The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Founded 1841

ISSUE 9 Nisan – Elul 5768 / April – September 2008

Destiny – Magazine of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Inc. Print Post Publication No. PP 318473/00005 From the Chairman’s Desk

appeal not only to our members Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Dear Congregants, Established 1841 and their friends but also to welcome to the students of art history and Cnr Toorak Rd & Arnold St (P.O. Box 372) South Yarra 3141 Pesach 2008 edition architecture, individuals Ph: (03) 9866 2255 Fax: (03) 9866 2022 of Destiny. interested in religious buildings email: and those in the arts with an [email protected] Since the New Year issue your appreciation of the beauty of Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Inc Executive has been particularly ABN 39 003 125 142 busy and the results of much of leadlight artistry.. Registration No A0019856D this effort can be seen in this I acknowledge the efforts of www.melbournesynagogue.org.au issue. David Sherr editor of the book Synagogue Office Hours Perhaps the largest and most who together with Stephen Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 4.00pm Reynolds and Stephen Freeman Friday 9.00am – 12.00 noon. complicated project nearing of Photosynthesis have worked Rabbi: completion is publication of a executive decided to look for tirelessly to ensure this Dovid Rubinfeld deluxe hard cover coffee table art ways to make the ground floor [email protected] publication will be a success. book entitled ‘The Architecture mens area cosier and the service Outreach & Public Relations Manager: The Shule’s website is now in and Leadlight Windows of the more inclusive. The installation Ronny Kowadlo excess of 12 years old and is [email protected] Melbourne Synagogue’. of the blinds will result in our need of significant updating, one DESTINY EDITOR: At the time of writing the final regulars and guests sitting in a far could say that it needed a facelift David Lissauer touches are being made to the more confined space closer to the [email protected] and a new heart to make it more book and it is anticipated that Bimah ensuring their Local Contributors: user friendly and bring it up to printing of the book will involvement in the service and David H Sherr, Diane Jacobson, date. In addition it requires a the Freda Kaufman, Stephen Reynolds, commence during the later part their proximity to the Rabbi and necessary processes to ensure the Eric Cohen OAM, Ronny Kowadlo of April. A personalised Bahl Tefillah. .We realise this Leonard Yaffe site is continually updated and invitation will be sent to all change may take some getting International Contributors: improved. I am delighted to members together with used to however, for the ultimate Ted Roberts, Eliezer Segal, Ephraim Inbar, announce that cardiologist, Hirsh Goodman, Sy Manello communal and other dignitaries benefit of the service and the Dr Victor Wayne has agreed to Shule Magazine Coordinator: to attend the official launch of members who regularly attend undertake this task and we all Linda Williamson this landmark publication and I we believe this is an important [email protected] look forward to reviewing the hope that many of our members step that will benefit all and only Proofreading: web site revamp and updates as will take the opportunity of enhance our services. Diane Jacobson, Karen Lissauer they unfold. attending what will be a very Members should be aware Design, Photography & Production: We are also pleased to Photosynthesis Graphic Design special event. A major part of the that for events such as Wedding announce that after many years Tel: 9877 4455 cost of this publication has been call ups and Barmitzvahs the [email protected] we have decided to upgrade a generously underwritten by two blinds will be raised if and when Advertising Co-ordination: number of the conveniences families – Mr Israel Rosenfeld & required. Jackie Somerville within the building. A contract [email protected] family together with Dr and Mrs Our thanks to the Bennie & has been let and construction Destiny Magazine is published by Harry Perelberg. Both families Jeanette Borenstein & family for will commence after Passover to and circulated to members of the are members of long standing sponsoring the project. We Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Inc ensure the construction works and continue to be generous certainly look forward to © MHC 2008.This magazine is a copyright publication. will be completed before the No part of it may be reproduced without supporters of the Congregation. members attending on a service the prior written permission of the publisher High Holyday period. The work (Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Inc.). The Executive have decided when the blinds are down and undertaken will see major that every member family of the receiving your feed back. changes to the ladies congregation will receive (at no Friday evening and early conveniences located on the MHC – A Brief History charge) a copy of this morning services will continue to landing at the front of the he Melbourne Hebrew Congregation magnificent book as recognition be held in the Herscu (minor) traces its history back to almost the building as well as the male & T of your ongoing membership Shule. If any members have not beginning of British settlement in female conveniences located at Melbourne. Established in 1841, it is and support of the Congregation. attended a Friday night service in the rear of the building. At this Victoria’s oldest congregation and one For those members that consider our minor Shule surrounded by of the oldest continuously operating point in time due to the they would like to make a the magnificent new Perelberg orthodox congregations in the substantial costs associated with English-speaking world. contribution towards this project, leadlight windows, you are this project, we will not be Often referred to as the Mother such of course will be welcomed certainly doing yourselves a upgrading the external male Congregation of Victorian Jewry, its and much appreciated. disservice and I suggest that you members have always been proud conveniences; however we hope We also plan to release a attend one of these short services Australians who have positively that these can also be addressed contributed to the community. "limited edition" leather bound and see for yourselves. in the not too distant future. The original synagogue building version of the book that will be An integral part of the project was situated in Bourke St, Melbourne. Members who visit our Shule available at $250.00 and all to install the electronic In 1930 General Sir John Monash on a Shabbat from Pesach opened the current synagogue designed interested in securing a leather retractable blinds are plans for onwards will see a change to the by noted Australian architect, Nahum bound copy will need to be early the installation of a mechitza on Barnet. It has been described as the main Shule. We have installed in contacting the shule office to the ground floor of the Cathedral Synagogue of Melbourne, blinds under the perimeter of the and with its classical architecture, reserve one. synagogue, and of course within ladies gallery that can be lowered has become an iconic landmark. The Congregation is currently the confines of the blinds, The auditorium seats over 1,300 people. or raised electronically. negotiating with a local thereby bringing ladies who may The dome and clerestory features twelve The main Shule area as we all magnificent lead glass windows, depicting bookstore to stock and sell the wish to be seated on the ground know is a very large space and on the Twelve Tribes of Israel. case bound book and this floor, in closer proximity to the Many distinguished leaders have a normal Shabbat when we information will be on- service. This will also have the attended services here over the years attract 50 to 100 regulars these including members of the Knesset, forwarded once final added benefit for any who daveners sit on their seats spread distinguished philosophers, two Presidents arrangements have been made. encounter difficulties in climbing of the State of Israel and numerous There is no doubt the book will throughout the auditorium. The Australian Governors General. the stairs to the ladies gallery. 2 (Continued) On those weeks when the prepare building plans that this regard. Pesach and we hope you find downstairs mechitza is in allowed for disabled and elderly All the above changes have them interesting and enjoyable. operation the Shabbat morning access for the entire community required a significant input from It also covers recent Shule kiddush that follows the service and then to further develop and our head of House, Norman fuctions in words and pictures as will be held downstairs in the enhance our building to ensure Faifer in particular and together well as travel, kosher food and front foyer and not in the its library and archival collection with other members of the contributions from our overseas Winton Hall. can not only be appropriately congregation, I take this correspondents. Members are aware that our stored, but displayed and opportunity to thank them on It would be remiss of me not stunning building, constructed in accessible in a manner that will your behalf. to draw attention to the article 1930, requires constant enable use by not only members A further significant change referring to the 80th birthday of maintenance. All buildings need but researchers & historians from has been the appointment of Eric M Cohen OAM. A life regular maintenance and clearly the wider community in Ronny Kowadlo as the Shule’s Governor and Past President of the older the building the more Melbourne & throughout Outreach and Public Relations the Congregation, Eric has and that is required. Since the Australia. Manager. We are delighted that continues to be a tireless worker construction of the building This plan needed to be carried Executive member Malcolm on behalf of the Congregation.. however, the charter of the out in line with the heritage Brown has agreed to be a mentor It was a wonderful Shabbat in synagogue has somewhat characteristics of our building, to Ronny and work closely with our Shule when we together with changed. Yes the synagogue is the requirement to be as energy him to pass on his wide Eric’s family and friends joined used by its members as a house conscious as possible and experience in marketing and together to recognize this of worship but over time the cognizant of the fact that the sales. All of you would know important milestone. We wish building has been viewed by the Australian population is an Ronny as our Bahl Koreh, he Eric and Bev many more years of wider Jewish community as the ageing one. Needless to say having occupied this position health and happiness together venue of choice for large occupying the highly visible with our congregation for ten and we certainly look forward to communal events. These aren’t stature that we do, the public years, and he certainly knows their continued involvement in necessarily religious in nature building security aspects also many of those members who all aspects of Shule life and are as diverse as a venue for needed to be taken into account. attend on a regular basis. He An article of considerable concerts or a function to honor a Once the plan prepared and hopes over time to get to know interest is the review of the visiting dignitary. Furthermore costed by Norman Faifer was in all our congregants. In the official launch of our latest the congregation now plays host place the next step in the process meantime Ronny has been very archival exhibition entitled ‘With to an ever increasing number of was to register an application for busy organising our first ever This Ring – the Mystique of PROBUS and other visiting the synagogue to receive status Seder to be held on the first Jewish Marriage – Rituals & groups and to students from non as a "deductible gift recipient" night of Pesach and as this Traditions’. Reaction from within Jewish schools as well as hosting .This process was put into place edition is being finalised we are the congregation as well as from our changing archival exhibitions and an application has in fact pleased to report that at least visitors to the Synagogue has that are open to the general been lodged with the Federal thirty participants have indicated been positive and certainly is an public and not only to our Government. To date we are yet they will be attending. Ronny endorsement of the Archival members or the Jewish to hear if our application will be will also be actively campaigning Committee & the decision of the community.. successful. Assuming we will be, to increase our membership both Executive to enable aspects of The congregation being the donations made specifically to a from within the Shule as well as our vast archival collection to be mother congregation for building fund in line with the externally and we look forward available for public viewing. If Victorian Jewry also boasts a plans as prepared, will then to Ronny and his wife Natalie you have not visited the significant archival collection become tax deductible. I will settling into the new role and exhibition I urge you to do so. specifically related to Victorian report back to you the members, adding significantly to the In February the congregation Jewry and the role its members once we receive the outcome of ongoing development of Toorak was delighted to host the first and others have played in the the application. Shule. Ronny will also play an Sheva Brachot for long time development of the State of The real work will them integral role in leading groups of supporters of the congregation, Victoria and the Australian wider commence in raising sufficient school students and overseas Amanda Mendes Da Costa and community. funds to ensure works can be visitors through the Shule as Michael Danby M.P. A full report Both the congregation and the undertaken. required. Congratulations are in with photographs can be found wider general community are The executive is of the order to the Kowadlos. Natalie on pages 16 and 17. part of an ageing population and opinion that the Melbourne and Ronny are expecting their Whilst you are in the Shule as a result there is an increasingly Synagogue is a landmark second child later this year. We spend a few minutes with Ronny important requirement that our building in Melbourne and look forward to them and their or the Rabbi over a coffee – building be made user friendly belongs not only to our growing family becoming a long they’ll certainly welcome a chat not only for the disabled but members and those ever term and important component with all members and visitors. those that can no longer climb increasing members of the wider of the Shule for many years to On reflection it’s been a very stairs easily. general community that avail come. busy and rewarding time for the To ensure that we are in a themselves of what we have to I am pleased to note that this executive and we hope that our position as we move forward to offer, in reality it, as are our years Batmizvah classes have endeavors on the part of you our make the necessary changes to members, a part of the very commenced under the guidance members, are meeting your our building to enable a large fabric of the city of Melbourne of Yehudit Kazatsky. This year we expectations. number of urgent building and of the State of Victoria. To have six girls participating. Their I take this opportunity on upgrade works, including those that end the Synagogue is graduation is planed for late behalf of Karen and our family to as noted above, and to currently making applications to November 2008 and I look wish all congregants Be-birkat furthermore ensure we can various government authorities forward to reporting their chag kosher vesamech, may you appropriately house our unique to inquire as to whether financial progress in further issues of the all enjoy a happy Pesach archival collection, reputed to be assistance is available to realize magazine. To date I have heard one of Australia’s finest, the the plans that have now very that all participants are Congregation will require much now been formalised.. thoroughly enjoying the learning significant funding to meet the Once again I will keep you experience that is an important cost of this major project. informed as to our success but part of them completing their David Lissauer, After much consideration, the have every reason to be batmitzvah study year. Chairman. executive resolved that to move optimistic that we will be This issue of Destiny contains forward we firstly needed to successful in all our endeavors in a number of articles pertinent to

3 Chief Rabbi’s Shule Pesach Message 5768 Notes

This year as we prepare to Thursday Morning Services celebrate Israel's sixtieth Held in the Herscu Minor Shule anniversary, think of the power at 7.15am followed by a tasty of Pesach to shape Jewish breakfast. history. Pesach was and always will be Tuesday Night Shiur our way of remembering the The Rabbi’s Tuesday night Shiur miracles of the past: the journey held for both men and women from slavery to freedom, from commences at 8.30pm. Egypt to the promised land. But Location 33 Melby Avenue, when Israel again went into exile, East St Kilda. memory of the past became hope Bar Mitzvah Classes for the future. What had The classes the Rabbi holds for happened once would happen Bar Mitzvah are held at his home again. In the words of the 33 Melby Avenue, East St Kilda prophet Micah (7:15), 'As in the every Tuesday night at 7.30pm. days when you came out of Egypt, Any questions feel free to contact I will show you miracles'. The state of Israel, testimony expresses emotion better than the Rabbi at the Shule office or So hope was born. Nowhere of the power of faith to triumph the written or spoken word. on mobile 0419 302 422. was this expressed so simply and over tragedy, is a living symbol of If I were to summarise the powerfully as in the words with hope. message, it would be in the Bat Mitzvah Classes which the Seder opens: 'This year The State of Israel still needs words of Mallei:' This is the Lord's Hadassa Kessler holds here, next year in the land of Israel. hope. It has found its many doing. It is wondrous in our eyes. Bat Mitzvah classes. This year slaves, next year free.' offers of peace rebuffed. It is still This is the day the Lord has made. Call Jackie Somerville on That hope sustained the surrounded by enemies, still at Let us rejoice and be glad in it.' 9866 2255 for details. Jewish people through some of risk of terror. It still has to fight This Pesach, and this Yom the darkest nights of human for what every other nation takes Ha-Atzmaut, let us think about history, ages in which Jews knew for granted, the right to be. It is the chapter in the story of Pesach all too well what is was to eat the at such times that we realize, all added by the modern state of G.O.F. (Jeff) Panckow bread of affliction and taste the over again, that the fate of Israel. It tells of how a people, bitter herbs of suffering. nations is as much determined ravaged by anti-Semitism, were Painting & Decorating When, a thousand years from by spiritual as by military inspired to undertake another Home Maintenance now, people look back on Jewish strength, perhaps more so. Faith exodus, another journey from Advice & Service history, people will wonder, with sustained Israel in the past. slavery to freedom; and whether 9707 5161 and genuine astonishment, how three It will do so now. they knew it or not, G-d was 0417 408 592 years after the Shoah, the Jewish So important do I believe this with them, helping them do people was reborn as a sovereign to be, that together with the wonders. May He be with the nation in its own land. They will most wonderful support of some land and its people, and with us, see it as a miracle not less than outstanding people, I have made in these worrying yet wondrous the original exodus. Pesach is not a double CD which is being sent times. only about the past but about to all communities under my Be-birkat chag kosher Compliments and the present and future. aegis for distribution. It tells the ve-sameach, best wishes from Memory plus faith equals story of Israel from biblical times hope. Israel is the nation whose to today, together with Michael & Sara national anthem, Hatikvah, contemporary music from or Chief Rabbi, means hope. about the land, because song Sir Jonathan Sacks Kowadlo

MHC Chanukah Service for Jewish Care n keeping with an MHC tradition, the Shule held its Chanukah Service for Jewish Care in early December. The 90 who attended included Iresidents of the five special accommodation houses, their families, carers and MHC Congregants. The proceedings were conducted by Rabbis Rubinfeld and Kluwgant and finished with an individual candle lighting and refreshments. A presentation by the Synagogue was made of framed relief maps of Israel for each of the five special accommodation houses.

4 From the Rabbi’s Desk

A number of years ago I was invited to chair an evening with a that some of my time away from Melbourne should be spent at this special guest speaker on the topic "IS IT FUN BEING JEWISH". conference that was promoted as "THE ETERNAL JEWISH FAMILY". As may be expected, this question was not For those interested, I’m more than happy to chat about many of the answered with a simple "YES" or "NO". themes discussed there – during the numerous lectures and informal Before I introduced the guest speaker discussion sessions. I offered my perspective – explaining to I did spend time with my children and grandchildren, however my the audience about the persecutions and wife the rebettzen, suggested that while in the USA, we should also tsores [troubles] we Jews have always attend the Agudah Convention, held suffered for being Jewish, [even in annually in Connecticut and where over a many places until today]. thousand Jews encompassing rabbonim Our two holy temples were and communal leaders (among others) destroyed in Jerusalem more than from around the world gather to discuss two thousand years ago and we issues of importance – with an emphasis on continue to commemorate this tragedy KIRUV RECHOKIM, bringing people closer in our calendar – called Tisha B’av – a to Judaism. day of mourning, fasting and Maybe things did not work out depriving ourselves from comfort to exactly as I planned – but it was all well commemorate those destructions. worth while. In addition to that we have other days I learnt much from many of the in the year where we commemorate other lectures and gained a greater insight into the unfortunate incidents that occurred many years ago. difficulties facing our people – on many fronts. On a personal note, I What about the Spanish Inquisition and the atrocities of the Holocaust just hope that those who take the trouble to read this message will take which we should never allow any of our children or the world to forget. time to just sit down [or stand] and think about their lives, their future, I would interrupt myself during my talk by asking, "NU, is it fun being and what goals and achievements they would like to attain. There is Jewish"? I then continued on and on [as usual] until it was time for the more to living than just eating, drinking, and working. We have to guest speaker to address the crowd and of course, we both agreed with make changes by spending more time enjoying a Shabbat or Yom Tov, the same outcome. attending shule services as a first priority and making an effort to learn Passover [Pesach] is a very enjoyable festival [yom tov] where how to use a siddur. Then comes a familiarity with the Chumash and families gather together for the Seder; children and grandchildren Talmud – knowledge and learning that bring you closer to Judaism. asking the four questions (of the ‘Ma Nishtanah’) and the father or As an aside, for anyone interested in learning to read Hebrew, it will grandfather sitting at the head of the table discussing the exodus from give me great pleasure to present you [with my compliments], a copy of Egypt. This is a beautiful time in a Jewish family’s life. So I ask a fifth an Aleph Bet reading book that I published. With my assistance or question "is it fun, when the first Seder happens to occur this year on a during your spare read through the book. It will be of great benefit to Saturday night – necessitating all the preparations for the Seder being you and of course do not hesitate to call on me for any personal completed before Saturday ?" tuition. So, I would like to write a few lines explaining – Ma Nishtana – And a final thought – why this year is different to other years. Mazel tov, you finally bought the Saab you had your eye on for a The first seder night may fall on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and long time. Leather seats, sun roof, the right colour and has all the extra Friday evenings. If it falls on a weekday evening, the cleaning and gadgets you could think of. Of course let us not forget the cost of the burning of the chametz [bread] is all completed at its normal time. car, very expensive. You are sitting in the car not going anywhere just The night before the Seder you carry out the obligation of searching sitting and enjoying the comfortable leather seats, inviting your friends and cleaning out the bread from your house or any other property that to have a glance at it making sure they don’t lay any finger marks on belongs to you, and the next morning which is the eve of the Seder you your new and beautiful shiny silver Saab. Suddenly, you are giving burn it. But what happens when the first Seder falls on Saturday night yourself a tour around the car and you nearly faint when you discover a and you cannot search and clean your house the night before (ie. tiny scratch on the side that no one would even notice except when you Friday) for chametz and of course let alone burn the chametz the eve of stop and stare at it. You are devastated, you don’t believe that you really the Seder (which is Saturday) ??? This is why the search, clean and burn saw that tiny scratch – but it is not a dream – you really saw it. It is procedure is completed a day early, commencing on Thursday evening, such a disaster that you feel like saying kaddish over this horrible and burning the chametz on Friday morning. The difficult part is to eat unfortunate sight. bread on Shabbat which is an obligation while being forbidden from Well by now you are wondering where this is leading to. Be patient I eating matzah – that cannot be eaten until the Seder night. But we Jews am working through an analogy. manage just like we manage with everything else in life !! A wedding day is a very happy and special celebration, a day when a Maybe now you can understand how much fun it is to be Jewish ! man and woman decide to get married in anticipation of sharing their On the other hand, [whether fun or not] our Jewish culture, heritage future lives together. By celebrating this occasion you want to make and tradition is unique and no other nation is able to comprehend our sure that everything is perfect. You may have even engaged a wedding way of life if all they think we stand for are war and politics. Those planner to ensure that the flowers are matching, the bridesmaids people who read and understand what really is the purpose of our looking beautiful, the groomsmen handsome, the music in tune and being here, [to keep the torah and its commandments] look at us the photos and video sharp. Everything perfect – or is it ?? Your big day differently and with respect. and special event will develop that dent and scratch by having non Have you ever experienced an incident where things did not work kosher catering at your simcha ! From my experiences I can assure you out as planned? Well, that is what happened to me on my recent trip to that having a kosher function will be of great benefit to the families of the U.S. in November. My intentions were to visit my family in New the simcha and to the rabbis officiating. This applies not only for a York and New Jersey, however this all changed after I received a wedding but for all your simchot as well. So, let us try and avoid the telephone call from my son-in-law in New Jersey informing me of a dents and scratches of life and have a perfect Saab [simcha]. special "GEIRUS" convention in Washington D.C. – a convention May we all be blessed to enjoy good health and many simchot; dealing with conversions and intermarriage. Being an issue that I am together with my wife Miriam, I extend a Chag Pesach Kasher constantly quizzed about and often need to become involved in at v’sameach – a happy and joyous festival of Pesach to you all. the Irequest of members and others, I considered it only appropriate Rabbi Dovid Rubinfeld, Chief Minister 5 Meet Ronny Kowadlo – The Shule’s Outreach & Public Relations Manager

A new, exciting appointment has been made at Toorak Shule. Recently Ronny resigned as Operations Manager from a large safety Ronny Kowadlo is the new Outreach and Public Relations company to take up his new full time position at Toorak synagogue. manager at our synagogue. He is dedicated to reaching out to those members who come to shule If you are envisaging a corporate style, high flier office rarely and involve them more in synagogue life. “The synagogue is a bearer, you will be disappointed, for 31 year old Ronny is living feature of Jewish life”, he said, “and it is there for them”. softly spoken, with a disarming smile and quiet, yet Describing some of his strategies for the immediate future, Ronny authoritative personality. He is no stranger to the outlined several attractive concepts, and the fundamental streams soon Melbourne Hebrew Congregation as he has been the emerged – informality and camaraderie. He plans to visit members – Baal Koreh since 1998, a position he still retains. go for coffee – chat and get to know them, targeting a social and Ronny is the son of Sarah and Michael relaxed relationship. Ronny is also very keen to attract new Kowadlo with a sister, Natalie. Together members to our congregation. He would like to see more with his wife, (the new) Natalie, he is Shabbatons at shule so that families can join together for founding his own little dynasty with 16 food and fun. To begin the new directives, a Seder will take month old son Lior. place in Winton Hall on the first night of Pesach – Many mature members of the amazingly, a first for our shule, and may it be a harbinger congregation will remember Reverend for the future. Kowadlo from the St Kilda Hebrew Ronny is a Collingwood supporter and a keen Congregation in the 1940’s. Ronny sportsman with ambitions to qualify for the squash team explained that the Reverend was his in the 2009 Maccabee Games. “I’m happy to take on a grandfather’s brother, in a word, his great challenge from any of our members”, he quipped. uncle! Please ring Ronny at the synagogue office on 9866 2255 Ronny was educated at Yeshivah College, to say hello or with any ideas you may have to keep our followed by a year in Israel on the B’nei Akiva beautiful and historic shule a viable Beit Knesset for the program, which also included a learning Melbourne Jewish community. period in a Yeshivah. Freda Kaufman. On his return, he studied a Sales and FOOTNOTE: Ronny and Natalie are expecting Marketing course and has had related work their second child in October. experience since that time.

According to Thoreau,“Time is but a stream I go fishing in.” Something Is Fishy How philosophical! How existential! How literary!

ot to depricate a great American author, let us instead fixate others; there are many fish in the sea. If someone gives you the fish on the prominence of fish (and other denizens of the deep) eye, then clam up. It may be that they are just baiting you. Nin our everyday conversation. With water being such a large When an activity comes to you with ease, you may think that it is component of our earth, it should not be surprising that we have so like shooting fish in a barrel. (The unfairness of such a situation never many expressions that entail references to “fish.” seems to bother many; hmmm.) Who among us has never felt like a fish out of water? Take us Daily problems we may encounter involve being packed in like from our secure element and often we are at a loss. Then, if you sense sardines or fending off someone who drinks like a fish. others studying you, you may feel as if you were living in a Other creatures we may meet on a daily basis are goldfish bowl. those who are sharks (ferocious in their pursuit), Sometimes we encounter bottom feeders (the scum of the earth) or someone who will not just get on shrimp (nonentities). There is with the things at hand and we also the one who does want to confront this person and bad things and is challenge him with, “Just fish or hard to catch; he is cut bait!” After all, you cannot slippery as an eel. If waste so much of your precious the person has a rather hard time when you have many other fish to fry. exterior and is often snappish and sharp in Have you ever done something and craved recognition for it? You his discourse, he may be described as a crab. may have been said to be fishing for compliments. Don’t, however, For those of you who cannot distinguish between mussels and succumb to those who are easy with their flattery or you may find muscles, I have little to say other than you should be more devoted yourself falling for something hook, line and sinker. readers of my columns. For those who question the porpoise of my If you find yourself having a whale of a time, you may later writing, let me say that I do it just for the halibut. concoct a whale of a tale. If friends do not believe you, then seek Sy Manello

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6 Eric M Cohen OAM – 80th Birthday

ric Cohen’s life has been a organisations and institutions • I must not forget the Orphans lifetime of dedication and over the years, both Jewish and and Aid Society which is Edevotion to family and non Jewish. As Beverley again concerned with the community service. It is fitting noted: "Being an accountant, integration of children into that we acknowledge and someone always wanted him to Jewish schools. Eric has been celebrate Eric’s 80th year in this be Treasurer" its Treasurer for many years. shule as Eric has been an integral The list of organisations and I could go on, but the list is part of it for as long as I can institutions who have been the endless of organisations and remember, and I am 68. recipients of Eric’s guidance, institutions to whom Eric has Eric has been involved in the wisdom and talents is endless, rendered substantial and management of the shule for but let me list just a few of them: ongoing honorary service. many years and was one of the • United Jewish Education Board Eric is the quintessential members responsible for the • The Heart Foundation communal honorary worker. rejuvenation of the shule and the That is why he was recognised by • Bethlehem Hospital congregation in the mid 80s. being admitted to the Order of Eric was president for two years • Numerous accountancy • He has been actively involved Australia, receiving an OAM for during 1987 and 1989 but his committees and tribunals with the Jewish Museum from communal service. active involvement in the shule • The Historical Society, both its inception in the early Eric we salute you, we are pre-dated and post-dated that State and Jewish 1980s and was its Treasurer humble in your presence. term for many years. • The Genealogical Society for 12 years. We congratulate you on achieving your first 80 years and A few statistics: I should interrupt my list for a • Eric and Beverley are active look forward to Davening with • Eric was born in January moment to say that over the members of the B’nai B’rith you in this shule for many years 1928. years Eric has developed a and Eric has been auditor of to come. • He stated university just after passionate interest in history and B’nai B’rith Australia, B’nai his 17th birthday doing a the preservation of archives. B’rith Victoria and their units This is the full text delivered by commerce course He has been substantially as well as being involved in Alan Goldberg at the Shabbat responsible in recent years for the Anti-Defamation service, 1st March 2008. • After university he joined the preservation and protection Commission and its the accounting practice of the archives of this important work. established by his late Congregation which date back to father Morris. the earliest days of the ERIC & BEC COHEN FAMILY WEDDINGS AT MHC – FIVE GENERATIONS • He and Beverley married in establishment of the Colony of Morris J COHEN married Isabella JONES ...... 20th December 1857 1953 – he was only 25. Victoria. That’s not surprising Joseph M COHEN married Esther ABRAHAM ...... 23rd March 1898 • Eric and Beverley have 3 considering that Eric’s great- Morris J COHEN married Esther COHEN ...... 14th April 1927 Eric COHEN married Beverley JOSEPH ...... 9th April 1953 children and 8 grandchildren great- great-grandfather, and Robyn COHEN married David WINOGRAD...... 1st August 1982 aged 14 to 24. mine, Michael Cashmore was the Also founding President of this But statistics don’t tell about the Henry COHEN married Esther CASHMORE...... 5th February 1868 real man – As Beverley has put it: Congregation, established in Hyman JOSEPH married Sarah MARKS...... 25th June 1856 "For as long as I have known him 1841. Joseph D JOSEPH married Esther SOLOMON ...... 11th April 1883 he has been doing something for Let me continue my list of Note: someone else" organisations and institutions Henry Cohen was Eric’s Great Grandfather His accounting talents acted with which Eric has been Hyman Joseph was Bev’s Great Grandfather as a magnet for many involved: Joseph D Joseph (A past president of MHC) was Bev’s Grandfather) “60 Days for 6 Million” – Reactions to our DVD from the United Kingdom I’m Mike Lyons and I run the website for the Brighton I’ve only experienced this once before and that was after the & Hove Hebrew Congregation in England. film Schindler’s List which of course was also about the Every week I highlight a couple of synagogues Holocaust. Normally when a film finishes and reality from around the world and a few weeks ago regains control people start chatting and laughing and I chose, at random, the Melbourne Hebrew carrying on with their lives, but not after that film. Congregation and sent an email informing You could almost hear that pin drop as the audience them of this. filed out, stunned by what they had just witnessed. David Lissauer kindly sent me a copy of It must be the same after visiting the sites of the the 60 Days for 6 Million DVD and asked me concentration camps but I don’t wish to find out. to let you know what I thought of it – and I I think I’ll have to file your DVD under ‘Numb’. don’t know! I’m not finding it very easy to It is obvious that a huge amount of organising and describe how I feel simply because I’m not too work went into the making of this DVD. sure how I feel. To those people who put so much thought and effort As we go through life we tend to pigeonhole things into producing it and especially to the person who originally and everything is classified and catalogued even if it’s only in thought of the idea – thank you. our minds. A book, for instance, is either good, bad, okay, exciting, Mike Lyons, Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation, UK. boring or silly but now I’m standing here with your DVD in my www.communigate.com.uk/sussex/bhhc/ hand and I don’t know which pigeonhole I should place it in.

7 A Pesach Visitation

Did your rabbi ever tell you the Now, it's Seder night. The doorbell rings. incompetent human being It's him, the guest. He's in torn jeans, plaid who couldn't even clear tale of the thirty-six Tzadiks shirt, and a Collingwood sports cap. the table without disaster. who circulate in our world? He smells of stale beer. A derelict, with an But she swallowed the lump in her throat Outside, they look like me and you. attitude. And a vacant look in his watery eyes. when she saw the remorseful tears in the eyes Inside,they glow with righteousness. To put it But the Bergs welcome him into their of the old lady. plainly, they are the spies of G-d; their home with smiles. Uncomfortably, they make “That's OK, that's OK." She patted the mission is surveillance of the human small talk as the stranger sits stiffly at the shoulder of her Passover helper as the maid heartscape. table. They proceed with the Seder, but he swept the remains of Sarah's mother's Lenox Filed directly with the Creator, their annual seems to have no understanding of the service china into a brown paper grocery sack. report determines the world’s fate the and his face reflects distaste at the ceremonial Sarah returned to the table determined to following year. blessings. He's the rejected suitor at the crown the evening with ceremony appropriate If all is ethically well; the fruit trees bow wedding feast. Nor is he interested in Daniel to the holiday. Fitfully, they resumed the low with their harvest, the S&P 500 index Berg's Passover anecdotes directed at both singing. And soon, mercifully, the evening zooms, the Winter is mild and the Summers him and the children. "When do we eat?" he came to an end. The maid, still red-eyed, was are balmy. says as they pass the matzoh and moror paid handsomely, in deference to the holiday, But the Berg family at Mt Hotham Road, sandwiches around the table. and sent home early with a plastic bag full of Ascot Vale had no time for rabbinic tales. The guest eats steadily as the family roast chicken. The kids – sleepy, irritable, They were busy planning their Passover. They participates enthusiastically in the service. appalled by the rude guest – were ordered would have a guest this year, they decided – They talk of ancient miracles as he upstairs to bed. some homeless stranger. A real Mitzvah it enthusiastically devours the brisket and roast The family went upstairs to an uneasy would be. chicken. The children swing their heads from sleep where Sarah's dreams were strangely The next morning found Sarah Berg the derelict to their parents in silent wonder lighted by the tearful eyes of the clumsy maid. dialing around to several Jewish agencies until at the sullen guest. A miserable night. she found her man. In the middle of this tension there is a Ah, but what a golden year followed for Sure, they had a candidate. A young, horrible crash of china from the kitchen. The the Berg family: and the world they inhabited. rootless fellow passing through town. floor is littered with the shards of Sarah Berg's With a soft flute-like sound in the trees, a What a glorious Passover it would be, wedding china; a gift from her mother, who warm wind blew over the face of the earth thought Sarah. A sumptuous meal, the Seder had died the month before. and unlocked the cold heart of humanity. The ceremony, and the added Mitzvah of the The maid had slipped and upset the card earth smiled. The fruit trees bowed low with indigent guest. Just as the Hagaddah says; table holding the dirty dishes. She stared their harvest, the stock index zoomed, and the "let all who are hungry come and eat". down at her clumsy handiwork. A silent tear Winter was mild and the Summer was balmy. But so much preparation and post-meal ran down the old lady's cheek as Sarah And all for the price of a pat on the shoulder, cleanup. She cringed at the thought of dirty looked at her mother's heirloom, now a plastic bag full of leftover chicken, and a set dishes piled in the sink, crusted with the splintered china, all over the kitchen floor. of dishes. Who would suspect that a Tzadik's remains of five courses. She'd get a maid. A great sadness seized her heart. The failed duties included sweeping the kitchen floor. A small luxury. holiday, the memory of her mother, this © Ted Roberts. All Rights Reserved

Succoth with the Rubinfelds…

s he has for a number of years the Rabbi and Arebbitzen hosted a catered Succah party. This year’s event was attended by 60 members of the congregation and as the attached photos attest a great time was had by all. An added bonus this year, the rabbi’s children and grandchildren were here from the states allowing those members present to get to know them. If members get the chance next year drop in to the Rabbis Succot function. It is always a great night and one the kids really enjoy

8 A New Look for Pesach in MHC

he accompanying photos show our new Tspecial Pesach Parochet (ark curtain) donated by the Basist/Lissauer families in honor of the marriage of their children Naomi to Joel. The families have also ordered a special Shavuot Parochet that will be featured in our next magazine. Also pictured are the new bimah cover and bein gavrah (torah cover) presented in honour of the 60th wedding anniversary of Miriam and Ben Sherr and the newly installed retractable blinds to the downstairs area of the Shule, generously donated by Bennie and Jeanette Borenstein and family.

Jack Bercove Platter

he family of Jack Bercove (Past President of TMelbourne Hebrew Congregation 5724-1963) have donated to the Shule archives this ceremonial platter which was presented to him in appreciation of his time in office.

– With Compliments – – With Compliments – – With Compliments – Michael Danby MP Proudly representing the Silvia and Phillip Piorun electorate of Melbourne Ports. & Phillip Piorun Pty Ltd 117 Fitzroy St (PO Box 2086) FIVE STAR BOUTIQUE HOTEL & St Kilda West VIC 3182 BANQUETING FACILITIES “Where Melbourne’s top dogs and cats stay” (Only 100m from Shule) Ph: 9534 8126 Fax: 9534 1575 379 St Kilda Road, Melbourne [email protected] Barry and Denise McMahon, Tel: 9677 9900 Fax: 9677 9927 72 Ashley Rd, Yarrambat 436 1307 www.roycehotels.com.au 9 Our Shule’s Windows and Architecture Book is Finally Complete!!

s outlined in the Chairman’s report the final touches are being Special thanks are due to Stephen Reynolds and Stephen Freeman of made to the deluxe coffee table art book cataloguing the beauty Photosynthesis who have been instrumental in ensuring the quality of Aof our Shule. It is to be a case bound publication of nearly 100 our planned publication will be nothing short of first rate. pages outlining in pictorial content and fold out spreads the David H Sherr, Editor architecture and magnificent windows of “Toorak Shule”. Associate Professor Julie Willis of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Melbourne, has authored the architectural content while window designer Rimona Kedem has contributed her thoughts and perspectives on her thirty+ year design project. The publication of this book has been greatly assisted by the philanthropy and generosity of dedicated congregants Mr Israel Rosenfeld and family and Dr and Mrs. Harry Perelberg. Every member family of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation will receive a copy of this magnificent book. A personalised invitation will be sent to all members together with communal and other dignitaries for the launch of this landmark publication which at the time of going to press will be likely to occur in mid to late May. A "limited edition" gold stamped leather bound version of the book is also to be made available at a cost of $250 (available via prior reservation), and a number of congregants have already, I’m heartened to report, reserved copies. Sunflower Bookshop in Elsternwick have been given the exclusive rights to stock and sell the book after its launch in late May. Pricing and details will be made available to congregants once costs are finalised. I acknowledge the support of the Executive in realising this special project, and they share my belief that the book will appeal to not only our members and their friends but also to students of architecture and art, those individuals interested in religious buildings and anyone with an appreciation of the beauty of contemporary leadlight windows.

10 MHC Youth Activities – With Compliments – – With Compliments – Youth activities are planned by BBL Enterprises Pty Ltd Ronny and Natalie Kowadlo. 9804 7644 Bev & Eric Cohen Please contact either Ronny on mobile 0413863263 Barbara & Barry & family or alternatively via e-mail on: [email protected] Landau and family Messages can also be left via the Shule office.

11 With This Ring…

The synagogue foyer sparkled Spiritgrow, a holistic Jewish with a plethora of vibrant centre for personal and spiritual photographs, Ketuboth and growth. memorabilia as visitors excitedly Rabbi Wolf declared that he wended their way through the was delighted to open an new exhibition “With this exhibition on what he ring…the Mystique of Jewish considered the secret of Jewish Marriage-Rituals and Tradition”. continuity.’ We are living in a The exhibition was officially world of immense change’, he opened by Rabbi Laibl Wolf, said, and pointed out that in the level that otherwise could not be generations of weddings. The Dean of the Spiritgrow Centre, at last sixty to eighty years, more reached. ‘Every picture we see in exhibition, she said, was in 10.30am on Sunday 25th change has taken place than in this exhibition’, he said, ‘depicts accordance with the words from November 2007. the whole of history. A single a sense of oneness. God has the Biblical text: Mr. Leonard Yaffe acted as factor has been the media, which defined the world in dualities- “And the Lord God said: it is Master of Ceremonies in the substantially directs us how to eyes, ears, nostrils and brain not good for man to be alone, he synagogue for the official think, feel, wash and dress! It is hemispheres. He directs that we needs a helpmate” Genesis 2:18 opening and emphasized the impossible to create a bulwark take all the twos in life to create Sarah thanked Sonia ongoing efforts of the Archival against it’, Rabbi Wolf said. He oneness: specifically the unity of Oberman for her able assistance Committee to bring glimpses of pointed out that this must come the love of man and woman’. in mounting the exhibition and Jewish life to the public through inwardly from ourselves. ‘Jewish In conclusion, the Rabbi paid additionally her enthusiastic vignettes and the congregation’s people still have the same value tribute to our synagogue and team of helpers and synagogue archival material. system as of old, and there is a hoped the initiative would personnel. ‘For the many non-Jewish mystique that comes from the provide a lead to other Leonard Yaffe expressed his organizations from metropolitan early mists of Jewish dawn. The congregations. appreciation to Rabbi Wolf, and country Victoria to our process begins in the centrality of The next speaker, Mrs. Sarah Sarah, Eric Cohen and the shule, the exhibitions aimed to the Jewish home’, he said. Wein, has been the Curator for Archival Committee, Stephen show the involvement of Jews in ‘Marriage, the coming together of three exhibitions in the Reynolds and all those who had the Australian community and man and woman, lies at the core Melbourne Hebrew contributed to the exhibition. also demonstrated Jewish of Judaism’. Congregation. She explained that Visitors adjourned to morning traditions and customs’, he said. Rabbi Wolf described this exhibition had focused on tea in Winton Hall but soon Leonard introduced the commitment as the essential the wedding ceremonies in this gravitated downstairs for yet keynote speaker of the day: Rabbi ingredient, one which allowed a synagogue, with many artifacts another glimpse of themselves, Laibl Wolf, the Dean of relationship to leap into a higher depicting two or more family family and friends in wedding

12 attire. (Were our waistlines really so tiny?) The portraits sometimes spanned three generations, and more eloquently than words depicted family traditions welded to the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, which consecrated the first synagogue in Bourke St., Melbourne on Friday 17th March 1848 and opened its doors on the corner of Toorak Rd. and Arnold St. on Sunday 25th May 1930. Freda Kaufman

13 – With Compliments – – With Compliments – – With Compliments –

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14 A Cluster of Dates

have always taken a great overestimated the solar year by 11 interest in calendars and dates. minutes 14 seconds. IAs a small boy I would get up To do this a papal ruling early on the morning of January 1 eliminated 5-14 October 1582. to check if the newspapers had However, countries such as Great changed the year on their Britain and the American colonies mastheads. To me this year did not adopt the new calendar 2008/5768 is most interesting until 1752 when they eliminated because of the almost one eleven days. month's divergence between Japan did not accept the new Pesach and Easter. calendar until 1873 and China THE COMMON YEAR until 1949. (Christian calendar) In 1971 the Eastern Orthodox About 700 BCE the first Roman Church decided to retain the calendar came into being. It Julian calendar. featured a seven day week and a THE HEBREW CALENDAR year of twelve months. The Hebrew calendar has a In the year 325 CE the Roman complicated leap year system emperor, Constantine, convened when an extra month is added. what became known as the This leap year occurs every Council of Nicaea which made 3-3-2-3-3-3-2 in a cycle of three changes to the calendar – nineteen years. the year became one of 365.25 This enables the calendar to EASTER (325 CE) an attempt was made days, he retained the dissection relate to the lunar year. There are Put simply Easter Sunday the to regularise or fix the date of into twelve months, Sunday further adjustments so that spring equinox (March 22 in the Easter but conflict before and became a holiday in a seven day yomtovim such as Rosh Northern hemisphere) – after the conference continued. week, Christian holidays with Hashonah cannot fall on a astronomically the point PESACH fixed dates were recognised, and Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday. between winter and summer at First day Pesach occurs on 15 Easter was recognised as not PESACH AND EASTER which the sun strikes the Equator Nisan but, because of the affect having a fixed date. So allowing for necessary – is the date used to determine of leap years, first day can vary In 1582 Pope Gregory adjustments to both the general Easter. from March 27 to April 25. So to instituted a calendar now known calendar and the Hebrew calendar Easter is celebrated on the try and correlate Easter and as the Gregorian Calendar why in the year 2008/ 5768 does first Sunday after the first full Pesach is like comparing apples correcting the error of the former Good Friday fall on March 21 and moon after the spring equinox. with oranges. Julian Calendar which At the Council of Nicaea Seder night on April 18? Eric M Cohen OAM

No. of Days Corresponding Months No. Month Pronunciation in Month of Gregorian calendar Feasts and Events 1 Nisan ne-san 30 March – April 14th Passover 15th Unleaven Bread 21st First Fruits 2 Iyyar e-yar 29 April – May 3 Sivan sev-in 29 May – June 16th-17th Pentecost. Feast of Weeks, seven weeks after Passover 4 Tammauz tam-mux 29 June – July 5 Av aah-b 29 July – August The Temple was destroyed on 9th of Av 70 AD 6 Elul el-ool 29 August – September 7 Tishrei tish-ri 30 September – October 1st Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashannah Feast of Trumpets 10th Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) 15th Feast of Tabernacles (Succot) 8 Cheshvan ches-von 29-30 October – November 9 Kislev kis-lov 30-29 November – December 10 Tevet te-bet 29 December – January Feast of Lights – Chanukah which celebrates the redication of the Temple in 168 BC. 11 Shevat sha-va 29-30 January – February 12 Adar are-dar 29-30 February – March 13-14th Purim (Celebrates Queen Esther and Mordecai saving the Jewish people from being destroyed during the Babylonian captivity 13 Adar II are-dar 29 Intercalary Month (Leap Year)

15 Sheva Brachot (the Seven Blessings) Celebrations for Michael Danby & Amanda Mendes da Costa

uch publicity surrounded the Mwedding of the Federal Member for Melbourne Ports, Michael Danby MP to barrister Amanda Mendes de Costa in Canberra’s Federal Parliament, that was conducted by three rabbonim from Melbourne – Rabbis Motel Gutnick, Yitzhok Riesenberg & our own Dovid Rubinfeld On the evening following The excellent catered dinner Rabbi Rubinfeld together with was complimented by several his wife Miriam hosted a Sheva musical renditions and duets by Brachot celebration for the newly Rabbi Rubinfeld in concert with married couple at their home in Ronny Kowadlo. Both Michael East St Kilda. and Amanda gave heartfelt and The wedding by all accounts insightful speeches and touched was a glittering affair, on their long journey to their wonderfully catered by Unger chupah at Parliament House. Catering of Melbourne. The Amanda reiterated some of some 250 guests were witness to the feelings she’d expressed the what is believed to be the first night before, emphasizing her orthodox Jewish wedding in a pride at now having become an federal parliament house orthodox Jew, and the anywhere in the world. Such importance it now plays in her was the occasion that Rabbi life. It was this pride expressed Rubinfeld felt compelled to the previous evening that had recite the Shechiyanu prayer, moved some in attendance to usually recited on the eve of tears. festivals and holydays, believing The evening concluded with that this was the most the benching (grace after meals) appropriate recognition of such and the recitation of the Sheva a unique event. Brachot, as always sung so According to the our Rabbi, beautifully by Rabbi Rubinfeld, it was the first time he’d danced and it was on this happy and with a Prime Minister, (Prime pleasant note that a warm and Minister Kevin Rudd) and even wonderful evening ended with Rabbi Mordy Katz aka Robert good wishes for a long and Weil, moved beyond the happy future for the newlyweds. mechitza & was seen to be enjoying the mitzvah tanse (complete with handkerchief between them) with Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The post wedding sheva brachot at the home of our Rabbi and Rebbitzen was attended by selected Life Governors, Members of the Executive & the clergy of the Congregation together with other members of the wider Jewish community, and was a delightful evening.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sheva Brachot literally "the seven blessings" also known as birachat Nesuin, "the wedding blessings" in halacha (Jewish religious law) are blessings that are recited for the bride and the groom during a Jewish Wedding ceremony under the chupah over the second cup of wine (called the Cup of Blessing). These blessings are also recited as part of the festive meals that continue for a week after the wedding. They are said over a cup of wine after the Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals), and it is a common custom for these blessings to be divided among honored guests. If multiple people say the blessings, the cup is passed to the person saying each blessing. These blessings are said only if a minyan is present. On weekdays their recitation also requires the presence of at least one person who was not present at the wedding & for any previous Sheva Brachot of the couple. On Shabbat there is no need for a new guest, since the Shabbat itself is considered a new guest. New guests are referred to as Panim Hadashot – new faces.

16 Parliament Jewish House to host Wedding its first Jewish in Parliament wedding… ichael Danby, federal parliament's Workplace wedding ... Mmost active Melbourne Ports MP member of the Jewish Michael Danby is tying the community, brought the knot at Parliament House. Jewish community to ederal Labor MP, parliament yesterday. Michael Danby, will He hosted the first Jewish Fmarry in Parliament wedding ceremony to take House today – in the first place in Parliament House Jewish wedding to be held when he unveiled his bride, in the big house. Amanda Mendes Da Costa, Mr Danby, the member a Melbourne lawyer, on the for Melbourne Ports, will tie steps of the Marble Hall in the knot with long-time Canberra. partner Amanda Mendes The throng of yarmulka- Da Costa. wearing faithful who Mr Danby insists he converged on the hall to the chose to wed in Canberra sounds of Yiddish music because of its central included a few regulars in location, not because of the the house. strict work ethic laid down Deputy Prime Minister by leader Kevin Rudd. Julia Gillard, Commun- “Michael has friends ications Minister Stephen from all over the country... Conroy, Health Minister [Canberra] seemed a nice, Nicola Roxon, Parliamentary central place," Mr Danby's Secretary Bill Shorten, and spokeswoman said. former Labor MP Con In a traditional Sciacca were all on the ceremony, the bedecken – 230-strong guest list. veiling ceremony – will take Fellow members of the place in the Marble Hall, house and of the Jewish with the chuppah – community Mark Dreyfus traditional Jewish wedding and Mike Kelly were also canopy – erected at the on the list, as was the Queens Terrace. Dalai Lama's representative Presiding over the in Australia, Tenzin ceremony will be rabbis Phuntsok Atisha. Reisenberg, Rubinfeld and A yarmulka-wearing Gutnick. Dinner will follow Mr Kelly, who has an Irish- in the Mural Hall, with two Catholic background and a truckloads of kosher catering Jewish wife and son, said being driven from the diversity of the list Melbourne to feed guests. reflected the nature of About 200 people are Australia. "It all celebrates expected to attend, once again the fact we're including Deputy Prime inclusive in our culture," Minister Julia Gillard. he said. Ms Mendes Da Costa, Mr Danby, who was who is of Jewish descent, previously married and is recently converted to the the father of two children, faith. served for many years as Mr Danby's editor of the Australia/ spokeswoman said the Israel Review. couple had paid the full cost The pair chose the of the wedding. Parliament House venue The newlyweds will because it was central to honeymoon briefly on many of their friends and Victoria's Surf Coast before family. After the unveiling, Mr Danby gets back to they moved to a temporary business. chuppah, or canopy, erected Jehane Sharah | February 24, on the Queen's Terrace. 2008, Sydney Morning Siobhain Ryan | February 25, Herald 2008 The Australian

17 "Are Jews Too Powerful?” The Vanity Fair Perspective

You’re going to find this hard to controlling. in other people’s land." Yes, many believe, but according to Mr. It’s not easy giving a correct of our fathers and mothers and Aaron’s calculation, 51 out of the answer to this question because I certainly our grandfathers and 100 are Jewish! believe Jewish tradition provides grandmothers felt that they were Now, keep in two contradictory responses. On guests in America. And so they mind that this is a verse toward the end of Genesis made sure that they did nothing not a list of where Jacob speaks to his to ‘rock the boat.’ They did as shleppers … children as they are about to go little as possible to draw amongst the 100 down to Egypt, the Midrash attention to themselves. They are people with describes the conversation: had a ‘sha-shtil’ philosophy – lay names like "Jacob requested of them: do not low and they won’t come after us Warren Buffet, David Geffen go out with bread in your hands with an axe. Bill Clinton and and do not all enter through one And so, Betty Oprah Winfrey. gate … do not go out with bread Perske changed And yet, right in your hands in order not to her name to along side of arouse ill feeling and do not all Lauren Bacall, enter through one gate for fear of and Joseph Shabbat Sermon October 20, them are people with names like the eye." Gottlieb to Joey 2007 Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, There was a famine in Egypt Bishop, and Beth Tfiloh Congregation, Schwartzman and Jacob is telling his children Issur Baltimore, Maryland. and Spielberg Lauren Bacall and Bloomberg Mayor Bloomberg that when they go down to Egypt Danielovich his magazine may be don’t let the people see that you Demsky to Kirk dangerous to your health … and Geffen and Perelman and have bread. And don’t all come Douglas, and Tor maybe not! You can’t tell marching in together as one; Sidney Liebowitz which magazine it is because I’ve Lauder and Wasserstein and people will be afraid of you; to Steve only shown you the back cover. people will envy you; people will Lawrence. The front cover has a picture of Cohen and Weinstein and give you the ‘evil eye.’ With this But as Jews Nicole Kidman in a state of in mind, one cannot help but grew more undress and I fear if I show it to Weintraub, and Friedman, and think that the articles in Vanity successful in Kirk Douglas you, you may have trouble Stephen Spielberg Fair are not doing us any favor. It America they focusing on me! Silver. Not bad, my friends! Not would be better if there wasn’t so also grew to feel The magazine I am referring much attention drawn to our at home in to is the October 2007 issue of bad! Not bad when one considers that there are more success. America. And Vanity Fair. Vanity Fair is one of On the other hand, in the suddenly Jews the magazines I subscribe to. I do people born in China every year than there are Jews in the whole Book of Exodus, in describing were asserting so because I have a subscription the garment that was made for their rights as that costs only $12 a year and world! And as if all this is not enough, on page 306 in the same the High Priest to wear in the Jews. In the 50’s despite the fact that most of its Temple, we are told that the hem and 60’s when Joey Bishop advertisements (the main reason issue of the magazine, there is another list. This one called "The of his robe had bells on it so that many Jews I subscribe to any magazine) is people would know that he was moved to the suburbs there were geared toward women, I find Next Establishment" listing younger people who Vanity Fair coming. And the Lubavitcher many synagogues across the Vanity Fair a lively magazine Rebbe saw this as a lesson that a country that built their parking where every month at least one believes will eventually make it to the ‘big list.’ There are 26 Jew should go out into this lot in the front and the or two of its articles I find of world proud and confident, synagogue in the back so as not interest. But nothing prepared people on that list … 15 are Jews. Again, over 50%! Eat your trying to spread the message. And to upset their neighbors. me to expect what is found in that’s just what Lubavitcher But then, all of a sudden, in two articles in October’s Vanity heart out, Anne Coulter! And then, just in case you still Chasidim do these days, with the 70’s "Freedom for Soviet Fair – two articles that may be their “Mitzvah Mobiles” and the Jewry" was put on billboards in dangerous to your health as a don’t get it, on page 308 of Vanity Fair they have a list of big Chanukah menorahs they front of every synagogue … and Jew – or maybe not! put up in public squares Jews started demanding their In the October issue of Vanity people who made the "New Establishment" list in the past, throughout our country. So, from rights and asserting their Fair there is an article on page the perspective of the Lubavitcher interests. Sure, it led the Jimmy 259 entitled, “The 2007 New but for one reason or another didn’t make it this year, but Rebbe you could say – although Carters and the Walts and the Establishment” – a list of what he never would have put it this Mearsheimers to claim that the Vanity Fair considers the 100 Vanity Fair believes will be back in the future. There are 9 names way: “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” Jewish lobby was too powerful. most powerful, influential people So what do you think? Lay But just one generation ago there in American society. on this list … 8 of them are Jews! This is absolutely unbelievable! low or flaunt it? Is Vanity Fair was no Jewish lobby! And there Now I think it was Joseph good for the Jews or not? was no Israeli Air Force! And by Aaron in the Chicago Jewish This is absolutely incredible! The only question is – the age old I venture to say that your answer the time others fought our battle, News who first took note of a depends upon how old you are. 6 million Jews had gone up in rather remarkable aspect about question: Is it good for the Jews? Does presenting so many Jews Alan Derschowitz put it so well smoke! these 100 people. We Jews in his book appropriately At the beginning of this represent about 2.5 percent of out front in the public, in positions of power, drawing entitled, “Chutzpah” when he morning’s Torah portion God the American people. So one pointed out, “We are at a challenges Abraham to leave his could naturally expect that out of attention to us … is that good? It shows how good we are? Or is it generational crossroads. The Jews country and to come to the the 100 most influential people who were the American pioneers – Promised Land of Israel. "V’escha in America, one would find listed bad, feeding the hatred of the anti-Semites who accuse us of our first generations of l’goy gadol – and I will make of two or three Jews. How many immigrants – were indeed guests thee a great nation and I will Jews do you think were listed? being too powerful and too

18 bless thee and make thy name that Abraham has pursued the killing their families! We speak of the "glory that was great and be thou a blessing." terrorists who held his nephew Dov Burt Levy, writing in the Greece and the grandeur that was God promised Abraham that his Lott captive, and in the words of Forward newspaper, described Rome." But that glory and progeny would become a great the Torah: "Smote them and sitting in a café in London on grandeur soon departed after the nation. As you know, the Jewish pursued them." …only now did Feb. 28, 2001 reading the Greeks and Romans turned people have never been great in the world show respect. For what International Herald Tribune. He against us. numbers, and yet there are impresses the world is not couldn’t get over the fact, in Similarly, soon after Spain people who think that we rule saintliness as much as strength, turning to the editorial page, five expelled its Jews, the sun began the world! It’s unbelievable! not character as much as courage, of the six columns were written to set on the Spanish Empire. There are _ of a billion Hindus in not piety as much as power. by Jews: Richard Cohen, Stephen And in modern times, the Iron this world. There are over 300 Let our enemies think that we Rosenfeld, Robert Caplan, Ellen Curtain of Communism first million Buddhists. There are are all-powerful. As Akiva Eldar Goodman and Thomas began to fall when the Jews more Zoroastrians and Mormons once put it in the Haaretz Friedman. The sixth column was sought their freedom. So let in the world than there are Jews! newspaper, "The Arab belief that written by a South Korean by the people think we are blessed. But who rules the world? Not the Jews rule the world has name of Prof. Han Sung-Joo. Five They just might be right … and them! Who rules? Me and you … become one of Israel’s most Jews and a Joo! they just might be blessed as and our ‘mishpocho’ over at important deterrent factors, no It’s true, with so many Jewish well. "I will bless them that Vanity Fair. less than its military strength. The names in positions of bless thee and him that curseth And you know what? There lunatic idea that 6 million Jews prominence, it drives our thee I will curse." are lots of people who think dictate the policies of a enemies crazy. But you know On a majestic night nearly that’s true! And you know what? superpower with 280 million what? It makes many of our 4000 years ago, God promised I’m glad they do! It’s very inhabitants has contributed friends feel good! And we Jews our forefather Abraham that his important for our survival. greatly to the decisions by Arab have many friends here in people would be made in to a My teacher, Rabbi Joseph and Palestinian leaders, and even America. Many of them believe "great nation." That pledge by Soloveitchik, of blessed memory, to that of the Arab League, to that the Bible is the word of God. the Almighty was repeated to our once pointed out and interesting accept – albeit with gritted teeth And they take seriously – very forefathers and remains a solemn fact about Abraham. Abraham – the existence of the Jewish state. seriously – the words of God’s oath. This month’s Vanity Fair found respect from the outside When Anwar Sadat and King promise to Abraham when He seems to indicate the pledge is world only in the aftermath of Hussein came to Jerusalem, they said, "V’avorcha m’vorechacha being fulfilled in our day. We are one particular incident. As we’re had at least one eye fixed on u’mkalelcha oar – and I will bless the most blessed generation in told in our Torah portion this Washington." them that bless thee and him that the last 2000 years of our people. morning, "Melchizedak, king of Yes, let the Arab world think curseth thee I will curse." Those We should thank God for being Salem, brought forth bread and that we’re all-powerful. That’s the are very important words that that privileged generation that wine." He went so far as to make only way they may somehow God promised to Abraham; that has an Israeli Air Force that could a kiddush – "And he blessed him come to the realization that those who will support the Jews knock out Iraq’s nuclear reactor and said: Blessed be Abraham of they’re going to have to learn will be blessed and those who and Syria’s as well. We should God most high, maker of heaven how to live with us. curse us will be cursed. You thank God for living in this great and earth." And here in America, I’m sure should know that it is this country, the good old U.S. of A What prompted this there are some people who, promise which forms the basis of where a majority of the members profusion of compliments? Why when they read Vanity Fair, will much of the Evangelical of the New Establishment are was a Jew suddenly thrust into have an upset stomach. But do Christian support for the State Jewish. "Hashem oz l’amo yitain. the role of universal hero? you think they would learn to of Israel. Hashem yevorach et amo Pointed out Rabbi Soleveitchik: love us if we were less successful? Type in the words of this bashalom. The Lord has given this reception was never accorded Should we be less successful just promise on an Internet search strength to His people. May He Abraham when he fulfilled his to please them? The Jews living engine; type in Genesis 12:3 and now bless us with peace." Amen. characteristic of chesed, showing in the shtetels of Eastern Europe you’ll see how many Christian Reproduced with the blessing of kindness to strangers and were not successful, had no websites pop up. If you are our Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg. hospitality to wayfarers. Helping power. That didn’t stop the friend, you’ll be blessed … if you others won Abraham no worldly Cossacks and others from are against us you’ll be cursed. praise. It was only now – now destroying their homes and It’s one of the facts of history. Vanity Fair’s "The 2007 New Establishment" 1 Rupert Murdoch, 19 Al Gore, 37 Giorgio Armani (last year: 32) 2 Steve Jobs, 20 Larry Ellison, 38 Jeffrey Katzenberg (last year: 45) 3 Sergey Brin and Larry Page, 21 Herb Allen (last year: 48) 39 Ronald Lauder and Leonard Lauder (last year: 40) 4 Stephen Schwarzman and Pete Peterson, 22 Jeff Bewkes (last year: 16) 40 George Lucas (last year: 41) 5 Warren Buffett, 23 Jeff Bezos (last year: 42) 41 Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein 6 Bill Clinton, 24 Peter Chernin (last year: 15) (last year: 39) 7 Steven Spielberg, 25 Leslie Moonves (last year: 18) 42 Diane Sawyer and Mike Nichols 8 Bernard Arnault, 26 Jerry Bruckheimer (last year: 28) (last year: 47) 9 Michael Bloomberg, 27 George Clooney (last year: 23) 43 Bruce Wasserstein (last year: 38) 10 Bill and Melinda Gates,. 28 Bono (last year: 24) 44 Miuccia Prada (last year: 58) 11 Carlos Slim Helú, 29 François Pinault (last year: 26) 45 Steven Cohen (last year: 29) 12 H. Lee Scott, 30 Roman Abramovich (last year: 50) 46 Tom Cruise (last year: 35) 13 Ralph Lauren, 31 Ronald Perelman (last year: 31) 47 Jay-Z (last year: 46) 14 Oprah Winfrey, 32 Tom Hanks (last year: 25) 48 Ron Meyer (returning) 15 Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg, 33 Jacob Rothschild (last year: 80) 49 Frank Gehry (last year: 77) 16 David Geffen 34 Robert De Niro (last year: 27) 50 Arnold Schwarzenegger (new entry) 17 Howard Stringer, 35 Howard Schultz (new entry) 51 Henry Kravis (new entry) 18 Richard Parsons, 36 Robert Iger (last year: 13) 52 Karl Lagerfeld (last year: 60)

19 Purim Mini-Golf Day 2008

his years Purim party was an event that will be remembered for a long time to come. Not only for its sweltering 38 degree heat (with only an oasis on the horizon) and the faint sound of the Melbourne TGrand Prix but also for the guest appearances from Slash – the lead guitarist for Guns ‘N’ Roses, Captain Feathersword – the Friendly Pirate, Kobe Bryant – an L.A Lakers Basketball Player and Tiger Woods who needs no introduction. The event was held at Caulfield Park, and besides the blistering heat it didn’t stop the keen mini golfers. In fact, it brought out their skill, accuracy and determination to overcome the 9 hole challenging mini golf course whilst sipping on cold drinks and noshing on Hamantaschen. Over 35 people came and witnessed, Bennie Borenstein, (pictured top right dressed as himself) win a nail biter with close competition coming from his wife Jeannine and a new junior in the world ranking known as Adam Borenstajn (not related to the winner) Although the Rabbi took up the challenge, he was quickly reminded not to give up his day job. I can also confirm that I won’t be giving up my day job since I came last, and no doubt even my 16 month son could have taught me a trick or two. Ronny Kowadlo

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21 Bal Tashchit – Thou Shalt Not Destroy Australian art you do, there is no one to repair it These artists’ creative after you." Midrash Rabba: responses to urgent meets the Ecclesiastes 7:13 environmental issues and allied apocalypse The exhibition Bal Tashchit – biblical verses sit alongside Today, as humankind Thou Shalt Not Destroy at the contemporary facts and figures of pillages the riches of the Jewish Museum of Australia environmental degradation. Tasmanian rainforests or the illuminates environmental Warnings of environmental jungles of the Amazon, prescriptions in the Hebrew Bible catastrophe were written well pollutes the seas and the skies, by bringing together fourteen before such terms as carbon over-warms the earth and contemporary Australian artists, emission and global warming extinguishes species, we are Jewish and non-Jewish, working entered our lexicon. Concern for clearly not heeding the across the media of painting, our environment flows like a prophetic words: drawing, photography, and stream through the Hebrew Bible “When God created the first sculpture. and the commentaries upon it. Environmental man, God took him around to all This exhibition takes as its Care for other species, and for Apocalypse and the the trees in the Garden of Eden base the writings of the Torah nature itself, appears throughout and said to him: "See my and rabbinic commentary,yet the Genesis, Deuteronomy, Hebrew Bible handiwork, how beautiful and warnings in the Hebrew Bible are Ecclesiastes, Joshua, and in Jewish Museum of Australia choice they are… be careful not to universal and terribly, Maimonides’ Guide of the 8 April – 29 June 2008 ruin and destroy my world, for if irrevocably, relevant today. Perplexed.

LAUREN BERKOWITZ – Drift, 2008, herbs, spices, pulses “Ought ye not to know that the LORD G-d of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?” II Chronicles 13.5 FIONA OMEENYO – Shining, 2007 acrylic on canvas “And before him I told the dream, saying… O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen and the interpretation thereof.” Daniel 4. 8–9

LISA ROET – Chimpanzee Finger, 2006, bronze “The love and tenderness of the mother for her young is not produced by reasoning but by feeling and this faculty exists not only in humans but in most living things.” Maimonides, Guide of the Perplexed 3:48 22 LINDA IVIMEY – Dust Will Return, 2008 BERNHARD SACHS – Dead Sea, 2008

Hari Ho – PAT BRASSINGTON – Eternity: Moment by Moment, Unspecified Procedures, 2006, pigment print 2003, C-type print “… a person who combines two varieties introduces a change and denial of “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy primordial Creation, as if he thought that the Holy One, blessed be He, had light shall we see light.” Psalm 36 not sufficiently perfected His world, and so he wishes to assist in the creation of the world by adding new creations. Nahmanides on Lev. 19:19

PETER DAVERINGTON – Ain Sof, 2008

VERA MÖLLER – Veronium, 2007, oil on canvas “And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2.8–9

IRENE HANENBERG– Cheetah (Augustus), 2007

Jewish Museum of Australia 26 Alma Rd, St Kilda Vic Tel: 03) 9534 0083 www.jewishmuseum.com.au KATHY TEMIN – Open: Tues – Thurs 10am – 4pm; Model for Greenhouse, Sun 11am – 5pm; 2008 Closed: Jewish holy days. 23 Most people in the Jewish community are aware that Haphtorah Ashkenazi women have a predisposition to breast cancer. Classes There are hundreds of women in the community who have been touched by breast cancer in their lives. And, unfortunately, As you may be aware many more will be affected until a cure can be found. following extensive advertising in the Jewish There are in existence many Breast Cancer support groups, but, News, the COSV wishes to run with our unique culture and traditions, a support group another Haphtorah Class, if specifically for Jewish women is considered to be better suited there is sufficient interest The Jewish Breast Cancer Support Group to meet the needs of women in our community. from members of our has been formed because of the growing The Jewish Breast Cancer support group aims to provide community who known how number of women in our community emotional support to all Jewish women with any stage breast to daven but have not recited being diagnosed with this illness. cancer, whether they have had breast cancer in the past, or are a Haphtorah since their Bar Anne Bransby currently undergoing treatment, in a comfortable, safe and Mitzvah. confidential environment. The classes extend over as It will provide expert information sessions within the field of many weeks as the Breast Cancer and Women’s Health in general. experienced teacher thinks necessary and tapes of a It will also run workshops such as yoga and meditation to help preferred Haphtorah are these women live well, happily and healthily. provided as well as individual And the JBCSG also want to help look after the families of these assistance etc. women by holding separate partners meetings and having The cost of each lesson is only family outings to celebrate the various Jewish festivals during $5 and will be held on a week the year. night, for 1 hour, at a suitable Our meetings are held at National Council of Jewish Women location in Caulfield. Australia (Victoria) House, 133 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield, For any further information, from 8-9.30. please contact Harvey Bruce, Future dates are as follows: • Tuesday 1st April, 2008 COSV Outreach Co-ordinator, • Wednesday 16th April, 2008 • Wednesday 30th April, 2008 on 8680 5555 or AH 9571 0780. • Wednesday 14th May, 2008 • Tuesday 27th May, 2008 COUNCIL OF Thereafter meetings should be fortnightly on Tuesday’s from 27th May. ORTHODOX SYNAGOGUES For further information contact: Anne – 0419 396 627 OF VICTORIA Marsha – 0409 029 198 Email – [email protected]

Rabbi Rubinfeld attends Conventions in the USA

ur Rabbi Dovid Rubinfeld attended a major Oconvention in Washington D.C. entitled “The Eternal Jewish Family” as well as the Agudah Convention in Connecticut. He is seen here with various other delegates including [far right] Cantor Yitzchak Helfgot who came to Australia for our famous “A Night to Remember” concert in August 2005. The Rabbi will be writing a comprehensive report which will appear in the next issue.

Rabbi Dovid Rubinfeld spent quality time with his grandchildren during his recent visit to the USA 24 Fellowship Never on Pesach Meal for Jews and Catholics ev and I represented t’s Pesach and I’m reminded the free ticket to the our shule and the that the Angel of Death – Promised Land in his Jewish community at who cruised the skies over pocket. Then as her B I the third and our second Egypt that haunted night of the nurse went to fetch a Fellowship Meal held at the last plague – serves the Lord like handful of pills – there Cardinal Knox Centre, all the rest of his creatures. He he was in full coat and East Melbourne, on obeys the same laws of nature tails leaning on the 28 October 2007. that govern the tides of the sea, bedpost – the Malach About one hundred the spinning of the planets, and Hamoves – He had people were welcomed by the salmon’s journey home to come for her soul. Rev Dr John Dupuche, chair renew the species. Immediately, she of the Catholic Interfaith All angels are subject to divine was awake. “Ah,” she Committee. There was a She went on to point out that law, including the “hooded one”. gasped, “it’s you.” second welcome from it was the second day of Pesach It’s just that some get a favorable “You call – we haul,” replied Anton Block, president of and if he’d look carefully at the press and some don’t. Look at the visitor, who was well the Jewish Community doorway, he’d see a mezuzah. Archangel Michael, full time accustomed to rejection. Council of Victoria who “And everybody knows you guardian of Israel and protector “After 92 years, 73 days, and also showed his singing shouldn’t dare enter a Jewish of the gates of Eden. He’s approximately 6 hours what’s the ability by joining the home on Pesach. Not then, not famous. Meanwhile, the Malach significance of another day? musicians in singing Adon now.” She reminded him that Hamoves (as the Angel of death ANOTHER goodbye to your Olom – maybe a future the mezuzah, like the lamb’s is called in Hebrew), the reaper family? ANOTHER pill? Come – chazan. blood, was on her doorpost to of souls, gathers the weak, the you’re as old as stone – take my There were two keynote keep him out. sick, the unfortunate. Not exactly hand. OK Bertha, let’s go. I have addresses the first given by The dignified visitor – who a mission calculated to gain fame to be in Perth for an airplane Sr Mary Raeburn who gave looked as though he was dressed and adulation. crash by noon.” an outline of the for the Premier’s inauguration – But one must admit, he did Bertha waved a crooked finger improvements in interfaith stepped back from the bed. He, grab the spotlight in the Pesach in the Dark Angel’s face. relations which began with of all people, respected tradition. drama. With the exception of his “Waitaminute, waitaminute,” the Second Vatican Council He tipped his hat – a black immediate supervisor upstairs, panted the old lady with more of 1962 which attempted to derby he’d taken from a Klezmer he is the central character as he eyes than teeth. “I don’t want to correct the wrong attitude musician. “Bertha, see you swoops over the rooftops of go today. It’s Pesach. And I’m present in the Catholic Wednesday night – when Pesach’s Egypt. Moses and Pharaoh stare expecting another great Church for almost two over.” at him with awe. grandchild next Tuesday. I need to thousand years. And as Bertha had foretold, You remember he skipped the see her. I need to refresh my soul Rabbi Morgan continued Tuesday morning brought the huts of the Israelites because of for the long journey ahead.” the bridging of the gap with gift of life to the Aronberg family. the dash of lamb’s blood on the The angel was startled. an interactive presentation The next day, from downstairs doorpost. Could it be that some “Bertha, this is not Myers. There’s using the final psalm, Psalm they brought the child, pillowed Passover precedent was struck? nothing here to negotiate. You 150 (Halleluyah) as his in a pink quilt, to the old lady. Consider that during the poxes should spiritually pack your message. She took a long look as deep as a and plagues of the Middle Ages, bags.” We enjoyed a kosher lover’s sigh: then nodded to the Malach Hamoves seemed to skip “Wait till Wednesday, then I’ll meal and the company well-dressed but shady over the houses of the former gladly squeeze your hand. We’ll present. gentleman in the corner of the Israelites. Could we posses some fly away like a pair of bluebirds!” FOOTNOTE: room. Pesach immunity dating back to The angel, who had been We attended a Catholic Well, it’s only a story my that first great escape in Egypt? through eons of final scenes like funeral recently and were grandmother told me when I was Have you noticed how few Jews this, knew it was best to humor quite amazed how, in many a little boy. I’m not sure I believe are yanked out of this the reluctant ones. he considered respects, the service it. But nobody in my family ever comfortable world on Pesach? it unprofessional to drag them matched ours. died on Passover – my wife’s They tell the story of the off wailing as they clung to the It made us wonder why either. Widow Aronberg. 92 years old, bedposts. Messy. Bad for his through the centuries 4 sons, 3 daughters, enough reputation. © Ted Roberts, differences have been grandchildren for a Hadassah “Listen, Bertha, no scenes, All Rights highlighted rather than chapter, enough great OK?” He hated scenes. They Reserved similarities. grandchildren for a congregation degraded his dignity. of their own. It was early “Yeah?” responded the Eric M Cohen OAM Autumn as she lay in her bed, at reluctant space traveler. “Well the home of her granddaughter. guess what is today – and I don’t She awaited the Dark Angel with mean Easter.”

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Kovno and Oxford: No chief rabbi began some of the difficult Israel Brodie and his with such promise. elegies for Tisha B’Av. His A recent author, Miri assistant at the Melbourne Rabbinical Career. J Freud-Kandel, in her Hebrew Congregation, Rev The Rabbi LA Falk Memorial Orthodox Judaism in Solomon M Solomon, had Lecture for 2008 by Rabbi Dr Britain since 1913: no great cantorial capacity, Raymond Apple, AO, RFD, An Ideology Forsaken so Brodie was chazzan as Emeritus Rabbi of the Great (Vallentine Mitchell, well as rabbi and sang with Synagogue, Sydney 2006), has decided that the choir (in those days a mixed choir of men and The following is an abridged as things turned out, women). version, and taken from the first Brodie was weak and It was an anglicised third of Rabbi Apple’s lecture, in wavering, browbeaten by congregation but even particular the section dealing the right-wing and some of the more with Rabbi Brodie’s early years in unable to maintain the assimilated leadership Melbourne. middle-of the-road ethos of Anglo-Jewry. retained some Rabbi Brodie presided over In an editorial on his traditionalism, so that the British chief rabbinate for retirement, the Jewish when the ladies presented seventeen eventful years. It was Chronicle (4 June, 1965) the rabbi with a ministerial not an easy time. The Jewish was more tactful, but robe it was so long (Brodie world had to come to terms with said that he "was at times was far from tall) that one the lingering agony of the misguided", and referring of the wardens remarked Holocaust and the excitement of to the Jacobs controversy, that the rabbi looked like the emergence of Israel. Anglo- which we will analyse in "the long V’Hu Rachum" Jewry itself was changing. a few minutes, said, "A man sing-song of talmudical study. (one of the lengthy New situations, challenges whose every instinct disposed him Not even far-away Melbourne supplicatory prayers). For a while and movements constantly arose to tranquillity was … thrown into could dim his ardour for the there was a gentile choirmaster, to ruffle the smooth stability of a raging conflict which tore the Talmud; he studied with his who probably conducted the the community. How he handled community asunder and whose rabbinic predecessor, Rabbi Dr choir well but shocked the rabbi the challenges will be addressed effects have not yet entirely Joseph Abrahams, and with that by telling him on one occasion, later in this paper, but there was abated. Yet he pursued his course embodiment of eastern European "Christ, what a Sh’ma Yisra’el we never any doubt on the personal with tenacity and resolution." learning, Rabbi JL Gurewicz, and sang today!" level that whilst urbane, august How valid these assessments are also found some old-timers at Brodie shone as a preacher. and ecclesiastical, he was also will be examined later in this the Montefiore Home whom he Our elocution teacher at Jews’ warm, passionate and concerned paper, but first we need to know engaged in talmudic argument. College called Brodie one of the for people and their feelings. the background of the man and It should be recorded that finest preachers in England. His Every segment of the the influences that moulded his Rabbi Gurewicz liked Brodie but sonorous speaking voice was community believed, as did the career. not Rabbi Danglow, and never made for oratory. His language Australians, that the Chief was He gained a BA degree from understood why Danglow and was cultured and classical. No- one of them. The grand dukes University College in 1915 and, not he was made acting head of one can forget his measured way were content to have a real after a period at Balliol College, a the Melbourne Beth Din when of saying, "Our sages of blessed Englishman as Chief Rabbi. The BLitt from Oxford in 1921. Brodie left. Danglow was no memory". No-one could handle a communal power-wielders were Brodie had two brothers and two Talmudist, and Gurewicz Midrash in the pulpit as could relieved to have a Chief who was sisters, of whom one sister, questioned the kashrut of he. Melbourne was his training- a gentleman and diplomat. The Minnie, was well known to Melbourne meat supervised by ground; it is a pity that his Zionists felt assured by his love Australian Jewry. Minnie came to the Beth Din under Danglow for synagogue was not constantly for Zion. The ex-service people Melbourne to keep house for the export to the Holy Land. thronged with worshippers able remembered how well he had bachelor rabbi; she married Brodie was aware of to appreciate his abilities. cared for his troops. The Emanuel Sheink and eventually Danglow’s rabbinical limitations, He had come to Melbourne as ministers had a warm feeling for made Aliyah when in her but Danglow had seniority after a young man in his 20s after a a good colleague who had always nineties. nearly thirty years on the brief period as a wartime army been a good friend. The mighty Though he did not study in a Melbourne Beth Din. chaplain from 1917-19 and as a Dayan Abramsky and Sir Robert yeshivah, Brodie imbibed his Brodie’s musical abilities were welfare minister in the East End Waley Cohen, miles apart in feeling for the Talmud from his highly admired. He loved the of London, working with Basil religious standards, were united teachers, Rabbi Tarshish and sung Grace After Meals and the Henriques and others. His in their respect and support for Rabbi YM Sandelson, and intricate Zemirot (table hymns), people skills were soon obvious the Chief. acquired the traditional and he produced translations of to the Melbourne community.

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26 The young people in or less permanently settled in with the Great Synagogue was new opportunities by means, particular set their eyes upon Melbourne. not renewed after an initial three amongst other things, of regular him – the girls (and their Within the Jewish community, years; Zionism may have had a adult lectures, which sometimes mothers) because he was the Zionist movement was in its role in the board’s decision, but attracted such large numbers that unmarried, the boys because they infancy; Sir John Monash was the there were many other issues, as they were moved from the hall saw him as a role model. honorary president of the the archived correspondence into the synagogue itself. Melbourne never before (or Australian Zionist Federation, but between the parties makes clear. All this time both Rabbi and probably afterwards) knew Brodie was the active leader from The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation knew that anything quite as exciting as 1927-37 and feared not to step Congregation, to which Brodie Melbourne would not be able to "Rabbi Brodie’s boys", who hiked, in to protest about the Wailing came in 1923 to succeed Rabbi hold Brodie for ever. More than debated, camped, and forged Wall incident of 1928, in spite of Dr Joseph Abrahams who had once he resigned with the fierce friendships. the fears of his colleagues Francis held office since the 1880s, had intention of going back to The rabbi also moved into Lyon Cohen and Jacob Danglow occupied a down-town city site England to resume an academic wider fields. He became a well- and the disapproval of some of in Bourke Street since the 1840s. career and work for a doctorate. known Masonic lecturer and the lay leaders, who feared The congregants had long since Eventually he did leave, in 1937. developed many friendships repercussions from dispersed to the suburbs, and Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple, AO, RFD, outside the Jewish community. demonstrations against the even the personality and talents Emeritus Rabbi of the Great However, there was a problem as British Government. of a new young rabbi could not Synagogue, Sydney to who was to be the clerical Brodie’s successor as Zionist guarantee a future for a representative of the Jewish Federation president, Rabbi synagogue on the wrong site. (Abridged community, a role with which Ephraim M Levy of Sydney, was The move to a commanding version by Danglow had been entrusted. also outspoken but less location in Toorak Road, South Leonard Yaffe. The outcome was that the diplomatic, and became Yarra, brought some March 2008) community leadership agreed to embroiled in literary combat improvement, but it was still a leave the status quo until Brodie with Sir Isaac Isaacs and Sir synagogue without a resident married and seemed to be more Samuel Cohen. Levy’s contract community. Brodie utilised the Jewish Humour – You Can’t Beat it !

JEWISH DIVORCE - HAPPY PASSOVER

An elderly man on the Gold Coast calls his son in Melbourne and says,“I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing. Forty-five years of misery is enough.”

“Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams. “We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,” the old man says. “We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Sydney and tell her.” and he hangs up.

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone, “Likeheck they’re getting divorced,” she shouts,“I’ll take care of this.”

She calls her father immediately and screams at him, “You are NOT getting divorced! Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’mcalling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing. DO YOU HEAR ME?” And she hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. “Okay,” he says,”They’re both coming for Passover and paying their own airfares.” Front cover of the Victorian Police Gazette showing Sgt Peter Benjamin with Rabbi Dofid Rubinfeld at the inaugural Victoria Police Jewish Community Dinner held last year.

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27 The Jewish Community of Bolivia

ago for Mexico). At Rosh restroom was downstairs. As I My daughter had been Hashanah services, headed for the stairs I heard a introduced to a young Jorge spread his loud clearing of the throat and man, Juan and he tallit on the floor somehow realized that the invited us to Rosh and went prostrate restrooms must be in the corner Hashanah dinner at a BOLIVIA on the floor during of the room. friend’s apartment. one prayer. This There is much love expressed When we met was quite a feat for for the young people who attend another young this large man! A Shabbes services. It is currently American medical woman in her 60’s traditional in Bolivia to greet he Jews from La Paz say student at Erev Rosh next to me everyone with 2 kisses, one on they pray closest to G-d and Hashahah services commented that each cheek. When young men Tat 2 miles high in the who was also her father were present at Shabbes services Andes mountains, I believe volunteering of blessed they were warmly hugged by the them! with Rachel memory older men. Children are also There is one synagogue in La with Children • Cobija had been a allowed on the men’s side and, Paz, Bolivia that is located in the BRAZIL and Family PERU rabbi in again, all of them are sweetly Obrajes neighborhood. Their Health another cuddled and spoken to. Another former immense shul on Plaza Lake • Trinidad International, Titicaca Bolivian heartwarming tradition was the Estudiante in La Paz proper is no our hosts La Paz city and she sharing of tallisim. The man longer used as a synagogue. In readily invited • Cochabamba had never departing the bima would addition to this orthodox shul, • Oruro • Santa Cruz her to join in • Sucre seen this remove his tallit and give it to Chabad operates out of a hotel, the festivities. • Potosi done. After the next man who had an aliyah. providing Erev Shabbat dinners At this dinner PARAGUAY Rosh After Shabbes morning and the opportunity to worship • Tarija of 3 CHILE Hashanah services everyone sits down together. generations, ARGENTINA services together at one long table for a I’d like to tell you about my we were about several light meal. I frequently found experiences with the Jewish 20 people congregants myself seated next to a Mexican community at the orthodox shul. strong. This represents 10% of warmly greeted us. One man man and my “tall friend”. Our My daughter Rachel and I the current population at the commented on my tallit, noting brunch consisted of typical fare: lived in a large apartment shul. Just a few years ago they that he had taught his daughter herring, fresh onion rolls, building, a mere block away were 500 strong. In 1939 Bolivia the morning prayers and laying chopped liver and an incredible from the synagogue. Because was one of the first countries to of tefillin because she is living on honey cake. Naturally there were there are no identifying marks on accept Jewish immigrants and a remote island. hard liquors for the b’racha. I the exterior of the synagogue my the population was once 10,000 I enjoyed attending Shabbes was teased that during weekday daughter had passed it many Jews. One of their congregants, morning services. Frequently I services they have even better times in her 3 months stay, never Leo Spitzer wrote the book, was the sole woman sitting on food but I never made it to these recognizing that this building Hotel Bolivia**. The title is very the left side – we were separated services to find out! was, indeed, a synagogue. When I telling – Jews came to Bolivia on only by floor, no curtain. When I My daughter and I also arrived in La Paz to visit her it a temporary basis. had a question for one of my attended an Erev Shabbes service. was Rosh Hashanah and we During the Rosh Hashanah male friends it was easy to catch It was difficult to understand needed a place to worship. dinner we were told that kosher their attention. For example, on Jorge’s rapid Spanish and accent Purchasing our tickets for the wine is not available in Bolivia. my last Shabbes, I told them of from Argentina. Rachel provided services, we again noted that the These people wait for friends and my imminent departure and one a brief synopsis of his D’var synagogue was an innocuous family to bring it from Mexico gentleman told me he wanted to Torah and she remarked on how building amongst many other and nearby Argentina. My friend offer a prayer for my safe journey spiritual this businessman was. buildings in a busy Claire tells me that, although on this long trip. He asked my (He commented that the story of neighborhood. some Passover products are made father’s name (they would not Jacob’s ladder tells us that as Jews Circulo Israelita houses a very available through the synagogue, mention my mother’s name). To we are always hovering between warm congregation. Jorge*, a she also waits for kosher ensure I had the correct name I the divine and mundane worlds). learned Ashkenazic businessman products for Pesach that are asked him if Tzvi meant deer. It was after this service that a whose family was from brought to her from other During one of my early visits to lovely gentleman introduced Argentina, leads the congregation countries. the shul, I thought that the himself with a smile, his name (their last rabbi left a few years

28 and age and that he was a nearby Argentina which has a La Paz” (translates to Fomented community will disappear in a Holocaust survivor. The next day thriving Jewish population) to La Paz) and contains the few years because it has gone so his daughter invited me to a ascertain what work needs to be following psalm: rapidly from 500 a few years ago double Bat Mitzvah party. She done on these Torahs. “Mirad cuan bueno y cuan to 200 today and she knows that convinced me to come by saying I also visited the “Jewish” delicioso es habitar los hermanos 20 people are leaving soon. It it was a mitzvah to attend the school in La Paz. It has only 5 juntos, en armonia.” Salmos would be very sad, indeed, to see festivities. An interesting Jewish students with a total 133:1. (Behold how beautiful such a loving community ceremony performed by the girls population of several hundred and wonderful it is when become simply a dream. was the “lighting” of 13 candles. students. Jewish courses are brothers are together in harmony They had a poster with pockets presented at the school and the – Hiney Mah Tov). on it and placed a nosegay of front hall has Hebrew / Spanish Speaking with several men in flowers in each pocket after signs that identify various offices. their 50’s and 60’s I realized that appropriate speeches. One of the There is a synagogue on the it was traditional to send each of girls cried when her mother gave school premises that is used for them to study in Israel. Many a speech – every woman cried weekly services. The Jewish had received their university with her. population no longer lives in the degrees in Israel. My friend Pablo Naomi M. Sussman, Ambler, When I asked at the city – they tend to live in Zona was still fluent in Hebrew, 40 Pennsylvania USA synagogue what gift my shul of a del Sur (an expensive years after he attended university Naomi was a recent visitor to our Shule thousand member families could neighborhood approximately 30 in Israel! and the Jewish Museum while her make to them, my friend Pablo minutes south of La Paz) so I also noted how children husband was conducting business said a Torah. This was later perhaps this is one reason why today are sent to Europe, Mexico, with the Victorian railways. revised. They have 2 Torahs that the population at the school has Israel, other South American are used for each new month. dwindled so small. countries and the USA for their *Names of congregants have been changed to preserve their anonymity in a They have several other Torahs While visiting the Jewish college education. In some country predominantly of another faith. that they suspect are non-kosher. school, I noticed a plaque in the families, children and ** “Hotel Bolivia: The Culture of Memory A good bar / bat mitzvah project front hallway that has photos of grandchildren are now living and in a Refuge from Nazism” would be to raise money for a President Clinton meeting with working abroad. One woman By Leo Spitzer. Published by Hill and scribe (perhaps there is one in Arabs. It was titled “Fomentado predicted that the entire Wang, New York, 1999.

In May 1940, all Jewish visas were suspended indefinitely; Bolivia’s Jewish Community nevertheless, immigration did continue. After World War II a small olivia’s Jewish presence — which began in the 16th century and wave of Polish Jews who had fled to the Far East after 1939, but reached its zenith right after World War II — has been dwindling abandoned Shanghai in the wake of the communist takeover, arrived Bfor decades. in Bolivia. The major part of the group remained in La Paz, and was The origins of Jewish settlement in Bolivia can be traced back to the incorporated into the existing community. colonial period, when Marranos from Spain arrived in the country, Unlike neighboring Peru, which kept a tight lid on immigration which at the time was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Some Jews before and during World War II, Bolivia granted thousands of visas to worked in the silver mines of Potosi, others were among the pioneers stranded German, Polish and Russian Jews in search of a homeland. who founded the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in 1557 under the After the war, between 1946 and 1952, another wave of Jews leadership of Nuflo de Chavez. (Holocaust survivors from as far away as Shanghai) settled in Bolivia. Indeed, certain customs still maintained by old families in that At its peak, the Jewish community in Bolivia numbered 10,000. region, for example lighting candles on Friday nights and sitting on Nevertheless, Jewish institutions in Bolivia – like their counterparts the ground in mourning when a close relative dies, suggest possible in much of Latin America – keep a very low profile, with armed guards Jewish ancestry. protecting the mostly unmarked buildings and all visitors carefully It was not until the 1900’s that substantial Jewish settlement took scrutinized before being allowed to enter. place in Bolivia. In 1905, a group of Russian Jews settled in Bolivia According to community leaders, approx 200 Jews today live in La and were followed by another group from Argentina, and later by Paz, with another 150 in Santa Cruz. In addition, maybe 50 Jews live several Sephardi families from Turkey and the Near East. The Jewish in Cochabamba, which was once home to hundreds of Jewish families community nonetheless remained minuscule. It was estimated that in and to this day boasts Bolivia’s most beautiful synagogue. Jews are 1917 only 20 to 25 Jews lived in the country, and by 1933, at the generally accepted in Bolivian society. beginning of the Nazi era in Germany, there were only 30 Jewish Despite the difficulties of being Jewish in Bolivia, the community’s families. The first tide of Jewish immigration came in the early 1930s, intermarriage rate is only 20% — far lower than the 50% among Jews with an estimated 7,000 new immigrants by the end of 1942. in the United States. Approximately 2,200 emigrated, however, from Bolivia by the end of Outside of La Paz, the community of Cochabamba, which had a the 1940s. Those who remained settled in La Paz, and by 1940 Jewish population of about 600 in the mid-1900’s, was, and is, the communities had arisen in outlying cities such as Cochabamba, second largest in the country. Its history is inextricably linked with its Oruro, Sucre, Tarija, and Potosi. founder, an Alexandrian Jew named Isaac Antaki, who arrived in the In 1939, Bolivia’s liberal immigration policy was modified, as it 1920s. He established a large textile factory and also built a synagogue had been in other Latin American countries. This move kept with the to serve the Ashkenazi and Sephardi community. The Jewish policy of barring entry to nationals of the Axis powers. In addition, a population of the city reached its peak after World War II, but large certain amount of discontent was engendered with the discovery that numbers emigrated in the 1950’s. The community never managed to most of the Jewish immigrants who had entered the country on an establish a Jewish school, only a kindergarten exists. agricultural visa were actually involved in commerce and industry.

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29 The Challenge of Keeping Kosher in China

INGBO, CHINA It's harder for Freundlich, 34, — It isn't easy to blend in. His black beard is Nbeing a kosher food much longer and bushier, and inspector in the land of moo some Chinese he meets can't shu pork. No matter how hard resist tugging at it with their you try. fingers. “Once, they got me into a “They used to call me Santa restaurant and they ordered a Claus,” said Freundlich, who whole plate of food and put it in moved to Beijing with his family front of me,” recalls Rabbi Martin in 2001 to start a Jewish Grunberg, who has the unusual community center. Then came task of ensuring that Chinese the Sept. 11 attacks. “They started factories that make food for calling me Bin Laden, which is export comply with ancient Jewish unfortunate." dietary laws. “They were putting But they don't mean any me to the test because they really harm by it, he said. For the most don't understand why I can't eat part, rabbis are treated with Chinese cuisine.” respect, even if the Chinese Keeping kosher is a breeze back know very little about the Jewish home in Jerusalem, but it's a daily people and their religion. challenge here in China, where The largest kosher market in Chinese companies looking for “In China, we have very little food is practically a religion and the world is the U.S., where a kosher approval, Freundlich contact with the Jewish people,” people say they'll eat anything growing number of the recalls explaining why he said Lucy Qian, the general with four legs – except for the consumers are non-Jews who see couldn't certify a toy maker that manager at Ningbo Gooddays table. kosher-certified food as generally produced plastic food. Food, a factory that makes It means Grunberg can't travel safer and healthier. “They sent me samples of fake mostly novelty candies here in light on his monthly trips through That's important in China, apples, fake vegetables,” one of China's manufacturing China: He carries two or three which is trying to recover from Freundlich said. “They were right hubs. “We are doing this purely suitcases packed with dry goods, the recent spate of tainted-food about the food aspect. They didn't because of market demand." canned meats and vacuum-sealed scandals. Eager to regain know we don't do wooden toys or Since the factory went kosher packets, so he can feed himself consumer trust, the “Made in plastic toys." a few years ago, sales have breakfast, lunch and dinner. That China” label has found an Then there was the guy who soared 40%, she said. Her way, he never has to step into a unexpected ally in the once- makes dining room tables. primary customers are Israelis Chinese restaurant where about obscure kosher symbol. “Since food goes on the table and Americans who want such the only thing he can order is a “People have been looking for he thought we needed a kosher things as kosher lipstick-shaped fruit plate and can of Coke. some other measure of security for table,” Freundlich said. “Of Barbie candy, some of which Although many here have products coming out of China,” course, every table is kosher." ends up on the shelves of places never heard the word “kosher,” said Rabbi Shimon Freundlich, It's even hard for many like Wal-Mart. China is now the world's fastest- one of a handful of Beijing-based Chinese to grasp the meaning of The tainted-food scandals, growing producer of kosher- independent kosher field “rabbi." she said, had no impact on her certified food, with more than 500 inspectors. “They want to see “Sometimes they call me business last year. In fact, Chinese factories producing the quality control, and kosher is a 'rabbit,' “ Grunberg said. “I start sales grew. approved products. standard people know." hopping. They don't get it. I let it “I'm sure the kosher That number is expected to As China in recent years has pass. It doesn't pay to explain." certification helped,” Qian said. soar, not because this country that become a factory for the world, In the frigid Chinese winter, For now, finished products is still officially atheist has practically anything can be made Grunberg, a grandfather of five, such as candy, fish and some embraced Judaism, but because here at a bargain. The unlikely keeps his white beard relatively dehydrated vegetables are a it's good for business. kosher business flourished simply short and covers his head with a small component of the “I used to get this puzzled look, because of supply and demand: wool hat. He keeps his yarmulke Chinese-made kosher market. 'What is kosher?' “ said Grunberg, The global appetite for kosher in his pocket and puts it on only The bulk of the business is in 54, a field inspector for the New products exploded and China is when the room is warm enough. raw materials and food additives, York-based Orthodox Union, happy to feed the frenzy. The Israeli resident has long but that is likely to change very which is responsible for certifying But even after the Chinese given up on wearing his wide- soon, according to the Orthodox more than 300 plants in China. learned basic kosher rules -- brimmed black hat when Union, which expects huge “Now a lot of people know it as no pork, no shellfish, no fish traveling across China. “They get growth in the demand for a marketing tool to increase their without fins or scales -- squashed,” he said, during the kosher snacks, soft drinks and market share, especially in the misunderstandings remain. extended transits by plane, even beef. As the calls poured in from bus and train. United States." (Continued)

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30 Jewish dietary rules originate companies seeking Sometimes, The rabbi's requirements in the Hebrew Bible, particularly kosher approval despite the best don't always go over well with the Book of Leviticus. But rabbis and Jewish of intentions, productivity-crazed Chinese working in China try to sidestep agencies that he has to plant owners. serious discussions on religion to certify them. turn the “Somebody once called me and avoid political minefields in a “The rabbi applicant asked me to come bless the fish,” country where anything other inspectors need to down. said Freundlich, referring to a than state-sanctioned church know where each Once, company that processes Alaskan activities are strictly forbidden. ingredient is he said, he fish for the American market. Once, Grunberg said, an made and be traveled to far “I told him that's not the way official asked him during a able to trace it western it works." public function to explain what back to the China to But even Freundlich wasn't religious law kosher is based on. factory that made watch prepared for what he faced when Caught off guard, the rabbi it. If you don't Tibetan he got to the fish plant. quickly emphasized the common provide that herders using Jewish law says fish must have ground between the Chinese and information, we a primitive fins and scales to be kosher. But Jewish people, who share long don't give you method to with frozen fish, it is difficult to histories of pride and the certification." turn yak milk tell which ones do. So even persecution. Certification into casein, a though the plant had processed “I didn't bring religion or G-d can be labour- dairy protein thousands of fish, Freundlich into the equation,” Grunberg intensive for the used as a says he rolled up his sleeves to said. rabbis. food additive. check them by hand. That's just fine to pragmatic During a “It was He and a partner worked Communist Party officials, who recent trip to the like a million three days straight, scratching see little contradiction in Gooddays candy Tibetans all each one of the 37,000 fish with describing their brand of factory, which privately cooking their gloved fingers. unbridled capitalism as requires four annual inspections, this on their stoves – every home “So many fish in the sea look “socialism with Chinese Grunberg checked long lists of is a little factory,” Grunberg said. the same,” said Freundlich. characteristics.” Tolerating raw materials and poked around “It would be an impossible type of “If I can't find the scale or the unfamiliar foreign ideas seems a every warehouse and factory supervision." fin, it can't be eaten.” small price to keep the export- floor, picking up bottles of Then the Chinese government © Article by American journalist driven economy humming. sweetener and food coloring, stepped in to form a company Ching-Ching Ni. “The biggest benefit of going asking if there had been any that supplied the Tibetans with kosher is that it introduces more changes in the suppliers and if cows and a place to milk them It was found by David Lissauer in accountability,” said Ray Cheung, the buckets on the floor were by machine. Grunberg went back a local Cambodian newspaper a Chinese broker who acts as a used to store anything other than and certified the liquid milk that while working recently in bridge between Chinese kosher products. will be used for the casein. Cambodia and Lao.

Victorian Jewry commends apology to Indigenous Australians 13 February 2008 Anton Block, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the peak body of Victorian Jewry, said today: “The Victorian Jewish Community is committed to a society that is harmonious, inclusive, egalitarian and diverse. This is unattainable without a process of reconciliation with Indigenous Australians who possess unique histories, cultures and spiritual relationships to this land and its seas. Today ’s apology to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Rudd is an integral part of this process, a necessary acknowledgement of the suffering of so many of our fellow Australians. Yet our community recognises that considerably more is needed to turn good intentions into action to ensure the equality of all Australians. There remains a pressing need to reduce the relative disadvantage many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may face by improving education, health, housing, employment, governance, social and communal relationships, and justice systems. I particularly encourage the Jewish community to increase its knowledge and understanding of the identities and experiences of Indigenous Australians and to reflect this awareness in our social relationships and provision of support .” For further information, please contact: Hilary McMahon, Business Manager – Jewish Community Council Anton Block on 0418 320 417 or Geoffrey Zygier on 9272 5579. of Victoria Inc (JCCV) 306 Hawthorn Road, South Caulfield Vic 3162 Tel: (03) 9272 5566 Fax: (03) 9272 5560 31 Who Would Stand By and Withhold The Gift of Life?

remember as a child At least one highly hearing of a sweet respected orthodox Ilittle old lady who practitioner is satisfied had been robbed and that they are met. bound in her basement I carry a Donor Card flat. She was calling out from HODS the Halachic for help. Apparently a Organ Donor Society. passer-by called back to The society has her, "I’m sorry, I can’t endorsements from stop. I’m late for an many renowned Halachic interview!" For days, the authorities . These are audiences of television the rabbis I trust to tell magazine and talk back me the laws of Kashrut radio shows were and Shabbat, whom I rightfully disgusted. may or may not marry. We assume that none I respect their psak on of us would be such a what I ought to do when bystander. None of us I can save a life. They tell would let an injustice me I should be a donor. play itself out before our As there are divergent eyes without intervention. All of artificial filtration of the blood. family. For a number of reasons, opinions on the point where an us who have been raised in the At the best of times, dialysis is there are fewer transplants than organ my be removed, the card shadow of the Shoah know how not a pleasant process. there could be and consequently allows carriers to choose between a silent majority of Germans Sometimes it is not available or we are allowing people to die the two most prevalent positions; stood by as evil was wrought not an option. whom we could gift with life. irreversible cessation of right in front of them. It is one of our fears; to be Jewish Law (Halacha) does autonomous breathing (which is Television and the internet young, have a healthy mind but allow for transplantation. the position of the Israeli Chief has brought Darfur, Burma and a have our body degenerate. Illness It allows for organ donation. Rabbinate ) or irreversible host of other humanitarian might be a part of life and not Halacha rightly treats a dead cessation of heartbeat . tragedies into our dining rooms. everything can be cured. body with tremendous respect Irreversible cessation of It is most certainly incumbent Sometimes though I encounter and sanctity. The work of the autonomous breathing is the upon us all to register our protest patients and their families who Chevra Kadisha, the process of standard which allows for more at distant iniquity and slaughter. are in a spiral of decline and Tahara (washing) and clothing transplants and essentially We might justify our disinterest suffering as the body poisons the body, the solemnity of our conforms to local practice. or passivity with the wonder, itself from within. A debilitating conduct in the presence of a The rabbis upon whom I what can we really do? It’s so far death sentence… Who in their body are all indicative of the depend admit corneal grafting , away… right mind would not take it reverence we accord. We do our even though it is not an So what do we do when the away if they could? Restore a utmost to avoid invasive immediately life-saving bystander scenario is right on our person to health and give a autopsies, to recover all blood operation. On a number of doorstep? family a future together? and tissue for burial. Halacha Halachic grounds, they confirm It is one of the realities of the We often glibly pledge, "I’d does not allow post-mortem that the laws of pikuash nefesh rabbinate that I get to meet many give my right arm to help so and surgery for scientific research. (saving a life) are not restricted people and vicariously so…" But would we give a More than reverence for the to Jewish organs going to a experience the joys and the kidney? dead, though, Halacha cherishes Jewish recipient. sorrows of their lives. Regrettably, Kidneys are just one example life and living. Where an organ The HODS card includes a I see abuse and suffering, of an organ which can be can be donated to save a life, that requirement that a rabbi be unscrupulous dealings, bad luck donated. In fact as we have two preservation of life is a mitzvah. consulted so that there is and ill health. I hear family kidneys it is one of the few It is a wondrous gift. The organ appropriate Halachic oversight. members wishing there was more organs where one can safely be that I might donate is of no use Organ transplantation in they could do to help… wouldn’t removed from a healthy living to me anymore; yet it, alone, is Australia falls far short of its we all? donor. Nonetheless, most the most valuable object in the potential for a number of Sometimes I see sick people transplantation comes from world for a patient somewhere. It reasons. Perhaps, surprisingly, a deteriorating and there is no recently deceased donors. is a chance for a fellow to live shortage of donors is not the hope. That weighs heavily on us While a few decades ago, and not die. In fact, five or more biggest problem. The all. Sometimes, though, there is transplantation was in its people might regain their lives circumstances where an organ good cause for hope but no-one infancy, now it is well established through the organs of a single might be removed are quite comes to help. That weighs and routinely successful. It is donor. limiting. A donor must be heaviest of all. possible to restore a patient from Halacha does not allow the undergoing treatment in As an example, over the years death row to the expectation of a killing of one innocent to save intensive care, which rules out I have met a few people who normal life in the enjoyment and another, or by extension, one many fatalities. One of the have experienced kidney failure company of family. patient for another. A Halachic biggest hurdles is getting consent and need regular dialysis. When Organ donation is not a standard of death must be from the family. they work, our kidneys purify our conventional gift like a ring or a attained before any organ is It is not easy to broach the blood, they balance its minerals pen. It is the gift of life. removed. At the time of writing, topic of organ donation with and remove toxins. Kidney Unfortunately, the circumstances the standards required by relatives who are anxiously failure is a consequence of a which enable it or facilitate it Halacha and those applied for awaiting good news, who are number of conditions including mean that the donor seldom gets organ transplantation in praying and clinging onto diabetes and requires dialysis, an to know or see the happy faces or Australia are very close indeed. desperate hope. The family want the relief of the recipient and 32 to see the to encourage the to Come). Organ donation is a still be doing good and I could doctors and infrastructure mitzvah. rest assured that at my very last, I nurses as that will enable The Torah instructs that we do had performed a mitzvah and trying to it to fit not stand by as the blood of our made a contribution to make the do seamlessly into neighbour is shed. We would not world a better place for those everything want to be the person who around me. to save rushed by a little old lady who To register for a Halachic Organ their loved had been robbed and bound Donor’s Card please contact one’s life. because we were in a hurry to get www.hods.org This is on with our day. We would not Rabbis with HODS cards include R’ Yaakov compromised when those same want to be remembered as Wahrhaftig ( Israeli Chief Rabbinate), R’ doctors have to initiate a bystanders who failed to Shaar Yashuv Cohen (Chief Rabbi of Haifa), R’ Melchior MK (Chief Rabbi of discussion on donation. What alleviate suffering when we were Norway), R’ Shlomo Riskin (Chief Rabbi of makes it harder still is that even uniquely placed to help. Efrat), R’ Moshe Tendler (Rosh Yeshiva, though the patient carries a card, We wouldn’t want to stand by Yeshiva University). the family might not have known the Australian health system. I and let another die. But lack of Ruling of Israeli Chief Rabbinate (1986) this, nor given it any real enjoin the community to support awareness and enthusiasm for http://www.hods.org/pdf/Chief%20Rabbi nate%20of%20Israel.pdf, also the thought. realising this vision. donation means that we are position of R’ Shlomo Zalman Goldberg, It is time for us to embrace Within the Jewish community doing precisely that. R’ Shaul Israeli, R’ Dovid Feinstein, R’ the opportunity for halachic we must correct the false If they were asked, I would Moshe Tendler. organ donation in Australia, and impression that organ donation not want my family to stand by. Irreversible cessation of heartbeat is the position favoured by R’ Schach, R’ Eliezer time for us to initiate that is prohibited as a desecration of If a little less of me was buried Waldenberg, R’ Bleich. dialogue within our community. our bodies or that it would be but one more person lived or Psak of R’ Isser Yehuda Unterman While we are fit and healthy, our some kind of impediment to possibly four or five more people spouses and our children should attaining Olam Haba (the World lived, then some of me would be introduced to our desire to become donors, should the opportunity present itself. They Plain Sailing ? should be made familiar with ounger member and keen sailor Ari Sherr is our wish, because the doctor will developing his passion for ocean racing and be asking them, not us, to release Ycompleted the Melbourne to Launceston the organs. sailing race at the beginning of the year, finishing in Moreover, it is important that 5th position. Competing in a HICK 39 boat called they, too, are drawn into a Just a Minor Hiccup, he and his sailing mate Ryan discussion on organ donation Epstein, part of the an eight-man crew, enjoyed with a view to becoming donors unusually mild weather conditions and although in their own right. Ryan is pursuing a career as a pilot, Ari has his I am keen to develop Halachic sights set on ocean racing off the USA & France. organ donation in Australia and

There are also two colour maps, drawn to “Orthodox Jewry in Carlton scale, showing the exact addresses of many and Surrounding Suburbs” places of Jewish interest in Carlton and the surrounding northern suburbs. Author David Havin has a limited number of The second part is a collection of 22 topical copies of his book “Orthodox Jewry in Carlton extracts from books, journals and and Surrounding Suburbs” which he published newspapers, and which include: for bus tours of Carlton, the CBD and • Historical monographs from various East Melbourne held late last year. sources including the Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal and the The book, of 250 pages, is in two parts. Australian Jewish News (all in The first part of 55 pages is a history English); of the following Shules and Institutions: • Even Saphir, by Rabbi Jacob • East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation; Saphir, in which he records his impressions of Australian Jewry • Woolf Davis Chevra Hebrew Congregation (Stone’s Shul); after his visit in 1861 (Hebrew); • Chevra Sha’arei Tikvah (Fitzroy); • Beth Avrohom, by Rabbi • Chevra Torah of Rabbi Avrohom Eber Hirschowitz (Carlton); Avrohom Eber Hirschowitz, • Melbourne Chevra Kadisha and the rival the founder of Chevra Torah in Chevra Chesed Shel Emeth; Carlton (1892 – 1894), in which he • Carlton United Hebrew Congregation; discusses whether or not Jews who live in the Southern Hemisphere ought recite the prayer for rain in the • Mincha in Flinders Lane and Chevra Beth Rivkah; Shemoneh Esrei at the same time as Jews who live in the Northern • Hascolah Talmud Torah (Carlton); Hemisphere (Hebrew); • Brunswick Talmud Torah; and, • Shtieblach (Carlton); • Dos Is Mein Leiben, by Feige Rochel Bennett, in which she reminisces about Carlton Jewry from the time of her arrival in • North Carlton Batei Din and the Melbourne Beth Din; Australia in 1938 (Yiddish). • Northcote Jewish Centre (Thornbury Shul); • Coburg Hebrew Congregation and Coburg Beth Ya’akov; The cost of the book is $40. • Moonee Ponds Minyan; and, If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please e-mail: • Carlton Jewish Commercial District. [email protected] for further details

33 Rykestrasse Synagogue reopens in the heart of East Berlin

It was re-inaugurated in 1953 Germany's biggest and was the only synagogue to synagogue reopens serve East Berlin's tiny Jewish community. In communist East as a symbol of Germany there was little funding Jewish rebirth available for the maintenance of ermany's biggest places of worship and the Synagogue reopened late building slowly fell into disrepair. Glast year after being After the fall of the Wall completely restored to its former immigration, particularly from glory. The renovation and the former Soviet Union, boosted reopening of Rykestrasse the city's Jewish community and Synagogue in the heart of East it now has 12,000 registered Berlin is a symbol of the gradual members. There are eight regeneration of Jewish life... in synagogues, as well as a Jewish the German capital 60 years after kindergarten, schools and a the defeat of the Nazi regime. brand new cultural centre. Located in Berlin's trendy "They are here today in our The 1,200-capacity synagogue Prenzlauer Berg district, built in minds and our souls." was one of the few Jewish 1904 its scale is not immediately Berlin had a thriving, institutions in Berlin to survive apparent from the modest red- integrated Jewish community that the Kristallnacht (Night of brick façade. Hidden away off a counted 173,000 members in the Broken Glass) pogrom of courtyard, its huge prayer hall 1920s. After World War II, the November 9, 1938. seats up to 1,200 people. population numbered just 6,500. It was spared because it More than 1,000 guests Rabbi Leo Trepp, 94, who had was located between "Aryan" including elderly Holocaust preached at the synagogue in the apartment buildings which survivors confined to wheelchairs 1930s after the Nazis came to might have caught fire had the attended the opening and gasped power, called the reopening a synagogue been torched. as they saw the main sanctuary, "miracle". But its precious Torah rolls pointing to lovingly repainted "It is a miracle that there are were damaged and rabbis as frescoes, restored stained glass Jews in Germany again," Trepp well as congregation members windows and gleaming told the guests at the were seized and deported to chandeliers. inauguration ceremony in the the Sachsenhausen Leading the service was Rabbi restored building with political concentration camp. Chaim Rozwaski, a native of leaders and Holocaust survivors Trepp, who at that point was Belarus who came to Berlin in from around the world. serving as a rabbi in the northern 2000 as part of an influx of Jews "And the synagogue on city of Oldenburg, was among from the former Soviet Union Rykestrasse, which survived two the rabbis shipped off to that still makes Germany one of different regimes, is the symbol Sachsenhausen. the fastest growing Jewish of that miracle." He was released three weeks communities in the world. Built in 1904, the neo- later and, with the help of a He dedicated the reopening to Classical construction was closed British rabbi friend, he got the the members of the Rykestrasse for more than three years for the necessary visa to escape almost synagogue congregation who 4.5-million-euro (six-million- certain death in Nazi Germany. were murdered in the Holocaust. dollar) refit. The last prayer service at the "As we remember the past, we Architect Ruth Golan and her Berlin synagogue took place in must not forget all those from partner Kay Zareh have spent the April 1940. Rykestrasse who were killed in last two years restoring the After the war, when the concentration camps, work camps, building to its original beauty, Prenzlauer Berg district became who died of hunger, gas or were with only some old photographs part of communist East Germany, shot," he said. to work with. "We used scalpels to the synagogue reopened in 1953 take off layer after and became the central gathering layer from the ceiling place of the remaining Jewish to restore the original community in East Berlin. paintings," "We also With national unification in had to redo all the 1990, Germany began welcoming woodwork -- it was tens of thousands of Jewish penetrated with immigrants from the former mould." The architects Soviet states. The German Jewish also restored the community now has some celestial blue dome 120,000 members. above the altar, and The inauguration service installed modern featured Jewish liturgical songs stained glass windows. originating from German Under the Nazis synagogues in the 19th century the building was used whose sheet music was only as stables and as a recently recovered. textile warehouse.

34 Social and Personal

Our best wishes on the “new additions” Our heartiest Mazal-Tov go to the BIRTHS to their families go to: ENGAGEMENTS following couples and their families:

Ruth & Erwin Mote...... great grandson Ellie Heine & Michael Rogers Joanna Rogers & Darren Rubenstein Mary Goldfarb & Hank Rosens ...... 2 grand daughters Clare Devine & Mark Pomeroy Judy Prager & Simon Wail Naomi & Darren Harrison...... son Maia Glowinski & Adrian Weinberg Anna Aisenberg & Yoniv Shimoni Hedy & Russell Harrison...... grandson Betty & Michael Adelist ...... great grandson Our best wishes for a long and happy life MARRIAGES together go to the following couples: Rose Harrison ...... great grandson Lily & Phil Zamel...... great granddaughter Dana Zaslavsky & Dan Weingart Gina Huberman & Daneal Blicblau Barbara & Wally Black...... 2 grandsons Becky Aisenberg & Justin Becky Swart & Josh Somerville Templehof Tanya Szylkrot & David Nozik Yvette & Antony Sormann ...... son Rachelle Sapir & Daniel Knoche Tanya Ishanim & Yossi Smith Gerard Sormann ...... grandson Simone Oberklajd & Simon Whine Jacqui Klinger & Darren Szer Tammie & David Slade...... twin sons Mary & Graham Slade...... twin grandsons Our sincere condolences are extended BEREAVEMENTS to the following families: Jordi & Jonny Klein...... son Esther Rozen ...... on the loss of her son Nicky & Rod Jacobs ...... grandson Julie Kessel...... on the loss of her brother Renee & Bill Roth...... great grandson George Weinberg...... on the loss of his brother Georgia & Ron Zukerman...... son James Reich ...... on the loss of his brother Helen & Eddie Kutner...... grandson Barry Goldenberg...... on the loss of his brother Lydia & Sam Gance ...... grandson Howard Goldenberg ...... on the loss of his brother Eve Goodman ...... great grandson Michael Rich...... on the loss of his sister Rita & Sam Fink ...... 2 grandsons Gary Lubransky...... on the loss of his mother Rina & Eddy Etyngold...... daughter Dael Lewis...... on the loss of her sister Rosalind Michelson...... grand daughter Ilya Bennett ...... on the loss of his mother Marie & John Cashmore...... great granddaughter Sally Elfman ...... on the loss of her husband Anita Boymal...... great grandson Pauline Bloom...... on the loss of her father Fanny Rubenstein...... great grandson Sabina Josem ...... on the loss of her sister Gaby & Antony Jacobson...... daughter Loti & Victor Smorgon...... on the loss of their daughter Sandra & Joe Nowoweiski...... grand daughter Lissa Franke ...... on the loss of her father Golda Lasky ...... great grand daughter Deidre Beville...... on the loss of her father Inna & Joel Glowinski...... daughter Maurice Jacobson ...... on the loss of his wife Huguette & Louis Glowinski ...... grand daughter Colin Wise ...... on the loss of his mother Doris Golding...... on the loss of her husband

We extend good wishes to Mrs Violet Movitz on her 102nd birthday

Eddy and Rina Etyngold You are certainly a record breaker and with new daughter Ruth . it is with much pride that we acknowledge this milestone of our Our best wishes on attaining Bar most senior honorary member. B’NEI MITZVAH Mitzvah are extended to the following As mentioned last year, the young men and their families: traditional Jewish wish to continue to enjoy good health, bis 120, is in need of updating for in your Cory Verstandig James Fink Jeremy Alter case, we’ll soon need to say bis 130 ! Benjamin Hayman Daniel Badov Michael Voinsky Once again we pray for Hashem’s blessings that you may Justin Kestelman Jack Pinkus Thomas Rogers continue to enjoy only good health and much happiness together with Ivan and Lillian, Joy and your dear grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Our heartiest mazal-tov and warmest good wishes.

– With Compliments – – With Compliments – – With Compliments – – With Compliments –

The Danos Family The Kutner Family

Melbourne’s Leading Kosher Caterer Phone: 9555 3255 Fax: 9555 3455 175 Stanley St, West Melbourne 2 Keys Rd Moorabbin VIC 3180 Ph: 9326 6258 www.worboys.com.au [email protected]

35 Victorian Premier John Brumby with representatives of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria

n keeping with a tradition established a number of years Iago, representatives of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, and including our own Rabbi Dovid Rubinfeld, visited the Premier the Hon John Brumby MP, prior to the high holydays last year, and extended greetings for the forthcoming New Year 5768. At the same time they took the opportunity to congratulate him on his recent elevation to the position of Premier of the State of Victoria. As is custom during such gatherings, all present were entertained by some fine chazzanut from Rabbi Rubinfeld.

36 David Pincus, Leadlight Designer of the Shule’s “Jewish Festivals” – Returns after Four Decades

avid Pincus was born in Berlin in 1930 and Dmigrated to Australia with his parents in 1938 as the storm clouds of Hitler’s Germany spread over Europe. They were part of the 5000 Jews in Melbourne known disparagingly as “those bloody reffos”. David attended Tooronga Road Primary School and when it was taken over by the American Forces as a base during World War II he was sent to complete his secondary education at Scotch College. Australian Jewish Welfare & His tertiary years were spent Relief Society and was as an architecture student at the responsible for designing the University of Melbourne from V.U.P.J. synagogues at Kew and where he graduated in 1955 and Bentleigh and some of the early then travelled extensively architectural alterations at overseas for the next six years. Temple Beth Israel in St Kilda. In that time he worked in Within these projects his talents Canada, the United Kingdom extended well beyond and Switzerland. architecture as he also created On his return to Australia he menorahs, window designs won the Stegbar Prize: an (sculpture calligraphy and even architectural competition for the the ark curtain) for several of the design of an accommodation above. complex for the elderly – His involvement with subsequently this was to provide Melbourne Hebrew the incentive to start his own Congregation was in the late architectural practice. Initially 1960’s when he was however he joined the firm of commissioned by the Board of Mockeridge, Staley and Mitchell Management under Rabbi Dr. I. where over the next few years, Rappaport’s direction to design David Pincus with David H Sherr in front of the three Jewish Festival windows he amongst others, he gained the tryptich of the three Jewish designed in the late 1960s. experience in the design of festivals – Sukkot, Shavuot and ecclesiastical buildings. In 1965 exhibition), writing, travel, but also the trials and Pesach.This was the first 3 of the he resigned to start his own helping to raise his tribulations of working under 36 windows that now adorn practice undertaking principally grandchildren and assisting one Rabbi’s, Boards of Management Toorak Shule.The windows were institutional works. During this day a week at a local primary and the constraints one had to fabricated by Yencken Glass period he undertook major school. face in designing and creating under David’s supervision and commissions for the (then) Earlier this month David these unique art pieces. were consecrated in Pincus returned to July 1969. Toorak Shule to see the In 1971 David windows he had completed designed nearly four postgraduate studies decades earlier. Past Co- in town planning Chairman David Sherr before leaving his gave him a guided tour practice to take up a of the Shule where position with the apart from viewing his CSIRO in 1973 as the own works after all Senior Strategic these years he also Planner in that viewed Karl Duldig’s organisation’s Property and Rimona Kedem’s Group. artwork “glowing” in He held this the mid autumn light. position until his He was shown “retirement” in 1995 colour proofs of the when he was retained soon to be released as a consultant for the book “The Architecture next ten years. and Leadlight Windows David now spends of the Melbourne his time split between Synagogue”and his love of painting reflected on his earlier [Above] David H Sherr showing early proofs of the (he has had a solo times and the pleasure [Above] David Pincus viewing Rimona Kedem’s 12 Tribes forthcoming Architecture and Leadlight Windows book. of Israel in the dome. 37 MAY 2008 JUNE 2008

Calendar Thursday 1 – 26 Nisan Monday 2 – 28 Iyar Morning Service 7.15 am Yom Yerushalayim APRIL 2008 Friday 2 – 27 Nisan Wednesday 4 – 1 Sivan Yom Hashoa Rosh Chodesh Thursday 3 – 27 Adar 11 Sunday 20 – 15 Nisan Mincha/Kabbalat Morning Service 7.00 am Morning Service 7.15 am 1st Day Pesach Shabbat 5.30 pm Thursday 5 – 2 Sivan Morning Service 9.00 am Friday 4 – 28 Adar 11 Candle lighting 5.14 pm Morning Service 7.15 am Mincha/Kabbalat Evening Service 5.30 pm Saturday 3 – 28 Nisan Friday 6 – 3 Sivan Shabbat 6.00 pm Yom Tov candle lighting Shabbat Service 8.45 am Mincha/Kabbalat Candle Lighting 6.51 pm not before 6.26 pm Mevarchim HaChodesh 5.00 pm Saturday 5th – 29 Adar 11 Monday 21 – 16 Nisan Parshat Kedoshim Candle lighting 4.50 pm Morning Service 8.45 am 2nd Day Pesach Barmitzvah Matthew Hyams Saturday 7 – 4 Sivan Morning Service 9.00 am Parshat HaChodesh Shabbat ends 6.11 pm Shabbat Service 8.45 am Mevarchim HaChodesh Yom Tov ends 6.25 pm Monday 5 – 30 Nisan Parshat Naso Tazria Tuesday 22 – 17 Nisan Rosh Chodesh Shabbat ends 5.51 pm Shabbat ends 7.47 pm Chol Hamoed Morning Service 7.00 am Sunday 8 – 5 Sivan Sunday 6 – 1 Nisan Pesach Tuesday 6 – 1 Iyar Erev Shavuot Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh Evening Service 5.00 pm Morning Service 8.00 am Morning Service 7.00am Wednesday 23 – 18 Nisan Morning Service 7.00 am Candle lighting 4.50 pm Wedding Tanya Ishanin & Chol Hamoed Wednesday 7 – 2 Iyar Yossi Smith Monday 9 – 6 Sivan Pesach Yom Hazikaron 1st Day Shavuot Thursday 10 – 5 Nisan Thursday 8 – 3 Iyar QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY Morning Service 7.15 am Morning Service 7.00am Yom Ha’Atzmaut Morning Service 9.00 am Thursday 24 – 19 Nisan Friday 11 – 6 Nisan Morning Service 7.15 am Evening Service 5.00 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Morning Service 7.00 am Shabbat 6.00 pm Friday 9 – 4 Iyar Candle lighting Mincha/Kabbalat not before 5.50 pm Candle lighting 5.41 pm Chol Hamoed Pesach Shabbat 5.30 pm Tuesday 10 – 7 Sivan Saturday 12 – 7 Nisan Candle lighting 5.07 pm 2nd Day Shavuot Morning Service 8.45 am Friday 25 – 20 Nisan Saturday 10 – 5 Iyar Yizchor Parshat Metzora ANZAC DAY Shabbat Service 8.45 am Morning Service 9.00 am Shabbat ends 6.37 pm Morning Service 8.00 am Parshat Emor Thursday 12 – 9 Sivan Sunday 13 – 8 Nisan Chol Hamoed Shabbat ends 6.05 pm Morning Service 7.15 am Wedding Jacqui Klinger & Pesach Thursday 15 – 10 Iyar Friday 13 – 10 Sivan Darren Szer Evening Service 5.30 pm Morning Service 7.15 am Mincha/Kabbalat Thursday 17 – 12 Nisan Shabbat & Yom Tov Friday 16 – 11 Iyar Shabbat 5.00 pm Morning Service 7.15 am candle lighting 5.22 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Candle lighting 4.49 pm Fast of the First Born Saturday 26 – 21 Nisan (in lieu of Shabbat) Shabbat 5.15 pm Saturday 14 – 11 Sivan 7th Day Pesach Candle lighting 5.00 pm Shabbat Service 8.45 am Friday 18 – 13 Nisan Morning Service 8.45 am Saturday 17 – 12 Iyar Parshat Beha’alotcha Evening Service 5.45 pm Shevii Shel Pesach Shabbat Service 8.45 am Shabbat ends 5.50 pm Candle Lighting 5.31 pm Evening Service 6.00 pm Parshat Behar Sunday 15 – 12 Sivan Saturday 19 – 14 Nisan Yom Tov candle lighting Shabbat ends 5.59 pm Wedding Judy Prager Morning Service 7.45 am not before 6.19 pm Thursday 22– 17 Iyar & Simon Wail Shabbat HaGadol Sunday 27 – 22 Nisan Thursday 19 – 16 Sivan Parshat Achrei Mot 8th Day Pesach Morning Service 7.15 am Morning Service 7.15 am Erev Pesach Morning Service 9.00 am Friday 23 – 18 Iyar Evening Service 5.30 pm Yizchor Lag B’Omer Friday 20 – 17 Sivan Yom Tov candle lighting Yom Tov ends 6.18 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Mincha/Kabbalat not before 6.28 pm Shabbat 5.15 pm Shabbat 5.00 pm Candle lighting 4.56 pm Batmitzvah Saturday 24 – 19 Iyar Tully Stern Shabbat Service 8.45 am Candle lighting 4.50 pm Parshat Bechukkotai Saturday 21 – 18 Sivan Catered Breakfasts Join us & start the day Shabbat ends 5.55 pm Shabbat Service 8.45 am on a spiritual high! Following every Thursday morning & Thursday 29 – 24 Iyar Parshat Shelach Rosh Chodesh service a breakfast Morning Service 7.15 am Barmitzvah Jake Zilberman Shabbat ends 5.52 pm comprising fresh juice and coffee, fruit Friday 30 – 25 Iyar salad, bagels and pastries is available. Mincha/Kabbalat Thursday 26 – 23 Sivan Morning Service 7.15 am A catered breakfast however is served Shabbat 5.00 pm at the conclusion of all early morning Candle lighting 4.52 pm Friday 27 – 24 Sivan services during Chol Hamoed Pesach Saturday 31 – 26 Iyar Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5.00 pm and when Selichot are recited (prior to Shabbat Service 8.45 am Candle lighting 4.52 pm Rosh Hashanna). Mevarchim HaChodesh Parshat Bamidbar Saturday 28 – 25 Sivan Barmitzvah Koby Gean Shabbat Service 8.45 am – With Compliments – Shabbat ends 5.52 pm Mevarchim HaChodesh Parshat Korach Shabbat ends 5.53 pm

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38 JULY 2008 AUGUST 2008 SEPTEMBER 2008

Thursday 3 – 30 Sivan Friday 1 – 29 Tammuz Monday 1 – 1 Elul Saturday 20 – 20 Elul Rosh Chodesh Mincha/Kabbalat Rosh Chodesh Shabbat Service 8.45 am Morning Service 7.00 am Shabbat 5.30 pm Morning service 7.00 am Parshat Ki Tavo Friday 4 – 1 Tammuz Candle lighting 5.15 pm Thursday 4 – 4 Elul Shabbat ends 6.54 pm Rosh Chodesh Saturday 2 – 1 Av Morning Service 7.15 am First Selichot Morning Service 7.00 am Shabbat Service 8.45 am Friday 5 – 5 Elul Midnight Service 12.01am Mincha/Kabbalat Rosh Chodesh Mincha/Kabbalat Monday 22– 22 Elul Shabbat 5.00 pm Parshat Masei Shabbat 5.45 pm Morning Service 7.00 am Batmitzvah Shabbat ends 6.15 pm Candle lighting 5.44 pm Tuesday 23 – 23 Elul Natalie Hayman Thursday 7 – 6 Av Saturday 6 – 6 Elul Morning Service 7.00 am Candle lighting 4.55 pm Morning Service 7.15 am Shabbat Service 8.45 am Wednesday 24 – 24 Elul Saturday 5 – 2 Tammuz Friday 8 – 7 Av Parshat Shoftim Morning Service 7.00 am Shabbat Service 8.45 am Mincha/Kabbalat Barmitzvah Bade Hilton Thursday 25 – 25 Elul Parshat Chukkat Shabbat 5.30 pm Shabbat ends 6.42 pm Morning Service 7.00 am Shabbat ends 5.56 pm Candle lighting 5.21 pm Sunday 7 – 7 Elul Friday 26 – 26 Elul Thursday 10 – 7 Tammuz Saturday 9 – 8 Av Wedding Florianna Khait & Morning Service 7.00 am Morning Service 7.15 am Shabbat Service 8.45 am David Shirinov Mincha/Kabbalat Friday 11 – 8 Tammuz Shabbat Chazon Thursday 11 – 11 Elul Shabbat 6.00 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Parshat Devarim Morning Service 7.15 am Candle lighting 6.02 pm Shabbat 5.00 pm Shabbat ends 6.20 pm Friday 12 – 12 Elul Saturday 27 – 27 Elul Candle lighting 4.59 pm Sunday 10 – 9 Av Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat Service 8.45 am Saturday 12 – 9 Tammuz Tisha B’Av Shabbat 6.00 pm Parshat Nitzavim Shabbat Service 8.45 am Fast ends 6.10pm Candle lighting 5.50 pm Shabbat ends 7.00 pm Parshat Balak Thursday 14 – 13 Av Saturday 13 – 13 Elul Sunday 28 – 28 Elul Shabbat ends 6.00 pm Morning Service 7.15 am Shabbat Service 8.45 am Morning Service 8.00 am Thursday 17 – 14 Tammuz Friday 15 – 14 Av Parshat Ki Tetze Monday 29 – 29 Elul Morning Service 7.15 am Mincha/Kabbalat Barmitzvah David Ellinghaus Shabbat 5.30 pm Morning Service 6.30 am Friday 18 – 15 Tammuz Shabbat ends 6.48 pm Erev Rosh Hashanna Candle lighting 5.26 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Sunday 14 – 14 Elul Evening Service 6.00 pm Shabbat 5.15 pm Saturday 16– 15 Av Wedding Katrina Fine & Candle lighting 6.04 pm Candle lighting 5.04 pm Shabbat Service 8.45 am David Krygger Tuesday 30 – 1 Tishrei Shabbat Nachamu Saturday 19 – 16 Tammuz Thursday 18– 18 Elul 1st Day Rosh Hashanna Parshat Vaetchannan Shabbat Service 8.45 am Morning Service 7.15 am Morning Service 8.00 am Barmitzvah Andrew Slade Parshat Pinchas Friday 19 – 19 Elul Evening Service 6.00 pm Shabbat ends 6.05 pm Shabbat ends 6.25 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Candle lighting Sunday 17 – 16 Av Sunday 20 – 17 Tammuz Shabbat 6.00 pm not before 7.03 pm Shiva Aser b’Tammuz Wedding Lisa Fink & Candle lighting 5.56 pm Fast begins 6.05 am Ilan Tirosh Fast ends 5.54 pm Thursday 21 – 20 Av OCTOBER 2008 Morning Service 7.15 am Thursday 24 – 21 Tammuz Wednesday 1 – 2 Tishrei Friday 22 – 21 Av Morning Service 7.15 am 2nd Day Rosh Hashanna Mincha/Kabbalat Friday 25 – 22 Tammuz Shabbat 5.30 pm Morning Service 8.00 am Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5.15 pm Candle lighting 5.32 pm Candle lighting 5.09 pm Saturday 23 – 22 Av Shabbat Service 8.45 am Saturday 26 – 23 Tammuz Parshat Ekev Shabbat Service 8.45 am Shabbat ends 6.31 pm Mevarchim HaChodesh Parshat Mattot Thursday 28 – 27 Av Shabbat ends 6.09 pm Morning Service 7.15 am Thursday 31 – 28 Tammuz Friday 29 – 28 Av Morning Service 7.15 am Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5.45 pm Candle lighting 5.38 pm Saturday 30 – 29 Av Shabbat Service 8.45 am Mevarchim Hachodesh Parshat Re’eh Barmitzvah Michael Fisher Shabbat ends 6.36 pm Sunday 31 – 30 Av Rosh Chodesh Morning Service 8.00 am

– With Compliments –

The Majtlis Family Manufacturers & Suppliers of Corporate, Promotional & Sporting Apparel and Accessories 3A Fink Steet, Preston 3072 VIC Ph: 03 9489 5499 Fax: 03 9489 6399 www.actionknits.com.au [email protected] 39 The Magazine Editorial Committee appreciates sharp and clear Shule Roundup photographs of recent social events and celebrations. Please forward to the Shule office in protective cardboard or email as high resolution in Pictures jpegs if they are digital files. All material will be returned.

Mazal Tov to Judy Prager and Simon Wail pictured here at Congratulations to Jonathan and Jordy Klein on the safe Mazal Tov to Esther Rokman on her 93rd Birthday. their engagement party. arrival of Noah (born 9th November 2007). Pictured here with Charlie Klein.

Yosi, Yacov and Lisa Frenkel with baby Yair. Yosi Frenkel, Rabbi Rubinfeld, Mottel Greenbaum and Rabbi Berlin. Jed Kaufman seen holding his new brother Harley Ryan.

Noah Chrapot and his proud family with Jack Pinkus with family members at his Noah’s winning Chanukah poster. recent Bar Mitzvah.

Some of the Barmy Boys enjoying Jeremy Machet and his proud family at some table tennis at the Rabbi’s home. his Bar Mitzvah. Current participants are Daniel Badov, Rommie Shustin, Michael Voinsky, Thomas Rogers and Matthew Hyams.

Congregant Sam Stopnik was recently acknowledged in the Cancer Council publication Jonah aged 6 months, son of Naomi & for his 25 years of unswerving volunteering to that organisation and the presentation of Darren Harrison and grandson of a well-deserved Gold Award. Hedy & Russell Harrison. 40