Profile Jun-July 2020
June | July 2020 • Sivan | Tamuz | Av 5780
Leo Baeck Centre FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM PROFILE justice justice you shall pursue THE LEO BAECK CENTRE FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM
We know that, as restrictions are gradually lifted, some congregants are facing difficult and worrying times, and will have to make difficult decisions over the coming months.
We need you to stay part of our LBC family – even if money is tight.
Any contribution you can make is helpful.
Fundamentally LBC is your link Others may be in a position to help with a donation, since we urgently to the wider Jewish community need all the financial assistance we can muster. We started the year and we hope you stay connected. with an ‘Austerity message’ in the February/March Profile, and that We are always willing to make was BC (Before Coronavirus)! We were looking at a challenging budget confidential arrangements to help even before the virus hit. We have now further reduced our costs you remain connected. and staff hours significantly. We have found ways to substantially reduce the cost of Profile, still our main means of communication Please contact with our members, whilst returning to colour for the time being. In a Jonathan Taft, month it will be the end of the financial year, and we know that some our long-standing people have family trusts or can access other money that needs to be and understanding Membership Chair. distributed before end of the year. Tax deductible contributions can be made to CJES to assist with our education costs, which have been Simply send a message to substantial as we have geared up to on-line education for the Sh’ma [email protected] give the best number for him to program. We would really appreciate your help if you can possibly give you a call. assist. The budget looks significantly worse now, but of course we don’t yet know how much, and for how long.
Having got to 70, you can be sure that our brand-new Board is setting out at Every member and least for 120 – our message has never been more relevant – so please, help every dollar keep us sustainable! counts!
WHY IS RABBI LEARNING ONLINE • CHALLAH RECIPE JONATHAN BLOWING THE • UPJ RABBIS SUPPORT CLIMATE SHOFAR ALREADY? ACTION • TANYA WARMS AND FAMILY See p.7 INSIDE: • HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON • & MORE Presidential Musings
he last few months have The Care group also deserve our thanks. Their been difficult for everyone continued work, both online and by phone in with the threat of Covid-19 supporting the older members of our congregation, Thanging over our heads. We is essential to the well-being especially of the elderly, now look forward to the step by and the integrity of the LBC community. step easing of restrictions and a gradual return to normality. As The Online Seder was a great success, and the rules relax we will restore the shul ‘seder-in-a-box’ was delivered to families before the buildings as the focus for our services and event, so they could participate in a seder meal (and events once again. even featured on that evening’s SBS news!). Rabbi Jonathan shared his seder at home with congregants By the time you read this the AGM will have been and those who participated enjoyed it. Thanks also held. Thanks must go to the co-treasurers who have must go to the Rabbi’s family for sharing this with worked so hard to restore regular financial reporting others too. and helped to ensure that our finances are clear. I would also like to thank our retiring Honorary The work of the Rabbi and the rest of the Secretary Caroline Oblak, and thank Michael Polack team running the Sh’ma program cannot be for taking on this role. Mannie Gross, as Immediate underestimated. Engaging children from a distance Past President, has spent much time working for our is a challenge, but the teachers have had some help centre, and I am grateful that although he is now from some of the very capable post b’nei-mitzva relinquishing that role, he will still be working for us students with this. all on the Board. I especially would like to thank our While it would be great to get back to ‘normal’ it is retiring President, Jim Beck, who has been such a unlikely that we will be able to hold our High Holidays strong leader under such difficult circumstances, and services in the usual manner. Some relaxation of the I greatly appreciate the assistance he has offered me rules will enable some people to physically attend to help me take on the role. services, but in the main it will be safer for us to It has taken a great deal of hard work on the part of continue to use technology to reach our members. our Rabbi and many technically gifted members of There is not enough room to allow for appropriate the congregation to allow us to continue our services distancing for everyone to attend. The Ritual and activities online. We particularly acknowledge the Committee is working hard to come up with the best efforts of Elisabeth Holdsworth, Mannie Gross, Paul ways to proceed to keep our members safe. Rosham and Michael Taft. In closing I acknowledge the disruption to our Many people have joined in our online services, and congregation and the undoubted hurdles we have yet it is especially pleasing to see the participation of to cross. I am uplifted by the willingness of our Board, congregants who would otherwise find it difficult to staff and members to face such challenges and find attend services. We are hopeful that we can make new ways of expressing our shared Jewish values. online attendance an ongoing feature of our calendar. Gillian Lubansky, LBC President
A sunny, peaceful autumn day for the gallahs at Springvale Cemetery!
2 Profile | June-July 2020 Rabbinic Reflection
hen we Israel, not only because it was Progressive Jewish community, were Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s 72nd 70 years young in the Eastern putting birthday, but because there is so Suburbs, and indeed there Wtogether the much going on there, including have been ups and downs, the last edition of fighting the virus. Though we undulations on the route, through Profile in mid- are so far away, our connection those years. Jewish life is a March, we had is even stronger, especially with mixture of the pragmatic - survival just spaced reports from Judy and Andrew - and the spiritual search, of Tikun out the seats and made special Kaye who now live in Jerusalem. Olam and Torah. Yes, we have to provision for separate individual Please join ARZA – it need not cost pay the bills – but yes, we also foods (baked potatoes) for Purim. you anything, and it really helps have to prepare ourselves for the How amazingly quickly it all us to move the Progressive Jewish next great summit, Rosh Hashanah developed from that point – and agenda forward in Israel! and another new year of 5781, how many people worldwide have with the ten days of penitence tragically and unexpectedly lost The virus has given us and reflection, a day of prayer their lives or loved ones. We have pause – in various ways and soul-searching through Yom really been very lucky here so far – to reflect. One thing that Kippur. How will we do it this year, – and we need to be cautious to has become more important if we can’t yet gather as we did in ensure it continues that way. days of old (even days of 2019!)? to me is to say the traditional And then the mood changes to We managed to create Seder in a ‘Modeh Ani’ (I give thanks) every celebration and gratefulness for all box and served complete Pesach morning when I realise that I we still have, first, materially, with meals to over 50 people – even have woken up healthy! And Sukkot. This is an opportunity to including a box of Matzah and a the period that we have been try to build a Sukkah at home – it bonus toilet roll in each pack! And in from Pesach, the Omer, has will give us a family project – and then celebrated the Seder – on- remind us not to take things for become more meaningful – line. We have since got better granted, having realised that what and better at the Zoom and not only is it a harvest festival, we rely on each day can be blown Google Classroom technologies and we might appreciate more down in an instant! But from the as well as video editing. As well the complexities of harvest week of Sukkot, we move to the as services, which are even better and shipping food in when it spiritual with Simchat Torah, as we attended than those held in LBC, has often been missing from conclude the cycle of Torah and we have introduced ‘LBC Studio’ roll back to start once again from the shelves of late, but it also panel discussions, classes and of the beginning. There is always course meetings. We are even marks a terrible plague which Torah in Jewish life, despite all finding some advantages out of reportedly killed 24,000 of Rabbi challenges and adversity. And adversity – for example you can Akiva’s students almost two there is always something to actually see the Torah and follow millennia ago, until miraculously learn – and something to bring the Yad (pointer) as it is being lifting, which is why people get from our new experiences. If we read. We held our own moving have gained a bit more insight married and have their hair cut ‘Yom HaShoah’ commemoration, into traditional practices such as virtually from the Memorial Hall on the 33rd day or ‘LaG’ b’Omer. the Modeh Ani morning prayer at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem Suddenly it doesn’t seem so and the Omer, and I have started (it is amazing what you can do distant and irrelevant any more!” saying the blessing for washing my with backgrounds!). And I have hands before Challah, since I now been compiling the Rabbi’s I am reminded of a favourite see it as more than basic hygiene Compendium on Mondays and reflection, ‘life is a journey’ by - have our more traditionally- Fridays. It is called a ‘Kol-Bo’ Rabbi Alvin Fine (see below, p.575 minded colleagues learn anything which means ‘everything is in it’ in our Siddur). It tells us that from the Coronavirus? Certainly – I try to combine news, past and looking backward or ahead, we it seems ‘God helps those who future events, articles and even a see that victory lies not at some help themselves’, or at least joke or two. If you are not getting high place along the way, but in ‘God doesn’t keep you safe if you it, please let the office know – having made the journey, stage ignore the experts!’. In Israel some Internet companies seem by stage. Perhaps we have just and America, the worst hot-spots to be blocking us and we need to been to a high place, Mt Sinai, at have been around ultra-orthodox know to put you onto a different Shavu’ot. Or perhaps the LBC communities. list! We’ve had lots of news from AGM? It signifies another year of ...continued overleaf
June-July 2020 | Profile 3 RABBINIC REFLECTIONS | UPDATES
...Rabbinic Reflection continued And perhaps the idea of touching the mezuzah (touched by everyone who has gone through the door before you) and then kissing your fingers may need to be reconsidered! When a dozen Sephardi orthodox rabbis in Israel said it was acceptable to have Zoom on before Pesach started so you could share the service with family elsewhere, their Ashkenazi counterparts were up in arms! These and many other questions will be discussed, debated and, I am sure, argued, for many moons! It is grist to the Jewish mill! Let us acknowledge the journey - and celebrate every day, and Kissing every thing, and the community, we have the mezuzah and are part of! Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black
Birth is a Beginning and death a destination. And life UPDATES is a journey: from childhood to maturity and youth to age; from innocence to awareness NEW BOARD – NEW BLOOD and ignorance to knowing; from More details in the next (Tishrei Festivals) edition which foolishness to discretion and covers August/September/October then, perhaps to wisdom; from weakness to strength or strength to weakness — and often, back again. NEW EDITOR From health to sickness Copy date for Aug/Sept/Oct edition is Monday 9am and back, we pray, to health 13th July. Please send to [email protected] marked ‘FOR again; from offense to PROFILE’. forgiveness, Rabbi Jonathan has had to put from loneliness to love, together the last Profile from joy to gratitude, and this one and we from pain to compassion, urgently need a volunteer and grief to understanding — to assist the office and our from fear to faith; new graphic artist with future editions. from defeat to defeat to defeat — until, looking backward or We are looking for a new ahead editor for the 5 editions of we see that victory lies Profile each year. Please not at some high place along contact the office if you the way, but in having made may be interested. the journey, stage by stage, a sacred pilgrimage. Birth is a beginning and death LBC BRUNCH RESCHEDULE a destination. But life is a Sadly it is not practical to hold our popular LBC BRUNCH journey, from birth to death to in June and it will be rescheduled once we are returning life everlasting. to normal gatherings.
4 Profile | June-July 2020 SPECIAL FEATURE
ARC (Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors) support Climate Action
ARC (the Moetzah) agreed last month to put this statement up on the UPJ website: The Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors (the Moetzah of the Union for Progressive Judaism, Australia, New Zealand and Asia), are pleased to endorse the nationwide multi-faith service that ARRCC (the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change) is organising in connection with the major Strike for Climate organised by the school students at 10am this Friday 15 May. Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black will be participating. We encourage as many congregants as possible to participate.
n Friday 15th May, when they answer with peaceful students across Australia but vocal action expressing held another strike (this their appropriate concerns, Otime virtual) as they called on then we turn away from them world leaders and decision- with fear. Skipping school, we makers across the globe to take shout, is inappropriate and even responsibility for climate change, illegal, but what tools have we (our essential nature is freedom), and environmental degradation. left them? Adults make all the and land also cannot truly be This is especially timely in the decisions, and rarely care what owned. Indeed, the Torah explicitly era of COVID-19 and massive younger generations think. states: “The land shall not be sold bush fires. As part of the strike, How can they force us to listen? in perpetuity, for the land is Mine.” there was a multi-faith service, Instead, we need to hear their To our Torah, we are stewards for where religious leaders added voices, even if we don’t always a world that we did not create and to the call for a greater sense of agree with their solutions. They do not own. responsibility to future generations are the inheritors of the messes and to the world which all of us that we have largely created. At the very beginning of the share. While there are some who They want to act for change, and Torah, we learn that the Divine would argue with the decision, I it behooves us to listen. These carefully plans everything. Every am proud that the Assembly of actions are the most genuine step leads to the next and indeed Rabbis and Cantors, which I chair, expression of Tikun Olam – is necessary for the next. From was represented at the service standing up and taking risks to the creation of light and dark, by Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black, make a better world. earth and sky, to the plants, Environmental Advisor to the animals, and humanity, all the ARC, and we issued a statement Jewishly this clarion call to required foundations are laid. supporting the values and protect our shared environment Plants need land, fish need the concerns which were expressed. could not have found a better sea, and animals and humans week. Parasha Bahar, read need sustenance. The constant In addition, however, I am also that very week in synagogues refrain, “and it was good” also awed by the courage shown by the across the globe, presents a highlights the importance of the students who participated in the very different idea of ownership Divine plan. With the use of these strike. It is very encouraging to than that which we embrace words, each element of creation is me when young people take up the today. Every fiftieth year, the confirmed as essential and created mantle of leadership for positive Jubilee, land was returned to as God intended. The completion change in the world, whether about dispossessed families, and of the creation is marked finally climate change, gun control, or any freedom to those Israelites who by the phrase, “it was very good.” of the other existential issues that had been enslaved. The message While our ancestors may not have challenge our future. We often ask of Torah is clear: a human truly used the modern language of where the young people are. Yet cannot be owned by another ...continued overleaf
June-July 2020 | Profile 5 SPECIAL FEATURE
...Special Feature continued environmentalism and ecology, as reminder that God should not be the plan was fulfilled, there was a relied upon to pick up the pieces if clear understanding that the cycle we destroy our environment. Humanity, of dependencies was complete. created in Nothing was left to create, and the The greatest idolatry of world was left to move forward humanity is our propensity to the image of the like a well-oiled machine.[1] see ourselves as separate from the rest of creation and as Divine, is vested with While this plan also makes it clear absolute controllers of the world, a responsibility to that humanity is the culmination utilizing our short-term political of creation[2], this does not deny necessities and economic benefits act with the same the importance and, indeed, (or costs) as rationalizations care and sense of the ultimate essential unity, of not to take action. Yet, the self- the entirety. Humanity is given same threats with which we are responsibility as God dominion over creation, and all quickly destroying the animal did when the earth the animals and plants as food. kingdom threaten our future as They alone are blessed. Yet the well. Sadly, even the thoughts that was created.” right to “rule” is not synonymous our descendants will suffer (and with the right to destroy. While also vanish) due to our decisions humanity alone receives the does little to motivate action. Two blessing from God, the text thousand years ago, the Midrash makes it clear that the entirety of addressed this issue, “Rabbi creation, “all that God had made,” Shimon bar Yochai taught a was “very good.” Humanity, parable: Men were on a ship. One created in the image of the Divine, of them took a drill and started is vested with a responsibility to drilling underneath him. The act with the same care and sense others said to him: What are you of responsibility as God did when doing?! He replied: What is it to the earth was created. you? Is it not in my own area that I am drilling?! They said to him: The rabbis explicitly understood But the water will rise and flood us the human responsibility to all on this ship.”[4] When we fail to care for the earth, and the take up the obligation of “repair,” repercussions if we fail in the and instead continue to destroy responsibility. The Midrash the earth and forget that we are teaches, “When the Blessed Holy not alone, then all will suffer, not One created the first human, God only those who actively destroy. took them and led them around all the trees of the Garden of Past generations stood up for Eden and said to them: “Look change and helped to create the at My works, how beautiful and better world that we can now praiseworthy they are! And all that enjoy, and it is time for us to listen I have created, it was for you that (and indeed be proud) as our I created it. Pay attention that youth courageously challenge you do not corrupt and destroy us to continue the work of Tikun My world: if you corrupt it, there Olam. will be no one to repair it after you.”[3] This Midrash reminds Rabbi David A. Kunin us that it is far easier to destroy Jewish Community of Japan Chair, Assembly of Cantors and Rabbis (ARC) of Australia, than create. It is also a graphic New Zealand and Asian.
...... [1] Midrash Genesis Rabbah 1:1-2, 12:2 [2] See Abarbanel’s commentary on Genesis 1 [3] Midrash Kohelet Rabbah 17:3 [4] Midrash Leviticus Rabbah 4:6. Though Rabbi Shimon’s parable addresses the consequence of individual sin (that is to say an individual’s choice to act) on an entire community, while the above analysis addresses a failure to act, the consequences, and more importantly the failure of collective responsibility, are the same.
6 Profile | June-July 2020 SPECIAL FEATURE
Rabbi Jonathan’s contribution to the Multi-Faith service: In the Jewish tradition, we have used the ram’s horn to sound the alarm and wake ourselves from our slumbers, and so I will now blow it for exactly that purpose (blows Tekiah g’dolah).
This and the photo on the cover are by Julian Meehan.
am reminded of the story of But in my faith and in others, it will be too late. So let us mark the frog. Apparently if you we believe we are not only here today, the middle day of May, drop a frog in boiling water, it to look after ourselves. Two as the turning point, when, led Ijumps straight out by reflex to thousand years ago, Hillel, from by the enthusiasm and skill of live another day. But if you put it whom Jesus learnt a few things, students and young people who in cold water and then heat it to said ‘Im ayn ani li, mi li – if I don’t have most to gain and most to boiling, it stays, adjusting to the look after myself, who will look lose, we shouldered the moral slow change, until it dies. after me – BUT if I ONLY look responsibility to protect our after myself, what am I? world and ALL its people and Coronavirus has come on us so animals. quickly that our governments Governments, as I said, want to have responded very rapidly, get back to business as normal, throwing unimaginable amounts get us back to work, shopping, of money around to try to keep consuming, travelling, religious us alive, and business as normal services, school, university, just as possible, or at least able to as soon as they can. But the virus return to normal service as soon has given us pause to think. To as possible. experience life where we don’t have to spend so much money By comparison, the climate has and time rushing around – where been heating, relatively slowly we can sit, talk, walk in a nature If we don’t but certainly significantly, and that we can see is recovering I have been speaking about the day by day as noise and other move quickly, unfolding dangers for over thirty pollution reduces, and animals it will be too late.“ years. But, like the frog in the appear that we have never seen warming pot, people have barely in our trees and gardens before! responded, and governments, It would be terrible to rush back who invariably seem to be as unthinkingly to business as usual short term in their thinking as the – and it simply can’t happen. next election, have failed to act. Perhaps I should have started Hillel had one more though to blowing the shofar sooner! add to the two above: If not now, when? If we don’t move quickly,
June-July 2020 | Profile 7 MEMBER’S PROFILE
Stephanie (b.1992). Ken’s career Tanya Warms as a pathologist continued at St Vincent’s Hospital and finally and family Dorevitch Pathology where he As a 15-year-old, Tanya was remained until retirement in 2018. coaxed by her mother, Marilyn, Volunteering at Leo Baeck began to fold nappies at the Ryde for Tanya when the girls attended Sunday School, opening her home Hospital in Sydney where for a progressive dinner, joining both Marilyn and her mother the board to organize social were active volunteers in the activities and taking the role of co-president with Mannie Gross for community. This rewarding one year. Currently, Tanya looks experience set the pattern for a Subsequent to her parents after security and gives hours of separating, Tanya moved to her time to help in the office and future role in volunteering. Adelaide with her mother and wherever she is needed, alongside graduated in Speech Pathology her role as vice president. She from Flinders University. Back in was a key part of the team that Sydney, her professional career organised the very successful anya’s paternal grandparents, began at Penrith Community 70th anniversary year and Julie and Adolph (a Health, where Tanya worked with celebratory dinner. Her services carpenter) Warms, came children prior to moving to the to the community have been Tfrom a small town, Herford, in adult world at Westmead Hospital. recognized as she is a recipient of the UPJ’s Ner Tamid award. northern Germany which survived Ken Opeskin was born in Alongside volunteering, Tanya unscathed during both world Johannesburg in 1958 to parents works professionally as a volunteer wars. In 1939, together with their Lynette (born in South Africa) coordinator involved with home children, Tanya’s father John, and Polish-born Ian. In the ‘60s care packages at Manicare which about 5 years old, and his younger when this traditional orthodox provides on-site rehabilitation. brother were sent to Sydney by family moved to Sydney, both In her ‘spare time’, Tanya studies the grandparents, who tragically parents continued in the German, attends Israeli dancing perished in the Riga concentration medical profession, Lynette as at LBC and together with Julie camp. John attended school in a pathologist and Ian, who was Contole, learns to play the Ukulele, Sydney and became a wholesaler originally a surgeon, became a GP. a skill they contribute to the LBC of women’s fashions. Ken himself graduated in medicine Jewish Jam sessions. Marilyn Blatt, Tanya’s mother, was from the University of NSW and the daughter of Australian-born followed in his mother’s footsteps Hannah and Stephanie attended Rachael whose family background into pathology. Fintona Girls School and the religion school and celebrated was Polish, and Joseph, born in In 1983, Tanya was introduced their b’not mitzvah at LBC. Hannah the UK and of Russian origins. In to Ken by mutual friends at an went on to study public health 1920, the 17-year-old Joseph, one orthodox shul. Philosophically and health promotion at Deakin of 8 siblings, joined a brother in they were drawn to Progressive University. She now works in the Sydney. Sadly, he lost his oldest Judaism and in September 1986 public health programme at the brother who fought on the Russian they were married at Northshore Caulfield Community Centre. side during WW1 but most of his Temple Emanuel in Chatswood Stephanie, a law and psychology siblings settled in Sydney where where Rabbi Richard Lampert graduate from La Trobe University, Joseph ran a grocery store. officiated. They may even have met is employed by a semi-government Marilyn and John met at the a younger Jonathan Black when legal firm in London where she Sydney Great Synagogue Youth he served six months as student specialises in employment law. Her club where they played tennis Rabbi there that year! In 1988 German partner Alex specializes in together and were married in 1959 they moved to Melbourne and Ken finance mergers and acquisitions by the visiting Melbourne Rabbi, took up a position as a pathologist at Rothschilds. Enjoying his Ronald Lubofsky. They welcomed in a forensic unit there and Tanya retirement, Ken is passionate three daughters into the family, continued her career in speech about creative photography and Tanya, the eldest (b.1961), Naomi pathology. They set up home in produces albums of his works. and Selina, and set up home in Davis St, Kew to have easy access East Ryde where the girls attended to the Leo Baeck Centre prior to It is people like Tanya who make the local primary school followed settling into their Argyle Rd home LBC the very special, genuine and by Malvina High School. The family where they welcomed their two caring place it is! observed traditional orthodoxy. daughters, Hannah (b.1989) and
8 Profile | June-July 2020 HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON TAFT
Professor Ron Taft turning 100
Ron was born in Canterbury, Victoria 100 years ago. He was the third child of Olya and Grisha Taft. His older siblings were Boyard and Tamara (Messer). When Doctor Hermann Sanger became the Rabbi of the new Liberal Jewish congregation, Ron was impressed with his intellect and oratory. This inspired him to join Temple Beth Israel. Over time many members of the extended Taft family joined the congregation, contributing to the development and ongoing success of this community.
In 1951 as a new resident of Perth, Western Australia, he was involved with a small group of people in forming Temple David, a Liberal congregation where he became the first President. His three children had their bat and bar mitzvahs in Great- Perth. granddaughter On returning to live in Kew, Victoria in Megan 1965 he and the family joined the Leo celebrated her Baeck congregation, where he is now the Bat Mitzvah at oldest living member. His 6 grandchildren LBC exactly 5 and 2 great grandchildren have had bar years ago in and bat mitzvahs at Leo Baeck. June 2015
Saturday 6 June to Monday 8 June, and also Saturday 13 June to Sunday 14 June - this year online! Limmud Oz + NZ – see limmudoz.com.au
June-July 2020 | Profile 9 ARTICLE | POP-UP SHABBAT
ARTICLE SEE OUT TERM 2 ONLINE Learning Online he Youth Education Group got together over Zoom to discuss the memorable and unique term of Sh’ma we have had to date and the likely easing of restrictions in Victoria, and our Tconcerns about our responsibility to the wider community when it comes to recommencing face-to-face classes.
After weighing up the risks and the rewards of congregating in Kew East (not only students but also educators, Rabbi and parents/ grandparents etc), we have decided that the safest thing to do is to see out Term 2 online. This is because the unique nature of Sh’ma-bringing together students from many different schools into one meeting spot-creates additional risks that Victoria does not need right now, when we can still teach Ivrit (Hebrew) and Yahadut (Jewish Studies) online, without compromise in quality. This sounds very sensible. After a few dramas linking in on Monday, my child reported he actually loved doing his class online!
While learning online has presented some challenges, it has also been a unique opportunity to practice delivering curriculum in new ways, and we believe that a few more weeks of it will do no harm. In fact, it may do a lot of good to our wider community. Assuming that all goes well with Victoria’s easing of restrictions, we plan to recommence for session 1 of Term 3, on Monday 13th July, at LBC.
In the interim, we have had to adjust the LBC Pop-Up Shabbat to be online – see feature.
Pop-up Shabbat goes online e have had to adjust the LBC Pop-Up Shabbat which was to be held at Bargoonga Nganjin, WNorth Fitzroy at 6pm on Friday 12 June. We are still eager to ‘see’ one another and celebrate Shabbat as a Sh’ma community, so we will be moving this celebration online, as a short pre-Shabbat get- together. Join us on Zoom that evening for the Shabbat blessings, a quick tutorial on challah braiding from Karen Silberberg, and a few words from the Rabbi. There is even the option to braid your own challah dough alongside Karen as she plaits hers at home.
We hope to see you there, 6pm 12th June.
10 Profile | June-July 2020 CHALLAH RECIPE
Rabbi’s lazy challah recipe INGREDIENTS • 7g (1 sachet) dried yeast • 500 g (3 cups) plain flour (I always like to add a tsp of flour improver if available) • 60g (1/4 cup) sugar • 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) salt • 60g (1/4 cup) vegetable margarine • 1 egg • 60 mls water • 125ml milk
METHOD
Place ingredients in the bread Step 1) place 1 under 2, over 3, For variations, you might try maker. The order is important. under 4. Step 2) place 6 under 5, colouring the braids differently, Start it on dough cycle. After 90 over 4. Step 3 on) repeat Steps 1 or adding sultanas and/or minutes it should be ready to cut and 2 until the end of the braids. chocolate chips to the dough, or into 6 strings, roll and stretch out Then press that end together as even sprinkling with hundreds long braids and place diagonally well. and thousands or chocolate across your longest baking tray. strands! Press the braids together firmly at Let rise in a warm place for 60-75 one end, and plait. minutes, and when nearly ready, Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heat the oven to 180 degrees. golden, and cool on wire rack (a Numbering 1 to 6 from left to right, hollow sound when tapping the (and the number relates to the Brush generously with egg and if bottom tells you if it is cooked!). position at any one time, not the desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or Yum! actual braid), the rule is: poppy seeds.
June-July 2020 | Profile 11 LBC COMMUNITY CALENDAR
06 June 2020 Sivan • Tamuz 5780
Mon 1 Jun 2020 | 9 Sivan Sun 14 Jun 2020 | 22 Sivan 7.00pm Care Zoom Meeting 10.00am – 1.00pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE
6.30pm – 9.30pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE Wed 3 Jun 2020 | 11 Sivan 4.00pm ‘Deborah ‘s Cocktail Hour’ on Zoom - Mon 15 Jun 2020 | 23 Sivan Elisabeth Holdsworth on the current Corona virus crisis. 4.45pm Sh’ma
Fri 5 Jun 2020 | 15 Sivan Wed 17 Jun 2020 | 25 Sivan 5.30pm Netzer SPROUT online service 7.30pm EXECUTIVE MTG - online
Sat 6 Jun 2020 | 14 Sivan Fri 19 Jun 2020 | 27 Sivan 10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by 5.30pm Intro to Judaism class - online ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat 7.00pm FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE SHABBAT SERVICE 7.30pm – 10.00pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE online COMMENCES Sat 20 Jun 2020 | 28 Sivan Sun 7 Jun 2020 | 15 Sivan 10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by 10.00am – 1.00pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat
5.00pm - 6.00pm V-UPJ Talk online – From Jesus to 11.30am LBC Studio ‘The Portal’ led by Gary Levy Bibi online
6.30pm – 10.00pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE Sun 21 Jun 2020 | 29 Sivan
Mon 8 Jun 2020 | 16 Sivan 10.30am DISCUSSION GROUP - Royalty or Republic? Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
10.00am – 1.00pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE Mon 22 Jun 2020 | 30 Sivan
4.45pm NO Sh’ma Rosh Chodesh Tamuz
6.30pm – 9.30pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE 4.45pm Last Sh’ma of Shavuot term
Fri 12 Jun 2020 | 20 Sivan Sat 27 Jun 2020 | 5 Tamuz POP-UP SHABBAT on-line, 6.00pm 10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat
Sat 13 Jun 2020 | 21 Sivan 10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat
7.30pm – 10.00pm LIMMUD OZ ONLINE
12 Profile | June-July 2020 LBC COMMUNITY CALENDAR
June 2020 Sivan • Tamuz 5780 07 July 2020 Tamuz • Av 5780
Wed 1 Jul 2020 | 9 Tamuz Wed 22 Jul 2020 | 1 Av 7.30pm Board meeting 4 - Lifecycle - online Rosh Chodesh Av
Fri 3 Jul 2020 | 11 Tamuz Sat 25 Jul 2020 | 4 Av 5.00pm Netzer SPROUT online service Shabbat Chazon
10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by Sat 4 Jul 2020 | 12 Tamuz ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat
10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by 11.30am LBC STUDIO ‘Moving through the portal ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat to...?’ led by Patricia Fenner online
Sat 11 Jul 2020 | 19 Tamuz Sun 26 Jul 2020 | 5 Av 10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by 10.30am DISCUSSION GROUP - God’s role in ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat tragedy
Mon 13 Jul 2020 | 21 Tamuz Mon 27 Jul 2020 | 6 Av 8.00am COPY DATE PROFILE MONDAY 13th 9am 4.45pm Sh’ma 4.45pm Sh’ma Recommences Tue 28 Jul 2020 | 7 Av Tue 14 Jul 2020 | 22 Tamuz 7.30pm Exec (yes, Tuesday) online meeting 7.30pm EDUCATION & YOUTH GROUP online meeting Wed 29 Jul 2020 | 8 Av Erev Tish’a B’Av Wed 15 Jul 2020 | 23 Tamuz EREV TISHA B’AV service and study online 7pm 4.00pm Deborah’s Cocktail Group online Thu 30 Jul 2020 | 9 Av Fri 17 Jul 2020 | 25 Tamuz Tish’a B’Av 5.30pm Intro to Judaism class
7.00pm FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE
Sat 18 Jul 2020 | 26 Tamuz 10.00am ONLINE SHABBAT SERVICE followed by ‘Virtual Kiddush’ and chat
Mon 20 Jul 2020 | 28 Tamuz 4.45pm Sh’ma
June-July 2020 | Profile 13 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Kiddush Hall progress
Caretaker Leon is doing a great job of redecorating the kiddush hall ready for our return - See this action shot!
He’s also keeping the gardens and roses in trim
14 Profile | June-July 2020 IN OUR COMMUNITY
BC Jewish Jam is temporarily suspended until Jewish Jam at LBC we discover a way to continue together or, until La certain level of restriction is lifted. What we would like to get back to! For any inquires, contact Tanya via the LBC Office.
Israeli Dancing at LBC continues at home!!
hile all of us are managing Wlife incorporating social distancing, no handshakes and plenty of hand washing, LBC Israeli dancing continues at home. Dance teacher Ariella has created He’s also keeping the gardens and roses in trim a weekly updated page. This allows us to remain connected and updated weekly in dance steps. We all hope that as the restrictions are lifted, Israeli dancers will be class-ready to resume where we left off.
Please feel free to join in the class at home. Maybe you might like to meet us personally when we eventually return to Tuesday morning class at LBC.
Do join us at www.Facebook.com/AriellaDonnelly
June-July 2020 | Profile 15 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Condolences and Gratitude
CONDOLENCES TO:
Pierre Harcourt and Alison Harcourt on the death of Dr Richard David Harcourt
Ray, Jennifer and Daniele Solomon on the death of their daughter and sister Gina.
Vicky, Kate and Simon Grosser on the death of their uncle Greg Kerr’s plaque was ‘virtually’ dedicated after the Gordon Levinson. Shabbat morning online service on 4th April.
GRATEFUL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR DONATIONS OF TIME AND/OR MONEY TO:
David Rooseboom, Michael & Ruth Taft, Rob Kendall, Hugh Berryman-Brook, Tony Kerron, Tanya Warms, David Rose, Alan Harvey, Janet Bau, Jack & Lilian Cohen, Terri Nathan, Helen Wolfram, Patricia Fenner, Jonathan Taft, Albert Isaacs, Julie Contole, Val Silberberg, Monica Petterson & Jock Orkin, Peter & Judi Schiff, Wanda Will, Barry Fried, Irma Traeger, Nadine Cohen & Julie-Anne Lilienthal, Ruth Beilin, David Brous, Sam & Sharene Hambur, Michael & Jennifer Rozen, Dean Pavitt, and anonymous – and anyone else who we may inadvertently have omitted, with apologies.
16 Profile | June-July 2020 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Community Happenings June/July/2020
We’ve featured it already but it SPECIAL deserves repeating! BIRTHDAYS 3rd June CONDOLENCES TO: Ron Taft 100th birthday!
Other significant birthdays Judy Stanton, Anastasia Pellicano, Chrys Polack, Louisa Flander, Michael Kaye, Gabriella Schiftan, Geoffrey Schiff, Dorothy Keron, Henry Okraglik
Mazal Tov to SIGNIFICANT 40th 50th 60th Linda Stern on her ANNIVERSARIES Jonathan John and Joseph reappointment to AND MAZAL-TOVS Keren-Black Marsha & Ahava Honorary Senior Fellow and Sue Black Merory Spring at Melbourne University
Pierre Harcourt WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Sam Scott AND FRIENDS Anna Game-Lopata
If you are not receiving regular emails from LBC DO YOU GET IT? then please let the office know.
As well as the weekly eProfile which has been coming out on Wednesdays, and notice of births and deaths which come out as necessary, Rabbi Jonathan has been sending out the Rabbi’s ‘Kol-Bo’ Compendium every Monday and Friday to keep in regular contact. But we know that some internet providers have been blocking them. Bigpond and we now believe Hotmail seem to be doing so. We have a way round that, but we need to know, so please check your emails and let As the lockdown is progressively lifted, we’ll be adjusting our mailings and will be going to one the office [email protected] ( ) if you are Rabbi’s Compendium early in the week and one not getting them. weekly eProfile for the weekends.
June-July 2020 | Profile 17 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Letters LEAVING OUT THE THAT OTHER UNFOLDING EMERGENCY… MOST VULNERABLE I start my letter to LBC with a government declarations of the It is sad that Josh Frydenberg quote from Antonio Guterres, climate emergency and actions to requires 24-hour security the ninth secretary general of stop poisoning our air, water, soil protection because of anti- the United Nations. He took and children with the products of Semitic attacks against him. office in 2017. Before that, he fossil fuel burning- coal, oil and But Frydenberg has shown was the United Nations high gas, and wood burning. tolerance and understanding commissioner for refugees. of the less fortunate members I love our indigenous fauna and of the Australian community in “For years, we have failed our flora, and have a particular great his recent budget measures and young by damaging the planet love of our beautiful forests. taxpayers would not begrudge and failing to protect the people I wish I could learn more from the this expenditure. most vulnerable to crises. We have a rare and short window of people that lived for thousands Furthermore I am confident opportunity to rectify that — by of years in harmony with this that Frydenberg, recalling the rebuilding a better world, not continent’s nature. Torah maxim to not oppress the reverting to one that is good for I am calling for help from all of stranger, is capable of viewing only a minority of its citizens. you in the LBC community to sympathetically the needs of respect nature and correct the perhaps the most disadvantaged We must act now to tackle the huge destructive practices so members of the community i.e. coronavirus globally for all of our that we all have a future in tune those refugees languishing in sakes — and, at the same time, and harmony with this beautiful Kangaroo Point and the Mantra pursue immediate ambitious planet. hotel in Preston who are facing climate action for a cleaner, acute mental health issues. greener, more prosperous and John Merory MB BS, FRACP, equitable world. ANZAN, MEnvSci. So I appeal to Josh Frydenberg, don’t wait for any of these I recognise my love for my hapless souls to suicide* or family, Jewish and world human to die of other causes but use community and the beautiful SUPPORTING PLURALISM your position in government to fauna, land, seas and waterways IN ISRAEL insist that they be released from of Australia. detention today. I would like to take this I am a retired medical opportunity to emphasise our I am writing to my own practitioner, a post WW2 baby, support for a pluralist social synagogue magazine in and forever grateful to my democracy in Israel and register frustration because I have parents for having chosen this our concern at the growing repeatedly had no responses from wonderful land after the horrors inequity in Israel and what we feel trying to contact the Minister of the war. threatens to betray the founding. directly. ideology of the Jewish State. It is I learned about the threat of hard to take joy in the continual Robin Rothfield global warming and climate slippage to the right of the change in 1962 – close to 60 political pendulum in Israel. Alphington years ago, from my uncle, Joseph Peter Funk, PhD in Yours, Joe and Jan Epstein [email protected] physics who sent instruments on balloons into the atmosphere from the CSIRO lab in Aspendale., Melbourne. He TRAGICALLY ONE and his co-workers predicted PERSON ATTEMPTED drought, fires, floods and sea TO COMMIT SUICIDE IN level rise. THE MANTRA HOTEL AS I am a whole-hearted climate Letters should be sent WE WENT TO PRESS ON to ‘[email protected] and 13TH MAY activist, a solar energy advocate and user, and support local marked ‘Letter to the Editor’
18 Profile | June-July 2020 IN OUR COMMUNITY
What’s On
Leo Baeck Centre Leo Baeck Centre FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM Erev justice justice you shall pursue justice justice you shall pursue Intro to Judaism Tish’a B’Av Fri 19 June 2020 5:30pm Fri 17 July 2020 5:30pm
Wednesday 29 July 2020 7pm service and study online
ONLINE SEE LBC.ORG.AU FOR LINK ONLINE SEE LBC.ORG.AU FOR LINK
This and the last edition of Profile were compiled by Rabbi Jonathan and formatted by Jane Green from EverlastingMagicDesign.
Opinions expressed in Profile are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the President/s or Board of Management. Articles may be edited for reasons of length or clarity. Advertisements will be accepted - please contact the office for details.
Profile is registered to Australia Post Publication Number PP 325 999 10035
June-July 2020 | Profile 19 Leo Baeck Centre FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM justice justice you shall pursue
Deborah‘sCocktail Hour Live wednesday 3rd june 4pm FRIDAY
NIGHT SPEAKER: Elisabeth Holdsworth on the current Corona virus crisis. 7pm 7pm wednesday 15th july 4pm 19th 17th JUNE JULY SPEAKER: 2020 2020
justice, justice you shall pursue Speaker to be notified. Leo Baeck Centre FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM
online SEE LBC.org.au FOR LINK ONLINE SEE LBC.org.au FOR LINK
Leo Baeck Centre FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM justice justice you shall pursue justice, justice you shall pursue DISCUSSION GROUP Leo Baeck Centre FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM LBC Studio led by RABBI JONATHAN Saturday 20th June 2020 11.30-12.30 Come along with your thoughts, concerns and opinions. ‘The Portal’ by Arundhati Roy with (after service) discussion guided by Gary Levy. The discussion group is a chance to raise any issue you wish, and we’ll also have a discussion theme: Please try to preview the 90 second video at SUNDAY https://youtu.be/7hgQFaeaeo0 Royalty or 21 JUNE Republic? 10:30-12:00 Saturday 25th July 2020 ‘Moving through the portal to...?’ 11.30-12.30 God’s Role in 26 JULY (after service) A trigger film and discussion Tragedy 10:30-12:00 guided by Patricia Fenner.
ONLINE SEE LBC.org.au FOR LINK ONLINE SEE LBC.org.au FOR LINK