creating a hostile environment for many students and staff.
He critiqued the influence of identity politics, arguing that it has created a polarised atmosphere on campuses, where the complexities of the conflict are often reduced to simplistic narratives of oppressor and oppressed. This, he noted, has led to a lack of empathy and understanding, and a troubling rise in antisemitism.
Professor Lynch emphasised that while the protests have disrupted academic life, they also reflect a broader issue
within academia. The focus on identity politics, he argued, has diverted attention from more pressing issues and has failed to foster genuine dialogue and understanding. He called for a reevaluation of how universities address these challenges, advocating a more inclusive approach that recognises the rights and dignity of all.
Both professors highlighted the need for academic institutions to serve as bastions of open dialogue and mutual respect. They said that while inclusion is essential, it must not come at the expense of the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Their insights deserve to resonate with universities worldwide. It is crucial for university management to take proactive steps to ensure that all students and staff can pursue their academic and personal lives in a secure and supportive environment. This commitment to balance and empathy is key to navigating the complexities of the current conflict and to fostering a more inclusive and resilient academic community.
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.
JDC (The Joint) Australia has launched #SavedByTheJoint, a content series dedicated to sharing stories of Holocaust survivors and their families who rebuilt their lives through the efforts of The Joint.
This initiative has so far highlighted the stories of Simonne Winecier and Fran Levine.
After WWII, The Joint played a crucial role in relocating more than 40,000 Holocaust survivors to Australia, offering them a haven and resources to start anew.
Despite its significant contributions, many remain unaware of The Joint's pivotal role in their family's history.
The #SavedByTheJoint series aims to illuminate these stories, preserving memories for future generations and educating the community about The Joint's work.
Upon arrival in Melbourne, The Joint provided her family with housing and support, helping them establish a new life. Fran's interview is filled with humour and poignant reflections, showcasing her vibrant personality.
The #SavedByTheJoint series will continue to feature interviews with survivors and their family members, highlighting their unique journeys.
The Joint Australia invites anyone who was brought to Australia by The Joint, or knows someone who was, to share their stories.
For more information as to whether your family was assisted by The Joint, visit the JDC Archives.
You can watch Simonne Winecier and Fran Levine’s interviews on Facebook.
To share your story, please contact Simonne Winecier at SimonneWi@jdc.org
In exploring the JDC archives, Simonne Winecier discovered a photograph of a little girl in an orphanage, identifying her as Fran Levine. Fran's story includes her time in the orphanage, experiences in a French jail with her family after the war and The Joint's assistance in securing their passage to Australia.
SHIDDUCHIM AUS WHATSAPP GROUP
Three years ago, a group of rabbis and rebbetzens from around Australia launched an initiative to help singles in their communities find Jewish partners.
Knowing there are not enough singles in any one community to match, they decided to work together.
The objective was to create a personalised experience, whereby the
Supported by member funding, they employed someone to input all the profiles into a database, and have since turned that database into an app.
Shadchanim have full access to all profiles, while singles featured on the app have limited access.
The idea is straightforward. Singles browse the app and if they see someone they would like to be set up with, they can contact the rabbi/ rebbetzen that added the profile.
… the group decided to embrace the latest technology.
religious leaders act as shadchanim (matchmakers) for those they know. Thus, the Shidduchim AUS WhatsApp group began.
There are currently 70 members –rabbis, rebbetzens and traditional shadchans from throughout Australia.
Multiple profiles of singles of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations are being posted each month.
In the middle of last year, the group decided to embrace the latest technology.
As the project has evolved, those that started it are discovering how deeply Jewish singles desire to find Jewish partners.
Many of the singles have expressed immense gratitude that they remain in the thoughts of the religious leaders that are helping them find their soulmate.
There are more than 200 Jewish singles on the app.
For those looking to sign up, go to shidduchimaus@gmail.com
Imagine a room buzzing with anticipation, filled with people eager to hear from a man who is as passionate about Jewish identity as he is about innovative advocacy. This was the atmosphere when Rudy Rochman, the dynamic Jewish activist, graced our shule with his presence this past month. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was clear that Rudy was not just here to speak; he was here to connect, challenge and inspire.
The main event, held in collaboration with Magen David Adom Australia, was nothing short of electrifying. Rudy has an extraordinary talent for distilling deep, complex concepts into ideas that are both understandable and relatable. Whether he was unravelling the intricacies of Middle Eastern geopolitics or discussing the personal nuances of Jewish identity, his clarity and passion were evident. His ability to engage with the audience on such a profound level made everyone feel like they were part of a meaningful conversation.
One of the most striking aspects of Rudy’s approach is his genuine desire to listen. He doesn’t just speak; he engages in dialogue, seeking to understand diverse perspectives and working towards making the lives of everyone in the region more successful. He shared stories of his interactions with people from all walks of life, emphasising that real change stems from understanding and
collaboration. His commitment to listening and learning underscores his belief in the power of mutual respect.
Rudy’s discussion on Jewish identity and strength was particularly impactful. With conviction, he reminded us of the importance of recognising and being proud of who we are. “We are the people of Israel,” he proclaimed. Despite living in Australia, we are indigenous to Israel. We must not shy away from this identity.” His words resonated deeply, reinforcing the significance of our roots and the necessity of standing firm in our beliefs. Throughout his visit, Rudy challenged us to rethink traditional narratives and consider new ways forward. He opened our minds to different perspectives on achieving
peace and prosperity in the region, envisioning a future where everyone’s lives are enhanced through mutual respect and cooperation. His forward-thinking approach was both inspiring and thoughtprovoking, encouraging us to envision a better, more inclusive future.
The session with our Young Adults of Caulfield Shule (YACS) was another highlight of Rudy’s visit. His ability to connect with young people is remarkable. He spoke candidly about the challenges of modern advocacy, sharing personal anecdotes that were both humorous and insightful. One story, about trying to explain the Israeli-Palestinian conflict using biblical history had everyone deeply focused and appreciating the complexities of his work.
Rudy’s message to the young adults was empowering: we all have the potential to be advocates and make a difference. He emphasised the importance of staying informed, connected to our roots, and using modern tools to spread positive messages.
His approach to digital advocacy, blending education with engagement, resonated strongly with the young audience, inspiring them to take an active role in their communities.
What stood out most during Rudy’s stopover was his unwavering commitment to unity and collaboration. He stressed that the Jewish community, both locally and globally, must support one another and work together to overcome challenges. His call for unity was a powerful reminder that we are stronger together and that our collective efforts can lead to significant change.
Reflecting on Rudy Rochman’s visit, it is clear that his impact extends far beyond the events themselves. He has ignited a renewed sense of purpose and commitment within our community. His ability to break down deep concepts, his dedication to listening and understanding, and his message of strength and identity have left a lasting impression.
Rudy is a catalyst for change and inspiration. His vision will continue to guide us in our efforts to support Israel and the Jewish people. We are excited to build on the momentum he has created.
There are few more celebrated milestones in life than marriage. Holy matrimony affords the opportunity to connect with another in the deepest of ways, to build a home, cultivate the next generation and secure a legacy. The Talmudic tractate dedicated to this institution starts by establishing the first method of marriage, namely the basis for the ring which we use today, and yet the biblical source that the Talmud derives this from seems rather strange.
Utilising a gzeira shava or inference drawn from identical words in two passages, the Talmud connects the same word in Deuteronomy’s account of marriage and Abraham’s negotiation with Ephron to acquire a burial property for his wife Sarah in Chevron. The word used is not uncommon and of all the places in the Torah, it begs the question as to why the rabbinic imagination roots such a consequential learning in an episode where spouses are not even dealing with one another and one has in fact passed away, well after they had married, in what seems to be an unfair negotiation.
Implicit within the connection, I believe, are approaches that are instructive toward a meaningful marriage and I would like to highlight four that come to mind, contained within the context, care, consequence and continuity of the text.
The first lesson is the context of this learning. It is atypical to say the least: at the end of relationship not the beginning,
out in the field, not under the chupa. And yet most of marriage happens in these types of places. Whereas certain relationships can be curated or controlled to a certain extent, the context of marriage is constant. Over the years, our spouse sees us, perhaps more than anyone else, in nearly every type of situation and state. In front of an audience and behind closed doors, at moments of great pride and deep vulnerability, they get to know the real us and we get to know the real them. Perhaps the Torah locates this unexpected place to root the marriage acquisition because the marriage bond that it creates is tested and ultimately lived in the unexpected places.
A second lesson is grounded in care.
While Abraham and Sarah had lived a full marriage, from the difficulties of famine, uncertainty and infertility,
through to ultimately being blessed with everything, his dedication to her did not die when she did. This specific episode recounts the ultimate chesed shel emet or compassion of truth in going above and beyond to ensure his wife had a fitting burial and would be honoured for perpetuity. At this point, she could not reciprocate his generosity and this attitude is one that should be imbued in marriage from the beginning – doing what is right for the other with no expectations in return. But this only works both ways, for if each partner ensures what is best for the other, they will always have someone else putting them first.
The third lesson is consequence. Efron, the individual that sold the land to Abraham, was ready to give it away and, in fact, was paid significantly more than he could’ve dreamed of for the land. Abraham was so honoured and
happy to invest in this important land to ensure an appropriate burial for his wife and family. Sarah’s soul had serenity from her ultimate resting place. In a rare moment, each party left this negotiation happy. So, too, in relationships, and especially in marriage, one should always seek win-win outcomes and intended consequences as much as possible that honours all sides.
A final lesson is that of continuity. The fact that the biblical source of marriage is grounded in a plot that would outlive both Abraham and Sarah and service future generations signifies the legacy that each marriage should ideally generate. The marriage of Abraham and Sarah was one of the most consequential unions in all of humankind and the meaning they brought into this world continues each day in so many ways. So, too, at the outset of marriage, both partners should consider that they are building something that will outlast them.
This acquisition, as noted above, forms the basis for the modern custom of utilising a ring, by which to consecrate the covenant of marriage. Whether it be the context of all situations or the care by which Abraham honoured Sarah, the win-win consequences of the negotiation or the continuity that it led to, these are tremendous ingredients for a successful marriage imbued within the vehicle that effectuates it. And like the ring, that has no end, so too when two soulmates love and respect one another in all these ways and more, it is everyone’s hope that their marriage will bring eternal meaning and success, as did that of Abraham and Sarah.
Like many in our community, I have heard inspirational tales of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our brave and holy brothers and sisters in the Israel Defense Forces. But recently, I had the heartbreaking privilege of hearing one such story directly from the father of a soldier who paid the ultimate price.
Clive Chitz, a dedicated father and community leader, made aliyah from South Africa in 1987. His son, Yaron, who enlisted in the IDF in 2020, tragically fell in battle in December 2023, but not before saving many of his comrades. Clive now travels with the “One People – Together for Israel” organisation, honouring Yaron's memory by sharing his son's story with communities around the world. In so doing, Clive believes he is continuing Yaron’s lifelong commitment to the safety and security of Israel and its people.
his mother, girlfriend and friends on the Shabbat before he fell in Gaza. Yaron had not been home for 80 days before that Shabbat.
As Clive continued his story, you could hear a pin drop in the room. It was painful yet inspirational to learn of the enormous sacrifice Yaron made to his country and to his people as a commander in the Givati Brigade’s Shaked Battalion, from Ra’anana.
Clive said that Yaron had the best weekend of his life when he surprised
Clive began his talk to a small group of communal leaders at a business lunch in Melbourne by knocking three times on the lectern, at which he was standing. “To most of you” Chitz said, “that just sounds like someone knocking on your door, but to Israeli parents of soldiers serving in the IDF, it might represent the realisation of parents’ worst nightmare –a knock from the IDF to break the tragic news that their beloved son or daughter is lost.” Tragically, that's exactly what it meant for Clive and his family on the night their son and brother was killed by Hamas terrorists.
Why do we keep kosher? It’s an interesting question that many Jews think about. We are advised to only eat animals that chew their cud and have split hooves, and we are told that only fish that have fins and scales can be consumed.
The Torah is not clear about the reasoning. Our rabbis classify kashrut as a “chok”, a law that does not have an easily understood and readily explainable answer.
Jewish laws like “don’t kill”, “don’t steal” and “don’t be jealous” are straightforward as they pivot around morality. They indicate that a society that allows for this kind of behaviour will soon fall apart, as it descends into chaos and anarchy.
And yet, the reasons for the laws of kosher are much more difficult to pin down. I would like to think that having an awareness and consciousness of all that goes into my mouth allows me a higher level of thought about the way I operate. It also makes it impossible to forget that I’m Jewish anywhere that I go, knowing I won’t be able to eat the same food as many of those I am sitting with, unless it was prepared in a kosher kitchen.
Keeping kosher is not just a lifestyle choice; it’s a way of life. It helps me bring a sense of Godliness into the mundane in my life, especially as we are encouraged
He said the communal sentiment at the funeral was an outpouring of love. He described how the streets of Ra’anana were lined with thousands of residents waving Israeli flags as the funeral procession made its way from the family home to the cemetery. Roads were blocked off to accommodate the crowd and traffic.
Clive also shared how Yaron’s death was the catalyst for dozens of initiatives of chesed (kindness) and charity in his memory. One of his passions was hosting braais (roasts) for family and friends. To honour his memory, they are now hosting braais for soldiers at IDF bases.
After his address, I approached Clive, embraced him and told him that no words can compensate for the huge loss he and his family had suffered, and that the entire Jewish nation is stronger and safer because of his son's heroism.
to make a bracha (blessing) on the food before we consume it. When I eat, I have a higher level of thought. I bring God into the equation, knowing that, without any doubt, everything that I consume has active thought behind it.
In the 21st century, where so much thought is being put into our food supplies, the treatment of animals, vegetarianism and veganism, I like to think about keeping kosher as the original mindfulness. While we don’t exactly know why G-d made these laws,
but they help create awareness and thoughtfulness.
Keeping kosher not only serves as a marker of identity, but also fosters a deeper connection to tradition and spirituality. In a world where rapid globalisation and cultural assimilation are prevalent, adhering to kosher dietary laws can be seen as a deliberate act of preserving our cultural and religious heritage. It serves as a constant reminder of the covenant between the Jewish people and God, reinforcing a sense of
belonging and commitment to a shared history and destiny.
As society grapples with ethical and environmental concerns surrounding food production and consumption, the principles of kosher dietary laws offer a unique perspective. The emphasis on the humane treatment of animals and the careful consideration of what enters one's body is something that as a society we should all be mindful of.
The vital role of volunteers was the theme of an address by Deputy Opposition leader David Southwick MP at a special commemoration for Lorraine Abel at St Kilda Shule late last month.
Lorraine spent 37 years as office administrator of Kosher Meals on Wheels.
During that time, she was responsible for sorting out the meals for the hundreds of clients who receive them daily from the volunteer drivers.
She always did so with a positive attitude and a cheery countenance.
Kosher Meals on Wheels’ current and past presidents Robert Seifman and Menachem Kohen referenced the smile permanently affixed to Lorraine’s face.
For her part, Lorraine said she had enjoyed every day on the job.
She commended the work of Kosher Meals on Wheels and its leadership and volunteers, with a special mention of founding president Moss Davis.
The organisation, which provides nutritious, kosher meals to vulnerable people in the Jewish community, was founded in July 1973.
It has since delivered well in excess of a million meals to private clients, hospitals, prisons and other government organisations. Mr Southwick spoke of the massive positive economic impact that volunteers have in the Jewish and broader community.
But he warned that the need is great to introduce a new generation of volunteers into the mix.
1. Fred Astaire
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Infidelity (Adultery), Murder and Chillul Shabbat i.e. the desecration of Shabbat
4. Sefat (Safed) in the 16th century
5. Ekev
6. He was born to Jewish parents in South Africa and their most successful singles, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo, Mighty Quinn, and 5-4-3-2-1
7. In the Temple service the priests raised their hands above their heads, while in other places they lifted them only to their shoulders
8. Bevis Marks (Sephardi synagogue) in London
9. 2018
10. The Emperor Nero
11. Nazareth
12. a) Egypt
b) Washington DC, USA
c) Menachem Begin, Anwar Sadat and President Jimmy Carter
13. Leon Uris
14. Badge of the Mishtarah – The Israeli Police
15. Ray Charles
16. India
17. "Wissenschaft des Judentums" (The Science of Judaism) refers to a 19th
Friday, Jul 5, 2024 4:56 PM Shabbat ends, Jul 6, 2024 5:57 PM Friday, Jul 12, 2024 5:00 PM
Shabbat ends, Jul 13, 2024 6:01 PM Friday, Jul 19, 2024 5:05 PM
Shabbat ends, Jul 20, 2024 6:06 PM Friday, Jul 26, 2024 5:10 PM
Shabbat ends, Jul 27, 2024 6:11 PM
century movement premised on the critical investigation of Jewish literature and culture, including rabbinic literature, using scientific methods to analyse the origins of Jewish traditions
18. “Makin’ love to his tonic and gin”
19. Ireland
20. The Jerusalem Prize
21. Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik
22. Adon Olam due to the closing words: "Into His hand I commit my spirit when I fall asleep, and I shall awake."
23. 350 years
24. Ra’anana
25. Hammerstein wrote the lyrics, Kern the music
Jewish Answer: SHECHITAH. 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 the most common): AESTHETICS, AESTHETIC, ATHEISTIC, CATCHIEST, CHATTIEST, CHASTISES, CHEESIEST, CHITCHATS, HESITATES, ATHEISTS, ATTACHES, CHASTISE, CHEETAHS, CHITCHAT, HATCHETS, ITCHIEST, ACHIEST, ATHEIST, ATTACHE, CACHETS, CATCHES, CHEESES, HATCHES, HATCHET, HITCHES, SCATHES, SEETHES, SCATHES, SHEATHE, SHEATHS, STABLES, STASHES, TEACHES, TEETHES, TECHIES and THEISTS.
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A dark and dirty family secret explodes in A Silence.
Astrid Schaar (Emmanuelle Devos) has said nothing about the deeply disquieting matter for 30 years, but a figure from the past triggers massive concern.
Astrid’s renowned, media-savvy lawyer husband Francois (Daniel Auteuil) has been fighting an incendiary, highprofile case for five years.
He represents the parents of two abducted children, with reporters camped outside his home eager to capture his every word.
Francois and Astrid are cocooned in a life of privilege and yet there is clearly tension between the couple … that dates back decades.
The pair has two children, grown up daughter Caroline (Louise Chevilllotte), who implores her mother to say something, and an adopted teenager son. He, Raphael (Matthieu Galoux), has been wagging school and faces expulsion.
So, there are fires to be fought on several fronts and, ultimately, there is no escaping the bitter truth.
A disturbing drama from Joachim Lafosse, A Silence is a disquieting
exploration of family, duty, complicity and coercive control.
What makes it even more shocking is that it was inspired by real events that shocked France and Belgium.
I was suitably appalled by what I saw unfolding, but my biggest criticism of the film comes down to the tortuously slow (I would say wallowing) and obscure start.
I understand that the filmmakers clearly wanted to stretch out “the big reveal”, but I dare say by the time it comes some of the audience may not have stuck around.
Oh my. What a wonderful fourth movie in the franchise (sixth, if you count the Minions’ films). How clever, creative and funny.
The Despicable Me series shows no signs of waning. Quite the contrary.
Gru (the voice of Steve Carell), the world’s favourite supervillain turned Anti Villain League (AVL) agent is attending his 1985 high school reunion.
It is where his former nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (the voice of Will Ferrell), continues to mock him and laud it all over him.
Much to his chagrin, Principal Übelschlecht announces Le Mal as the most successful student made good, presenting him with a trophy.
But that is where the real skulduggery begins because in his victory speech Le Mal outlines a nefarious plan in which he turns into an all-powerful mega cockroach.
With an army of loyal cockroaches behind him, he is ready to take over the world, that is until Gru and members of the AVL capture and jail him.
The problem is Le Mal isn’t in prison long before he is sprung, with vengeance in mind.
To that end, the Anti Villain League must act swiftly to keep Gru and his family out of harm’s way. So, at short notice, they move to the picturesque town of Mayflower.
I speak about Gru, his partner Lucy (Kristen Wiig), daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Maddison Polan), and baby Gru
And that is a pity, because the story has real bite from that point on.
Mystery is one thing, but obfuscation is another and that is what I felt was happening at first.
My sentiments weren’t helped by the darkness inherent in many of the scenes. Perhaps that was a theatrical device, but that too became frustrating.
Having said that, I would still like to recommend A Silence because as disgusting and scandalous a story as it is, it deserves to be told. What gives the movie strength is the internalised acting
performance of Emmanuelle Devos, as a woman who has endured so much.
Daniel Auteiul, too, is well cast as the suave and astute legal eagle carrying a massive burden.
Matthieu Galoux is quite believable as an aloof youngster with problems trying to find a way through.
So, please stick with A Silence because the payout for doing so does come, only it takes its sweet time to get there.
Rated MA, it scores a 7 out of 10.
Junior. The family members are given false names and the parents adopt new fake occupations.
With them are their three closest minions, who continue to get up to all sorts of mischief.
So, too, the army of minions who are all shifted to AVL headquarters.
Among them five, so called volunteers are turned into mega minions (larger versions of minions who can get into bigger trouble) to help recapture Le Mal.
Gru is prevailed upon to tone down his cranky ways.
He tries to ingratiate himself to his uppity car dealership owner neighbour Perry Prescott (Stephen Colbert) and Perry’s snooty daughter Poppy (Joey
King). In fact, Poppy – who dreams of becoming a supervillain and is obsessed with all things villainous – blackmails Gru into helping her pull a heist at his old school.
While not all goes according to plan, Gru’s real reckoning is yet to come.
That will happen when despite AVL’s elaborate planning and with his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara) in tow, Le Mal uncovers Gru’s secret new home.
Despicable Me has a delightful script, which is beautifully realised with a surfeit of colour and movement, and hijinks aplenty.
The characters are well drawn and there are laughs in almost every scene.
Many stem from Gru’s awkward relationship with his new son, who is a real trouble maker. Equally, the minions are frequently out of control, but continue to do their own thing, with some hilarious consequences.
And let’s be frank – the voice talent is epic.
I regard Despicable Me 4 as the ultimate family film in which mirth and merriment abound.
It is perfect for children and adults alike.
Rated PG, it scores an 8½ out of 10.
For more of Alex First’s reviews, go to https://www.itellyouwhatithink.com
