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A GUIDE TO FACILITATING EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE ULTRA-ORTHODOX JEWISH COMMUNITY

1 According to the 2011 census there Jewish Care has written this guide to Role Differences Dress are approximately 50,000 members assist you in adapting your learning of the Jewish community in Victoria. environment to make your training Men and women have clearly defined Ultra-Orthodox are always fully It is a broad and diverse community, programs more welcoming and roles in Ultra-Orthodox . Men dressed in accordance with Jewish consisting of many cultural accessible to this unique sector are required to pray three times a day laws. Men will typically wear a kippah backgrounds, histories and levels of our community. together with a minyan, a quorum of (skullcap) or a on their head. Men of religious observance. Within this ten men. When praying in the morning, also wear a mini prayer shawl known community, there are sub-groups We hope this guide will provide you men wear a (prayer shawl) and as a tallit under their shirt or jacket; of various sizes, which view religious with a better understanding of the Ultra- (phylacteries). Men also have an the fringes () of the tallit are obligations as binding and follow Jewish Orthodox community so that you are obligation to spend a significant portion sometimes worn externally and visible traditions to the letter of the law. better equipped to accommodate their of their day studying the (the Old to others. Men usually wear their needs as you work together with them in Testament and the accompanying oral hair short, except for their sideburns, Residing predominantly within the local overcoming the barriers to employment. law) and other religious texts. which are often curled and tucked government areas of Glen Eira and Port behind their ears. Jewish women have their own areas of Phillip, these groups are described as While we have written this guide primarily responsibility. Seen as the heart and Ultra-Orthodox, and for the most part, Dress styles can differ for different with Learn Local programs in mind, the mainstay of the Jewish home, women have tended to keep to themselves. Most Ultra-Orthodox community groups. information contained within will be are generally exempt from time-bound are members of a further sub-group Members of the Adass community, useful for other service providers and obligations which would take them known as Adass. for instance, typically wear either full employers as well. away from their caring obligations. or three quarter length black pants, a While many Ultra-Orthodox women white shirt, black button-up vests, and prefer their role as full-time mothers a long black jacket. On working days, and housewives, some Ultra-Orthodox they may wear a traditional black hat. women may seek qualifications which On and holidays, they may will enable them to access enhanced wear a tall black hat with fur sewn opportunities outside the home. onto it called a .

Interpersonal Contact Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women tend

to wear plain-coloured, loose-fitted As distinct from the casual familiarity clothing, taking care to have their legs of Western society, the Ultra-Orthodox covered by socks or stockings, elbows Jewish community is sensitive to covered by sleeves and knees covered differences between the genders. by longer skirts. In addition to this, Generally men and women move in married Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women separate circles; attend single-gender cover their hair with either a sheitel schools and pray in with () or a scarf or both, as a sign of separate seating. With the exception their marital status. of close family members, men and women within Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities do not touch. As foreign as it may seem to our Western mindset, even the smallest gesture such as a handshake is forbidden. In certain circles, eye contact between men and women is discouraged as well.

2 3 & Privacy Shabbat (The Sabbath)

Modesty is one of the main principles restricted in their ability to do research Shabbat, also known as Shabbos or Many activities are forbidden during Ultra-Orthodox Jews adhere to. as content may be deemed unsuitable. the Sabbath, is a day of rest, a day to Shabbat, including the following: Whilst dressing in modest clothing is go to , pray and connect working, turning on electricity (although an obvious external manifestation, This lack of exposure means that with God, self and family. The source electricity or time clocks can be set modesty is also about the way one acts, common everyday references may not of Shabbat is in the Old Testament or beforehand), using a vehicle (except talks and carries oneself. In particular, register with the audience. For example, Torah which describes how God created for medical emergencies, which take modesty informs the relationships it is unlikely that many members of the world in six days and on the seventh precedence over all other restrictions), between men and women; expressions the community would be familiar with day he rested. It is a day of symbolic carrying, writing, shopping, dealing with of affection between men and women Taylor Swift or media personality Eddie new beginnings and one dedicated to money and cooking. – whether between husband and wife McGuire, nor the latest episode of God, and is a holy day of rest. It begins or sister and brother - are not publicly MasterChef. at sunset on Friday and concludes at Preparations for Shabbat begin anew displayed. sunset on Saturday. Shabbat as a day each week, reaching their peak of Prayer of rest refreshes each person spiritually activity on Friday as sunset approaches. Ultra-Orthodox families are usually and physically. On this day there is a Ultra-Orthodox Jews will observe strong emphasis on spending quality Shabbat day with a strict level of very private and unwilling to discuss Prayer takes a central role in Jewish life. time together as a family and as a commitment that is difficult for the personal matters. Even though they may Jewish prayers take place in all Ultra- community. It is marked by wearing uninitiated to understand. One of the be a ‘high needs’ group, they may be Orthodox synagogues three times a day: festive Shabbat clothing, praying consequences of Shabbat observance reluctant to expose their lack of secular morning, afternoon and evening. knowledge and academic skills. together with a congregation in a is that members of the Ultra-Orthodox synagogue (Shul) evening, morning and community will not attend training When scheduling courses especially TV & Technology afternoon and enjoying festive meals programs or activities on Saturdays or during the winter months, it is together with family and friends. maybe not even on Friday afternoons. advisable to either conclude activities The Jewish home is considered a well prior to sunset, depending on mini-sanctuary in the Ultra-Orthodox where the training takes place or to community – a place of peace and incorporate an adequate break time sanctity, where every aspect is to accommodate afternoon prayers. well-considered and designed to foster a religiously-oriented lifestyle and set of values. Most families in the Ultra- Orthodox community will go to great lengths to exclude anything deemed to present a foreign or intrusive influence. In most Ultra-Orthodox homes there will be no television, radio, or popular magazines or newspapers. Some homes may have computers for the purpose of work or business but children would often be banned from their use; adults would be discouraged from using the internet unless there is a filter barring exposure to violent or sexual content, or any other influences deemed unacceptable. As a result they may be

4 5 There are many holidays and festivals in the Jewish religion. The Jewish Pesach - Passover Shavuot - Pentecost festivals are calculated based on the lunar calendar so the dates for festivals (March/April) (May/June) change from year to year. Most festivals are considered holy days and follow similar rules, restrictions and modes of celebration as Shabbat. Pesach is an eight-day festival Shavuot is a 2-day festival celebrated celebrating the Exodus of the Jewish 7 weeks after the 2nd day of Pesach, For a list of the dates of religiously significant over the next few people from Egyptian bondage commemorating the giving of the Torah, years refer to www.hebcal.com/holidays/. over three thousand years ago. the written and the oral law to the Traditional to Pesach is the Seder, a Jewish Nation on Mount Sinai. During Rosh Hashana - New Year (September/ Chanukah - Festival of Lights festive meal, usually held in a family this festival, dairy meals are eaten and October) (December) setting, incorporating many symbolic greenery is placed around the house procedures emulating the Exodus. and at the synagogue. Families go to a This is a two-day festival commemorating Chanukah is an eight-day festival One of the major Pesach laws is not to synagogue to hear a reading of the Ten the start of the Jewish New Year and commemorating the rededication of the eat nor retain in one’s possession any Commandments which encapsulate celebrated by prayers at synagogue and Temple in many centuries leaven or leaven products such as bread the essence of Torah. Both days of by festive family meals. Both days of ago. It is celebrated by lighting a nine- instead to eat matzah - unleavened this festival follow the same rules and this festival have similar restrictions as branched candelabra on each night of bread during the Seder. The weeks regulations of Shabbat, when prayer Shabbat described above. the festival. Chanukah customs include leading up to Pesach involve intensive services are held and various forms of eating foods fried in oil such as latkes preparations. The first and last two days work is forbidden. of this festival follow similar rules and - Day of Atonement (potato pancakes) and doughnuts; regulations of Shabbat in which prayer (September/October) playing with the dreidel (a spinning Tisha B’Av top) and the giving of gifts of money to services are held and various works are (July/August) forbidden. Yom Kippur is considered the holiest children and charity. day of the Jewish calendar. It is a day On the ninth (Tisha) of the Hebrew like Shabbat as well as being a total Purim month of Av, the first and second Jewish fast: The 25 hour period from sunset to (February/March) temples in Jerusalem were destroyed. sunset is spent in prayer at synagogue. Due to the centrality of the temples in This day is almost universally observed Purim is a joyous festival commemorating Judaism a day of national mourning by all Jews to various degrees and an event in which the Jewish nation was instituted. Men and women fast hence has earned the reputation as overcame the threat of annihilation. It in similar fashion to Yom Kippur but being the holiest day of the year. is celebrated in four ways: reading the the prevailing mood is one of deep Scroll of Esther; giving out gifts of food; sadness and introspection on how we can improve our deeds to merit the Succot (Tabernacles), giving charity and a festive Purim meal. rebuilding of the temple. and Simchat Torah This day is also celebrated by dressing (September/October) up in costumes and other celebratory festivities. Although the festival does not follow the rules and regulations of This is a nine-day festival celebrating Shabbat, it is nevertheless a festive, the travels of the Jewish nation in family-oriented time when everyday the desert en-route to Israel. During work is generally not undertaken. the first eight days of this festival, meals are eaten in an outdoor hut with covers made of tree branches called a Succah. The first and last two days of this festival follow similar rules and regulations of Shabbat.

6 7 Minor Fasts Kosher Food/

The Jewish calendar has many • Bar Mitzvah (boy) or Bat Mitzvah The word ‘kosher’ is a Hebrew word the standard required by a particular minor fast days. These fast days (girl) – Celebration marking 13th that means ‘befitting’ and when used individual or community. The easiest commemorate various tragedies birthday of a boy and 12th in reference to food, it refers to food approach may be to consult with the and near tragedies that have befallen birthday of a girl which is befitting for a Jewish person group or individual you are servicing the Jewish people throughout the to eat. The Torah provides instructions before offering, preparing or buying generations. On these days people • Weddings – Weddings are the about special dietary laws that apply to food of any description. To avoid an will abstain from both food and drink highlight events of the Jewish Jewish people - foods that may or may uncomfortable situation - if food is from before sunrise until after sunset. community. Jewish weddings not be eaten and how food needs to be purchased, it should not be opened Accordingly, this can affect the ability can be held any day, excluding prepared. At a high level only certain but rather be made available to the of some participants to focus. So the Sabbath or Jewish festivals. types of animals, birds and fish may be group whilst still sealed in its original despite there not being any of the eaten. For example, only fish with fins packaging. Similarly with cutlery restrictions on work or travel that are Death and Mourning and scales may be consumed. Beef, and crockery, it is simplest to offer associated with Shabbat and the major veal and chicken may be eaten if they disposable paper/plastic plates, plastic Jewish holidays, it is recommended have been slaughtered in accordance cups and cutlery. Offering these in their Respect for the dead and those in that providers avoid running educational with the laws of kashrut. Pork, on the packaging would not be viewed in a mourning is considered one of the programs on minor fast days. other hand, may not be eaten at all, nor negative light. greatest duties in Judaism. Every any other animal not slaughtered under effort is made for burial to take place Rabbinical Supervision. For a list of specific dates over the next speedily, so as to return the body to few years refer to minor fasts on the earth as soon as possible after the www.hebcal.com/holidays/. soul has departed. When a member The laws of kashrut apply not only to of the community passes away, even food but also to dishes and utensils. Lifecycle Events those outside the immediate family Jewish law also states that certain circle may find themselves called upon foods must not be cooked or eaten In addition to formal Jewish festivals, to participate in “escorting the dead”; together. Meat and milk must never be the Jewish lifestyle is replete with absenting themselves from other mixed together at any time. So a kosher significant lifecycle events. So strong commitments with little or no notice. kitchen will have separate dishes, is the sense of community, that such cooking areas and appliances; one lot for preparing dishes containing meat events are considered not only a cause Following the funeral, immediate family and one lot for dairy foods. for celebration by the immediate family members will sit “”, a seven day but indeed by all members of the mourning period, gathering together community, who will often participate in a house of mourning (usually in the Commercial foods require certification in or contribute to the celebration in one home of a member of the deceased’s from a recognised kashrut authority way or another. family), where prayers are held and that they have been prepared according

where visitors come to pay their to the detailed requirements of kashrut. • Brit (Circumcision) – Celebratory respects. During this seven day period, They may either be identified as kosher event on 8th day after birth of a members of the immediate family circle by a kosher certification label or by their baby boy, usually held in will abstain from all work and activity inclusion on a kashrut list. Typically, synagogue after morning prayers Ultra-Orthodox Jews will follow the outside the home. • Pidyan ha Ben – Celebration guidance of their own community Rabbi marking 30 days after the birth who will advise them on the kashrut of a first born baby boy authority in which he personally has confidence. This can cause confusion because food that is labelled as kosher does not always mean that it is of 8 9 The preceding sections may help to highlight why traditional learning delivery methods and environments need adaptation for the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. The following section outlines areas where accommodation can be made in order to ensure that training provision is as accessible as possible.

Classroom Structure (gender) and Timetabling (days, time of day, Learning Content holy days)

Classes and courses should be Recommended scheduling: delivered by the same gender group to Monday-Friday: single gender groups, i.e. either all-male Schedule during normal business or all-female classes. hours and avoid programs on Friday afternoons. Content, course material and assessment tasks need to be tailored Sunday-Thursday: in consideration of the following: Evening sessions from 7:00pm-9:30pm • Literacy skill levels may be well received. • Limited exposure to secular education and popular culture Jewish Festivals: • Modesty in course language Avoid sessions on Jewish festivals; give and content consideration for days leading up to • Home environment - since most festivals as well. Either avoid sessions Ultra-Orthodox men and women on the days immediately prior or make may live in crowded situations allowances for an earlier finish time. Technology Catering with a lot of distractions, it may affect their ability to complete Access - Location • When computers are made available • Only kosher food can be provided home assessments on time. they should be in a centralised • All raw, uncut fruit or vegetables For greater uptake, classes should be setting and screens clearly visible are acceptable NB: this does not imply that the content located in the municipalities of Glen for third parties • Disposable cutlery and crockery should be “dumbed down” but rather Eira, Bayside and Port Phillip, preferably • Computers need to have is recommended adjusted for cultural and religious closer to main community areas such as unfavourable content restricted. • Tea and coffee-making facilities sensitivities. Ripponlea or St Kilda East. This can be achieved by “locking can be provided, confirm with a down” browsers with filters and participant that the tea, coffee and Wearing Appropriate Dress for previewing websites to be utilised milk is acceptably kosher Teaching staff during course delivery • List of caterers who can assist with • The community has a technology morning-tea or lunch requirements: Teachers should be dressed in volunteer group called TAG, the appropriately modest clothing: Men Technology Awareness Group, Phone: (03) 9532 9000 should ideally wear pants and a shirt, which may be contacted for [email protected] and women should wear knee length assistance in setting up appropriate skirts (or longer) with a high-cut neck filters for training purposes. Phone: (03) 9555 3255 top and long or three-quarter length Email: [email protected] [email protected] sleeves. Tight-fitting clothing should be avoided where possible. Phone: (03) 9523 6614 www.spotoncafe.com 10 11 Our Values chessed kindness חסד mishpacha family משפחה Jewish Care (Victoria) Inc derech eretz respect דרך ארץ St Kilda Road 619 charity צדקה Melbourne Victoria 3004 Telephone: (03) 8517 5999 Email: [email protected] www.jewishcare.org.au

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