Ameer Jhingoor • Brad Sewitz • Craig Haycock • John Cohen • Justine Cameron • Peter Hersh
Ameer Jhingoor • Brad Sewitz • Craig Haycock • John Cohen • Justine Cameron • Peter Hersh OAM
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
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
Freedom of speech
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
Test your knowledge
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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RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN JUDAICA QUIZ
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
AUJS introduces new leadership program
day school in Melbourne 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
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
AUJS president Noah Loven and Diller Teen Fellows’ coordinator Sharni Briner speak to Year 10 students at Bialik College as part of the new AUJS leadership program (photo courtesy AUJS)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Artists Against Antisemitism
KYLIE ORA LOBELL
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.”
Julianna Margulies (photo by Abbie Sophia) Montana Tucker with photographer Zusha Goldin
COMMUNITY
UIA’s commitment to and support for the People of Israel has no boundaries. Despite the ongoing, turbulent and stressful situation that Israel is facing, UIA and its supporters felt compelled, more than ever, to show their unwavering support for our brothers and sisters in Israel at this time of greatest need.
From May 7th to 16th, 34 participants from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth embarked on a UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission to strengthen the People of Israel. What they took away from the experience will remain in their hearts and minds for many years.
Between sightseeing and revelling in the tastes and textures of the Holy Land, participants heard from high-calibre speakers who gave insights into the fields of politics, security and culture.
These included Sarit Zehavi from the Alma Centre, which specialises in Israel’s security challenges, who ran a simulation of the complex situation in the North, and Yuval Rotem, the former Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Michal Uziyahu (guest speaker at UIA’s 2024 Gala events) from the Eshkol Regional Council, which forms part of the Gaza Envelope, accompanied the group through the ruins of Kibbutz Nir Oz to witness the devastation left behind.
Maayan Dee, a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre on October 7, joined participants at the Festival Memorial, providing a heart-wrenching but informative understanding of the atrocities that occurred there.
Other prominent guests and speakers that Mission attendees heard from and met included Nimrod Palmach, CEO of ISRAEL-is, as well as Iris Haim, whose son Yotam was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Kfar Aza and then fatally shot in error by the IDF.
Yom Hazikaron was equally poignant, as participants joined in a moving memorial ceremony with 6,000 participants from Masa Israel Journey. This was the largest English-speaking ceremony in Israel and paid tribute to the brave IDF soldiers and victims of terror who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our people.
Highlights of the experience included a special Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut event, celebrating inspirational Israeli heroes with other Keren Hayesod-UIA Missions from around the world, at Attura Mini Israel in Latrun. Alongside Keren Hayesod-UIA Missions from Brazil, Mexico and Panamal, the group was also given the opportunity to pack care packages for soldiers in the North, before meeting with evacuees in Kiryat Shmona.
Those on the UIA Mission saw and felt the impact that UIA-supported projects are making on Israeli lives and society. That included visits to Net@ Kfar Saba, which provides technological training to disadvantaged high school youth and to Hadassah Neurim Youth Village, which helps students with integration difficulties
UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission strengthens participants and the People of Israel
to become contributing members of Israeli society. There was another to Amigour in Tel Aviv, which provides subsidised housing for Holocaust survivors and senior citizens. Participants received an in-depth understanding of how their philanthropy is supporting those who need it most.
Other places that Mission participants were taken included Hostage Square, a plaza located in Tel Aviv where exhibitions calling for hostages to be brought back from Gaza are held.
There was the ‘cemetery’ of the burned cars from the Nova Festival and a graffiti tour in Tel Aviv, including the Walls of Hope murals, dedicated to the children kidnapped by Hamas. The Mission visited the Hostage Forum, to meet families of those currently held in Gaza by Hamas. There was also an exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime trip to an IDF Navy base in Haifa.
Reflecting upon the experience, Mission participant Brenda Taback said: “I had no idea what to expect, but this trip surpassed all expectations. From the education to the inspiring talks and the ability to see Israel so thoroughly from the inside, it has been a life-changing experience.”
Geoff Midalia, who was another on the Mission, said: “I’ve learned so much about this wonderful country these past two weeks and even more about its beautiful people, especially the resilient young who will have the responsibility of rebuilding it.
I’ve also gained more knowledge of how much UIA does for the country and I give thanks for taking us on such a brilliant, heart-rendering, joyful and tearful journey.”
UIA NSW Shlicha and Executive Director Gily Rosenberg said: “It was so heartwarming to see, hear and feel the gratitude that the People of Israel
showed us for coming to support them at such a critical moment in our history. It was a privilege to see how our work impacts lives there, which gave us the motivation we need to keep going.
It's going to be a journey, but we’ll get there together.”
For more information about UIA Missions, visit http://uiaaustralia.org.au/ missions
UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission participants visit the Nova Festival Memorial
DR YVETTE ALT MILLER
COURTESY: AISH.COM
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
The secret Jew and incredible survival of his lost manuscript
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.”
The Carvajal manuscript
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
SAJE forging a path forward for passionate converts
The Sydney Academy of Jewish Education (SAJE) continues to grow and develop, giving those participating in their programs, even greater opportunities to connect during their journey to become part of the Jewish People.
In the week leading up to Shavuot, SAJE held a dinner and learning evening, to which participants in the SAJE class and their families were invited to hear four speakers.
Rav Shua had introductory words about the importance of Jerusalem and the upcoming Jewish holiday.
Then followed guest speaker Shmaya Berkowitz who had travelled from Israel to talk about the story of his son Eyal, who was killed in the war in Gaza.
Shmaya spoke about the connection his family had to the land and the State of Israel and the incredible life that Eyal lived before he died defending the Jewish People.
Central Synagogue’s Rabbi Levi Wolff and SAJE educator Di Kuchar delivered important and meaningful
messages about Shavuot. Rabbi Wolff talked about the importance of observing Shavuot, while Di explained some of the customs and traditions associated with the festival. The goal of SAJE is to simplify the conversion
process, providing a step-by-step guide on the journey to becoming part of our community.
For those who have chosen to join, SAJE is committed to providing support and encouragement to ensure a smooth path. That includes: Personalised guidance: SAJE walks those who undertake the program through every stage of their journey.
A supportive community: Participants join with like-minded individuals and feel the warmth of a welcoming community.
Comprehensive learning: Access to resources and opportunities designed to deepen understanding and connection to Judaism and the Jewish community.
The Pre-Shavuot dinner and night of learning was another important way to make participants feel appreciated and reveal more to their families about this important journey.
SAJE has also been running regular weekly classes for all program participants, which number more than 70 (split into two groups). They
are designed around a curriculum of imparting knowledge about an observant Jewish lifestyle.
Recently, during one of these weekly classes, the students had a question and answer session with Rabbi Moshe Gutnick, one of the senior dayanim (a person knowledgeable in Talmudic law) at the Sydney Beth Din. For over an hour, the students asked many of Judaism’s difficult questions and engaged in deep discussion about many areas of Jewish thought and practice.
The SAJE course also helps participants start their Hebrew reading journey, a critical part of becoming Jewish and being able to read and comprehend Jewish texts. Di Kuchar has been teaching people of all ages to read Hebrew for decades, and SAJE is lucky to have her as one of our teachers. She is currently giving SAJE students an introductory Hebrew reading course.
More than 70 students and family members attended a pre-Shavuot dinner and evening of learning at the SAJE campus
Chava Amaral is a recent convert through the SAJE program
THE COMMUNITY
ROBERT GREGORY
AUSTRALIAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION AROUND
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
Why do they target Jerry Seinfeld?
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.
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.
Twenty years since my Bat Mitzvah, Australian Jewish women have much to celebrate
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.
Nomi celebrating her 32nd birthday recently
Nomi Kaltmann (centre, wearing hat) at her Bat Mitzvah 20 years ago
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.
Campus at war – how do we deal with hate speech on campus?
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.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
The Observership Program is a unique and often overlooked avenue in professional growth and career advancement. Designed to provide an immersive experience in learning about board management and a unique opportunity to observe and learn from seasoned professionals, it is a blend of mentorship, hands-on experience and networking. It serves as an invaluable stepping stone for aspiring professionals across various sectors.
At its core, the Observership Program bridges academic knowledge and real-world application, fostering personal growth and development. Twelve years ago, JCA partnered with Jonathan Gavshon, founder, and chair of The Observership Program, to bring this opportunity to young community members to create a group of people who would be future leaders, equipped with the knowledge to serve on communal boards across the community.
Practical exposure and contextual understanding allowed participants to experience firsthand how challenges are tackled and decisions are made. It also gave them a deeper understanding of the nuances of leadership and organisational dynamics in the Jewish communal realm.
When participating in the Program, Observers can expect:
The success of the Observership Program
• High-level training for not-for-profit directors delivered by AICD and The Ethics Centre;
• A year-long program to build experience and confidence in serving on a not-for-profit board;
• Access to experienced board directors from both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors;
• The opportunity for involvement in strategic or board subcommittee projects;
• Networking opportunities with fellow and former participants in the program and;
• A rewarding professional development experience that facilitates a meaningful contribution to society.
Here are some reflections from former Observers:
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
"The Observership Program has been an excellent opportunity that has enabled me to build on my professional skills and gain valuable experience working with community organisations. I now feel more connected to the community and better positioned to make a greater contribution in the future."
– Luc Marshall-Weinberg "I applied to the Observership Program for the opportunity to experience firsthand the role of a director and their ability to enact change through their involvement with not-for-profits. It has been such a privilege to be part of the JCA stream of the program and I hope to use the training and experience to give back meaningfully to both the Jewish and wider community."
– Dr Jared Engelman
“Being a part of the Observership Program through the JCA stream means that not only am I gaining the valuable
skills I need to succeed in future board endeavours, but I am also making invaluable connections and friendships with members of the Jewish community.”
– Inna Kiner
“The Observership Program offers a unique opportunity to build skills and connections in the “for purpose” space. This will round out my passion for making a difference, help me be the best leader I can be and maximise my contribution to this amazing space. The JCA stream allows me to give back to the inclusive, strong and supportive community we are a part of.” – Romy Stuhler
Applications for the 2025 Observership Program have just opened and will close on August 31st. To apply, go to: https:// www.observership.com.au/applynow/2025-application-form/
From left, former Observers Luc Marshall-Weinberg, Dr Jared Engelman, Inna Kiner and Romi Stuhler
COMMUNITY
DAVID SOLOMON AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY AROUND THE
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 close-
Tel Aviv University: a home away from home for international students
knit community is … why many students 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 start-ups,” 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/
Duty called and they came - now help fulfill their calling.
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
Eva Fabian, Tel Aviv University alum
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
A lasting legacy
JDC (THE JOINT) AUSTRALIA
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.
Matchmaking
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
From left, Simonne Winecier and Fran Levine
Men and women can add their profiles to the Jewish singles app once approved by their rabbis or rebbetzen
RABBINIC THOUGHT
Now, more than ever, Jews are reconnecting with their Judaism.
Deep down, we feel that we are living through a pivotal moment in Jewish history. Israel is still fighting against a death and terror cult, Hamas. More than 100 hostages are still being held captive. Antisemitism is on the rise here in Australia and globally. Whilst the Jews in Israel are facing a military battle, Jews in the diaspora are facing an ideological one. Many of us are concerned and are asking what the Jewish future will look like and what can be done to really make a difference.
Whilst we have experienced shock and fear, many of us have also experienced a little tug back towards our heritage. I am no different. I have also been asking myself these same questions and pondering what I can do to help, uplift and contribute during this troubling time. Having served as a synagogue community rabbi in Sydney for just over 15 years, I left just over a year ago to found "Rabbi On Demand" – being a new method of Jewish engagement.
Realising that many Jews aren't affiliated with traditional synagogues, Rabbi on Demand was formed with the aim of strengthening the overall community through offering bespoke and customised Jewish experiences
Reconnecting Jews with their Judaism
made easy and accessible. These range from bar and bat mitzvahs and wedding ceremonies to home classes, counselling and 'pop-up' Shabbat and festival services. I have been on an exciting journey towards finding what exactly it is that people want and identify with in their Judaism. No day is ever the same. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that a catastrophic event would occur that would cause so many Jews to try and find a way to reconnect with their Judaism and send me into
overdrive to come up with creative ways to serve and assist.
Taking a seat in some popular Sydney destinations, you may have seen my "I'm a rabbi. Come over and ask a question" booth, where I seek to engage both Jews and non-Jews. The conversations range from queries about theology to Israel's war against Hamas. This is my way of playing a small part in strengthening our overall community and in supporting Israel. My grandparents were survivors and came to Sydney a few years after the Shoah. Never would I have imagined that our generation would be called back to the 'front lines' in tackling antisemitism … to ensure that 'never again' remains exactly that.
Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong and reaffirm our commitment to ourselves and to our people. So many have reached out wanting to creatively come up with ways to provide authentic Jewish connection and experiences for themselves and their families. Please reach out if you'd like to have a discussion about how Rabbi On Demand can assist you. Am Yisrael Chai!
One of my proudest moments was a few weeks after October 7, leading a pre-Shabbat service on the sand at Bondi beach with some 500 members of our community. We uplifted one another as we sang and danced right up to the Shabbat. We sent a powerful message to ourselves and the world, that we are strong and united and that we have nothing to fear. We have since served in excess of 3,000 people who signed up and attended several subsequent outdoor events. With winter limiting the viability of outdoor services and with antisemitism still surging across university campuses and on our streets, we adapted again and began to focus on advocacy and education.
The context, care, consequence and continuity of the marriage covenant
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.
RABBI DR BENJI LEVI
RABBI YOSSI FRIEDMAN FOUNDER, RABBI ON DEMAND
Rabbi Dr Benji Levi (with microphone in hand) officiating at a wedding
Rabbi Yossi Friedman
80 years post D-Day –the erosion of moral clarity RABBINIC THOUGHT
RABBI LEVI WOLFF CHIEF MINISTER THE CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE
Today’s Jewish tertiary students are facing challenges never before seen in this country. I recently met a university student who described the provocative pro-Hamas protests on her campus.
Following that she said, “What our world needs the most right now is faith, vision and a clear moral compass.”
She is one hundred percent correct.
We cannot help but recall the shameful hearing in front of the American Congress several months ago. Three presidents of Ivy League colleges could not assert that the call for genocide of Jews was against the moral code of their institutions. The dry response: “It depends on the context.”
Actually, a definitive moral code has been communicated by G-d and it will eternally require no context whatsoever: “You shall not murder”. The take-home: do not support a culture defined by the glorification of death.
Recently members of the United Nations stood for a moment of silence in memory of Iranian president and master terrorist, Raisi. It is beyond belief. Our world is bewildered; it now has difficulty distinguishing between good and evil. To counter this confusion, we must stand up and reaffirm moral foundations. We’re on shaky ground.
We are taught: “You shall not take the Name of the Lord, your G-d, in vain.”
How horrifying that our enemies cry out, “God is great”, when committing the most terrible crimes against humanity. There is even a command addressing our system of justice: “You shall not bear false witness against your fellow.” Sadly, this has been ignored at the International Criminal Court in the Hague.
Surrounded by fanatical Islam on the one side, and a morally confused West on the other, we must continue to remind the world of these eternal values. That is why so many walked through the doors of our spiritual home last month over Shavuot – they are responsible for carrying Torah truths to the next generation. A
Is this how peace looks?
RABBI MOSHE D. GUTNICK RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY
I began writing this article sitting in the Etihad lounge in Abu Dhabi and continued to give it my attention on our flight to Tel Aviv. It is difficult to describe our excitement of travelling to Israel for the first time post-pandemic.
The words from a recent Torah portion echo through my mind, when Moses said to Jethro, “We are journeying to the land which Hashem has given to us.” What a blessed time we live in, that which Moses took 40 years we can do in far less than 40 hours.
Concerned friends are sending us messages, “Are you sure you shouldn't turn back? Things are heating up in the North”. My response is that I can think of no better time to go to Israel, to stand with my people and be part of its destiny.
I recall in days gone by when we used to travel to Israel and stopover in an Arab country en route, the unwritten rule was that Jewish males needed to wear a cap and go almost incognito. I remember once when travelling on Singapore Airlines, the captain received special permission for the Jewish passengers to stay on board and not leave the aircraft.
On this sojourn to our Holy Land, I travelled Etihad, enjoyed an excel-
few short weeks ago, we marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Allies who stormed the beaches in June 1944, tragically saw 39,000 Australian soldiers killed and 407,000 American soldiers lost in action. We will remember.
Nowadays, so many ask why that war was necessary? It is disturbing. Once again moral confusion reigns supreme.
The simple answer is: the Nazi party was an evil regime hell-bent on global domination. Had the brave Allies not intervened in World War II – the end of the war would have seen German domination of Europe and then the rest of the world.
Many look at the state of the world today and wonder where we can
lent kosher meal, disembarked with my yarmulke on, tsitsit out, and it was par for the course. A regular day. Another Sydneysider travelling on board began conversing with me loudly in Yiddish. No heads turned. We davened in the airport lounge with our tallit and tefillin - no concerns. Ironically, in some ways I was more comfortable than in a western airport as locals are used to seeing people engrossed in prayer.
The diversity was intriguing. Some women opted to not cover their heads, some partially did, while others wore a hijab, still others donned a burka. Duty free alcohol was available for sale.
A modern melange of people from countless backgrounds conduct business in the United Arab Emirates. With
the cities of Tel Aviv, Cairo and Riyadh all easily co-existing on the departure board. Sometimes miracles happen before our eyes and we don’t appreciate them. Is this what peace could look like? I sure hope so.
However for the Abraham Accords to work, there has to be a recognition of a reality inherent in the name of these diplomatic relations. Abrahan was the first Zionist. G-d commanded him to go to Canaan and promised him the land. That promise was later coined our return to Zion (Zionism). It has always been a core part of our political and theological identity.
One of the insidious aspects of the current war is the attempt to separate Zionism from Judaism: “We are not an-
comparatively find people of the same calibre – those with extraordinary values, heroism and bravery. They stormed beaches and ran uphill directly into machine gunfire to liberate a continent almost all had never even visited.
Let’s explore. How was the D-Day generation raised? In religious homes –almost all were G-d-fearing.
By comparison, nowadays our wider population doesn’t come close in this regard. The West has spent the four generations since D-Day dismantling and removing support for many institutions founded on biblical values in the name of individualism. Feelings matter; faith … not so much.
Consider: so many in society have condensed the first of the Ten Commandments, “I am the Lord your G-d,” to “I am”. Too often it is Team Me. The result? We now are in danger of having an obnoxiously self-absorbed generation. And yet when we look to our brave real-time IDF heroes – of today, in this current war, we are filled with pride. Looking at life through a theological lens instills an inner belief system that we are each part of something far greater and far more important. In truth, it arms you with a strength no assassins can extinguish. Our moral clarity on this is crystal clear.
tisemites (because that’s not popular post-Holocaust), we are just anti-Zionist”. In theory this equates to having no homeland, nor national identity. No deal. The wandering Jew no more. Abraham was the father of our nation. The essence of who we are is our Zionism, commitment to the Land of Israel and to Torah. One is synonymous with the other. Ad infinitum.
Zionism is who we are. It is the State of Israel. It is the IDF. It is every Jew in Israel and those who are not there yet. An anti-Zionist is anti-Abraham and yes, is therefore an anti-Semite.
If one cannot accept Abraham and all he represents, there can be no peace. We are Am Hanetzach, the eternal people, returned (and returning) to our Promised land; we are no longer afraid.
As this goes to print, we have arrived in Israel and went to an active army base in the North to participate in a Bar Mitzvah. Dozens of brave young men and women, with weapons slung across shoulders, spontaneously danced with this young Bar Mitzvah boy and his family, despite not knowing them personally. They just knew they were all connected as part of Am Yisrael. Could anything like this happen on an army base anywhere else in the world? I think not.
Their faces were shining. Only one apt description came to mind: it was the Shechina, Divine Presence, reflected in their faces. Am Yisrael Chai.
FOODIES' CORNER
RAMONA FREEDMAN THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY
This month Kosher KApers will read a little differently than previous editions as this is actually a farewell – this will be the final Kosher KApers edition. The Kashrut Authority has loved and enjoyed contributing to this valued community newspaper immensely over the past three years. We have appreciated the positive feedback by so many who genuinely learn so much about all-things-kosher around town.
In fact, on a more macro level, it is a personal farewell from me as I head to Israel to make Aliyah this month with my dear family. I have loved communicating about the incredible work achieved by our talented KA caterers and bakers across so many revolutions of our lunar calendar. Each festival (almost) brings opportunities to fress and feast on so many outstanding options around town.
We have navigated some challenging roads along the way – the pandemic was a test no one was able to prepare for. Yet the chessed shown by our KA Family will forever be etched into my heart as a model of goodness and kindness, ensuring no one was hungry, no one went without.
I have been privileged to represent The Kashrut Authority on the world’s largest ‘kosher’ stage at Kosherfest in the United States. It was a two-day trade fair for the kosher certified food industry and many KA-certified Australian companies over the years achieved success in the lucrative American export market. Real Foods Corn thins were launched there and to this day are seen in countless overseas stores, to name one of many.
Our KA logo is a trust mark that is respected the world over and so much goes into each and every investigation. I have been privy to the efforts behind the scenes and know that the minute
Kosher KApers
Coles Spinach & Herb Flatbread now KA-certified only at Coles Westfield Bondi Junction & Coles St. Ives
information is confirmed and cleared, it is communicated to kosher consumers.
I take this opportunity to thank our Rabbinic Administrator, Rabbi Moshe D. Gutnick, our Assistant Rabbinic Administrator, Rabbi Aaron Groner, our President, Baron Revelman, along with the entire KA team for trusting me to engage in such meaningful two-way dialogue with so many across the wide arc of fourteen years.
If you are not already a member, I encourage you to join The KA’s Facebook Group “Kashrut Authority of Australia & NZ”. Please know that throughout every moment that I have engaged online and offline in this kosher space, it has been a privilege to be of service to our community in this meaningful way.
We are truly Am Echad, be Lev Echad, one people with one heart.
Of course we can’t resist still bringing you KA Kosher news in this edition. Here is one new product we are excited about - The KA is very pleased to introduce you to a new dairy product (not CY) by the Monster Health Food Co: Choc-
Lish Schoko Muesli! Adding to the KAcertified range of porridge, quinoa and muesli varieties, and inspired by the chocolate muesli that is hugely popular across Europe, it is finally here. This has enough to satisfy cravings but also provides a wholesome breakfast (or onthe-go-snack option) with any type of milk, on yoghurt or on its own. It consists of Australian rolled oats, dark chocolate, walnuts, chia seeds and lupin too.
No KA logo is required on the box and it really is a beautiful balance of chocolate and nourishment. It also has the impressive health star rating of 4.5. Please note that this KA-certified product is wheat free but is not labelled as strictly gluten free.
There is so much more to come, we encourage all to join our Facebook Group “Kashrut Authority of Australia & NZ” and look forward to expanding more via Instagram and beyond.
So from me, Ramona Freedman, Toda Raba and know that our KA team has loved compiling and contributing Kosher KApers over the past three years.
Here’s a snapshot of kosher news around town:
• To purchase the Monster Health Food Co.’s Choc-Lish Schoko Muesli, visit the online store www.mhfco. com.au/products/choc-lish - it is also available at selected health food stores. For more information call 1800-MUESLI (1800 683 754).
• KA-certified Soul Gourmet will now offer three additional Pareve products as part of its winter range: Malvah pudding, chocolate pudding and Jerusalem Kugel. To order call Alan Bender on 0422 553 493.
• Woolworths has been conducting an Electric Shelf Line trial which has now come to an end. Moving forward, shelf tags will no longer feature The KA logo throughout any store.
• Grandma Moses Bakery and Café has a fantastic range of Choice Gourmet Cakes, to order call 02 9662 2382.
KA PRODUCT UPDATES
• Two new KA-certified flatbreads are available at Coles Westfield Bondi Junction & Coles St. Ives bakeries only: Spinach & Herb Flatbread 5-pack and the White Mini Flatbread 6-pack
• Natvia Hot Choc + Energy with Ashwagandha and Ginseng 200g & Hot Choc + Relax with Lavendar & Chamomile 200g are both sugar free, Pareve and certified by Kosher Australia
• Wilton Gold Crowns – Cake Decorating are Pareve OU certified
• The following varieties of 2 Litre Creamy Classics Bulla ice cream are now certified Dairy (not CY) by Kosher Australia: Choc Chip, Hazelnut spread flavour, Mint choc chip, Neapolitan, Vanilla, 94% fat free light vanilla, and Real Dairy Chocolate. In addition the new product the Creamy Classics Vanilla Sandwich 4-pack is certified Dairy
• Bulla Splits Raspberry 10-pack 750ml is certified kosher (Dairy, not CY)
• Woolworths W Worcestershire Sauce is Pareve when the label bears the code: 88620001
• Tempo Greek Style natural yoghurt and vanilla flavour are both certified as Chalav Yisrael
• Farmers Union Greek Style Muscle & Bone Health yogurt is kosher Dairy (not CY)
• The Bendicks dark mint chocolate range is all Pareve and acceptable with or without a kosher logo on the box
• The Apple Thief Apple & Myrtle Cider is Pareve (limited release)
• Remedy No Sugar Organic Kombucha limited batch – spiced pear is Pareve
KA PRODUCT CLARIFICATIONS
• Coles Kitchen Julienne Cut Vegetable Stir Fry is not acceptable
• Milk Alternatives: Coles Oat Milk Unsweetened is Pareve and acceptable when the following is printed on the third line of the inkjet code of the Best Before panel: F1, F2, F3 or F6. When the panel reads F4 or F5 for the same product, this indicates that it is Dairy Vessels i.e. made in utensils that are also used for dairy milk.
• Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo Frogs Popping Candy are not acceptable
• No yoghurts at Aldi stores are acceptable, this includes the Yoguri Greek Style Strained Plain Yoghurt
• Hoyts Lemon Pepper is no longer acceptable (existing stock should be discarded)
• Woodbridge Smokehouse products are no longer approved
• San Remo Active Wholemeal Spirals are no longer produced
Bendicks’ Bittermints (now no logo required), Soul Gourmet Jerusalem Kugel, Wilton Crowns (OU-certified) and Schoko Choc-Lish Muesli, now KA-certified Dairy, not CY
FOODIES' CORNER
REBBETZIN ESTY GUTNICK
We appreciate the feedback about this popular Foodies’ Corner and love how many readers enjoy making recipes that have been tried and tested by our KA experts. We’ve had requests for dairy delights (yes, even though Shavuot wasn’t so long ago!) So this month, enjoy this Gutnick family favourite, made with love by the talented and respected Rebbetzin Esty Gutnick.
(All dairy ingredients below are Chalav Yisrael).
INGREDIENTS
500g frozen chopped spinach
(2 x 250g packets)
2 brown onions
4 cloves garlic
500g sliced button mushrooms
2 eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup mayonnaise (Best Foods)
¼ cup plain flour, heaped
½ tsp baking powder
Handful of shredded mozzarella cheese
METHOD
Preheat oven to 180°C
Thaw two packets of frozen spinach and drain all excess liquid, set aside. Dice 2 brown onions then sauté with 4 cloves crushed garlic and 500g of sliced button mushrooms.
Once sautéed, add spinach to the pan. Then add: 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup plain flour heaped, ½ tsp baking powder and a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix all together.
Pour into quiche dish and bake on 180° C for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Quiz answers
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
Crustless spinach quiche
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
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
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
Spelling bee answers
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.
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.
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Disquieting cover-up MOVIE REVIEWS
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.
Animated bliss
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
A SILENCE (MA) ALEX FIRST
