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#Bneimitzvah Initiative Showcases Our Community

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Fostering a closer Jewish community

Join us on a journey back in time when style, music and family tradition went hand-in-hand with beehives, puffed sleeves and custom suits with matching tie and kippah.

Jewish Care is celebrating Bar and Bat Mitzvahs across generations and we want you to be involved.

This time in our lives is something we all share. The memories stay with us forever. You may have read your parsha at the East Melbourne Synagogue before a ‘posh do’ at the New Empire Ballroom, or had a service at Carlton synagogue in your school uniform followed by herring and cheesecake at home.

We recall the nerves we felt as we prepared our speeches, the voice cracking on the bimah, the lollies pelting down from the women’s gallery on Shabbat morning. We know you are smiling as you read this.

So hunt for those cherished memories and dust off your albums, because it’s time to take a walk down memory lane.

Jewish Care is creating a compilation of anecdotes and photos to share and celebrate Jewish Melbourne’s coming of age in all its tradition and glory.

Send your favourite, funny or most memorable Bar/Bat Mitzvah photo captured all those years ago.

The project hopes to raise awareness of

Jewish Care’s B’nei Mitzvah Initiative, which connects young Jewish people to charity and philanthropy. For students aged 12-13, the B’nei Mitzvah Initiative is a unique opportunity to demonstrate commitment to their community.

Participants nominate Jewish Care as their charity of choice in lieu of gifts. The total amount donated in the student’s name will be matched dollar for dollar by the Pratt Foundation.

All funds donated through this initiative go towards Jewish Care’s social justice programs such as housing support, counselling, financial services, education and employment, mental health promotion, disability and health ageing services.

Ruby Alford, Bnei Mitzvah Initiative

participant said: ‘Giving time and money to charity is important for me and my family. I was so excited to have my donations matched by the Pratt Foundation on the occasion of my Batmitzvah.”

Bill Appleby, Jewish Care CEO said the matching of the gift dollar for dollar by the Pratt Foundation empowered participants to give it their best effort.

“There is no program like this in Australia, as it gives youth the unique opportunity to experience how their money helps people first hand,”he said.

He explained it offered an eye-opening insight into the amazing work of Jewish Care through a structured volunteer experience targeting specifically for this age group.

“Participants meet residents in Jewish

Care’s aged care facilities, cook with clients in its disability homes or share a lunch with isolated members of the community,” Mr Appleby said.

Hugo Burstin, another Bnei Mitzvah Initiative participant, said: “I think it’s important to support local charities that look after my community. I was excited to visit clients who use Jewish Care services before my Bar Mitzvah to really see how my donations are making a difference.’’

Sam Lipski, CEO, The Pratt Foundation emphasises: “When Jewish families and their children celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they have a unique opportunity to make the celebration even more meaningful by giving tzedakah.”

“We believe that young Jews at age 12 or 13 are ideal candidates for learning first-hand about how giving can make a difference, an experience which we hope will be memorable and stay with them in later life. We chose Jewish Care for the Bnei Mitzvah Initiative not only because it does ma’asim tovim (good deeds) but because it does so regardless of affiliation or involvement.

The program is open to all Bnei Mitzvah, wherever and in whatever way they, and their families, choose to celebrate this special rite of passage”.

Share your Bar/Bat Mitzvah anecdotes and photo on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #bneimitzvah, or email these to: mitzvah@jewishcare.org.au

For more information on the Bnei Mitzvah Initiative, call Emma Boyar on (03) 8517 5933 or visit www.jewishcare.org.au/mitzvah

EMMA BOYAR JEWISH CARE VICTORIA

FIRST

EDIT

ION

17Jewish Roots of the ANZAC Legend15

8 fascinating facts on

Chanukah 19A Personal

Report of the Attack in Har Nof 23

Shallow Water Blackout:

know the facts!3Dalia Lemkus – Murder to

Peace

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Why Jerusalem is so Explosive

Even back in the days when you could still use the term “peace process” with a straight face, the odds of solving the Jerusalem issue were already pretty long. Then, I would have put those odds a bit north of impossible and a little south of hopeless. Things are even worse now.

I remember day eight of the Camp David summit in July 2000, when discussion turned to Jerusalem. That day, it was clear to me that as far Camp David was concerned, it was game over. There were some intriguing moves on Israel’s part, but nothing that could have settled the issue. Indeed, Ehud Barak, Yasser Arafat and Bill Clinton could have fallen into the yawning gaps that separated Israelis and Palestinians on this issue and never have been heard from again.

Fast forward a decade and a half, and not much has changed. Jerusalem is still insoluble and it now seems more explosive then ever. So what is it about Jerusalem/Yerushalayim/al-Quds that makes it so potentially contentious and deadly?

Three things stand out:

IT’S A PERFECT STORM OF COMPLEXITY. Jerusalem is a microcosm of almost all

the issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict packed into one small place that is marked by a big history. It combines territory (who will control land in the east and west, not to mention the four quarters -- Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, Christian -- of the old city). It involves political identity (conflicting claims to the city as a capital); it is driven by religion (see below) involving not just Jews, Muslims and Christians in the Middle East, but globally, too; and as the last few months suggest, it is also a matter of security fraught and framed now by an intimacy of killing reflected in the slayings of Israeli and Palestinian teens this past summer and last week’s savage Palestinian attack on a synagogue in west Jerusalem.

PROXIMITY CAN BE DEADLY. Ben Franklin quipped that proximity breeds

children, and contempt, too. In this regard, Jerusalem is unique in that it is one of the only places where Israelis and Palestinians

(the vast majority who aren’t Arab citizens of Israel) mix every day and have almost unrestricted access to one another. It is a stunning testament to the pragmatism and self-interest of Israelis and Palestinians -- as well as the imbalance of power -- that the city has remained as quiet and functional as it has these many years given such passions and politics.

But it should be no surprise that given those politics and passions that Jerusalem has often become a bloody flash point, often but not always a result of the perception among Palestinians that Israel is trying to change the status of some aspect of Jerusalem. The reason for this latest round of tensions, violence and bloodletting is a perfect storm of factors that include the sense of isolation and frustration on the part of the Palestinians of East Jerusalem who don’t have the benefit of the social services and economic advantages of Israelis in the west; Israel’s effort to expand their communities and presence in East Jerusalem; Hamas’ efforts to incite and fan the flames; and the grim realization that the future seems almost certain to be more of the same. With the Israel-Gaza war over until the next round, and the West Bank relatively quiet, it’s Jerusalem that has emerged as the epicenter of unrest.

OVERLAPPING SACRED SPACE. Things in Jerusalem would be bad enough

if the perfect storm were driven only by proximity as well as nationalist and political conflict. But that was not to be. Jerusalem is above all a matter of faith, of belief and of religion. The notion that the three Abrahamic faiths -- Islam, Christianity and Judaism -- share common values concerning peace,

social justice and humanity may well be true. But that has never been the case when it comes to this city. History is filled with claims, conquests, crusades, occupations, massacres and violence in the name of possessing Jerusalem, not sharing it.

And nowhere has the religious complexity of the Jerusalem issue been clearer than on the question of who controls and what will happen to the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Enclosure) and Har Habayit (Temple Mount). That platform, situated within the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, is in essence a physical manifestation of overlapping sacred space.

Atop sits the goldened Dome of the Rock, a seventh century Islamic shrine built by the Caliph Abd al-Malik that houses the foundation stone, a massive rock that figures prominently in Jewish and Islamic tradition.

And nearby there’s a site of even greater significance -- the al-Aqsa mosque started by Caliph Abd al-Malik in the seventh century. According to the Quran, it is reputed to be the ascension point where the Prophet Mohammed rose to heaven on his Night Journey. Below the platform are the remains of both Jewish temples, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy of Holies. The area is so sensitive to Jews that they were enjoined not to set foot on the Mount out of fear that they could be treading on that sacred ground.

It is quite extraordinary that despite incidents of violence -- October 1990, September 1996, September 2000 and of course what’s transpired in recent weeks -- that the area has not been a scene of continuous struggle. Part of the answer may lie in the fact that the Israeli government has been the single greatest factor in preventing

Jewish prayer there and in trying to preserve the status quo. And if there’s any hope of avoiding a catastrophe, it will depend on a continued effort by the government to make clear that it won’t tolerate an effort by its own ministers, members of the parliament, and a variety of hard-line groups to do precisely that. That, combined with efforts by the Palestinian Authority to cool its own rhetoric and avoid anything that could be interpreted as inciting to violence, will help minimize the chances of a blowup and buy time and space.

But buy time and space for what? Is there a solution?

Keep in mind that the sacred space issue is only one dimension of the Jerusalem problem. You also have the challenge of what to do with the Old City, how to deal with the problem of a city that will be the capitals of two states, and the more mundane but still contentious issues of how to run a city as special and complex as this one.

In July 2000, at the Camp David summit, we didn’t come close to resolving any of these issues. On the sacred space issue we tried creative ideas, including sovereignty above ground for the Palestinians and below for the Israelis and (my favorite) taking sovereignty away from both and placing it with God. No deal, even though we were dealing with Israelis (Barak) and Palestinians (Arafat) who were far more willing and able to do something if the terms were right. Those are not the leaders we have today.

There were nights in Jerusalem after the negotiations had ended that I’d sit with my friend Gamal Helal, adviser and Arabic interpreter to half a dozen presidents. We’d look at the walls of Jerusalem and wonder about what the Muslim leader Saladin and the Christian crusader Richard the Lionheart would have made of American efforts. Not much, we concluded sadly. But we knew what they must have sensed, too. History teaches that Jerusalem isn’t to be shared. Jerusalem is to be possessed and contested in the name of the tribe, the nation -- and above all in the name of God. And whether that past will remain prologue remains to be seen.

Aaron David Miller is an American Middle East analyst, author, and negotiator. He is on the U.S. Advisory Council of Israel Policy Forum, is Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and has been an advisor to six Secretaries of State.

* This article published is with consent of the author.

AARON DAVID MILLER

MELBOURNE JEWISH REPORT

They say ‘no news is good news’ but we think differently. We believe that in a thriving Jewish community there is a lot of good news; and that sharing it will strengthen our community even further.

Melbourne has a vibrant and growing Jewish community but, as in many big cities, few of us are connected beyond our immediate relationships or sub-groups in which we participate.

While the news and internet enable us to be well informed ‘global citizens’, we are often completely unaware of what is happening to someone living a few houses down. Telling each other’s stories is one way to change this.

In compiling the Jewish Report, we have set out to create a newspaper that both reports on, and helps to build, our Jewish Community.

The aim, quite simply, is to be the voice of the community and by so doing, to strengthen connections, stimulate thinking and encourage new ideas. We are dedicated to carrying content that is fresh, fascinating and entertaining.

We hope it becomes a staple of every

Jewish household – opened immediately upon arrival, leafed through on a Shabbat afternoon and continually referred to during the month as a source of information.

In more formal language, our aims are to:

• Connect, enlighten and strengthen the multi-faceted Jewish community of Melbourne

• Be a forum for news, information, ideas and opinions affecting us as a Jewish community - both on a local as well as national and global level.

• Enrich the cultural, religious and sociallife of our diverse community through

articles, interviews, reviews and features.• Create a platform to allow membersof each Jewish substructure within

our community to be more unified and involved and thus, ultimately, more aware of overall news and events, especially when members attend different shuls and schools.

As you will see from this, our inaugural edition, we report on issues of interest for those with a deep attachment to Israel, as well as for those whose Jewish Identity finds expression in other areas.

We have covered a spectrum of issues

from the explosive situation in Jerusalem to the David Werdiger’ article Maccabi’s Quiet Revolution of Jewish Unity

We have given voices to rabbis, community leaders and an uncle’s response to the tragic loss of Dalia Lemkus in a terrorist attack in Israel.

And through the use of over 30 photographs, we try to capture and reflect current activities in Melbourne.

We pride ourselves on being a part of the communities on which we report but we can’t be everywhere and don’t pretend to know everything.

If there’s a story of dedication, bravery, leadership or achievement, which inspires you, chances are it will also inspire others. Let us know.

Similarly, if you’ve been walked over by bureaucracy, or forgotten by the system, let us know.

If there’s a cause, a campaign or a sector of the community you think we

should throw our weight behind, let us know.

And if you have a solution, some advice or want to add your voice to an important community debate, let us know.

As the calendar year draws to a close and children and adults alike are beginning to wonder what next year will bring, we hope that the Melbourne Jewish Report will be there to provide opportunities and stimulate their thinking.

We hope that next year more of us will attend events that we might not otherwise have known about; that families and friends will debate issues that matter; and that each of us might reach out to someone different, simply because we now know their story.

Because stories are what community is about.

By the Community, for the community

3communitydecember 2014

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RABBI MORDECHAI GUTNICK, PRESIDENT RABBINICAL COUNCIL OF VICTORIA

I am always intrigued at the almost universal acceptance and celebration of Chanukah amongst so many of our people. Even the usually non-observant light the candles, sing Maoz Tzur and eat safganiot and latkes together with their families. Public Menorah lighting ceremonies have become amazingly popular in recent times all around the world. What explains this appeal?

The original message was based on the historical fact that the ancient Syrian Greeks offered the adherents of Hellenism a relatively good life if they would give up their “primitive” Jewish rituals and faith. The Maccabees fought for the right to practice and adhere to their own Jewish traditions and beliefs. It was they and their way of life that ultimately survived - while Hellenism, with its pagan beliefs and practices, has been confined to the pages of history books. This is certainly worth celebrating by adherents to our faith today.

Some will say it is a more universal

message of supporting the fight for freedom from oppression in general that inspires them. The victory of the “strong by the hands of the weak…. the wicked by the hands of the righteous” is emphasized.

Yet others are simply looking for a Jewish alternative to the celebrations taking place in the community around us at this time of the year

The story has been told many times to cheder children over the years of the wise old cheder teacher who decided to do something about the effect the dingy cellar under their cheder room was having on his students. He saw the terror and fear that they all had of that dark and threatening place, so he armed them all with sticks and stones and told them to go down and drive out any of the monsters they were sure lingered down there. The children slowly and fearfully descended in to the darkness. One of them panicked as a spider web brushed his cheek and he started swinging out in the darkness with his stick. Soon all of them were all wildly swinging their sticks and throwing the stones at the imagined threatening denizens of that dark cellar. Quickly the teacher called them back up. While they were nursing the bruises they had actually inflicted on each other in their wild panicked outburst he took back their sticks and the remaining stones. Instead

he took a small lit candle and led the boys back downstairs. Sure enough, as they descended, the light of the candle dispelled the darkness and with it the fear. By the light of that little candle the children were finally able to see for themselves that the cellar was not the terrible fearsome place they had always imagined.

All of us must agree that there is something special about a “festival of lights” with its general message of dispelling darkness in all its manifestations. From their youngest years our children were always taught to emphasise the duty to be a light to the nations - in all the meanings of that description.

How that contrasts to the messages and teachings given to some of the children of this world – who are taught from the youngest age to hate and to use violence and terror to achieve their aims.

Let us work towards ensuring that Chanukah this year will herald a little more light added to this often dark world. I extend blessings form the entire Rabbinate of our community that as, a result of that added light of our Chanukah candles, we ultimately see peace, security and happiness “as in those days at this time” for our brothers and sisters In Israel, for all of us around the world and indeed for all mankind.

Chanukah Message from Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick

Be Heard!MELBOURNE JEWISH REPORT

Launching a new Newspaper is fraught with many challenges. However, in our case, one of the primary complexities ordinarily preceding release, was not an issue at all – the distribution strategy. And the reason for the ease of distribution is that Jewish people usually choose to stick together. The vast majority of Jews affiliate to a community - we reside in specific neighbourhoods and we frequent the same shops, schools and community organisations. Jews inherently value community.

Whether this stems from sharing a common religion, heritage, or core value system, being Jewish holds an important place in our lives. It is a major force in governing our primary decision making.

But do we ever stop to think what type of community we want to be a part of? Does the individual Jew feel empowered to help shape our community into what he aspires it to be? Does he have an avenue to express his views? For those who set off to pioneer a cause, how do they access a medium to broadcast their message? And most important of all, do we all feel a connectedness to one another, irrespective of religious orientation, school choice or wealth

B’NAI B’RITH

The annual “Game Changers - Jewish Youth & Young Adults Achievement Awards” will do just that. Many young people in our community give up valuable time to assist organisations and individuals and their efforts should be acknowledged.

This is the purpose of the awards, it also encourages others to become involved and contribute to the good of humanity.

Two age groups are recognised: – Youth up to the age of 18 and Young Adults to 35.

• Categories for Youth: • Contribution to the Jewish Community• Contribution to Australian Society• Support for the State of IsraelCategories for Young Adults:• Same as the above 3• LeadershipEACH NOMINEE WILL APPEAR IN

A BROCHURE WITH THEIR PHOTOS, they will also receive a JNF Tree planted in their name and be presented with an “Acknowledgement Certificate”.

Prize Money for the winner in each category:

• Youth $ 500• Young Adults $ 750The organisers, the B’nai B’rith Alfred

Dreyfus Anti Defamation Unit & JNF Australia acknowledges that, “Each person nominated is a winner – by their deeds and they should be recognised for it “.

Nominations will open from early December, forms and the criteria are available from the B’nai B’rith office (02) 9321 6300 email: ernie.friedlander@bbnsw.org.au or the JNF National Office ( 02 ) 9386 9559 email: etty@jnfaustralia.com.au

ORGANISATIONS & INVIDUALS CAN NOMINATE CANDIDATES– THEY CAN EVEN NOMINATE THEMSELVES

The Awards are National, last year’s winners were: Jessica Harrison, Liron Smith, Brandon Srot, Gary Samowitz, Joel Kuperhol, Shayne Slotar. There were also two Highly Commended Awards to Rabbi Mendy Litzman and Jonathan Markowitz.

The judging panel consisted of Peter Wertheim AM, Ilona Lee AM, David Knoll AM, Kirsten Shteinman , Camille Fox.

Ernie Friedlander OAM , the President of the B’nai B’rith Alfred Dreyfus Unit said “Last year’s event presentation was very exciting and uplifting event for all those present. It is a pity we don’t have more awards to give, as all nominees deserve to get one. Their unselfish dedication is certainly a feather in the cap for our community. Far too often we hear the negatives – it was a shining light for me to hear the accomplishments “.

The major sponsor for the event is Harry Triguboff AM and Meriton Apartments.

B’nai B’rith & J.N.F. Recognise Positive

Contribution to SocietyJEWISH TASK FORCE

A hushed room of nearly 300 people heard the heart rending account of Professor Caroline Taylor AM (PhD) sharing her inspirational life story at the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence Inc. morning tea held at the Brighton International on Universal Childrens Day.

She shared her personal experience of ongoing and relentless physical, sexual and psychological abuse perpetrated upon her by her father as a child.

She talked about the lack of protection from adults and professionals in her world as well as ongoing victimisation from her family and church as well as a lack of sympathy and understanding from within the legal system.

Caroline was able to run away, gain support and ultimately the police prosecuted her perpetrator who was convicted and jailed for many years. Her gutsy story of sheer determination to make a life for herself without family support, return to school as a mature age student and achieve a PhD whilst working through the ongoing impact of the effects of this abuse on her life is inspirational and illustrates her strength of spirit and resilience.

The event was held to mark Universal Children’s Day, and attendees were fortunate to hear from Natasha Stott Despoja, Chair Our WATCh which is an organisation whose aims are to prevent

violence against women and their children. Natasha shared the statistics of this epidemic of abuse, including the horrifying one that almost one woman a week is killed by a partner or ex partner.

Bernie Geary AM, Victorian Commissioner for Children and Young People spoke passionately about protecting those most vulnerable in our society and the emotional difficulties children growing up in distress present with.

He stressed the importance of talking to young people and reaching out to them with understanding and care.

Retired Judge Frank Vincent QC AO who was the legal advisor to the Victorian Parliamentary enquiry into child abuse pulled the event together saying that family violence is simply a Crime :there are No Excuses.

For support call 9523 6100www.jewishtaskforce.org.au

Extended Standing Ovation at Morning Tea

Continued on page 19

FARREL DATTDALIA LEMKUS’ UNCLE

I am inside my chest cavity, I see my heart pumping. Its suddenly bursts , blood spurts throughout the cavity , then my heart sucks up the blood , calm is restored briefly…. ….. then then scene of Dalia’s stabbing is played over and over again . Terrorist runs the car into Dalia , she rolls to the right of the bus shelter . Terrorist disappears. She gets up, walks 3 metres and then collapses on the foothpath. Murderer re-appears from the left of the screen , he grabs her , he stabs her in a frenzied attack !!!!!

I hear her scream……….. No no no ! The killer cant hear a thing .

My friends this what we see night after night after night when we go to bed. Yes, night after night !!!!

Dalia Lemkus was murdered on 10 November 2014 by an Islamic Jihadist.

This was not just another terrorist victim. This was our own flesh and blood. This was our family. This was someone we loved. For each of us the movie scene is different ! The outcome is the same……..another sleepless night.

Dalia was, in every way, a true Sabra. She was shy and quiet spoken but head strong in her beliefs and ideology. She believed in the state of Israel and its right to exist in peace. She knew what she wanted from life and was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve her goals

Her parents were very hard working and from a young age Dalia was left together with her older sister Shoshanna to look after her younger siblings. To dress them, bath them, feed them, and take them to school.

I remember when our family spent

Shabbos with the Lemkuses 2 years ago, Dalia, having just commuted over 3 hours from Tel Aviv, was the one in kitchen working hard to make us a delicious Shabbos meal

Every Sunday morning she would wake up at 4:30 in morning in order to hitch lift to Tel Aviv, so that she could get to uni by 8:30.

She worked most nights of her adult life to pay for her own education and boarded with an elderly lady as a means of securing accommodation to afford her studies. She took care of the old lady during the week as means of paying for her board.

Despite all the hardship, She still made time to volunteer at Yad Sarah, an organisation that assists elderly people .

She was so thoughtful………. always thinking of others. Despite her hard life, she never complained and always had a smile on her face.

Dalia was someone who had just begun her life. She had gone to national service, then commenced studies and had just

graduated as an occupational therapist . Lets face it, at 25, her life was just beginning

The movie continues………… Then Dalia appears. She is on a billboard.

Yes her face is on the billboard. The billboard says “ We can achieve peace, we can live in peace , we can live amongst each other”. The message is written in Arabic to the left , english on the top, Hebrew to the right.

The movie continues…………. as each car drives past the Alon Shvut hitching station, I hear them say something that is not understandable to me . The next car curses, the third car passes and I hear …………..”yes we can do it”

Then suddenly trees appears, thick lush bushes. I rise up like I am on a helicopter ……..and I look down …….. ., there are billboards all over the place. The killers are conflicted, messages of peace are in their brain ….the messages of peace are everywhere !!!!!!!!!

The movie continues………….

Someone drives past , throws some eggs and paint and I watch as the billboard seems to clean itself . Dalia Lemkus’ face is now stronger and more defined.

The movie ends. So my friends, this is the dream. From

murder to peace ! To my sister Brenda, Nachum, Shosh, Ido,

Eli, Michal, Miri , Chaggai, and our baby Esther, may hashem bless you , may he look after you , may he grant you peace. May you find strength to support each other, to love each other.

Dalia was killed in the week of Chaya Sarah. For this parsha we learn the lesson “say little” and “do much”. Don’t be a big talker and weak in the delivery. Rather, be stronger in delivering then you are in making promises. This epitomised Dalia, she was quiet spoken but a hard worker who said little but did so much.

My darling Dalia, rest in peace. You will remain in our hearts forever. We will always love you. We will always miss you.

The family has set up a charitable trust in Dalia’s name. The trust will help the family to rebuild their lives and not experience further hardship. If you require further information , please email us on dattfam@bigpond.com.

The account details are : Bank: WestpacBSB: 733165Account Number: 720100Swift Code if donating outside Australia :

WPACAU2

Dalia Lemkus – Murder to Peace5communitydecember 2014

NAOMI ORELOWITZ ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA

The ZFA is thrilled to be sending a new record of over 380 young adults on long term Masa Israel programs in 2015! These programs range from 4.5 months to 12 months and include the AZYC Shnat youth movement Gap year programs, as well as IBC, Aardvark and AUJS Aviv Budokan Martial arts and leadership program as well as Jewish learning programs, career internship programs and many more

Gap year Israel programs are a popular choice for school leavers as the programs on offer are geared to make sure they get the most out of their year away be it volunteering, touring, leadership seminars and generally living independently all while absorbing Israeli life and culture. Taking a gap year is increasingly a part of the Aussie culture and we see taking a Gap year in Israel as the optimal experience for young Australian Jews.. It has been found that those who participate in a long term program in Israel are more likely to become engaged in Jewish life on their return, as leaders, activists and volunteers.

The Masa Israel Journey long term Israel programs aren’t just for school leavers. We are seeing a real excitement and interest amongst young adults who are either studying at University, have just graduated or are young professionals looking for an experience that will connect them with Israel but will also enhance their professional or personal development. Programs for 21 – 30 year olds include career building

internships, social justice/ volunteering, adventure, Jewish Learning and special interest programs. For example the ‘Tikun Olam’ and Yahel Social change’ programs are tailored to those looking to volunteer and learn about the issues facing Israeli culture and society. These programs involve working with refugees and helping them absorb into Israeli society. Young adults are often looking for meaningful life experiences and a Masa Israel Program can give them these experiences within a structured environment.

Internships and fellowships are also very popular amongst young professionals looking for career development opportunities. It is experiences like working in some of Israel’s most cutting edge high tech companies or fellowships in the Israeli Government that give you the professional edge to make your CV stand out among the rest.

Masa Israel Journey is the umbrella organisation for all these programs and makes the process of choosing and applying to these programs very easy. The ZFA Israel Program Co coordinator is the Masa Israel representative here in Australia. Masa Israel also offers very generous grants and means tested scholarships to ensure everyone has the opportunity to go on a long term Israel Program, with all eligible applicants receiving a minimum $1000 USD Universal grant and scholarships (means tested) of up to $10,000 USD on offer.

With over 200 Masa Israel programs to choose from there is a program for everyone.

Masa Israel is a project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel and

was established in 2004 with the vision that all Jewish young adults would have the opportunity to spend a semester to a year in Israel.

Available to participants aged 17-30, Masa Israel offers a range of transformative career development, volunteering, study, gap-year and other long-term experiences.

Ali Davis, a 5 month IBC participant this year, gave this testimony of her Israel experience:

“Being a part of IBC (Israel By Choice) meant much more for me than going on a 5 month program. It meant gaining a heightened connection and love for Judaism and Israel, our homeland. It meant experiencing things that tested my boundaries both physically and mentally. It meant growing an appreciation for my life in Australia through volunteering with people from all walks of life. It meant celebrating with Israel as a nation during moments of joy, yet also sharing their pain when tragedy strikes. IBC instilled in me a sense of Jewish passion and responsibility and has shaped me and my values. All of this plus I got to make unbelievable memories with brand new lifelong friends!”

TAGLIT BIRTHRIGHT ISRAELThis month we will be farewelling 160

young Jewish adults departing on a whirlwind 10 day Israel experience of a lifetime. Taglit Birthright-Israel is a 10 day ‘gift’ for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26. The goal is to have young Jewish people come to Israel on an educational tour to see it, experience it, talk about it, and think about what Israel means for them and the Jewish people.

Many of the participants have never been to Israel before and the program is structured so that they see, learn and experience the maximum in their trip.

The ZFA was thrilled to announce the recommitment of Gandel Philanthropy to the Taglit-Birthright Israel program. The renewed three-year grant will go towards supporting three groups in the coming year, with a further commitment for the following two years.

As Principal Australian Supporter, the contribution from Gandel Philanthropy will enable 360 young adults - many of whom are currently largely unaffiliated with the Australian Jewish community and have never visited Israel - to experience this life-changing program over the next three years.

Michella Nudelman, a participant reflected upon her Israel experience with the Kangarusski Birthright group in July 2014:

“Upon reflection of my Taglit journey, I believe whole heartedly that I, along with my fellow Kangarusski travellers have been blessed with an opportunity of a life time that has enriched and fulfilled us as individuals and as a community. The trip has embedded in us values which are central within the Jewish community and society as a whole.

This specifically has played a vital role in strengthening my own connection with Israel and has aided me in my own journey as an independent young Australian Russian Jew. The trip is unique and truly life changing and I am forever grateful for the lessons I have learned, the people that I have met and the guidance that I have received from all that were involved in the Kangarusski Birthright trip of 2014.”

2015 Set To Be A Record Year For ZFA Israel Programs

Celebrate Chanukah with these kosher specials available at:• Balaclava• Bentleigh• Brighton stores

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ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA

A major legislative reform of the conversion process in Israel was amended as an administrative decision in a Cabinet meeting November 2nd. Named after MK Elazar Stern the “Stern Bill” attempts to address the reality that arose in the wake of the mass immigration of Russian Jewry after 1990 which brought along an estimated 322,000 citizens who were eligible to immigrate to Israel under “The law of Return” yet who are not considered Jewish from Rabbinic “Halachic” perspectives by the Israeli Rabbinate .

In a letter to Mr. Harry Triguboff sent after the decision was taken by the government Mk Elazar Stern thanked Harry Triguboff for his consistent support to his conversion related initiatives since he was elected to the Knesset .

MK Stern the architect of the Conversion Bill wrote “When we first met in Sydney a few months before I was elected to the Knesset I was inspired by your passion and determination on issues of Jewish continuity and conversion. Among very few supporters in the diaspora your strategic vision on the future of Jewish people has become a tailwind that has fueled me in difficult times in the twisting Israeli political arena.

The Stern Reforms aim to decentralize the state conversion system, promote competition and more choices for the conversion candidate and will certainly improve service to make the conversion process less bureaucratic.

The purpose of the bill is to dramatically expand the options for Orthodox conversions in Israel, all while allowing more moderate rabbis to enter this important and fateful

arena.According to MK Elazar Stern “(The bill)

enables potential converts to approach a rabbi who they feel understands them the best for the process”

“The “Stern Bill” ratified by a government’s decision will benefit hundreds of thousands of Israelis who had been stymied for years by an outdated and unfriendly conversion process at the hands of the Chief Rabbinate,” said Tzohar founder and chairman Rabbi David Stav.

The Israel based Harry Oscar Triguboff

Institute played an important role through its activities in Israel and in the former Soviet Union to formulate the Jewish status of the Russian speaking new immigrants.

In partnership with The Tzohar Rabbinic Association the Shorashim initiative of the Harry Triguboff Institute was successful in solving issues for over 10,000 Russian speaking and Latin American new immigrants providing them a full status as Jews approved the state Rabbinic courts.

“The Triguboff institute through Tzohar and the “Shorashim initiative” operates in a

way that no state bureaucracy would be able to conduct with achievements of strategic values and I thank you for being behind it.”

The Triguboff Institute Chaired by former Mossad Chief Mr. Efraim Halevy with the institute’s Executive Director Shalom Norman initiated last year the most comprehensive study on the perceptions of Jewish Identity amongst Russian speaking new Immigrants.

The study lead by Chief Scientist of the Absorption Ministry Prof. Zeev (Vladimir) Hanin identified an established cohesive Israeli- Jewish Collective in the over one million Russian speaking immigrants that doesn’t fully comply with the Rabbinic “Halachic” approach.

The challenge for the religious leaders is to translate the sociological trends into an official formality fully recognized by the state authorities.

In this respect The “Stern Bill” suggests the beginning of a long journey towards a solution.

Recently Mr. Ephraim Halevy and Shalom Norman have been active to promote further support for the “Stern Bill” including letters of endorsement to Prime Minister Netanyahu from distinguished members and former presidents of The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and The American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Mr Efraim Halevy commented to NY Jewish leadership: “Now the genie is out of the bottle and it is impossible to put this genie back in the bottle.

We have to ensure that this is not reversed….we should implement the reforms fast ….we should be ready to continue and put more pressure to the point of no return”.

Conversions Reform - the “Stern Bill” provides new horizons

to Russian new Immigrants

Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinic Association with Harry Triguboff at the Diaspora Museum on the eve of the Israel Chief Rabbi Elections

DAVID WERDIGER

A quiet revolution has been taking place in our community over the last few years. Jewish continuity, and in particular how to engage the ‘next generation’, has been a hot topic across the Jewish world. We have learnt that there are many different ways people engage with and express their Jewishness, and there are likely as many different types of Jewish identity as there are Jews.

Maccabi Victoria has forged a path of its own. Through a proud history spanning over eighty years, it has connected the Jewish community through sport. While any sporting organisation supports participation in a

healthy and active lifestyle, Maccabi adds a Jewish dimension, using sport to strengthen Jewish identity and as a platform for creating lifelong friendships.

Our country’s strong sporting culture aligns well with Maccabi’s values, and has brought together many thousands of Jews in this way. But for many years, one sector of the Jewish community – the Orthodox and Shabbat-observant – have been somewhat marginalised.

Many team sports are played on Shabbat, which for some people means participation is just not an option. Several years ago, Elitzur formed as a Jewish sports organisation that was specifically for the Orthodox community, and would not run any events on Shabbat.

But with a much smaller market, this initiative eventually fizzed out.

What has happened since that time is a renewed engagement by Maccabi with the

Orthodox community. Some clubs have been able to change scheduling to be more ‘Shabbat friendly’, and have gone to the effort to make kosher food available so as to be more accessible to all Jews.

This has led to the development of a talent pool that previously was not able to compete. The Jewish day school I attended had a large asphalt play area dedicated to sport.

The only thing that has changed since back then is that there are now more lines painted thereon (which makes it a truly ‘multipurpose’ surface), and some additional asphalt areas. There were two significant outcomes arising from these amenities: a disproportionate incidence of torn school pants, particularly around the knees, and the development of cricketers who played very well with a straight bat down the ground (which was the only place one could score a 4 or a 6).

Yet like West Indian fast bowlers learning

their trade with a tennis ball on the beach, talent will find a way to develop despite the quality of the facilities.

The local cricket season is well underway, and some of the young men from my school are excelling, having adapted to playing with a ‘real’ cricket ball on ‘real’ cricket pitches thanks to Maccabi.

Seeing these boys doing well is a great source of nachas. Far more significant is that Jews of all denominations are playing together on football and cricket fields all around Melbourne.

Through sport, they are meeting people who were previously just stereotypes to them, building bridges and forging friendships across perceived boundaries within our community.

This is the silent revolution that doesn’t just foster Jewish identity, it unites all of us.

Maccabi’s Quiet Revolution of Jewish Unity

7communitydecember 2014

RABBINICAL COUNCIL VICTORIA

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the 11th Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, met with members of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria for a private discussion this week.

Rabbi Gutnick welcomed Rabbi Mirvis saying “The Australian Rabbinate has always had a close and warm relationship with the Chief Rabbi Of the Commonwealth and it was with extreme pleasure that the

local Victorian Rabbinate were able to form a bond with the incumbent Chief Rabbi on his first pastoral tour of our country. Chief Rabbi Mirvis brings his own style of warmth and vast experience to his position and we greatly appreciated his presence and message to us.”

Following an engaging meeting, Rabbi Mirvis stated that “I am deeply impressed with the outstanding spiritual leadership that is given to the communities of Melbourne by our Rabbis here.”

Chief Rabbi of Commonwealth meets RCV

RCV meets with Chief Rabbi Mirvis.

8 international december 2014

GARY SAMOWITZWWW.STANDUP.ORG.AU

It is surely not by chance that the most frequently repeated verse in the Torah is that “you were slaves in the Land of Egypt.” The very core of our tradition - the story of our liberation from Egyptian slavery which we are celebrating - is a story about freedom and liberation.

We are very lucky to live in a free country, but there are many in the world who do not enjoy such freedoms and who are experiencing harsh persecution. Many of these people are strangers who we will never know so why should we care about them?

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explains: “Because you once stood where he stands now. You know the heart of the stranger because you were once a stranger in the land of Egypt. If you are human, so is he. If he is less than human, so are you. G-d made you into the world’s archetypal strangers so that you would fight for the rights of strangers.”

Inspired by this exhortation to embrace the stranger and show compassion towards them, Stand Up has been

working closely with a group of newly arrived refugees from Darfur and the Nuba Mountains, two areas of Sudan that were decimated by the war. We started building the relationship with them 10 years ago with monthly picnics and outings, and today we have homework clubs, women’s groups, holiday programs and offer a one on one mentoring program called Encounters.

Every week over 65 Stand Up volunteers in Sydney and Melbourne work in one of our six programs with the aim of empowering the refugees to build their capacity and learn about Australian society. By building long term friendships, providing skills training and making the Sudanese feel welcome, we believe we are taking positive steps towards their integration and success in this

lucky country. To paraphrase the Torah: “Welcome the refugees because you were refugees in the land of Australia.”

At our Pesach seders we will sing about how we were slaves in Egypt and will discuss how important freedom is; we will commemorate the Holocaust on Yom Hashoah and proclaim that Never Again should a situation occur where a group of people are murdered purely based on their ethnicity or religion.

We do not remember our exodus from Egypt and our suffering at the hands of the Nazis just for the sake of it. Remembering for the sake of remembering is worthless! We remember so that we can learn from the past to ensure that injustices are not repeated, both to the Jewish people, and others. Others who might be complete strangers.

Elie Wiesel made a solemn pledge which we should take heed of: “I swear never to be silent whenever, and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

Gary Samowitz is the CEO of Stand Up (www.standup.org.au)

Standing Up for others

ENGAGINGEDUCATINGEMPOWERINGENGAGING

EDUCATINGEMPOWERING

RABBINICAL COUNCIL VICTORIA

Rebbetzins of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) completed the last seminar in a professional development series on ‘Women in Leadership’, as part of a five session RCV training course, hosted by Monash University.

Monash University’s MBA Programs Director, Associate Professor Amanda Pyman facilitated the training, which focussed on topics such as managing stakeholder relationships and community expectations, mindfulness practice, defining roles and building sustainable relationships.

Rabbi Gutnick, President of the RCV said “the Rebbetzins play an integral leadership role in our community. Tonight is evidence that tide is turning and that the community, the government, and indeed the educational experts and institutions such as Monash University, recognise the value and importance of investing in the talents and capabilities of female leaders within our community.”

The RCV is very grateful to Monash University and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship for providing such valuable training and looks forward to continuing this partnership in the further.

Rebbetzins Wrap up ‘Women in Leadership’ Training

Some participants receiving their Monash Participation certificate.

AYAL TUSIA JEWISH CARE VICTORIA

Three years ago, Jewish Care launched its first full-scale website, which won a ‘Best in Class’ Interactive Media Award under the ‘Community’ category. Since then, the site has grown and user’s needs have changed, resulting in the release of a new-look website (www.jewishcare.org.au ) on Thursday 13 November.

The new site’s goal is to provide the information to users more quickly and easily, while making user navigation simpler for a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the new features include an improved homepage menu structure with a useful ‘mega menu’; layout improvements to help visually and physically impaired people; new video pods; online forms; an easier to use donation module and an enhanced site search engine.

The site is also mobile and tablet friendly so that clear viewing will be compatible on all screen sizes.

In addition to the new website, Jewish Care’s social media activity has become a core part of their daily communication strategy.

“Utilising Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, we are able to connect with people of all ages on a daily basis,” said Ayal Tusia, Marketing and Communications Manager.

“Social media has allowed us to engage and interact more closely with not only

the Jewish community but also many other o r g a n i s a t i o n s within the same service sectors.”

With over 1000 Facebook followers, 370 Twitter followers and 40 videos, the organisation is quickly building up a strong online c o m m u n i t y .

Another popular initiative Jewish Care produces is a weekly email that provides Shabbat candle lighting times, which has close to 2000 subscribers.

In the New Year, Jewish Care will release a new mobile app for Apple and Android phones that will give Jewish Care supporters mobile access to many of its digital offerings, including the ability to donate from within the app.

“We feel confident that through our full suite of online options and activities we can better communicate with our supporters, donors and clients and in turn, for our community to better understand Jewish Care and all that we do.” Tusia adds.

An Online World For Jewish Care And Its Community

Call Emma Boyar on (03) 8517 5933 or mitzvah@jewishcare.org.au

Give to Jewish Care on the occasion of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah and support your community. Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by the Pratt Foundation. Double your impact and get involved today!

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Giving is always in fashion.

Make a statement that will never go out of fashion.

9communitydecember 2014

JACKIE KING PROJECT DEBORAH

Project Deborah is a program that empowers Jewish women to engage with their community, with the aim of increasing their own personal and professional capacities. In 2014, Project Deborah implemented a pilot project for 20 professionally qualified women aged from 30-55 years. As a result of the program:

94% of respondents stated that their self-awareness and self-perception changed, 94% stated that participation increased their sense of empowerment, 81% responded that their confidence increased.

70% of respondents reported that they learned about their own leadership skills and decision making. 94% of respondents experienced an increase in governance skills and 100% of respondents increased their skills in communication and presentation.

88% of respondents felt that participation increased their understanding of their own influence and 75% of respondents felt that the session increased their overall understanding of non-verbal communication.

Interestingly, 58% of respondents had previous board or committee of management experience. However, at the time of participating in Project Deborah, only 11% of respondents sat

on a board. The verbal and written feedback from the participants was particularly instructive in understanding some of the issues that they faced when embarking on a board career: experiences of board ineffectiveness, how to self-promote to gain board access, the issue of likeability, assumptions and different communication styles, how to manage disagreement and conflict.

This was particularly so when considering boards in the Jewish community.

A preliminary baseline survey of 29 communal organisations in Melbourne, undertaken by Project Deborah, including synagogues and schools that range the political and religious spectrum indicate some interesting results regarding leadership. Leadership in this context refers to professional leadership of organisations, as well as involvement at the Board level. Women-based organisations were excluded from the analysis, which was also limited by publicly available information.

The figures show that approximately 33% of all board members were women. Approximately 40% of all board chairs were constituted by women, and approximately 48% of all surveyed organisations Chief Executive Officers, Managing Directors or Principals were women.

Thus it is clear that Jewish women have been relatively successful in reaching the top of their organisational structure compared to the broader not for

profit representation of women, and certainly compared to the corporate world.

Research has shown that having significant numbers of women in leadership positions encourages and sustains other women. To this end, Project Deborah has certainly achieved its primary goals of providing access to a personal and professional development program for women in the Jewish community.

A safe, communal space, it positively engaged its diverse, pluralistic demographic

with, verifiable increases in self-awareness, confidence and sense of empowerment. The results of the evaluation show the value of the Program to the participants and its potential benefit to the community, particularly in relation to longer term communal leadership. In 2015 Project Deborah hopes to continue to positively affect change for women who want to engage with the community.

For more information please contact info@projectdeborah.org or www.projectdeborah.org.

RABBI RALPH GENENDE CAULFIELD HEBREW CONGREGATION

[It’s medieval in its proportion, it’s primeval in the fear it engenders, it’s contemporary in its media fascination, it’s compelling in the human face it presents. It’s Ebola.

The term Ebola comes from the name of the headstream of the Mongola River (a tributary of the once-called Congo River). It was discovered in 1976 in the Congo and given the name by a group of researchers who decided to call it after the nearest river rather than stigmatise the town in which it had been found: “Our team sat together late into the night – we also had a couple of drinks…so by around three or four in the morning we had found a name. But the map was small and inexact. We only learned later that the nearest river was actually a different one. But Ebola is a nice name isn’t it?” Ebola apparently means black river.

So in this ostensibly benign setting, a malign disease was named, a black river as dark as the heart of Africa, as frightening as the fear of darkness itself. A plague of darkness as Biblical in its proportions as the thick enveloping cloud that settled over ancient Egypt: “and there was a heavy darkness throughout the land of Egypt… No man could see his brother nor could anyone get up from his place…” (Exodus 10:22)

Empathy is one of the first victims of this

cruel darkness: Nobody could or would see their brothers and sisters…

The protective, spaceman-like uniforms may be futuristic, like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the disease is historic, primeval in its flesh-eating horror and its disregard for human dignity. There is no “Kavod Labriyut” (respect for the human condition) here.

From our distant continent we feel the fear, despite the reassurances that as a sophisticated Western society we are safe from the disease taking hold here. The irrational fear and panic whenever Ebola touches a country touches us. It’s however not Ebola we need to be afraid of it’s the fear we need to be fearful of. The Book of Proverbs puts it well: “Don’t be afraid of sudden terror.”

Fear can actually exacerbate the problem; it leads to confused decision-making, it distorts perspective. A travel ban to and from Ebola-threatened countries will actually make it harder to contain and treat the virus. The best way to prevent Ebola in Australia is to help and protect the people of West Africa. CNN commentator, Mel Robbins puts it particularly well: “Fearbola is a hyper-contagious disease that affects the brain, making sufferers fear a wide-spread Ebola outbreak in the USA. Fearbola is an airborne disease that spreads through conversation entering your brain through your ears. Fearbola is so contagious that some victims have contracted it by simply seeing images and videos about Ebola.” She also remarks that there are going to be a lot more deaths in the USA (and we can add Australia) from flu than Ebola.

Like the plague of darkness, Ebola

distances brother from brother, friend from friend, neighbour from neighbour, children left alone in homes with their dead parents because people are too afraid to approach; neighbours scared to reach out and help; mothers in fear of holding their own dying children. Traumatised victims have their illness intensified by the lack of human contact, the experience of being treated through the screens of protective clothing and masks.

And it is empathy that has been missing in the Australian Government’s response to the virus outbreak until now. There has not only been the lack of a coherent plan and confusing messages but an apparent unwillingness to respond. Of course, it is responsible and critically important to be concerned about the welfare of any medical professionals and allied workers who would be sent to treat Ebola in West Africa. It is, however, of equal importance to be concerned about the suffering and welfare of the people of West Africa. That’s what makes us human, that’s the core of compassion. That’s what the Talmud means about saving a life and saving a world. As Jews we should be adding our voice to that of the AMA (Australian Medical Association) and others calling on our government to do more to respond to this aching humanitarian crisis. It was in this respect heartening to finally hear the government say it would be contributing $20 million to help staff a British-built treatment centre in Sierra Leone. But is this really an adequate response to the growing crisis? Glen Keys from Aspen Medical has said the Australian contribution could be as low as “10-20%” despite receiving 300 applications

from medics willing to help. About 240 staff will be required to run the hospital.

In the Torah, Abraham responds to the needs of three tired and dusty strangers with alacrity and generosity. He doesn’t stop to ask questions like “maybe they are diseased or bringing toxic ideas into my home.” He sees a need and reacts practically and energetically providing food, water, comfort. He sees an opportunity and responds with the gratefulness that he can make a difference: “Have some water, wash your feet, rest under the tree, I will bring some bread…for this is (surely) the very reason you have come past here…” (Genesis 18:5).

Abraham promises a little (“have a piece of bread”) but delivers a lot (cheese and milk followed by veal). His behaviour is not impulsive but immediate borne out of years of experience and wisdom. He simply knows what to do and does it. This is what Rabbi Soloveitchik calls the ethical imperative and what has been identified as the “altruistic gene”. It is this gene that is the genius of Judaism and the genome of a civil, caring society. It is this spirit that links the hospitality of Abraham with his protest on behalf of the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is justice, compassion (chesed) and an undaunted spirit that allows Abraham to confront the fears of his time, to bring warmth into the cold world, to ensure that as in the dreadful black plague there would be light in all homes of Israel; a source of irradiation and illumination in the heart of darkness itself. May the black heart of Ebola be cured by the light of our good collective heart and the very best care and medical treatment we can collectively offer.

A New Plague of Darkness?

Sunday 14th December 2014

10:00am-12:00noon

St Kilda ShulePre-Chanukah

partyFor adults: Sushi demonstration and wine tasting

For children: Mini Golf, Laser Skirmish, Scouts activities (including damper making, drama, parachutes),

Snake Busters, Arts and crafts (including making edible menorah, making

a 3D menorah, sand art and more)

10:00am-12:00noon

SPONSORED BY BINDY &

DAVID KOADLOW

St Kilda Shule, 12 Charnwood Grove, St Kilda

Pre-book for just $7 per person at http://www.trybooking.com/GLKJ or pay at the gate $10 per person, $35 per family of 4 (plus $7 for each additional family member)

Why Do We Need Project Deborah?

10 community december 2014

Bagels & Rolls

Breads & Artisan Breads

Cakes & Slices

Savouries

Dips & Salads

Biscuits

“Hard work, quality ingredients, attention

to detail an eye for the market’s needs, and bending over

backwards to satisfy our customers” he says

smiling.

The Finest inKosher Speciality Baked Goods

BALACLAVA330 Carlisle Street, Balaclava,VIC 3183

Phone: 03 9527 2198

BENTLEIGH456 Centre Road, Bentleigh, VIC 3204

Phone: 03 9557 0377 Fax: 03 9557 0311

ELSTERNWICK362 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick, VIC 3185

Phone/Fax: 03 9528 4000

SOUTHLANDShop 1137A, 1239 Nepean Hwy,

Cheltenham, VIC 3192Phone: 03 9585 8511

MALVERN153 Glenferrie Road, Malvern,

VIC 3144Phone: 03 9500 8233

Fax: 03 9500 8077

SOUTH CAULFIELD447 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield Sth,

VIC, 3162Phone: 03 9523 1181

S T O R E S

Glicks Staff and Management wishes all our customers a Chag Chanuka Sameach!

We also offer full breakfast menu.

CARLI DIAMOND UNITED ISRAEL APPEAL

United Israel Appeal (UIA) is delighted to invite you on a journey like no other….a journey to our magnificent homeland where you will experience things you have never experienced before. An opportunity to Explore…Experience and Be Inspired! This is your opportunity to experience Israel the UIA Way!

Our 2015 Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission to Israel will take place from April 21st – 30th 2015. Travelling to Israel with the UIA is a unique experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity – it is truly an eye opening journey and one which you could not have if travelling privately.

MEET - the people who have helped shape Israel’s history and engage with high calibre speakers such as government officials, journalists, analysts, historians and soldiers.

VISIT - areas within and bordering Israel, classified military locations and iconic sites such as the markets, the Kotel and Yad Vashem and see what life is like on an army/naval base. Tour from Tzfat to the Dead Sea with our highly qualified guides who will share their knowledge with you.

EXPERIENCE - the spirit of Am Israel by participating in a Yom Hazikaron ceremony followed by the celebrations of Yom Ha’atzmaut, agricultural tours and taste

testing and experience the traditional life of a Druze family.

TASTE - an array of different cuisines and culinary delicacies.

SEE - the successful work of the UIA first hand by visiting our Absorption Centres and projects and seeing where your fundraising dollar is going. See the impact you are making.

Our incredible mission to Israel is a fully inclusive package which includes 5 star accommodation, all transportation and meals, entrance to all tourist attractions, functions, a tour guide and security when required.

Experience Israel the UIA Way!

Avoid disappointment and book now. Contact : Estelle Wytwornik on 9272 5533 or Estelle@uiavic.org

ZIONIST COUNCIL OF VICTORIA

Last night guests, delegates from 52 affiliated organisations and interested observers of the Zionist Council of Victoria, gathered for the 76th Annual Assembly to hear keynote speaker Yaron Shavit and honour community icon Mr Philip Chester with the prestigious Jerusalem Prize.

The award is the highest honour and is presented jointly by the World Zionist Organisation (WZO), ZFA and ZCV for outstanding support for Israel. Former winners of the Jerusalem Prize include the late Sir Zelman Cowen former Governor-General of Australia, Prime Minister John Howard, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Sam Lipski AM.

ZCV President Mr Sam Tatarka, in his fourth year at the helm, was elected for his third term of President of the state roof body said: “I am blessed to work with such a truly wonderful community and serve as President of such a special organisation.” Mr Tatarka started the proceedings on a sombre note with a minute silence for those killed in the recent synagogue attack in Jerusalem and other victims of recent terror attacks in Israel.

Keynote speaker Mr Yaron Shavit immediate past chairman of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism and a member of the World Zionist Organisation’s executive board shared his personal story

as a sabra with more than 30 years IDF reserve service and reflected on the need for reciprocal partnerships between Israelis and the Jewish communities of the Diaspora.

“We are aware of the challenges involved in supporting the State of Israel and our biggest challenge these days is to put Israel firmly in the hearts of the next generation.

“The next generation and the one that follows it are less influenced by the Shoah and that is understandable.

“Israel faces new challenges with Israelis choosing to live outside of their homeland. It is not the simplest nor easiest choice to make Israel your home but we need to encourage future generations to do this.”

Also present were politicians both State and Federal as well as H.E. Ambassador Shmuel Ben-Shmuel, the Ambassador of Israel to Australia. In his address to the Assembly, the Ambassador commented how overwhelmed he was with the overwhelming support Australian Jewry showed Israel. “I have deep respect for the remarkable passion you have shown Israel and the extra ordinary strength you have shown by standing up for Israel especially in the difficult days of Operation Protective Edge.

“The Zionist Council of Victoria and the Jewish community were there to offer help and support for Israel. You stood up against the vicious anti-Israel articles in the press and the anti-Israel demonstrations. You stood side by side advocating for Israel. With you I know Israel will rise above this – you are us and we

are you and this is not just a slogan.”In presenting Philip Chester with the Jerusalem

Prize, Sam Tatarka said: “Philip has given years of selfless dedication to the community and Israel. He began his community service at the young age of six when he joined Betar and served with AUJS, ZCV and ZFA volunteering his time and expertise. He is focussed, bright and without ego.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr Chester said: “I am truly humbled by this great honour. I never went to a Jewish day school and I didn’t spend much time as a child in shule. Betar introduced me to Zionism; my work in AUJS allowed me to visit Israel and inspired me to embrace my heritage.”

Mr Chester spoke of his many personal highlights including the establishment of the Israeli scouts (Tzofim) which started at Beth

Weizmann this year and the appointment of a Russian speaking Shaliach for the Russian community.

He also spoke of the need of engaging younger leaders. “Despite what you hear about the apathy of Gen Y – they are in fact very passionate about the community and want to participate. Israel is the key to continuity in our community and the Zionist youth movements are critically relevant to this continuity.”

The Community Volunteer Award was presented from the Zionist Council to Adele Hulse for her outstanding work at the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia as facilitator and editor for the Write Your Story Project.

Adele is the first non-Jewish recipient of the award. She has worked with the library for 15 years and during that time has become fluent in Yiddish. Adele’s relationship with the writers does not end once the book is finished. She is still very much part of their lives and has been known to continue seeing some of them on a regular basis.

The Assembly included the President’s report which was a visual journey of the past year, showcasing the Council’s work. The new look interactive ZCV website was also launched www.zcv.org.au which offers up to date news and information and makes it even to connect with Israel. For more information please contact:Brenda Segal T: (+613) 9272 5507 E: bsegal@zcv.org.au

ZCV’s 76th Annual Assembly brings together the past, present and future of Melbourne’s Zionist community

From L-R: Philip Chester, Dr Danny Lamm, Ambassador Shmuel Ben-Shmuel, Sam Tatarka

12 community december 2014

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE www.yavneh.vic.edu.au

"The service is to becommended on the indoor and

outdoor environment whichprovided a rich and diverse

range of experiences topromote children's learning

and development"

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGEis delighted to announce that our Early Learning Centre, Kindergarten andCrèche have received the highest possible ranking of excellence, by "Exceeding the National Quality Standard".

The rating reflects the outstanding qualitiesof our teachers and support staff.

Living Judaism today. For tomorrow.

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE

Recently our Kinder and Crèche underwent a comprehensive review and inspection. This is part of the National Quality Framework that in turn is part of the roll out of the ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority) plan to enhance the delivery of educational programs to our youngest students.

Children’s education and care services covered under the Education and Care Services National Law are assessed and rated against the NQS. The process reflects a uniform approach to assessment and reporting across the range of service settings.

Ratings promote transparency and accountability and help parents assess the quality of education and care services available. Every service receives a rating for each quality area.

The seven quality areas covered by the National Quality Standard are:

1. Educational program and practice2. Children’s health and safety3. Physical environment4. Staffing arrangements5. Relationships with children6. Collaborative partnerships with families and

communities7. Leadership and service managementThere are four rating levels within the national

quality rating and assessment process:• Exceeding National Quality Standard• Meeting National Quality Standard• Working Towards National Quality Standard• Significant Improvement RequiredWe are thrilled to announce that our ELC has

achieved the Overall standard of “Exceeding the National Quality Standard” and has achieved that rating in six out of the seven categories.

This is an outstanding outcome one that reflects the dynamic program that operates in the Kinder and our new Crèche. Our ELC was inspected by Kerrie O’Neill who has many years of experience.

Kerrie’s observations are indicative of the final outcome.

• The program was organised in a way that

utilised every opportunity to enhance children’s learning

• Individual developmental portfolios were available and accessible to parents. They included observations, reflections

• Educators utilised their professional learning to scaffold children’s development.

• Healthy eating was promoted at the centre• Outdoor and indoor spaces were designed and

organised to engage children in experiences in both built and natural environments.

• Children were supported to feel safe and secure in the environment

• The Philosophy of the service emphasized the importance of play in children’s social development.

• The service provided a comprehensive and effective enrolment program that enhanced relationships with families.

• The service was strongly supported by a positive organisational culture that indicated that the ELC was a valued part of the College

• In the area of educational program the service performed extremely well as educators provided opportunities to enhance learning and development.

Achieving the highest possible rating “Exceeding the National Quality Standard” is no small achievement. The range of areas inspected, reviewed and discussed is comprehensive. We thank the Head of the ELC, Nava Miller and the Crèche Coordinator Lisa Ezekiel for their outstanding leadership and management. We appreciate the enormous efforts you have made to ensure that the ELC and crèche provide a caring and nurturing environment. We thank the teaching staff who through this report have had their diligence and care acknowledged in a formal way

Our Crèche and Kinder are both the entry points into our College as well as being the beginning of a child’s lifelong journey of learning and development. Over the past few years we have invested in enhancing the physical facilities, it is therefore heartening to have an independent authority praise our Kinder and Crèche in such glowing terms.

We are proud of our team of educators and our support team.

LISA BARON UJEB

What a wonderful first year for UJEB’s Bat Mitzvah program.

Our first year has surpassed all our expectations for the participants and organisers.

It has been such an enriching experience working with all our partners; Stand Up, Jewish Museum of Australia and National Council of Jewish Women of Australia.

We are excited to announce that they have all signed up to run the program again next year.

During the year the girls have participated in a number of projects and activities including the Roots Project. They wrote a Dvor Torah about their Parsha and they also committed to participating in a Social Justice group with their family.

They participated in a number of Community events including the Womens Faith Sedar and the Yom Ha’atzmaut Family carnival at Beth Weitzman.

It has been an enriching and life time changing experience for the girls.Testimonials from 2 of the families:

“Our daughter participated in

the UJEB bat mitzvah program 2014 and we are so pleased with our choice of programs. The program has offered our daughter a positive insight into the Jewish community spirit. The program has introduced her to her own family stories and history. With a small group of only 12 she has interacted each week with girls from different schools. Our daughter has had a truly enriching experience”.

Leonie Wittner - Ermer“I like the fact that the program spans throughout the whole year and works in coordination with other Jewish organizations. My daughter had the opportunity to explore content she would otherwise wouldn’t encounter at school or at any other program”.

Nurit MeltzerTo end the program the girls

are having a afternoon tea and a beautiful and moving

ceremony with their family and friends to mark the special occasion of their Bat Mitzvah.

To enquire about the 2105 program please call UJEB on 90385028

email: ujeb@ujeb.org.auor Visit our Web Site: www.ujeb.

org.au to download the brochure and application form.

Yavneh ELC Excels UJEB’S Unique Bat Mitzvah Program

13schoolsdecember 2014

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P: +61 (0)3 9523 9966F: +61 (0)3 9523 6900427 Glenhuntly RoadElsternwick VIC 3185

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BIALIK COLLEGE

W.C Fields famously said “Never work with animals or children”, but Bialik College has successfully been doing both! In an Australian education first, Bialik has introduced a ground-breaking “Dogs for Life” program, in conjunction with the Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs Australia (CSTDA).

Students in Prep-Year 3 participate in the weekly program geared towards building social and emotional intelligence, as well as enhancing curriculum activities. The program has given them the opportunity to achieve amazing educational goals and improve their emotional wellbeing.

Kevin Picker, general manager of the CSTDA, says the dogs are a great way to teach students key concepts by showing rather than just telling. Students in the Early Learning Centre have used the dogs as a conduit through which to discuss issues sometimes not easily discussed with others. Dogs have proven to be a great way to teach students key concepts such as verbal and non-verbal communication, rights and responsibilities and conflict resolution by actively seeing those concepts in action rather than simply talking about them. Children can then apply these concepts elsewhere such as when making new friends in the playground or respecting a stranger’s personal space. Furthermore, the dogs help

enhance social and emotional development with improvements in children’s self-esteem, autonomy, and empathy for others.

Mr Picker believes “dogs are the best partner for human wellness. They are also the easiest animals to work with in a therapy and educational setting. Dogs are non-judgemental – they help children reach a level of self-esteem that cannot necessarily be reached in interacting with their peers.”

Daphne Gaddie, Head of Bialik’s Early Learning Centre (ELC) explains, “What’s remarkable about this program is that it enables children to learn and understand concepts that are so important but are sometimes too complex, sensitive or uncomfortable for both teachers and students

to tackle. Children have heard social values expressed with words over and over again but do not always truly absorb the meaning unless it is through actions. Using dogs as the conduit for discussion allows for a much deeper and broader understanding.” Parents have also expressed an overwhelmingly positive response with some saying “there really is no better way to teach empathy than through the use of dogs”.

The “Dogs for Life” program has been running at Bialik College for just over six months and teachers are reporting fantastic results. Having been run successfully overseas, the program is headed by Yariv Ben-Yosef, who was previously a tiger trainer in Israel and has worked internationally to

develop unique and innovative techniques to improve the quality of life for people affected by physical, psychological or emotional disorders by training service and therapy dogs.

Head of Bialik College Primary School, Karen Friede, expressed her long-term vision. “We are working with the CSTDA to mould the program to our specific needs so that it will grow with us and continue providing our students with the myriad of benefits we have witnessed.”

Bialik College gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Wilson Family who have enabled the introduction of the “Dogs for Life” program into the school which has attracted educational interest nationally.

Bialik College Students working with dogs in an Education First

MOUNT SCOPUS COLLEGE

Mount Scopus College students have once again embraced the opportunity to visit Eretz Israel, with nearly 90% of Year 10 students choosing to participate in the College’s optional Ulpan programs.

Following the success of last year’s new Jerusalem based Ulpan for those on the longer nine week program, fifteen students departed in early November. They were able to live and learn in Jerusalem for four weeks of intensive Hebrew language classes and activities at two local high schools.

In early December they were joined by their peers on the five week program to enjoy exploring Israel from top to bottom, including a new three day component where students

chose between volunteering in a residential home for children at risk, Shvil Israel hikes in the southern part of the Israel National Trail, a Yeshiva/Seminary experience and beit midrash program, or an Israeli culture and fashion design experience in Tel Aviv.

The Mount Scopus Ulpan program also includes a three day visit to Prague where students visit many sites in the Jewish Quarter, including some of the city’s beautiful old synagogues.

They also visit Terezin as part of the ‘Holocaust – Remember and Never Forget’ program, and explored the old city of Prague and the once thriving Jewish community of Eastern Europe.

We wish all our Ulpaniks an enriching and rewarding time in Eretz Israel.

Mount Scopus Students Israel Bound

Melbourne’s leading cross-communal, co-educationalK-12 Jewish school on a single campus.

Applications open from Monday 1 December 2014 to Tuesday 10 February 2015.

Full details at www.bialik.vic.edu.au under the ‘Enrolments’ tab, or contact the Registrar, Fiona Barradale at barraf@bialik.vic.edu.au

Scholarships and Bursariesfor entry to Bialik College in 2016

429 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East, 3123P (03) 9822 7981E registrar@bialik.vic.edu.au

14 schools december 2014

King David Scholarships 2016

www.kds.vic.edu.au

Modern | Thinking | Judaism

The King David School is offering a number of scholarships for students entering Years 5,6,7 and 9 in 2016.

Scholarships on offer:• Academic

• Music

• The Principal’s Derech Eretz Award

Applications can be submitted online at www.kds.vic.edu.au.

Applications close: 15 Feb 2015.

For more information, please contact Admissions on 9527 0102 or adina.cavallaro@kds.vic.edu.au

THE KING DAVID SCHOOL

On Sunday 16 November The King David School once again hosted the Victorian FIRST LEGO League State Championships, with this year’s challenge, WORLD CLASS, attracting more than 265,000 students from over 80 countries. This year, teams redesigned how we gather knowledge and skills in the 21st century. Students had the chance to teach adults about the ways that kids need and want to learn. As part of this competition, teams were required to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO robot to complete a series of missions on a specially designed mat in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Over 25 teams of keen students from Years 4 to 8 across Victorian Independent

and State schools participated in this event and industry representatives from Ford Australia, BAE Systems, Rockwell Automation and Autodesk and Swinburne University also attended.

Our wonderful alumni Ron Beliavski, Devon Boyd, Michael Eisfelder and Brad Marlow volunteered their time and assisted with judging and ensure the event ran smoothly.

As part of its robotics outreach program, KDS students regularly travel to other schools, to mentor students, or host visiting students at the Magid Institute. Recently Andrew Silver attended Glen Iris Primary School in response to an urgent request for help Ethan in the development of an Android App, that was critical to their team’s research project.

King David Hosts the Fll State Championships

15schoolsdecember 2014

RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN ST KILDA HEBREW CONGREGATION INC

The Victorian Planning Minister and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Matthew Guy, this week met at St Kilda Shule with leaders of the Shule and other communal leaders, to announce a $150,000 Victorian Heritage Restoration Fund grant towards the restoration of the Synagogue’s iconic dome.

Minister Guy, who was accompanied by Member for Caulfield David Southwick, local member Clem Newton-Brown and Liberal candidate for Albert Park Shannon Eeles, said he was proud to support the community, and recognized the important role the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation has played in the Melbourne Jewish community.

The Shule’s President Anton Block said he was delighted with the Government’s contribution. “Our Shule is one of the most beautiful in Australia and restoring the leaking dome to its original glory will enrich the experiences of the thousands who visit the Synagogue annually for religious services, educational visits, community functions, youth events, and a

host of other activities”.“A Shule is not just a place of worship”

St Kilda Shule’s senior Rabbi Yaakov Glasman said “but a community centre”. Focusing on the long and rich history of

the congregation, Rabbi Glasman said that “thousands of people have over the years celebrated their Jewish milestones at our Shule, from Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, circumcisions and other life

cycle events, and with an increasing membership going forward we are thrilled that our iconic Shule’s architectural splendour will now shine for many years to come”.

Minister Kick Starts Dome Appeal with Government Funding

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA, VICTORIA

Established in 1927 by Dr Fanny Reading MBE, the NCJWA (Vic) provides community support to vulnerable women, works to advance the status of women, promotes a harmonious multicultural society, and supports projects in Israel. Inspired by Jewish values, our vision is to create a better world for women.

We do this is by providing programs that have a profound personal impact.

Empowering Single Jewish Women Programs

Effective Relationship ProgramIn Feb 2015 we will be offering a

nine session program to support single Jewish women improve their intimate relationships. This has been made possible through a generous grant from Gandel Philanthropy.

Often in relationships, people are caught in the same relationship style, repeating similar relationships with different partners. They may find themselves withholding who they truly are for fear of rejection, which prevents them from establishing truly intimate bonds. This course aims to help single Jewish women deepen their understanding of themselves and their

relationship style.Previous participants have described

the program as being life changing with one commenting “I absolutely feel more confidant and comfortable in my skin. I can see positive things happening for me in the future because I am accepting of things coming my way. Even if certain things do not eventuate, I am ok with that too”

The program is facilitated by Melbourne psychologist, Brenda Heideman, and runs fortnightly for 9 sessions on Wednesday evenings, commencing in February 2015

at The Eva Besen Centre, 131-133 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield

Cost $50 for the 9 sessions. A babysitting subsidy is available on request.

For further information and to book a place, please contact Brenda on 0433 027 246

Caring Mums is a free, non-denominational in-home support program provided by trained volunteers for pregnant and new mums up to the first twelve months of a baby’s life. For some women, motherhood can be a challenging and lonely place. This program focuses on women who may feel isolated, overwhelmed, may have mental health issues or have no family close-by. The

program enables women of different social, cultural and religious backgrounds to be brought together by one of the most universal of experiences, motherhood. To date the program has assisted over 110 women from 26 ethnicities with more referrals being submitted on a weekly basis.

The volunteer provides the important ‘shoulder to lean on,’ visits regularly and links new mums into their local community or services. The program is coordinated by a professional and currently operates in the cities of Glen Eira, Bayside, Port Phillip and shortly Yarra, with an increasing demand to cover other geographical areas.

In September 2014 NCJWA (Vic) was presented with a Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence for service delivery for the Caring Mums program.

As a new mum stated: “We don’t have any family in Australia.

Even though I have an incredible group of friends I was the first one having a baby. Back in my country I would be surrounded by many other mothers, sister, cousins, grandmother, neighbors and off course my own mother, but here I found myself in unfamiliar situation without that important support… it was a comfort for me to

know that she was there for me, because sometimes even the simplest question or unresolved doubt can make your day a nightmare.”

Our view is that no woman should have to embark on the motherhood journey alone and our dream is to support all pregnant and new mums seeking such support across Victoria. You can help us make our dream a reality with a tax deductible donation to the program.

http://www.ncjwavic.org.au/donate-caringmums

FORTHCOMING EVENT: Wed 10 Dec. Human Rights & Founders Day, Screening of The Forgotten Refugees introduced by Ron Raab OAM, B.Ec Malvina Malinek OAM will speak about her personal connection with NCJWA (Vic) and founder Dr Fanny Reading MBE.7.15 for 7.30pm The Eva Besen Centre131-133 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield $10 members, $15 non members

For more information on our programs & events

www.ncjwavic.org.au

Creating a Better World for Women

16 community december 2014

MINA COHEN HAGSHAMA- ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA

“Where are all the young people?” is a commonly heard complaint around Jewish community circles. Many synagogues and organisations bemoan the lack of involvement of young adults, even those who spent 15 years at Jewish Day Schools, previously volunteered as leaders in youth movements or AUJS or have returned from Israel programs.

Creating appropriate ways for young adults to connect to Israel and our community is vital for the continued health of our Melbourne Jewish community and its connection to Israel.

Hagshama is the young adult department of the Zionist Federation of Australia. Our activities are designed to connect young adults aged 18 – 35 with their Jewish identity, Zionism and to the community. Featured among our programs are social events such as the annual young adult Yom Ha’atzmaut and Chanuka events, cultural events such as Israeli film nights, Hebrew Café and informational and educational programs and discussions. Hagshama events attempt to enable all young adults to connect to Israel, Zionism and Judaism in a way in which is

meaningful to them personally. A major focus of Hagshama is creating

appropriate events and programs to engage young adults generally and more specifically includes engaging young adults returning from Israel Programs, whether short term Taglit Birthright Israel programs or longer term, 5 – 10 month Masa Israel programs. Many young adults spend time away in Israel building a connection to our homeland and immersing themselves in Jewish and Israeli culture consequently building and strengthening their Jewish identity. Hagshama enables young adults to continue their ‘Israel Experience’ whilst living in Melbourne.

Israeli culture – including music, film and of course food - is a vital element in bringing

young adults together. Recently, Hagshama hosted a Sukkot

Open Mic Night, where over 120 young adults enjoyed listening to talented young artists, performers and comedians within the community under a roof full of Sukkot paper chains at St. Kilda venue Veludo’s. In conjunction with the Shabbat Project Melbourne, Hagshama partnered with Young JBD hosting a ‘Shabbat Experience’ at the Werdiger’s private home. Over 30 young adults enjoyed celebrating Shabbat with homemade challah, a traditional and fresh buffet, and various tasty desserts from Bake My Day and inspiring words from Aaron Densham.

Hagshama also hosted a premier screening of ‘Zero Motivation’ from the

Jewish International Film Festival at the Classic Cinema’s as well as enjoyed the stories of soldiers who served in the IDF. Hadassah Australia hosted Dr. Qanta Ahmed in Melbourne recently, Hagshama was fortunate to have a private discussion with Dr. Ahmed sharing her visions of bringing peace to Israel and the Middle East through health and medicine. Hagshama participated in Mitzvah Day with IBC ’14 follow-up repainting a childcare centre in Malvern with TRY Australia. In the coming months, Hagshama will continue to present a range of events and discussions for engaging young adults.

Hagshama is hosting a Hebrew Café on the 25th of November, which will cater for levels from absolute basic to fluent Hebrew speakers in an age appropriate and social way. Our Chanukah event, Glowing Golf & Guinness will be held on the 11th of December. Participants will enjoy a game of glow in the dark minigolf before enjoying donuts and drinks in the Docklands. Hagshama is inspired to facilitate young adults looking for a connection to Israel in a suitable style, connecting people through culture, education and social activities.

To join the Hagshama mailing list and enquiries contact Mina on 9272-5678 mina@zfa.com.au

A glimpse into the life of ZFA Young Adults

STAY CALM AND LIGHT YOUR

MENORAH Date of Next Issue

13 FEB 2015

MJR Riddle An absentminded philosopher forgot to wind up the only clock in his house. He had no radio, television, telephone, internet, or any other means of ascer-taining the time. He therefore decided to travel by foot to his friend’s house, a few miles down a straight desert road. He knows the time that it takes him

to walk to his friend is 20 minutes. He stayed there for the night and when he came back home the following morning, he was able to set his clock to the

correct time. How did he know the exact time?Note: this is not a trick question. The Philosopher did not bring the grandfather clock to his friend’s house, nor did he bring anything back with him on his trip home. Answer on Page 23.

17communitydecember 2014

DAVID OSSIP

The year was 1925 and a crowd of roughly 500,000 people lined both sides of Melbourne’s St Kilda Road eagerly anticipating the start of the annual Anzac Day march. With wounds from the Great War still raw and the traumatic memory of the turbulent years of war still very much permeating the consciousness of this young nation, the crowd had assembled en masse to show respect and appreciation to the 30,000 veterans who were due to march before them.

This was a society very much jaded by the experiences of the past decade, which had seen 417,000 men enlist out of a population of a mere 5 million. 60,000 had made the ultimate sacrifice for King and country, whilst over 150,000 had been wounded or taken prisoner. Those who were lucky enough to survive had returned to Australia to discover a country beset by great social division, where the unity experienced at Gallipoli was but a distant memory. Indeed, the country was still recovering from Prime Minister Hughes’ divisive referenda concerning conscription which had sparked class conflicts and sectarian strife in the war years – disharmony which would continue to plague Australia throughout the 1920s. The war had also been followed in Australia by an epidemic of Spanish influenza, an infrastructure shortfall, a burgeoning population, widespread industrial tension and disruption, difficulty reintegrating returned ex-servicemen into society and a slowing economy underlined by rising unemployment, stagnating export income and increasingly higher levels of external debt.

Prime Minster Stanley Melbourne Bruce, by 1925, was seen as somewhat aloof and disconnected from the Australian populace. Largely captive to class interests and unable to identify with ordinary Australians, critics accused him of being a managing director of an economy geared towards the interests of the wealthy as opposed to a leader of a nation.

This was the context in which the march of 1925 took place – an era in which the nation was crying out for leadership and the gentle reassurance of a father figure. In this era, such a role could only have been discharged by one man – the man chosen to lead the procession through the centre of Melbourne. Thus, much awe and reverence greeted the trotter of a white horse coming down the road on that early autumn morning, carrying upon its saddle the legendary general, Sir John Monash, who led his comrades on the long stretch of road leading to the

Shrine of Remembrance. Dressed in his full military regalia, with his collection of medals hanging proudly on his torso and a sword by his side, this was a man who commanded the respect of a nation. The resplendent figure he cut matched his reputation as the greatest living Australian of his time.

The son of German-Polish Jewish parents, Monash had been born in Melbourne in 1865. A scholar of note, with a doctorate in engineering and degrees in law and arts, Monash emerged as a leading engineer in pre-war Australia. Having joined the militia in 1884, Monash became a full-time Army officer upon the

outbreak of the Great War, assuming t h e command of the 4th Infantry Brigade where his decision-making and leadership came to the fore at Gallipoli and led to him being promoted to the role of Brigadier-General. Yet it was on the Western Front where Monash really made his name. Promoted to Major-General, Monash commanded the Australian 3rd Division and established himself as the greatest Allied Commander on the Western Front when, under Monash’s leadership, the town of Villers-Bretonneux was recaptured from the Germans on 25 April 1918 – the turning point of the war. His talents apparent to all, Monash was promoted once more, this time to Lieutenant-General, and he was made Commander of the Australian forces in recognition of his meticulous planning, inspired strategy and superb execution in the field. Following the pivotal success in the Battle of Amiens, King George V knighted Monash on the battlefield – the first time a monarch had so honoured a commander on the battlefield in 200 years. Following the war, Monash was enthusiastically welcomed back to

Australia and assumed prominence in civilian life, becoming vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne and head of the State Electricity Commission as well as establishing Rotary in Australia and leading ANZAC commemorations.

Yet, the greatness of Monash which is so often overlooked is the way in which he seamlessly merged and embraced his Australian and Jewish identities, bringing honour and distinction to both. Journalist Colin MacInnes famously stated that Monash ‘made anti-Semitism, as a “respectable” attitude, impossible in Australia.’ He not only benefited from the tolerance of the Australian people, but helped shaped Australia into the diverse nation it would become through his commitment to his distinct heritage.

Monash never shirked responsibility for, and leadership of, the Jewish community. Following the War, Monash joined the board of management of the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, attending prayer services on a semi-regular basis and sometimes fulfilling the role of communal spokesperson. Remarkably, Monash was the first prominent Australian Jew to embrace the concept of political Zionism. The other preeminent Australian Jew of the time, Sir Isaac Isaacs, was an ardent opponent of political Zionism, disapproving of the political agitation by the Jews of Palestine and accusing them of being disloyal to his beloved British empire. Isaacs feared that an embrace of Zionism would have devastating consequences for the status of Jewry worldwide. In these views, Isaacs was supported by Rabbi Jacob Danglow – then the Jewish chaplain to the Australian Imperial Force and Rabbi of the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation.

Therefore, to stand up to the collective

weight of these two prominent Jews, required the vision and leadership for which Monash was renowned. In 1927, Monash helped found and became Honorary President of the Zionist Federation of Australia. In this capacity, he implored the community to rally behind the Jews in Palestine, declaring in 1928 that:

“The establishment of the Australian Zionist Federation marks a new era in the life of the Jewry of our Commonwealth. For the first time, Jews of all States are united for a common purpose. We have joined our fellow Jews all over the world in the task of building up the Jewish Homeland. The Great Powers have approved the Zionist program and have given us their support. The British Empire has accepted the mandate for Palestine and has challenged Jews of all countries to make use of the unique opportunity of once more making Zion shine in its glory. As Jews living in Australia, we have a double responsibility Both as Jews and as British citizens, we have to do our share in rebuilding the land of Israel and reviving the cultural and spiritual centre of Judaism. We are in honor bound to do our utmost and to make our share a prominent one.”

For the Jewish community which Monash served, World War I had seen some 2000 men - 11% of the Jewish community at the time - enlist. Sam Lipski points out that ‘of the approximately 10,000 males, only about 3000 would have been in the eligible age range and, of those, a percentage would have been medically unfit. It is clear, then, that almost every able-bodied young Jewish man volunteered.’ Approximately 15% would lose their lives – a rate of loss higher than the population at large. The Jewish soldiers fought with distinction, with approximately 200 holding commissioned rank and 100 receiving honours including, most notably, Lieutenant Leonard Keysor who received the Victorian Cross for his bravery at Gallipoli. Undoubtedly, as Harold Boas noted in 1923, it was established ‘beyond question that Jewish citizens of the Empire, no less than members of any other Faith, are prepared to share the full burden of its citizen responsibilities as well as its privileges.’

As those Jewish veterans marched on April 25, 1925, they could look to the front of the march with pride upon their comrade and brother, Monash.

Enormous fortune and Providence had seen them come to a land where a Jewish man (indeed, one of German heritage) could not only rise to be Commander of the Armed Forces, but also become the hero of his nation. Indeed, this was a country worth fighting for – a message as true today as then. Lest we forget.

The Jewish Roots of the ANZAC Legend

18 community december 2014

REBBETZIN TZIPORAH HELLER WWW.TZIPORAHHELLER.COM

Yesterday at about 7 a.m. my daughter Miri called with news from my grandson.

“Mordechai just came home from shul. He said that Arabs came in and are shooting, and that a man with an axe is hitting everyone. Some of the people threw chairs at them, but it didn’t help.”

My 12-year-old grandson had hit the floor along with everyone else when the bullets began to fly. He was fully aware of what was going on, and what it meant.

He somehow found the courage to let go of his father’s hand, crawl towards the exit and break into a run.

Mordechai is blonde, freckled, and a soft-spoken somewhat introverted and studious boy, much like his father, Shmuli. He is not Huck Finn, and the courage he found at those moments were a gift straight from God.

By the time he finished telling Miri what happened, sirens from Hatzalah ambulances, police cars, and Magen David

could be heard telling her that there were casualties.

“Where’s Shmuli” was the thought that entered her mind again and again as the seconds, which felt like hours, began to tick. She called me and said, “Say Tehillim (Psalms). There is shooting in the shul.” I began to say the ancient prayers. Nothing was reported yet on the news. Of course not. It was only 7:10.

When Mordechai came home, the shooting was still happening. By 7:20 we both realized that if she didn’t hear from Shmuli, something was very wrong.

The police and other services had no information as yet to give to the public, but a family friend who had seen the terror with his own eyes, said that Shmuli had been taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

Apparently, when Mordechai let go of his hand, he instinctively ran after the child, placing himself in the sight of the terrorists. One of them attacked him with an axe, hitting him on the head, back and arm.

Somehow he made it to the door. Josh White, a yeshiva student, was riding down Agassi Street on his bike. He noticed a lot of confusion in front of the shul and asked someone what was going on. He approached the shul and saw Shmuli, who was still aware. The student took off his shirt

and stopped the bleeding, a move which may have saved Shmuli’s life. The shooting was still happening inside. It was about 7:15!

The emergency crew drew back, but because Shmuli was already outside, they evacuated him, thus making him the first of the wounded to be taken to Hadassah, another factor in his survival. Before collapsing, he asked where Mordechai was, and when told that the boy ran away from the carnage, he said, “Baruch Hashem.”

Inside, the terrorists were continuing their “work.” When they entered, they turned to their left, and immediately cut down Rabbi Moshe Twersky and Reb Kalman Levine who were standing in the corner.

Reb Kalman was not a regular attendee of that synagogue. He would generally daven in the earliest possible minyan so he could get in a couple of hours of Jewish study before beginning his day.

But on Tuesday he had a question about something he had learned, and had gone to put the question to the synagogues erudite Rabbi Rubin. The question will now only be resolved in the Heavenly Academy.

In the course of unfolding events, Mordechai was urged to speak about what he saw again and again in order to diminish the damage of the trauma he had undergone.

We were allowed to see Shmuli who was

put under anesthesia. We don’t know if he heard us or not, but we were talking to him, stressing that Mordechai was fine.

In the hours before the surgery, we found ourselves with Risa Rotman. Her husband, Chaim Yechiel ben Malka, was also attacked, and the extent of his wounds are very serious. Every day in the Land of Israel is a gift and a miracle. I have no pretensions of knowing God’s will, but I do know that everything He does is purposeful, and that His compassion is often hidden from the human eye. Anyone who values human life, reality, and the eternal nature of the soul is appalled by the idea of people entering a synagogue and randomly killing innocent people.

Except for CNN, which for a time reported the entire event as an attack on a mosque.

Except for BBC, which reported that Israeli police “killed two Palestinians” (i.e. the murderers), as if victims of Israeli brutality were strolling through scenic Har Nof when attacked by racist troops….

Please continue praying for my son-in-law, Shmuel Yerucham ben Baila, and the other victims. Pray that God gives strength to the five new widows and 24 new orphans. Thank God that we are not like our enemies. And please post the truth however you can.

* This article published is with consent of the author.

Fighting for Life in Har NofWhen my grandson and son-in-law got caught in the line of fire.

SWEET POTATO AND SPRING ONION LATKES

Ingredients1 large egg2 teaspoon sea saltA few nice grinds black pepper 500 grams sweet potato, peeled 2 spring onions9 tablespoons cornflour (approx. 70grams)200ml pure light olive oil

Method1. Place the egg in a mixing bowl and whisk lightly. Stir in the salt and pepper.

2. Use the grater attachment of your food processor or the shredder attachment of your kitchen slicer to finely shred the sweet potato. Use a sharp knife to slice the shallot finely (both white and green parts). Add both shallot and potato to the bowl with the egg and toss; stir in the flour and toss until thoroughly combined.

3. Heat approximately 50ml of oil the oil in a large non-stick frypan over medium high. Use an icecream scoop or spoon to place the potato mixture into the pan and pat the top lightly with a spatula to form 6cm diameter latkes. Cook for a few minutes until golden on the undersides. Turn and cook for another few mintues until golden and cooked through. Repeat using the remaining mixture.

4. Best served immediately with homemade sweet chilli jam and

homemade crème fraiche or sour cream. Serve immediately or keep warm briefly in a 120 celsius oven.

Makes 10 -12 latkes.

SWEET CHILLI JAM

Ingredients4 red capsicum3 long red chillies1 small piece fresh ginger, peeled and diced4 garlic cloves, peeled1 punnet fresh cherry tomatoes50ml water350g golden caster sugar125ml red wine vinegar

MethodRemove seeds from capsicum and chop into large dice. Deseed and slice chillies. Add peppers, chillies, ginger and garlic

into a food processor, and process until very finely chopped. Put water, cherry tomatoes, sugar and vinegar in a heavy bottomed saucepan.

Add capsicum and chilli mix. Bring to the boil then turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 45mins, stirring occasionally so the jam doesn’t catch and burn.

The mixture will start to thicken and look glossy. Keep cooking for another 10 minutes or so until it’s a thick jam. Let the jam cool a little then transfer into a sterilized jars if keeping out of the fridge and giving as a gift or use any food container if keeping chilli jam in the fridge.

Recipe by John Mulligan Creative Director of L’amour Catering (Sweet Chilli Jam based on recipe BBC Good Food)

Sweet Potato and Spring Onion Latkes with Sweet Chilli Jam and Crème Fraiche

19communitydecember 2014

Continued from page 4

Be Heard!

status? Do we foster this connectedness, as we should, based purely on the fact that we are all Jewish?

The Jewish Report was started in Sydney a year ago to champion this cause - a portal to share ideas, to broadcast events and new community initiatives, to profile interesting individuals and to keep the community informed – connected.

Our strategy is to get individuals to actively engage in community issues and to share ideas. This, in turn, we believe, will foster a sense of belonging, a willingness to support our institutions and a pride in our community. It is only through engagement and purposeful participation that we can achieve a committed, caring and vibrant community.

By sharing your views, we may be able to better direct our community leaders and organisations to tackle our community challenges – whether it is the increasing unaffordability of Jewish day schools, the high assimilation rates or the difficulty of counteracting irresponsible and negative voices.

The Jewish Report aims also to be a lifestyle newspaper covering topics that interest us all - health and fitness, parenting, technology or our next family holiday. It is a paper that aims to stimulate thinking regarding how we spend our time and plan our lifestyle.

The content in the paper is published by community members and organisations. We are always looking for relevant and stimulating content. So join us in our strategy of fostering connectedness and pride in being Jewish, and make your opinion heard.

e-mail: editor@melbournejewishreport.com

RABBI SHRAGA SIMMONS

Chanukah (Hanukkah), the Festival of Lights, begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, and lasts for eight days. On the secular calendar, Chanukah generally falls out in December.

A BIT OF HISTORYThe Hebrew word Chanukah means

“dedication.” In the 2nd century BCE, during the time of the Second Holy Temple, the Syrian-Greek regime of Antiochus sought to pull Jews away from Judaism, with the hopes of assimilating them into Greek culture. Antiochus outlawed Jewish observance ― including circumcision, Shabbat, and Torah study ― under penalty of death. As well, many Jews ― called Hellenists ― began to assimilate into Greek culture, taking on Greek names and marrying non-Jews. This began to decay the foundation of Jewish life and practice.

When the Greeks challenged the Jews to sacrifice a pig to a Greek god, a few courageous Jews took to the hills of Judea in open revolt against this threat to Jewish life. Led by Matitiyahu, and later his son Judah the Maccabee, this small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian-Greek army.

Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but after three years the Maccabees beat incredible odds and miraculously succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. The victory was on the scale of Israel defeating the combined super-powers of today.

Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem and found the Holy Temple in shambles and desecrated with idols. The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah, they searched the entire Temple, but found only one jar of pure oil bearing the seal of the High Priest. The group of believers lit the Menorah anyway and were rewarded with a miracle: That small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought.

From then on, Jews have observed a holiday for eight days, in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. To publicize the Chanukah miracle, Jews add the special Hallel praises to the Shacharit service, and light a menorah during the eight nights of Chanukah.

LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONSIn Ashkenazi tradition, each person lights

his own menorah. Sefardi tradition has just one menorah per family.

What Menorah to LightTo publicize which night of Chanukah it

is, all eight candles on the menorah should be at the same height ― and preferably in a straight line. Otherwise, the candles may not

be easily distinguishable and may appear like a big torch.

In addition to the eight main lights, the menorah has an extra helper candle called the “Shamash.” As we are forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any purpose other than “viewing,” any benefit is as if it’s coming from the Shamash.

Since the Shamash does not count as one of the eight regular lights, your menorah should have the Shamash set apart in some way ― either placed higher than the other candles, or off to the side.

What Candles to LightThe most important thing is that that your

candles must burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. (Those famous colored candles barely qualify!) Many Jewish bookstores sell longer colored candles.

Actually, it is even better to use olive oil, since the miracle of the Maccabees occurred with olive oil. Glass cups containing oil can be placed in the candle holders of any standard menorah. Many Jewish bookstores even sell kits of pre-measured oil in disposable cups.

Where to LightTo best publicize the miracle, the menorah

is ideally lit outside the doorway of your house, on the left side when entering. (The mezuzah is on the right side; in this way you are “surrounded by mitzvot.”) In Israel, many people light outside in special glass boxes built for a menorah.

If this is not practical, the menorah should be lit in a window facing the public thoroughfare.

Someone who lives on an upper floor should light in a window. If for some reason the menorah cannot be lit by a window, it may be lit inside the house on a table; this at least fulfills the mitzvah of “publicizing the miracle” for the members of the household.

Since the mitzvah occurs at the actual moment of lighting, moving the menorah to a proper place after lighting does not fulfill the mitzvah.

When to LightThe preferable time to light the menorah is

at nightfall. It is best to light in the presence of many people, which maximizes the mitzvah of “publicizing the miracle” and adds to the family atmosphere. The menorah can still be lit (with the blessings) late into the night, as long as people are still awake.

The menorah should remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall, during which time no use should be made of its light.

On Friday afternoon, the menorah should be lit 18 minutes before sundown. And since the menorah needs to burn for 30 minutes into the night, the candles used on Friday need to be bigger than the regular “colored candles” (which typically don’t burn longer than a half-hour).

How to LightOn the first night, place one candle at

the far right, as you face the menorah. This applies whether the menorah is placed next to a doorway or by a window.

Another candle is placed for the Shamash (taller helper candle) which is used to light the others. It is not counted as one of the candles.

First light the Shamash, then recite the blessings, and then use the Shamash to light the Chanukah candle.

On the second night, place two candles in the two far-right positions ― and use the Shamash to light the left one first.

The third night, place three candles in the three far-right positions ― and use the Shamash to light them in order, from left to right.

Follow this same procedure each night of Chanukah... until all the lights are kindled and glowing brightly!

Other CustomsAfter lighting the Chanukah menorah,

families enjoy sitting in the glow, singing and recalling the miracles of yesterday and today. The first song traditionally sung after lighting the candles is Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages).

A number of other customs have developed, including:

eating “oily” foods like fried potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), in commemoration of the miracle of the oil

giving Chanukah gelt (coins) to children spinning the dreidel, a four-sided top

with a Hebrew letter on each side (sivivon in Hebrew)

What is the origin of the dreidel?In times of persecution when Torah study

was forbidden, Jewish children would learn anyway. When soldiers would investigate, the children would pull out a dreidel and pretend to be playing.

The letters on the dreidel are nun, gimmel, hey, shin ― the first letters of Nes Gadol Haya Sham – “A Great Miracle Happened There.” (In Israel, the last letter is a Pey ― “Here.”) One way to play dreidel is to see who can keep theirs spinning for the longest time. Or alternatively, to see how many dreidels you can get spinning simultaneously.

Another version of dreidel is where players use pennies, nuts, raisins, or chocolate coins as tokens or chips. Each player puts an equal share into the “pot.” The first player takes a turn spinning the dreidel. When the dreidel stops, the letter facing up determines:

Nun – nothing happens; the next player spins the dreidel

Gimmel – the spinner takes the pot Hey – take half the pot Shin – add one to the pot(Alternatively, you can play where everyone

spins their own dreidel simultaneously. Anyone who gets Nun takes 2 from the pot; Gimmel takes 1 from the pot; Hey puts 1 into the pot; Shin gives 1 to the person on his/her right.)

On Chanukah we add “Al Ha’nisim” – an extra paragraph which describes the Chanukah miracle – to the Amidah prayer, and also to the Grace After Meals.

Happy Chanukah!

ABC’s of ChanukahEverything you need to know about the holiday of Chanukah

20 international december 2014

21kids pagedecember 2014

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ALFAKODO:

PIC PUZZLE:United States-Hamburger, Spain-Paella, Germany-Bratwurst, France-Baguette, Italy-Pasta, Denmark-Frikadeller, Japan-Sushi, Chile-Empanada, China-

Peking Duck, Scotland-Haggis.HIDDEN WORDS:Platypus, pat, pal, pay, pa, pap, pupa, pup, put, pus, play, pupas, ply, puts, pats, past, pals and pulp. Special word: Pupa means an insect in the non-feeding, usually immobile, transformation stage between lava and adult.

KIDS BOOT CAMP:SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Cat’s teeth, cupboard line, extra whisker on cat, hole in cheese missing, tail on right-hand side mouse.LEN SAYS: 13 lions.PHONE CODE: “My car muffl er has just fallen off and I am feeling quite exhausted.”

ALFAKODO Letters A to Z have a number value

Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells

© Ken Egan - ak1239

© Ken Egan - ak1239

A E+P 24 N T-L B F-M O Z+W C X+P P A-E D N+Z Q J÷W 5 E H+P 21 R L+Y 19 F N+K S K-Y G U+V T G-L 12 H J+Y U M-X I V+Z V P+B J Q+Q W A-M 2 K R+X X T÷W L J+N 11 Y B+B M L×W Z Q+Y

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

24 4 9 14 21 26 23 18 20 10 25 11 22

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

1 15 3 5 19 17 12 16 7 2 6 8 13

ALFAKODO Letters A to Z have a number value

Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells

© Ken Egan - ak1239

© Ken Egan - ak1239

A E+P 24 N T-L B F-M O Z+W C X+P P A-E D N+Z Q J÷W 5 E H+P 21 R L+Y 19 F N+K S K-Y G U+V T G-L 12 H J+Y U M-X I V+Z V P+B J Q+Q W A-M 2 K R+X X T÷W L J+N 11 Y B+B M L×W Z Q+Y

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

24 4 9 14 21 26 23 18 20 10 25 11 22

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

1 15 3 5 19 17 12 16 7 2 6 8 13

Puzzles and paginati on by Auspac Media

did youknow?

The voyage of Captain Cook was the fi rst long voyage to not lose a single man to the Vitamin C

diffi ciency disease scurvy.

the fi rst long voyage to the fi rst long voyage to a single man to the Vitamin C a single man to the Vitamin C

diffi ciency disease scurvy.diffi ciency disease scurvy.

phone code

Maze

hidden words

Puzzles and paginati on by Auspac MediaSolutions

Alfakodo

kids boot camp

Pic Puzzle

Letters A to Z have a number value, some are shown in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

F i n d e i g h t e e n w o r d s beginning with ‘p’ from these jumbled lett ers.

Use the phone key to crack the mystery code.

Can you help the arti st fi nd his palett e and brushes?

LM

22 lifestyle december 2014

MANDY-LEE ADNO THE CHILDREN’S CLINIC

‘Try it you will like it!’ ‘I just wish you would try something new!’ ‘You can’t survive on plain pasta and cheese!’ ‘Why can’t you eat something with some nutritional value?’

Does this sound like mealtimes in your house? If so your child may have an underlying sensory or motor feeding difficulty which is affecting their willingness to eat a range of foods or causing them to be selective in terms of the types and textures of foods that they eat. Parents are often told that their child will outgrow it and that they are just trying to exert independence, in most cases this can be proved untrue. If a child is fussy there is almost always an underlying cause for their fussiness.

Neophobia or the fear of new foods generally peaks at 2 and declines after that. A fussy eater or behavioural feeder will continue having a very limited diet and selective food intake, often having less than 25 foods in their repertoire.

Eating is both a motor and sensory based activity. Fussiness around eating is often due to inefficiency in one or both of these systems. Oral-motor difficulties will affect a child’s ability to chew and swallow firmer textures. In these cases exercises

would be implemented to improve oral movements and functioning, resulting in an improvement in a child’s ability to eat a wider range of foods.

A child with sensory difficulties often can’t tolerate having their hands dirty and they can’t tolerate touching different textures. This can be evident when a child is playing with some foods as well as non food items, like sand. They will regularly ask to have their hands cleaned and will try and clean mess that is in their view. They may also be sensitive to strong smells, having to move away from the source. Parents often say that their child will eat dirt off the floor, but won’t eat food! Infants explore the world using their hands and should be encouraged to explore their food on their plate the way that they do the dirt in the park. Our attitude to food is that it should be eaten, not to play with, but exploration is key! Children who find this challenging need help with learning how to regulate their sensory systems, as well as decreasing their irrational fears around eating new foods.

Children don’t have definite likes or dislikes. It takes 16 dislikes to acquire a like! Repeated exposure is key!

If mealtimes are a constant battle and your child is surviving on a limited diet it is worth having them assessed. It’s not something that they will grow out of and no individual needs to live their life being scared of something that is integral to their survival. All children have the potential to be great eaters!

Yucky! I Won’t Eat It

SCHOOLSBialikKing DavidYavneh Elsternwick

RETAILAstoriaBake My DayCafe DelishColes BalaclavaColes ElsternwickColes Glenferrie RoadContinental ButcheryDanieli’sDiscount Pharamcy: 93 Glen Eira Road RipponleaDom’s Fruit Shop: Balaclacva RoadEshel FoodsFood Works Glen Huntly RoadGlicks BalaclavaGlicks Centre Road RoadGlicks Glenferrie RoadGlicks Glen Huntly RoadGlicks Hawthorn RoadGolds Book ShopIGA: Glen Eira Road RipponleaLennies DeliOfficeworks Glen Huntly RoadFelafel OmissiPharmacy - Malvern Health & Beauty Elsternwick Fruit & Veg: Glen Guntly Road The ShukYumisVictoria Fruit Palace in RipponleaUffuzisWoolwoths BalaclavaWoolwoths Glen Huntly

Woolworths Bentleigh

JEWISH ORGANISATIONSBeth WeizmanC CareJewish Care Montefiore Homes Community ResidenceJewish Care Smorgon Family Nursing HomeJewish Care Gary Smorgon HouseJewish Care The Mark and Dina Munzer Community ResidenceJewish Care Active Living Centre Jewish Care The Manders VillasHadassahTheodore Herzl Social ClubLamm Jewish Library MaccabiNational Council of Jewish Woman of Aus Victoria

SYNAGOGUESBrighton Street Hebrew CongregationMizrachiCaulfield ShuleSpritgrowSt Kilda Hebrew CongregationBlake Street Hebrew CongregationCentral Shule ChabadChabad Glen Eira

OTHERGlen Eira LibrarySouth Caulfield REC

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In a night that promises to breathe new life into Melbourne’s Jewish cultural scene, The Alter Jazz Ensemble will launch its debut album, ‘New Altar’. The ensemble, which merges together traditional

Jewish melodies with jazz, soul and funk, is an exciting local outfit headed by Rabbi Noam Sendor and Adam Starr.

Originally from Boston, Noam Sendor is the campus Rabbi at Leibler Yavneh College and assistant Rabbi at Blake Street Hebrew Congregation. He had always dreamed of transforming the music he grew up singing around his family Shabbat table into the modern music that moved and inspired him. And although he spent a number of years in Israel, the epicenter of the modern Jewish music scene, it was not until he arrived in Melbourne and turned to Adam Starr that this dream became reality. Adam is highly talented and respected producer, composer and jazz guitarist and together, they have created a unique sound that whilst being modern, is still grounded in tradition and captures the original intent behind the music. Over the past 12 months, they have played several gigs around town and have steadily built a dedicated following amongst those in the know. Recording an album was the natural thing to do.

Just before Rosh Hashana, Noam met Mark Sztar who had just released the new kosher Australian wine label, Six Parallels South. The two instantly ‘clicked’ and realised they shared the same vision for

enhancing the Jewish cultural scene in Melbourne. The synergies that could be created by working together were obvious to both of them and they saw the band’s impending album release as the perfect opportunity for their first collaborative effort. Their aim was simple. To put on an evening that is commonplace in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or New York but is something that Jewish Melbournians have been starved of for a long time.

The album launch evening will take place on December 17th, second night of Chanuka, and in trying to create an entirely unique evening, the event will not be held at any of the ‘usual suspect’ venues within the community. After searching high and low for the right place, they finally found the newly opened Butter 375 at The Inkerman Hotel. With a brand new fit-out and intimate vibe, the venue will be transformed into a fully kosher space for the night with the Six Parallels South wine bar and delicious olive oil inspired tapas (it is Chanuka!) by serious gourmet foodies, The Kosher Kids.

Event details are as follows: The Alter Jazz Ensemble – Debut Album

LaunchWednesday December 17th at 8pm. Butter 375 @ The Inkerman Hotel – 375

Inkerman St, Balaclava.Tickets are $25 at www.trybooking.com/

GLKY.Students $20 Door sales $30

The Alter Jazz Ensemble:Debut Album Launch

DANIEL DEUTSCH, MARIN ACCOUNTANTS

Over recent years, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has been very clear to taxpayers about its intent to discover – and penalise – those who deliberately avoid their tax obligations. At the same time, their investigative powers and procedures have become more widespread and efficient, enabling them to be very adept at identifying tax avoidance activities.

Tax reviews vs tax auditsThe ATO separates classes of tax audits

into several categories, primarily split between tax reviews and tax audits.

It uses tax reviews to investigate and confirm inconsistencies or risks about some activities, transactions or industries. Tax audits go to another level of investigation, to find, measure and correct errors.

In individual situations, the ATO often initiates reviews or audits when it notices variances between a taxpayer’s Income Tax Returns and Activity Statements; or a poor tax compliance history; or unexplained revenue differences between your business and those of other, similar businesses.

This can affect self-employed trades-people and contractors, or other businesses where large spikes of funds and expenditure continually wash through bank accounts from income-generating assets or activities. International transactions with related parties and in tax havens can also throw up warning flags.

Given the types of penalties that the ATO applies to tax avoidance, it’s worth making sure your tax declarations are as accurate and transparent as possible. The ATO’s base penalty is typically 25%

of any shortfall amount for “failure to take reasonable care”, but can be up to 75% of any shortfall amount for “intentional disregard”.

What can I do if I’m about to be audited?If you are notified (generally by letter)

that the ATO is about to audit your tax affairs, calling your accountants is critical – they can guide you through the following steps:

Make sure that you have copies across at least the last five years of all tax returns, financial statements, cash transactions and reimbursements, receipts and any other relevant financial or accounting records.

These help your accountant prepare a full submission to the ATO, outlining your tax affairs across the audit period, together with supporting evidence.

The ATO will then examine this and either accept it or ask for more information on a case by case basis.

Consider making a voluntary disclosure if you’re not sure you’ve paid tax correctly, as the ATO often shows leniency in these situations and will minimise or even waive penalties.

Audit insurance can be a wise choice…but being prepared is essential

Audit insurance can take pressure off you worrying about the accounting costs of the investigation or subsequent investigation. The cost of many audit insurance policies is minor compared to the likely professional fees incurred in dealing with an audit.

But the simple message for all taxpayers is: be prepared. At some point, there will be a chance that you will be audited. If you have taken the steps outlined above into account, you and your accountant can be ready to show your tax affairs are above board.

Surviving The Tax Audit Process

Melbourne Jewish Report Disclaimer:Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Melbourne Jewish Report, (“the paper”) is provided as general informations only. 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.

The Melbourne Report; Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981); e-mail: editor@melbournejewishreport.com; Advertising: Yifat Oron, e-mail:advertising@melbournejewishreport.com, Tel: 0450-122-412. website: www.melbournejewishreport.com Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd

SHARON WASHBOURNE SHALLOW WATER BLACKOUT AUSTRALIA

You may have recently seen a story on 60 Minutes, about a young boy named Jack MacMillan, who tragically drowned from continuous, long breath holding under water, known as Shallow Water Blackout or Hypoxic Blackout. National Energy Australia SwimSAFER week campaign is being held this month and is an opportunity to raise awareness, in hope that this information is shared amongst the community.

Like many swimmers, we’ve all swum underwater laps, played breath holding games, or participated in hypoxic training drills. Breath-holding in water is a natural thing all competent swimmers do and will continue to do, unfortunately without knowing the risks and dangers of Shallow Water Blackout.

SWB is more common than most think and more common than is physically reported. Coroners are unable to report accurately on SWB deaths. These fatal and non-fatal drowning’s are in most cases, inaccurately recorded as a ‘general drowning’ or terms other than the real cause, being Shallow Water Blackout. This will only lead to many more people dismissing or disregarding this important message. Breath holding activities can also trigger other medical conditions, such as long QT, heart disease, seizure disorders plus more and in most cases the swimmer is not aware that this underlying

medical condition exists.WHAT IS ‘SHALLOW WATER

BLACKOUT’ – SWB is when a person faints while swimming underwater due to prolonged breath-holding. Anything from a breath-holding competition underwater, to hypoxic training or free diving, could lead to SWB. When oxygen levels decrease faster than carbon dioxide levels can rise, our brain’s automatic breathing reflex is suppressed, so the swimmer doesn’t realize they need to surface for air. As a result, the swimmer loses consciousness and if not rescued right away, death can occur.

This type of tragedy deserves our attention because it is preventable. Many people are unaware of what SWB is or why it happens, whether it’s the general public, coaches, swimmers or parents.

“Extended Breath-Holding can cause

sudden, unexpected unconsciousness, in water, this is often fatal”.

Shallow Water Blackout is a Silent Killer

Answer to MJR riddleThe Philosopher winds the grandfather clock to a random time right before leaving, 9:00 for example. Although this is not the right time, the clock can now be used to measure elapsed time. As soon as he arrives at his friend’s house, the Philosopher looks at the time on his friend’s clock. Let’s say the time is 7:15. He stays overnight and then, before leaving in the morning, he looks at the clock one more time. Let’s say the time is now 10:15 (15 hours later). When the Philosopher arrives home, he looks at his grandfather clock. Let’s say his clock reads 12:40. By subtracting the time he set it to when he left (9:00) from the current time (12:40) he knows that he has been gone for 15 hours and 40 minutes. He knows that he spent 15 hours at his friends house, so that means he spent 40 minutes walking.. So the correct time to set the clock to in this example would therefore be 10:15 (the time he left his friend’s house) + 20 minutes (the time it took him to walk home) = 10:35.

23communitydecember 2014

24 sports december 2014

ASHLEY SHENKER MACCABI AUSTRALIA JUNIOR CARNIVAL

Melbourne will play host to the 33rd edition of the Maccabi Australia Junior Carnival in less than two month’s time and preparations for the event are all but finalised.

Brand new events and several big-name guests will feature at the week-long Carnival, which Manager Justin Lipson said will be an event to remember for the hundreds of participants from around Australia.

“The organising committee who have been working hard for over a year now are just putting the final touches on what is going to be an incredible week of sport, social and fun activities,” Lipson said.

Paralympic gold medallist and Big Brother star Sam Bramham has been confirmed to host the opening ceremony and Jewish rapper Adam Fridman – AKA Freeds – will also perform at a packed-out social event.

Participants will also take part in Maccabi’s first ever Neon Run, which has been one of the most popular social events around the world in the last couple of years.

“We are very excited to announce that Sam will be hosting the opening

ceremony,” Lipson said.“But if that’s not exciting enough,

participants will be participating in Carnival’s first ever Neon Run.

This epic event will live in the memories of participants for years to come.”

Lipson is urging anyone interested to

register ASAP, with registrations closing in only a few days time.

There will be a waiting list opportunity, but only limited entries will be available.

“Melbourne Carnival is a great opportunity for all interstate participants to see what we have to offer,” Lipson said.

“There are new and exciting sporting opportunities, social events never been done before, so this is an event you are not going to want to miss.”

For more information visit www.maccabi.com.au/juniorcarnival or contact 9563 5885.

Stars to light up Carnival

ARE YOU HAVING A FUNCTION SOON?

KOSHER WOK AND BBQ is an informal casual catering company.

We offer fun foods for all occasions under the hechser of Kosher Australia

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FOODS THAT KIDS AND ADULTS LOVECatering for all occasions;

Barmitzvah’s, Batmitzvah’s, 21st’s, 50th’s, and Anniversaries

NEW EXCITING OPTIONS:

Spit BBQMeat or chicken slowly cooked to perfection on a spit BBQ

BBQ CHICKENChoose your favorite BBQ chicken, Peri-peri, Lemon & herb

or Tangy BBQ marinade

Imagine your guests tucking into delicious BBQ chicken, hot chips and salads

We will work with you and your budget

GIVE US A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR SIMCHA

LAWRENCE 0414 896 614

Creating a better world for women through

• Community support to improve quality of life• Advancing the status of women• Promoting a harmonious multicultural society• Supporting projects in Israel with a women’s focus.

Join us for Human Rights & Founders Day Wednesday 10 December, with a screening of

The Forgotten Refugees 7.15pm The Eva Besen Centre

131-133 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield

For more information www.ncjwavic.org.au