Volume 88 Number 3 April 2012/5772 Pesach Issue P.O. Box 2220 Caulfield Junction VIC 3161 email:[email protected] www.ncjwa.org.au

President’s Greeting of being trafficked; freedom from the Life in a Changing Europe”, promises to oppression of anti-Semitism; freedom from be thought-provoking as we discuss the Pesach is upon the oppression of existential threats to Israel contributions of Jewish communities in Europe us: so much joy from Iran and Hamas. We must not be in the recent past, the present and the future, yet so much complacent about the world around us. We and particularly the contributions of Jewish work. You may must continue to speak up against injustice women. Challenges facing Jewish communities be reading this and in support of the oppressed. in Europe are of concern. ICJW will also as a break from be celebrating 100 years of existence. We Pesach is also a time of families and friends preparing the congratulate ICJW on this huge milestone. I coming together, sharing a delicious meal, house for Pesach look forward to reporting on the conference in telling the Pesach story in prose and song. or cooking for the next Bulletin. the Seder. Or you This is the joy of Pesach. It is my favourite may be relaxing Jewish festival and one I love to invite I extend a hearty mazeltov to Victoria and Di Hirsh OAM afterwards. my non-Jewish friends to, so they can Brisbane sections as they celebrate their 85th understand the importance of living Judaism anniversaries. Both sections have a long and I encourage you to take the time to think through family celebrations. I hope you all proud history of community involvement in about the significance of Pesach, the Festival enjoy a happy and healthy Pesach. different circumstances. May they continue of Freedom, and its relevance today. Freedom their good work for many years to come. from oppression is a vital issue for all of us: In a few weeks I will be attending the ICJW freedom from the oppression of domestic European Conference and Executive meeting I wish you all a Pesach kasher v’sameach. in Berlin, representing Australia together violence; freedom from the oppression of Di Hirsh OAM being an agunah (a Jewish woman unable to with other NCJWA women. The conference, obtain a get); freedom from the oppression entitled “Breaking Walls: Sustaining Jewish

MODERN DAY SLAVERY – WOMEN IN CHAINS Beth Din (Court of Jewish Law), where it for the civil law of the state to intervene. is given and accepted in the presence of With respect to halacha, it is generally witnesses. A get is considered ‘granted’ by believed that there is a solution available if mutual consent of both parties. The husband the male Beth Dins would be prepared to hands the wife the get document, and she in accept the solution. And the authority for turn has formally to agree to accept the get. this is no other than the most esteemed of Legal loopholes exist to allow non-divorced Jewish scholars, Maimonides (the Rambam). husbands to remarry; none exist to help It is worth quoting his solution extensively: wives. A woman whose marriage has ended and who has not been given a get is an If a man may be compelled by law to divorce agunah (a chained woman). his wife, yet he refuses to do so, an Israelite court of law of any time and place has the Hundreds, if not thousands, of Jewish The effect of get-refusal is terrible. An authority to lash him until he says “I want to women in Australia and world-wide agunah is effectively excluded from leading are not free like the rest of us. They are [divorce her]”. He may then write a writ of an ordinary Jewish social and family life. chained to recalcitrant husbands who divorce and it is valid. refuse to grant them a get (a bill of She cannot re-marry in an Orthodox Jewish divorce). This has very serious synagogue, even if she has been through a If Gentiles flog him and say “do what the consequences for the women involved. civil divorce because, according to halacha, Israelite [authorities] command you” and The problem stems from the inherent she remains married until she receives her he was pressured by Israelites through the inequality between Jewish men and women. get. A civil re-marriage will not be accepted Gentiles until he gives a divorce, it is valid. If To understand the significance of the get, by the Jewish world. Her children will be the Gentiles themselves forced him until he it is essential to appreciate the nature of mamzerim (illegitimate) they can only marry wrote it, although there is good legal ground Jewish marriage. Although marriage is another mamzer or a convert and all their for it, it is [nevertheless] invalid… descendants will be mamzerim. An agunah undertaken by the mutual agreement of [I]f someone was overwhelmed by his evil awaiting her get cannot engage in another bride and groom, the groom accomplishes inclination so that he did not observe a serious relationship - seek a new husband in the marriage by asking the bride to be his commandment or transgressed the law, and anticipation of receiving a get or even become wife ‘according to the law of Moses and is lashed until he does what he is obligated involved with another man. While she is an Israel’. He alone ‘acquires’ a spouse. She to do or distances himself from what he agunah, any association with a man other is ‘acquired’. Thus, halacha (Jewish law) is forbidden to do, he is not being forced: than her husband is deemed adulterous. logically dictates that the marriage may be rather he forces himself on the basis of his When she is finally granted her get it will ended only by the husband granting his wife evil inclination. Therefore, a man who does stipulate that she may not marry this man. a get– him undoing the acquisition that he not want to grant divorce, inasmuch as he has made. There are 3 possible resolutions to the plight wants to be part of the people of Israel and In order for the get to be universally of an agunah. One, quite unsatisfactory wants to observe all of the commandments recognised within the Jewish world, it is option, is to leave Judaism behind. The other and to keep away from transgressions – and essential that the get procedures should be alternatives are for there to be a change to it is only his evil inclination which has effected under the auspices of an orthodox the halachic perspective on the problem or continued p6 Council Bulletin 1 Editorial Women in Interfaith We truly live in a lucky country – something we should always remember as we approach the festival of freedom, a festival we are free to celebrate openly, without risk of major outbreaks of antisemitism and without fear of the in Cambodia (who is the granddaughter sets the tone for the conference as women blood libel being leveled at us. of Nili Palti, a Council member in Victoria); share with each other in small groups what a Catholic nun working in Bouganville; a symbol represents some aspect of their faith While we eat the bread of affliction that is also the bread of freedom, we should appreciate that most of us are fortunate enough Lebanese woman film-maker whose films to them personally. challenge existing differences between to have good food and shelter, and warm enough clothing. We should take none of this for granted. Our luck is just that – we are Spending time together and having space to cultures; a Catholic nun helping asylum lucky to live in a land of prosperity, in which we Jews have been able to thrive. However, even amid our plenty there are individuals talk to one another in a safe environment led to seekers here in detention centres; an Afghani and families who are homeless or struggling to put food on the table. There are others amongst our number whose ability to strong bonds of friendship. In this the informal woman who has established an Afghan – function in society is limited by disability or by ill-health. And there are others who are simply lonely. program, which included making origami peace Australian Development Association offering cranes, having a go at African drumming and Pesach provides us with an opportunity to give back. First, while cleaning our cupboards we should find the clothes, bedding, basic literacy; vocational training and life- singing peace songs, was very important. crockery, etc that we don’t really use any more and certainly could live without. We should pass them on to someone who will training for those in need in Afghanistan; greatly value them. Secondly, we can ensure that those who would have no Seder to attend are welcomed into our houses. And and a woman working with Jewish Aid here A direct result of the JCMA Women’s not just theoretically or at the appointed time in the Seder! We should seek out guests – we can ask around and find out who helping Sudanese refugees. Their stories Conferences has been the desire to keep in would appreciate the invitation. made us all realise how many different ways touch with each other and to include more we can work for peace and support those women in the conversation. As a result, there The final thing we can do is educate ourselves and our families. In this issue of the Bulletin we look at the plight of women who in need. have been discussion evenings and forums. are chained to recalcitrant ex-husbands and that of women (and men) sold into slavery in the year 2012 – kidnapped, sexually In 2011 we organised an interfaith iftar exploited and physically abused. Just as we once prayed for the freedom of Soviet Jews and those living in Arab countries, we We are very fortunate to live in this dinner for JCMA, which was an outstanding should be prepared to speak at our Seders about the slavery in our midst. Hopefully the material here will inspire you to look multicultural, multifaith country where success. further at these issues. we live at peace with our neighbours. The women’s interfaith model seders, that The women’s interfaith network has NCJWA has organised in Victoria for 5 years, On behalf of the Bulletin editorial team – Andrea Cooper, Judy Krape & myself – I would like to wish you a Kosher l’Pesach filled proven that women can lead the way are also a direct result of the JCMA Women’s with joy. in teaching respect and understanding, conferences. These model seders have been not just tolerance. As we learn more very successful with over 90 women from about other faiths we also gain a deeper many different faith backgrounds coming Melinda Jones understanding of what our own faith together before Pesach each year. The non- means to us, both collectively and Jewish women learn what the seder is about: We also studied texts from the 3 faiths individually. We have so much to gain its symbolism and traditions. Many Jewish on the theme of peace, to gain an Editorial when we break down the barriers and women enjoy the event also, especially the CONTACT US understanding of theological perspectives NCJWA reach out a hand in friendship. opportunity to share with other women how on peace. This was augmented by a session [email protected] their own families celebrate and the different Position Name In February, the 6th JCMA Women’s which allowed 3 women to talk about customs and foods. This is interfaith at its Conference provided the opportunity to over their personal engagement with symbols National President Di Hirsh OAM best, sharing experientially with others what 50 Jewish, Christian and Muslim women of their faith. The Jewish speaker displayed is important to us in our faith. A deeper Immediate Past President Rysia Rozen OAM to live together for 3 days and to share a magnificent chuppah that she had made understanding of each other develops as we stories of faith journeys, hear about inspiring for her son’s wedding, which became DEADLINE share these experiences. Vice President Susie Ivany women of faith and learn more about each the centrepiece of the display of symbols other’s beliefs. The theme of “Women of Deadline for Rosh Hashanah Bulletin 6th August 2012 Vice President Angela Davis OAM in the middle of the room for the whole I encourage you all to engage with Faith as Peacemakers” provided a focus conference. The Christian speaker talked women of other faiths when you have the Theme “Rebirth & Renewal’’ Vice President Dalia Ayalon Sinclair for our energies and allowed us to explore about the significance of the cross, both opportunity. both the importance of peace and the generally and in regard to her personal cross Vice President Barbara Stewart-Kann OAM Di Hirsh OAM prerequisites to it. that she carries. The Muslim speaker was Honorary Council Secretary Shirley Glance We learnt about: a young Jewish woman a young girl of 14 who spoke about her decision to wear the hijab and its significance Honorary Treasurer Emma Lindell working for Jewish Aid in Nepal: a Bahraini woman activist; a young Jewish woman to her. This session is always very special and NCJWA NATIONAL OFFICE Secretary: Dorith Kranz who has involved her whole family in work Founder Dr Fanny Reading MBE Contact us: Rebbetzin Jana Gottshall Memorial Library

National Office Dorith Kranz between Council and the Gottshall family. carefully chosen by the NCJWA Library committee. This group of professionals [email protected] 03 9523 0537 In 1949 Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gottshall comprises two senior librarians Kathy Buchen and their small daughter Eva arrived in and Susan Levy as well as noted author Sydney after a traumatic journey from Jill Margo AM. The library committee was Czechoslovakia, to be met at the wharf by chaired by former NCJWA National and NSW Council members. Rebbetzin Gottshall was President, Robyn Lenn OAM. It was initiated P&B Law and Lindsay Kotzman wishes NCJWA to remark later that the day after their arrival by NSW Immediate Past President Dalia an angel appeared in the form of Dr. Fanny continued success in their wonderful work. Ayalon Sinclair and the concept inspired by We specialise in complex graphic and print related Reading who offered immediate support to former NSW President Dinah Danon OAM. We are proud to be a sponsor of NCJWA. Robyn Lenn OAM & Victoria Nadel the family, including delivering the new baby, communication solutions that are customised to maximise There was also creative input from Rebbetzin Alex Gottshall. At P&B Law we deal in all areas of Property and value for our customers Gottshall’s granddaughter Lianna Wittenberg Business Law including: The special relationship forged with NCJWA and her children Eva Wittenberg and Alex A FULL SERVICE COMPANY On November 29 2011 NCJWA NSW and Dr. Fanny Reading continued through all Gottshall. • Property Coveyancing • Partnership Agreements and Joint Ventures the years the family lived in country areas and Division preceded its Celebrating Israel The Library is open at Fanny Reading Council • Business Transfers • Wills and Estates. design Altware (online ordering) event with the dedication and official on their return to Sydney. DAPP (design, art & prepress) document management House, Monday –Thursday 9am – 5pm and opening of the Rebbetzin Jana Gottshall Rebbetzin Gottshall was much loved at Please feel free to call Lindsay Kotzman at any time 9692 9888 print - offset / large format / digital reporting Friday 9am – 1pm. As it is a reference library Memorial Library. NSW Premier Barry Council and played an important and readers are encouraged to allow enough time warehousing, distribution & logistics mail house O’Farrell opened the Library in the Website: www.propertylaw.com.au honoured role in our organisation as our to source their interests. The Library catalogue www.sandsprint.com.au presence of a large crowd of dignitaries ‘Council Rebbetzin’, being regularly called can be found on the NCJWA website. from both the Jewish and general upon to recite brachas and bench at events Robyn Lenn OAM communities. and conferences . The Gottshall family chose NCJWA NSW The new Library contains a fine collection of Council Bulletin 3 2 BMI Investments proudly supports NCJWA for the installation of this specialist Jewish books focusing on Jewish women’s issues, women’s library because of the historical links HUMAN TRAFFICKING - NOT OUR PROBLEM? Calling for active support Ray Ginsburg AM – Will be Missed for MICHA Tel Aviv- Brisbane Judaism casts a in Australia. The United Nations Convention Section takes the lead! responsibility on us Against Transnational Organised Crime, and 1972) and later as National President for Australian lawyers on the need to push for a to heal the world was supplemented in 2000 with a Protocol 6 years (1979-1985). Her years of volunteer “get” (Jewish Divorce) along with a secular – tikkun olam. As to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking work and service to the community were divorce. we approach the In Persons Especially Women and Children. recognised by the award of Member of the festival of freedom Australia signed the Convention on 13 As for Israel, Ray was a passionate fundraiser. Order of Australia in 1986, and by NCJWA’s we should pause December 2000 and the People Trafficking She did not see Israel as a charity but a appointment as Life Governor in 1991 and, and think about Protocol on 11 December 2002. In 2004 partner in whose progress and support we in 2008 the Jean Arnott Award from the modern-day slavery the first Australian Action Plan to Eradicate were all involved. In 1980 Ray and 3 other National Council of Women . and what we can do Trafficking was established and the Criminal Council women successfully lobbied the then about it. We should Code Amendment (Trafficking in Persons) On her 99th birthday Ray spoke about the Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrew Peacock take to heart Nelson Act 2005 was passed in 2005. There is now two driving forces in her life—her family and and Bob Ellicot, Minister for Home Affairs, Mandela’s words: a 12 year sentence for trading adults and 20 NCJWA. She became involved in NCJWA to vote against any U.N. resolution equating “I am not truly free years for children. While the law cannot be as a young woman and her interest never Zionism with racism. if I am taking away expected to prevent trafficking, or even to flagged. Her work for NCJWA allowed We are all so proud that NCJWA through the someone else’s make a significant difference to the practice, Tablecloth by Susan Segal her to contribute to both the Jewish efforts of these women were active on this freedom, just as surely as I am not free when it is at least symbolic of the seriousness of and non-Jewish Community something issue crucial to Israel long before the male my freedom is taken from me.” this human rights abuse. NCJWA Brisbane has risen to the occasion that distinguished this organisation from seeking to raise additional funds in support dominated Jewish Organisations realised the its inception. Ray lived her life with an Trafficking in human beings is a significant The Status of Women Portfolio of NCJWA of MICHA in Tel Aviv. need to act. human rights violation which can lead to other has taken on this issue. Now it is your turn! awareness and understanding that there “Even as a small Section we can take a leading are those who may not enjoy the same human rights abuses such as forced labour, sexual Use this information to augment your Seder. role.” Lorraine Jacobs & Mira Myler Co- advantages or who face challenges that we servitude, debt bondage, imprisonment, rape, As Mandela said: “Freedom is indivisible; chairpersons MICHA Project Israel said ”We are would not wish for ourselves and tried to torture and even murder. The essential core of the chains on … all of my people were asking our sister sections to assist us in our efforts remedy these. trafficking is exploitation and disregard for human for MICHA”. the chains on me.” When any women are worth and dignity. While it is extremely difficult Her communal and volunteer work ranged enslaved we are not truly free! MICHA was founded by Dr Ezra Korine in 1953 to be sure of the true extent of the problem, wide, whether helping at staff at the NCJW as the Multidisciplinary Centre for Children with estimates of the annual numbers of people Melinda Jones Kiosk for soldiers in Martin Place during Hearing Loss. It is a not for profit organisation trafficked across international borders vary from Sources: with limited but essential government funding. Victoria Nadel, the President of WWII - or – post war, driving the meals 700,000 to four million. Parliament of Victoria Inquiry Into People MICHA’s mission is to enable infants and toddlers The National Council of Jewish on wheels van from Town Hall to Glebe, Trafficking For Sex Work 2010; http:// with hearing loss to acquire language, speech Women of Australia NSW Division Kings Cross and across to Millers Point, While the Australian experience is not significant and communication skills. Approximately 85% of ensuring that lonely pensioners had at least internationally, a good place to begin a response www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/ delivered a eulogy at the funeral of committees/dcpc/Trafficking/ MICHA’s graduates successfully integrate into the Ray Ginsburg who passed away in one nourishing meal a day and contact with to the abuse is to consider the fact that Fergus Israeli public school system. the outside world. Despite or inspite of her reported that there are at least 1,000 women Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual December 2011 at the age of 103. MICHA is currently experiencing difficult times kept in debt-bonded prostitution in Australia. Assault (ACSSA) 19; Project Respect http://www. position and awards, Ray was a hands on with government funding cuts and less donations. To reach the age of 103 is an achievement in humantrafficking.org/countries/australia; volunteer. The women, usually from Thailand, Burma, Ultimately this may affect the services they can itself, perhaps the result of good living and South Korea and to a lesser extent China are offer. genetics. But, it is not how long we live but Ray Ginsburg 3rd from left brought into Australia by human traffickers who what we do with our lives that is important. NCJWA Qld, WA & Gold Coast sections have been Also among her achievements was the force them to work as prostitutes - often in legal What is Human Trafficking? Perhaps this was why Ray Ginsburg was involved with MICHA since 1977. In recent years establishment of the Doctor Fanny Reading brothels - for free until they pay off “debts” of up there have been two major bequests for MICHA blessed with longevity, because she had so • TRAFFICKING IS… Council House in Woollahra, National to $50,000. via NCJWA. These were in 2008 $ 50,000 from much to do and achieve. to be deceived or taken against your Council’s home. The women brought here are usually locked in the will, bought, sold and transported WA and in 2010 $20,000 from Brisbane. Ray was born in Auckland, New Zealand in Ray married Walter Ginsburg during WWII brothel or a house with other trafficked women. into slavery for sexual exploitation, The current Brisbane Section project for MICHA August 1908. Her parents Joseph and Anne just before he was shipped overseas. Theirs In the early years the women experience the sweat shops, child brides, circuses, is seeking to raise $5,000. The main fundraising Whitefield relocated to Sydney when Ray activity will be a raffle with the prize being the was a happy marriage and Ray received most violence. The sexual violence teaches them sacrificial worship, forced begging, was 10. personal handiwork of MICHA co-chairperson much support and encouragement from that they are there simply to satisfy customers sale of human organs, farm labour, and cannot refuse types of customers or any domestic servitude. Mira Myler. This beautiful hand embroidered The family lived at Potts Point and were Walter who shared her interest in communal tablecloth (130cm x 224cm), will proudly grace sexual act, including sex without condoms. Some active in the Jewish community. Joseph affairs. Walter was President of the Double • TRAFFICKING IS… any table for many Shabbats and chaggim Whitefield was one of the founders of Bay Lion’s Club, involved in the Jewish victims report being shown pornographic images where family members and friends (festivals) to come. the Chevra Kadisha in Sydney and Annie Ex-Serviceman’s Organisation, and devoted or videos and told that this is what they will be deceive parents to release their To assist Brisbane is inviting all sections to Whitefield a foundation member of the NCJWA helper and honorary member. required to do. Rape, physical violence, starvation, children or sell them for as little as and threats of harm to the women’s families are participate. This will be most appreciated given National Council of Jewish Women. Their They adopted their much loved daughter $20 each, selling them on to local that each section already has their own fund all used to instil fear and punish those who resist involvement in community service greatly Ray Ginsburg AM at 103 Julie-Ann in 1950 and were blessed with 4 gang masters or serious organised raising challenges. influenced Ray’s adult life and activities. grandchildren David, Joseph Robert & Joy or try to escape. international trafficking rings. Children’s causes were among those she Ticket books (with information and instructions) and many great grandchildren. In Judaism we are taught “To love our loved best. Ray through National Council Whilst at international and domestic levels the • TRAFFICKING IS… will be shortly circulated to all sections. The cost neighbours as ourselves” and when I look supported and helped establish the Aid This was a great woman. She could be fun crime of trafficking and associated offences are growing. 2–4 MILLION men, women is 3 tickets for $10, with the draw to be held just at Ray’s life I see it as a testimony to this Retarded Hostel in Redfern later to become loving but was also wise and knew what couched in gender-neutral terms, the victims, and children are trafficked across prior to Rosh Hashanah. at least with regard to trafficking for sexual commandment. the Autistic Children’s Society, the formation was important in life, and that was the borders and within their own country Later this year Mira Myler will be visiting Israel. of the first Jewish Girl Guides in Australia importance of relationships, whether they purposes, are overwhelmingly women. In other every year. More than one person Of course she will visit MICHA, hopefully able to Ray was throughout her long life an and the Ilan Foundation for handicapped were with family, friends or colleagues. forms of trafficking such as forced labour there is is trafficked across borders EVERY hand over a sizable cheque. advocate, a campaigner, a creative fundraiser a more equal representation of men and women MINUTE, which is equivalent to ten children in Tel Aviv. There are many worthy causes out there but we and mentor to many. She was about love, She was indeed a remarkable and as victims. jumbo jets every day - a trade that not just for her family but also for her Through the NCJW Hospital Visiting inspirational woman. As her grandson, David feel strongly that this is one of the best. Why – earns twice as much worldwide because the education for young children gives metaphorical neighbours be they women or Committee she was instrumental in the Kohari said when speaking at her 100th This is not television drama – human trafficking is revenue as Coca Cola. them the best beginning to life and to become children in need, Israel or those in the Jewish establishment of the Wolper Jewish Hospital Birthday she was “a ray of light that touched a reality which involves the treatment of women • TRAFFICKING IS… equal with fellow students will give them that or wider Community. She spoke of herself in Woollahra, a state of the art facility that us all and who generously and graciously as commodities – products to be bought and where victims usually suffer repeated chance. as being rather unconventional and perhaps has benefited the general community over gave to everyone”. sold in the marketplace either directly or through physical abuse, fear, torture and it was this aspect of her personality that many decades. brokers. And the profits to be made in the trading For further details please visit: www.michata. Victoria Nadel threats to families to break their org.il – MICHA Tel Aviv and Central Region allowed her to achieve so much and to think of human beings outweigh the risk. Trafficking In 1970, together with the Rebbetzin Marion spirits and turn them into saleable Multidisciplinary Centre for Children with outside the square. in women for sex work has been estimated Apple of the Great Synagogue, Ray formed as the second most lucrative international or commodities. A person can be sold Hearing Loss. Ray held distinguished positions at Council the NCJWA Status of Women in Judaism transnational crime, equal to illegal arms trading and trafficked many times. Lorraine Jacobs & Mira Myler as State President for 8 years (between1964 and Jewish Law Committee, and educated and second only to drug trafficking. Taken from Stop the Traffik http:// Co-chairpersons MICHA Project Israel Legal strategies to respond to human trafficking www.stopthetraffik.org/ 4 have been implemented both internationally and Council Bulletin 5 continued from front cover - MODERN DAY SLAVERY – WOMEN IN CHAINS overwhelmed him – once he has been lashed until his evil inclination has been weakened, and he said “I want to [divorce her]”, it is as if he had Sexual Violence & the Haifa divorced his wife voluntarily. This is not the only authority on the subject, and as Blu Greenberg has written, where there is a halachic will there is a halachic way! Rape Crisis Center Following from this, in many jurisdictions the civil courts have found novel means of resolving the problem. In Australia, on a number of occasions recommendations have been made to Attorneys General to alter the law to facilitate intervention. On each occasion the incumbent Attorney General has failed to follow through. While there is some debate about the appropriateness of state intervention, this is the case in Israel, where men have been willing to lose their driver’s licenses, their passports and even their own freedom to prevent their ex-wives from having a full life. A Canadian Court awarded monetary compensation for every day the woman remained chained – without ordering anything to do with the get itself. All these strategies are available. There are means of freeing women from their chains. This is something worth fighting for. Melinda Jones

Sylvia NCJWA BOOK CLUB Gelman Dear readers, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks To Heal a Fractured World: Ethics of Responsibility In previous issues of the Bulletin we have provided information about On behalf of Danielle Charak OAM and (2007) – an exploration of how we can Esther Oliver, Co-Chairs of the Jewish specific activities of the Haifa Rape Crisis Center, which is one of the Israeli live a meaningful life in an age of global joins Roll Education Portfolio, we are excited to organisations which NCJWA supports. It is important to understand the full uncertainty and instability. “We are here invite you to all join NCJWA’s new virtual to make a difference,” he writes, “a day picture – their work and the significance of the NCJWA funding. (Ed) book club. No matter where you live you at a time, an act at a time, for as long as it will be able to participate through the of Honour One in four women and one in eight men are sexually abused during their lifetime. takes to make the world a place of justice pages of the Bulletin and, very soon we and compassion.” He argues that in today’s The long-term consequences of such abuse can include depression, anxiety, post- hope, on-line. religious and political climate, it is more traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, eating disorders, difficulty Later in this Bulletin you will be able to read important than ever to return to the essential In celebration of establishing healthy interpersonal relationships, and withdrawn or violent behavior. our first full book review – of Neil Lazarus’ understanding that “it is by our deeds that The majority of survivors of sexual abuse never report the abuse because they feel too Talking About Israel reviewed by Esther we express our faith and make it real in the International Women’s Day, ashamed or they are afraid of being blamed, of being hurt or someone they love being Oliver. lives of others and the world.” twenty exceptional women hurt, or of not being believed. However, survivors’ ability to recover from their trauma - a In the next Bulletin we will be discussing Maria Balinska, The Bagel (2008) have been inducted onto is significantly related to the social support they receive. The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Hidden surprising history of a modest bread. While Dinah Danon OAM the Victorian Honour Roll Inheritance by Edmund de Waal (2011). we eat them all the time, few of us are Most survivors have nowhere to turn for support and are not aware of the options aware of the bagel’s provenance. The Bagel of Women. One of the 2012 available to them in the aftermath of an attack, in terms of medical attention, police Congratulating If you haven’t yet read this book, do try to tells the remarkable story of the bagel’s do so before the Rosh Hashanah Bulletin. journey from the tables of seventeenth- inductees was our own Sylvia involvement, and mental health services. Similarly, family and friends who wish to help We can promise that you are in for a treat. century Poland to the freezers of middle the survivor may not know how or they may need help with their own reaction to the Dinah Danon OAM Now is not the time to discuss its strength Gelman AM MBE. America today, unfortunately by-passing abuse. Finally, community professionals in contact with survivors are frequently not and weakness, but if you have listened to the Glicks. In this year’s Australia Day honours, BBC’s History of the World in 100 Objects trained on the subject of sexual violence trauma and need a resource for consultation Dinah Danon received the Order of you will appreciate the role of 264 wood and Mark Jacobson, The Lampshade (2010)– to prevent the re-victimization of the survivor when accessing services. Australia Medal (OAM). ivory carvings the size of matchboxes that an unusual & disquieting holocaust detective Sylvia was included in the NCJWA warmly congratulates Dinah on play a significant role in this novel. story, which begins in New Orleans and ends Honour Roll as a highly The Haifa Rape Crisis Center (HRCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to this honour ‘for service to the community in Buchenwald. A lampshade bought in a opposing sexual violence. The HRCC is apolitical and provides services regardless of Over and beyond a discussion around a jumble sale in the US is confirmed to have through the National Council of Jewish particular book, it is hoped that we will respected elder of the Jewish gender, religion, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Established in 1979, the HRCC is Women of Australia’. been made by Nazi concentration camp be able to tell each other about what we doctors from the skin of prisoners. The book community and because of responsible for providing services to a region in northern Israel (from Hadera up to the Dinah has a long history of work and are reading. Last Bulletin we listed some is an investigation of this icon of terror. Upper Galilee) which includes over one million people. Our organization’s goals are to ‘significant Jewish books’ on a variety of her remarkable contribution support for our organisation, particularly support survivors of sexual violence and their families, to raise the awareness of sexual in the NSW Division. This ranges from her interesting and stimulating topics, covering Miriam Weinstein Yiddish: A Nation of to education and to women’s many aspects of Jewish literature and Words (2001) – concerned with how a violence and its prevention, to train professionals in the subject of sexual violence and early chairmanship of the Shifra Group issues. A well-deserved through to being NSW Division President thought. In this issue we have included language with a thousand year history could survivors’ trauma, and to protect survivors’ rights. (1999 – 2004). fewer books, with a teaser about each. We almost disappear in one generation. From honour! hope you will chose to read some of these, its roots in German lands and in Poland, The HRCC operates a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline for survivors of rape, sexual Dinah’s years have been dedicated and and to tell us about what you are reading. Yiddish permeated Jewish shtetl life and was assault, incest and sexual harassment. Crisis intervention services are provided by trained hardworking and also includes her terms both influenced and shaped by Bundism volunteers. We provide survivors with on-going support, face-to-face counseling, and as National Vice President (2004 – 2011). Alice Hoffman The Dovekeepers (2011) and Zionism. After half the world’s Yiddish accompaniment to the hospital, police, district attorney and courts, and we facilitate In 2010 she was made a NCJWA NSW - the story of the siege of Masada told from speakers died in the Holocaust, Yiddish has Visit Israel with NCJWA Life Member and in 2011 her national a women’s perspective. It is the tale of how survived due to the Hasidim who emigrated support groups with survivors. The HRCC works to end sexual violence through extensive involvement was acknowledged with a four extraordinarily bold, resourceful and to America and elsewhere. She argues that in 2013 community outreach and educational programs. In addition, the HRCC is active in sensuous women and their children fare on National Life Membership. today Yiddish should be thought of as a Planning has now commenced for the 2013 tour training professionals to respond to sexual violence survivors and address sexual assault that bleak mountain in the Judean desert. linguistic influence rather than a common visiting NCJWA projects in Israel. One success of Dinah’s was to initiate in a knowledgeable and sensitive manner. The HRCC is involved in the national advocacy Nicole Kraus, Great House (2011) – an tongue, lobbying of the JNF. This was for the This tour will take place starting in the last week efforts and campaigns of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel to influence amazing floating story traversing families addition into their annual pocket calendar Happy reading and let us know what you of April, prior to the ICJW Herczeg Education and generations. It is poetic, lyrical and legislation and advance the cause of eliminating sexual violence. project list mention of all completed JNF think. Seminar which will take place in Jerusalem from beautifully written. It centers around a huge NCJWA projects. 5-8 May 2013. desk, which is the link between a Chilean Melinda Jones (ed), Esther Oliver & During 2011 the Haifa Rape Crisis Center volunteers supported more than 900 sexually This list is now a matter of pride to our poet, an English writer and an antique dealer Danielle Charak OAM, Co-chairs, Jewish A highlight of the tour will be attending the abused children, youth, women and men, their families, friends and professionals. organisation and we thank Dinah for her replicating the pre-war study of his German Education Portfolio dedication of the recently completed NCJWA We facilitated educational activities with more than 9500 children, youth, adults, and work in ensuring our name is there. father in Jerusalem, and an American lawyer playground in a Golda Park near Kibbutz professionals in the area of social welfare, education and health. These workshops Revivim. Golda Park is located on the ANZAC among others. It travels continents and focused on the phenomenon of sexual abuse, its effect on survivors and society, its Mazel tov Dinah! We look forward to generations; and becomes symbolic of loss trail, one of JNF Australia’s major projects. many more years of your NCJWA support identification, treatment and prevention. and of old dreams. It asks questions about So put the date in your diary. and involvement. what we pass on to our children and how This is important work, and NCJWA is proud to be involved with the HRCC. they absorb our dreams and losses. Expressions of Interest Please contact Laliv Agozi Di Hirsh [email protected] Council Bulletin 7 6 Executive Director Haifa Rape Crisis Center FOCUS ON ISRAEL FOCUS ON ISRAEL

Neil Lazarus Talking About Israel (publisher awesomeminars.com, Israel, 2010). Objectifying Women’s Bodies – Men, Jews can’t live? In the Israeli population, everyone is included in parliament, in Sexuality & Beit Shemesh beauty contests, in every sphere of life regardless of religion or race. It is a democracy. the responsibility on women, we have reinforced their status as sex objects, Racism. saddled them with the responsibility and Is there racism in Israel? Of course! It is guilt of men’s sexual desires and thoughts, a normal country. But we are NOT, by and have told them to respond to this by any definition, an Apartheid State.Why covering themselves up - by de-sexualizing is the Apartheid word so powerful? It is themselves, and as a result, we have an instant answer: a ‘knock out’ word problematized and made them highly which immediately delegitimizes Israel and conflicted about their own sexuality, a everything she stands for. Apartheid is a problem with significant repercussions in legalised, systematised form of racism that marriage and elsewhere”. finished in l994 for Sth Africa, and none If the Torah makes women the guardians of the definition applies. The route of the of men’s licentious thoughts, despite wall is arguable, but it’s efficiency in doing the serious consequences for women, a one thing, preventing attacks on residents, feminist would be inclined to the position is unquestionable. It has nothing to do that the Torah view should be rejected. with ‘Israeli apartheid’. However, Rabbi Lizner is clear that Settlements. Jewish law “places the responsibility for controlling men’s licentious thought about You can agree with them again here. We women squarely on the men.” still build, and we have to be sensitive to He argues: On the last leg of his World Tour Human Rights. this. On the other hand, they are making deals with Hamas and not recognising This entire problem could be solved by a to give practical ways to address Human rights are differentiated when anti-Israel rhetoric in a problematic Israel’s right to exist. In Gush Katif, 9,000 return to the halakhot and approaches to Israel and Palestinians are involved. Jews were forceably removed by Israel. tzniut in the Gemara and translating this environment, Neil Lazarus, author of Emotion takes over for the ‘underdog’. The result? Day 1: all synagogues gone; We were all shocked, disturbed and Torah’s demands for modesty. However, into our culture and education. Such an Talking About Israel, spoke both to his “Israel KILLED two kids with a missile!” Day 2: all glasshouses destroyed; Day 3, even embarrassed by the nauseating this religious demand for modesty is approach would teach men to not look book, and beyond. No kids should be killed, nor should a missiles launched from that land. Without sight of grown men, extremists, nothing other than a means for men to at women as sex objects, would teach million Israelis be subject to rocket attacks “Let’s reset the paradigm to do marketing the West Bank, Israel is 15 km wide. That shouting, hitting, spitting at and control women’s bodies. Because every women that they are not responsible for regularly. instead of explaining (hasbara)”, he said. is an issue, when the neighbour wants to chasing 8 year old school girls in Beit woman is an object who can stir a man’s men’s sexual thoughts, and unless they ‘Havashook’ (a combination of havana When a Palestinian child is killed it is shoot us. Shemesh. The incident with Naama sexual thoughts, women must hide are dressing or acting in a particularly (understanding) and shivook (marketing) a tragedy. You are allowed to say that Extreme Use of Force. Margolese was part of an ongoing their bodies. So women are judged by provocative manner, there is no lifneiiver will work. “It’s not what you say, it’s and have empathy. 3.2 m people want campaign, by a group of violent how much of their bodies are covered. (causing others to sin) or such concerns, what they hear, that’s important. And independence from Israel and yes, there Disproportionate use of force? Can you extremists, to close down a religious Women are, therefore, not viewed as because it is within men’s control whether also, who you are talking to.” To start ARE issues and problems. Neil: “Israelis imagine if we blew up one of their buses/ girls school which they considered people in their own rights, but as a and how to look at them… with, ask hecklers their names, so that often don’t know how to do good Public schools, for every one they blew up of was too close to their neighborhood. potential inducement to sin. In the words the conversation is personalised and the ours? Instead, there is a whole Unit in The effect of this has been to make of Rabbi Dov Lizner, the Dean of Yeshivat The Talmud, the foundation of Jewish Relations in a hotel, much less on a law, acknowledges that men can be power thereby shared. separating security wall, which to many Israel whose job it is to warn of a counter- children, even when dressed in long Chovervei Torah Rabbinical School in the attack. Neil says: “We do have some sleeves and long skirts, afraid to walk Bronx: “Once you judge a female human sexually aroused by women and is indeed Neil’s ‘5 Rules of Effective Israel people is a symbol of the failure of the concerned with sexual thoughts and Advocacy’ are: Israelis to make peace”. idiots in the army, of course, you don’t to school. It has also raised questions being only through a man’s sexualized have to agree with everything Israel does. about the legitimacy of these men imagination, you can turn even a modest activity outside of marriage. But it does 1. Have a message (short, to the point, Personal stories work to illustrate real The fundamental difference is that when as self-appointed “guardians of 8-year-old girl into a seductress and a not tell women that men’s sexual urges repeated but not belaboured). tragedies. Talk about your relatives, we kill civilians, we have an investigation.” modesty”. prostitute”. are their responsibility. Rather, both the friends, neighbours, your experience of Use the words “You need to remember Talmud and the later codes of Jewish law 2. Use Emotion and Personalize Your the youth in the Dolphinarium attack, that ….” Before we tar all Haredim with the same In Feminism Encounters Traditional make that demand of men. Knowledge and Message. or in Sbaro’s Pizza Shop, or the Hotel brush, it should be said that the behavior Judaism, Tova Hartman argues that the Agree with your adversary where of these men does not represent the culture around tzniut reinforces the status These lessons need to be learnt by the 3. Refute and Re-define the Agenda in Netanya. In Jerusalem, at a family Haredim of Beit Shemesh. The resolution wedding, the same guests had to attend possible. Build credibility by empathy. beliefs and actions of all Haredim. So, of women as sex objects and that, in (Deliberate, don’t dictate). Re-frame their question. That’s not the for example, the Rabbinic leadership of accepting this, we have abandoned the to the events in Beit Shemesh, and the the wedding, then the funerals. The only way forward for women, is to insist 4. Speak their Language (remember, wedding dress is now a curtain on one of issue, the issue is... and possibly show a Agudath Israel of America commented idea that men can control their sexual contradiction between their value system on events in Beit Shemesh: “violence of thoughts, their lusts or their “male gaze”. that the male gaze be desexualised. We audiences are neither static nor the Arks of a shule. know that it is possible for men to see monolithic) and their belief. any sort, whether physical or verbal… is Rabbi Dov Lizner considers that the actions Occupation and Settlements. reprehensible. Such conduct is beyond of the perpetrators are indicative of a women as other than objects of sexual 5. The Logic of Agreement and “Yes” Four positive words that work for the bounds of decent, moral – Jewish! cultural shift from men being responsible gratification. The freedom of women (using Palestinian sources to prove Israel was not ‘invented’ after the Shoah. EVERYONE: Hope, Future, Peace, Children. to portray themselves as they choose in Let’s go back 4,000 years to Abraham, – behaviour. We condemn these acts for their actions to the position that the Israel’s case). If there is peace in the future, Palestinian unconditionally.” onus lies on women. So,“to protect men public, including the freedom to dress Isaac and Ishmael..... Talk about the and Israeli children will have hope. consistently with their individuality, is It’s complicated, but the one answer earliest pogroms and emigration patterns. from their sexual thoughts, women must Protesters from Beit Shemesh and beyond, remove their femininity from their public a basic tenet of liberal democracy. It is which begins to answer everything is: When people start their history in 1967, Neil, in conclusion stated: “There are religious and secular, children with their within the power of men – not women ‘Let’s move away from rhetoric and look but people don’t know this, so they history makers and there are bystanders. presence, ridding themselves of even the parents and even the Israeli Hells Angels smallest evidence of their own sexuality”. – to shift their gaze and to see women at the facts on the ground. You need to see Israel as ‘replacing’ the indigenous Take some of the tools and do it. Make were not only objecting to the attacks as people. Women’s rights are, after all, remember that ….’ Palestinian population, notwithstanding a difference… speak to people. Get This is a return to the “blame the victim” against the girls’ school. The broader mentality, which has been problematized human rights. our thousands of years of continuous involved online and off-line. Be part of the trend of Haredi exclusion of women from Neil’s paradigm for reponding to the in the context of rape – where it is the history and relationship with the land. campaign.” the public domain was very much on the Melinda Jones criticism of Israel amounts to: woman’s behaviour that causes the man We must recognise there are problems agenda. to rape her. Human Rights, Occupation, Racism, with Settlements. Do we have a historic The perpetrators of the violence claimed Settlements, Excessive Use of Force. So Esther Oliver Rabbi Lizner argues that “by placing claim to the land? Yes! But where? that they are only concerned with the what can we say, if ‘they’ talk about ...... Co-Chair of NCJWA Jewish Education Why are there places in the world where Portfolio and Member of QJBD 8 Council Bulletin 9 - Making a Difference: Australia Jewish Women Using Technology NCJWA makes a difference in the lives of many people. Here are just a few examples of our work in Israel and in Australia To Mobilise And Advocate Tu B’Shvat, A Garden in the Ilan Onn Kindergarten NCJWA and the JNF Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of Trees, is one of four new years in the Jewish calendar. It is in fact the time of calculating the beginning of the (northern hemisphere) International agricultural cycle. In Israel, for more than Council of a century it has been the custom to plant trees on Tu B’Shvat, around the world we Jewish Women support this with our activities including buying JNF tree certificates. International Council of Jewish Women held its November Executive At NCJWA the celebration of Tu B’Shvat and On the computer screen we see women walking down quiet streets. A caption tells us this is the Beit Shemesh City Square. Suddenly there is music and we realise that meeting in Panama City, hosted by buying tree certificates has a deeper significance these women have started to dance in unison. The camera draws away and from its affiliate organisation in Panama. as it marks our special relationship with the high we can see a group of women dancing to the music. A flash mob! We see the NCJWA was not represented at this JNF and our work for Israel. This relationship faces of watching males, some bemused. As quickly as the event started it is over, meeting, but several of our ICJW was cemented by the close friendship of Vera the women walk away and life returns to normal. Executive members plan to attend Cohen and Steve Gerstl, director of the JNF in A garden provides a connection to nature; Computer technology, social media whether we are comfortable with it or not, is here to the next ICJW Executive meeting in Australia for many years and much loved by our a connection that is healthy and has a stay. Berlin in May 2012. This meeting will members. relaxing effect on people. The garden has Whilst technology is sometimes used to promote hate and misinformation, social media is be preceded by the 14th European great importance for all, an opportunity even stronger when it is used to advocate, to share information and most importantly reach Regional ICJW Conference entitled NCJWA has been raising money for the JNF to take part in activity that brings growth and development. out and connect people. ‘European Crossroads - Breaking since 1938 when we first took part in the In January this year the Beit Shemesh Women’s Flash Mob brought women from all walks Walls – Sustaining Jewish Life.’ As Queen Competition. In the following 48 years For those with motor skill difficulties, especially of life and ages together to make a statement. This could not have been organised without ICJW Vice President for Australia I children, working in a garden provides a through this competition we raised hundreds of chance to take responsibility as they care for social media. However, and more important, the point of the whole exercise was the will attend both meetings. thousands of dollars - well, pounds also for over the delicate plants, watching them turn from planned recording made available worldwide via You Tube, which allowed the women to seeds into living plants. spread their message of protest and empowerment. In 2012 International Council of Jewish half of that time. Women celebrates its 100th birthday. At the Ilan Onn Kindergarten in Tel Aviv, a No longer are websites and email only for sending information; telephones are not just for In 1950 we took on our first JNF partnership in garden has been developed to enable hands making calls. These technologies are being brought together in useful ways we couldn’t One of the planned events will be the publication of a memorial book to which a project, Neve Zipporah, honouring Dr Fanny on access and provide a learning environment. have envisaged just a few years ago. Through observing the plant growth the each affiliate will contribute. Late last Reading. When this was completed in 1957 we Jewish women’s organisations are making innovate use of these technologies. In the UK children learn about life cycles, about their year I sent NCJWA historical information immediately pledged £80,000 towards our next Jewish Women’s Aid works to counter domestic violence in the Jewish community. They own growth and development. In this secure garden environment they can express their conduct a range of refuge, help, outreach support and awareness work. Their website is a to the organisers of the ICJW memorial JNF project. Australia Park in Jerusalem was emotions and naturally learn. critical tool to reach out. Here, in addition to providing information, emergency contacts and book and hope to bring copies of the paid off by and dedicated in 1964. outreach, a woman can actually click on a button, so no record is left on her computer that book back from the May meeting. The children, who have motor difficulties, she has visited the site or been in contact with the organisation. Since then we have raised funds for many sow the plants then care for them as they The continued ill-health of ICJW Status different projects including a swimming pool at grow. Having the plants dependent on them In New York, Nancy Schwartzman writes in the Jewish Women International blog about her of Women Chair, Dr Anne Morris, has is empowering. This experience brings them work with NYC Safestreets, which use Google maps and phone apps to assist women in Kfar Hanassi, funds for a settlement for Jews resulted in her resignation from the closer to nature, to our primal needs that creating ‘safer’ walking routes. A phone tool, Circle of 6, which can be discretely and quickly from Libya at Moshav Alma, tennis courts in portfolio after six years of dedicated provide serenity and strength. Connecting used by anyone to call for help, should they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Misgav, a children’s playground in Shlomit, and to earth and nature has a releasing effect on work. Anne hopes to continue in her role Jewish Women International is an organisation that describes its work as promoting Karmiel housing estate. emotions, gives happiness and involves all opportunity to gain social interaction as NCJWA Status of Women Co-chair. senses. ‘fundamental rights of all girls and women to live in safe homes, thrive in healthy skills, develop communication and relationships, and realize the full potential of their personal strength’ It utilises the full range Anne was the speaker for NSW Division Our environmental projects in Israel support “ In the Ilan Onn Kindergarten garden we compromise. Sensory and motor skills of on-line and social media to reach out mobilise, serve and empower Jewish women. Founder’s Day event on Dec 8 2011. forests and irrigation sites. In 1981 we follow the seasons, starting in late winter with are enhanced through tactile experience, sense of smell and touch. Learning dedicated the achievement of planting10,000 Tu B’ Shvat. We watch the changes, almond So what is the situation in Australia? Though we have a smaller Jewish population how Australian ICJW members Di Hirsh OAM, blossom through to harvest, ants, caterpillars, includes experimentation, planning and can we as Jewish women around this country use technology to make a difference? This Robyn Lenn OAM and Dr Anne Morris trees in the Golden Jubilee Forest, Keren butterflies foraging the never ending cycle. problem solving. Emotionally the children year at NCJWA we are reviewing how our web site is used. How can we take this beyond had a strongly worded letter published in Maharal. There was also the NCJWA Tourist are empowered, explore their abilities just providing information, also use social media? How can we best use these resources to In our garden the children get their hands dirty, and self-confidence, they also have the Australian Jewish News in support of and Recreation Park in Uvdah Valley in 1989, enhance our members lives, reach out and advocate on behalf of women? feel the soil, sow seeds of wild flowers that opportunities for emotional and creative women’s personal rights in Israel. At the the Vera Cohen Besor Reservoir Project in 1996 were collected on a field trip, water them and expression. If you are interested in our web presence, please contact Di Hirsh at the National Office. end of last year ICJW became involved in watch their development. We sow vegetable and the Outdoor Classroom next to the Yarkon Silvina Freund worldwide outrage against some Haredi seeds and other flowers, care for them and River, in memory of our member Yetty Bennett. enjoy watching them blossom. We pick and eat Director, Ilan- Tel Aviv Branch men’s attitudes and bullying of women Andrea Cooper the produce. We especially enjoy the berries in The Ilan Foundation provides services So for NCJWA Tu B’Shvat is not just one day, they considered unsuitably dressed. the greenhouse we built. The children watch for children with disabilities throughout Beit Shemesh Women’s flash mob http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZd0kLWP01c but lasts the whole year. them grow with anticipation for the time they Robyn Lenn OAM Israel. NCJWA has been a support of Ilan Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) http://www.jwa.org.uk/ will be ripe and ready to be picked and eaten.” in Israel for almost 50 years. ICJW Vice President, Australia Jeannette Tsoulos Jewish Women International (JWI) http://www.jwi.org/Page.aspx?pid=248 These activities in the garden are both a source Environment Chair of learning and rehabilitation. They provide JWI blog http://jewishwomeninternational.wordpress.com/ 10 Council Bulletin 11 NEWS FROM THE SECTIONS NEWS FROM THE SECTIONS

home of Leonie Webb our guest speaker Magen David Adom –which saves lives on countless hours spent there through a Brisbane was Lainie Shorthouse. a volunteer from a daily basis. very difficult period. Having spent time Victoria the new National Arboretum, being before becoming president coordinating We are ready for another fruitful year. developed near Lake Burley Griffin as a and working in the shop for a number of The Victorian Honour Roll for Women place where trees, shrubs and herbaceous With Council Greetings years, I feel very sad that it is closing. acknowledges and celebrates the plants are cultivated for conservation, On a happier note congratulations and achievements of inspirational women in study, display and preservation. Lainie Wishing you all a Happy Pesach on behalf Mazal Tov to Dinah Danon, NCJWA Life Victoria. This year one of the recipients was introduced by her long-time friend of the Gold Coast Section Member and Past State President (NSW) is most deservedly, Sylvia Gelman AM Adele Rosalky. Her illustrated talk was an Tammy Ota who was awarded an OAM, in the 2012 MBE. She has shown vision, leadership, appropriate topic following Tu B’Shvat, Australian Day honours, for her work for commitment and hard work (all pre- the New Year of Trees. And we are all NCJWA. requisites for the award) and has made much better informed about the concept New South Wales an exceptional contribution to many L-R: Sarit Cohen, Toora House coordinator Kim and the work being undertaken to build DECEMBER 8 2011- FOUNDERS DAY- was organisations, in particular in the area of Cartwright, Dr. Barbara Butow, Adele Rosalky, up the Arboretum as one of Canberra’s celebrated at Council House. Dr Anne education at Mt Scopus College, and also Margaret Beadman OAM. interesting new attractions, due to open Morris, ICJW Status of Women Chair and as a President and now Life Governor of early in 2013, when Canberra celebrates National Status of Women Co-chair, spoke National Council of Jewish Women of its centenary. on the very relevant topic “Human rights Australia. and the status of women globally and Sylvia Deutsch locally”. As we all know, Dr Fanny Reading MBE, Canberra Section, Steering Committee our founder was a visionary who worked passionately to establish women as a distinctive force within the organised Jewish community. She recognised issues Gold Coast facing women and worked to support Dr David Reiter (centre) being presented with them. Our ability to be viable and relevant a tree certificate by Brisbane Section President and adapt to the needs of women over Carolyn Goldsmith and BPJC President Tony the years has contributed to our longevity. Leverton. Having strong women leaders with a L-R: Sunday 25 February 2012 Canberra garden Victoria Nadel - President NCJWA NSW Div. vision for the organisation and community Our first function of the year was a talk party: guest speaker and National Arboretum Carol Shroot, Juliet Hurwitz, Debbie Adler, has also assured our existence. by author Dr David Reiter. This was held volunteer Lainie Shorthouse, organiser Janet Nadene Alhadeff, Leone Hersh, Peta Gam in conjunction with Brisbane Progressive Frommer, hostess Leonie Webb and Adele 2011 ended sadly with the passing of Miri Orden, Sunny Gold (Executive Board), Immediate Past National President and Jewish Community. David’s book, My Rosalky Ray Ginsburg AM, NCJWA Life Governor, Robyn Lenn OAM (Executive Committee, Hon. passionate NCJWA (Vic) enthusiast Planets, is a fictive memoir of his life National President (1979-1985), Past State Secretary). Rysia Rozen OAM is leading our 85th growing up and finding his birth mother Our first function for this year was an anniversary celebrations and we are President NSW (1964-1972), on December In February we were able to combine 50 years after being adopted from a afternoon tea at the National Jewish delighted that Honorary Life Member 20th at the age of 103. Ray was a life Tu B’Shvat with a well attended and Jewish orphanage in Cleveland Ohio. Memorial Centre on Sunday 5 February Danielle Charak OAM is our Patron. We long campaigner and advocate, the two enjoyable volunteer morning tea at 2012, when we made a donation to a launched our celebrations in the elegant Last year National Council of Women driving forces in her life being her family Council House. Our guest speaker Ygal local women’s refuge, Toora House. The surrounds of Queen’s Hall at Parliament held a Pamper Day in the Ipswich area Representatives of the various community and NCJWA. Shapir, JNF State Executive Director and funds were raised at our last movie night organisations. Top L-R: Valarie Jones, Kate House in the presence of a number of for women who had been affected by Jerusalem Emissary, spoke on “The politics in 2011 and earmarked for this purpose. Lesser, Jennifer Marles-Malone, Peter Earlier in the month the Executive politicians. the Qld. Floods. Members of NCJWA Refuge coordinator Kim Cartwright was Witherspoon, Chris Leach, Bruce McDonald, Board voted to close BONDI’S BEST of water in the Middle East”. National Brisbane Section were part of the day Tom Bence presented with a cheque by Canberra BARGAINS, our Op Shop. Despite our Environment Chair, Jeanette Tsoulos The Minister for Housing, Minister and will again take part when another Steering Committee member Janet Bottom L-R: Diedre Hanna Hopewell, Barbara band of committed volunteers many highlighted NCJWA’s long history and for Children and Early Childhood day is held in March in another flood Frommer on behalf of our Section. Kim Stewart-Kann OAM, Alsion Porter, Luana Goriss who have given their time for decades, association with JNF. JNF Tree Certificates Development the Honorable Wendy affected area. Although the flood was spoke on the work of her organisation, we were unable to engage a volunteer and Volunteer Certificates of Appreciation Lovell MLC launched the MUM FOR MUM now more than a year ago, with recent which provides crisis support and manager and more volunteers so the were presented. program in Victoria; We are grateful rains in Brisbane, Victoria and NSW, We were able to see the year out with the accommodation for single women in shop could remain open for longer to Ce Soir Lingerie for having faith and people are remembering what they went very successful Donations Day on which Viki Nadel Canberra, many of whom suffered hours. It has become too much effort confidence in our vision for enabling the through and feeling emotional about it. over 45 guests were in attendance at the President, NCJWA NSW Division domestic violence and mental illness, and for those involved and we were not able pilot program to commence at NCJWA Women will be pampered with hairstyling, lovely home of Lionel and Ruth Cohen. some of whom are recent migrants from a to guarantee the safety of our elderly (Vic) and to the Directors of the Lingerie manicures, massages and food. Children This day is held each year in Honour range of ethnic backgrounds. volunteers who are often in the shop for Company for providing the seed funding will be looked after to give the Mums time and Memory of our founder Dr Fanny South Australia long periods by themselves. to make our dream a reality. The City to just relax and enjoy their day. Reading MBE. It is a day when we present of Glen Eira also made a contribution Adelaide has a dwindling number of Jews donations to our local Jewish & wider through its community grants scheme, Carolyn Goldsmith OAM and an aging population. The same few Community organisations. As always our and a special function, hosted by Jeanne President women, many of whom now in their 80’s, sincere thanks to our members for their Pratt AC at her historic home Raheen, also have been working tirelessly for NCJWA superb catering. raised significant funds. Canberra for many years, The section eagerly On Sunday 5th February, Green Sunday, awaits your suggestions and ideas for Last year ended on a high, when we 2012 NCJWA volunteers dedicated the rejuvenating the group. provided certificates and individual gift day by inviting community members to bags for all the Cheder children on Sunday plant trees in Israel as part of the annual morning 12 December 2011. The awards JNF GREEN SUNDAY Tu Bishvat campaign. were presented by Canberra steering Our thanks to all who supported and gave L-R: Toora House coordinator Kim Cartwright generously on this day. Shop Volunteers LilianFinniston, Lilian Selby, committee members Karen Tatz (chair), (left) accepting NCJWA Canberra’s cheque from Vera Doyle, Sadie Grant, Peggy Berkowitz, Gigi Sarit Cohen and Jo Dixon. NCJWA has Janet Frommer At the Gold Coast Arts Center on the for many years funded the annual prize 28th March (during Council Month), Mensky giving ceremony for the Canberra Jewish On Sunday 26 February 2012 at a garden our Section is supporting an amazing We are all grateful to Sunny Gold for Vivien Brass, playwright Joanna Murray Smith, Community’s Cheder children, in honour party and membership function at the live concert of * 8th Day* -all proceeds her work coordinating the shop and Pauline Wrobel & Natalie Bassat pictured at of past NCJWA matriarchs, local and benefiting Israel’s only ambulance service, the President’s Summer Brunch national. 12 Council Bulletin 13 Yom Ha’atzmaut: Pesach NEWS FROM THE SECTIONS A Birth in 5 Acts: Mazel Tov on Your Birthday, Yafa Shelanu HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY ACT 3: Western Australia On Friday 27 January the United Nations See the colours of our land: zehav, WA acknowledges the passing of Edna Association of Australia observed the kahol, sahgol, and stone grey, blue Fisher who was a long standing member date at a function hosted by NCJWA in grey, pink. of Council. Originally from England, collaboration with the Jewish Historical Edna lived in Jamaica and then Perth from and Genealogical Society of WA. Lahvan, the whites of a hundred the early 80’s. She was co-chair of Gilad Over 80 people attended, including shades, infused and enhanced by Group for many years then moved into representatives from the UNAA, NCJWA, sunlight, JHGSWA, National Council of Women, the Maurice Zeffert Home. Edna was a Deep mauves and hues echo in the great organizer and highly professional. the Catholic Women’s League and the stones of our ancient landscape, Shirley Glance, Vice President, Vivien Brass, Her co-chair was Ida Wingens. Edna Jewish Community Council. A display of President & Annette Sweet, Executive Director represented the group at State meetings Holocaust books, DVDs and other material With softest creams of milk, and pictured at Government House, VMC Award set up by Michelle Urban attracted a great and always contributed a balanced view browns of honey, Event to our discussions. She enjoyed national deal of interest. The celebration of Pesach only rightly descends once all ACT 1: conferences and was a hard worker and Unlike anywhere else on God’s earth, the cleaning and cooking is over. Yes, we serve and cook In December 2011 we were the proud Judith Parker AM DSJ spoke of the legacy supporter of council. She will be sadly As with all difficult births, especially throughout the holiday, feet still hurting, but one feels recipients of a Victorian Multicultural of Yolande Frank z”l who dedicated She holds the breathing eons and missed by all who knew her. those long overdue, there was the that having bought so many eggs, we have made plenty Commission (VMC) Multicultural her life to teaching children about the contractions of our history. of provisions for the Exodus and are fully deserving of Award for Excellence in the Category of Edited extract from a eulogy by daughter meaning of the International Declaration difficult labour: the worry, the tsures, being redeemed.

Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Carol Parsons of Human Rights. Yolande’s work is now the pain. celebrated with an annual UNAA Art – Women’s Services. We are actively We counted the days and thanked ACT 4: We have paced ourselves with purpose for months, tidying out engaged with other faith communities Competition for children, in which a the physicians, those skilled and less the tiny places in our home, streamlining instead of hoarding through our Golden Age Clubs, and clause of the Declaration is chosen to be And what are these recent years, almost in a nesting like fashion. This slow run up to our our women’s model inter-faith seder illustrated. She concluded with the United skilled, then, for who was once our baby? holiday is traditional and it shows that we truly are much more and participation in the JCMA Women’s Nations’ Secretary-General’s message to With love and gratitude and evolved than the original Bnei Yisrael who left in a panic yet the world: Children must be taught about In our wisdom we know, that age is were hearing the drum beat of freedom louder and louder for conference. admiration, and even a little human rights and the Holocaust. not measured by mere years alone. months. They had lost the rhythm of Jewish time and did not In march we celebrated Shabbat Zachor admonishment, where necessary: believe that redemption would ever really come. Every day was And these are difficult teenage years in three different synagogues. We have The film “Into the Arms of Strangers” ‘Todah’, Balfour, Hertzog and Ben like every other. Similar to the flat bread, which became both written to the Rabbinical Council of was shown. It was a moving experience Gurion, Golda and one-eyed Moshe. perhaps, of turmoil and of struggle, a sign of poverty and of freedom, they lived with no variety or to watch families consent to be torn apart shape, no goal except survival. Victoria and Rabbis individually asking Angela Davis OAM, Michelle Urban, Jewish But with a parent’s wisdom, we know so their children could be sent to a land All, were there. them to acknowledge International Historical & Genealogy Society of WA, Judith this time will pass, Agunah Day in their respective Parker AM United Nations Association WA, that was foreign to them. Michael Zusman And we’ve said also, far too many Today is very different. As children, we are lavished with the Ester Steingiesser Exec. Member WA and read a testimony by his mother Lore, congregations and raise an awareness of times, And from it all, what will surely hand-sewn coat of many colours so we can know the richness the issues facing Agunah and stressing the organiser of Holocaust memorial event whose happy and privileged childhood surface, is a maturity, a new-found of the culture from which we came. This is no bad thing in Koenigsberg was torn apart after the except we must not feel the sense of privilege overwhelming need for Halachic pre-nuptual agreements. ‘Mum’s passions were her family, closely a special thanks, kaddish, and A knowledge, Nazis confiscated the family business. our humility. As women, we bring the holiday into being by We have also been asked to provide followed by her desire to help anyone blessing edged with tears, That comes from sometimes-harsh laying the groundwork for it. No job is beneath us as it was an Opinion piece on the topic to the who needed her. She was involved in Thanks to the drive and passion of Ester For those who didn’t make it back, experience. true of the Kohanim in the Holy Temple where the preferred Australian Jewish News. assisting refugees from Cuba during her Steingiesser, NCJWA’s strongest advocate job was sweeping up the ashes. We also make sure that time in Jamaica, working closely with the for Israel. Their young lives still-born from the everyone we know has a Seder to attend, all the little gifts and Jamaican Red Cross during the time of the trouble of birthing. decorations are made, the Afikoman presents purchased for Batista crisis – it has been said that even NCJWA members attended the formal ACT 5: the children. We see to every detail. We fill the holiday with Castro knew when to leave well alone!! dinner at Government House for Lord love and joyful memories, listen to the children’s questions so But come now, the future is here they will come back and later consider the deep meanings of and Lady Sacks hosted by the Governor, ACT 2: In the UK Edna persuaded the local Malcolm McCusker AO and his wife Tonia. already. the holiday. council to form a Bereavement Service, to Over 350 attended the great event. Ah, but the end result? Like all And it is time for a birthday serve the Jewish Community and others difficult births, the end result: all Our ancestors broke ground in every field of contemplation Tu’ Bishvat was a great success. We celebration: who needed a hand dealing with loss. This worth it! and endeavour. Still they bore too much pride and entitlement. year celebrates 25 years of the Group’s thank our volunteers for assisting with the We wish you, Israel, safe from harm, They were made into slaves and subjected to terrible cruelty, formation. The emails received over the phone-a-thon and supporting JNF. And even more precious for its nearly losing the last fibre of their dignity. We wanted little. We wish you love and growth and Our grand futuristic dreams and visions dimmed. last few days from the UK are a testament Angela Davis OAM beginnings! And the relatives? L-R Michelle Kornberg, Coordinator of prosperity, Why were we enslaved? My reading of Dr Avivah Zornberg’s to her legacy. Several confessed to being a NCJWA WA MUM FOR MUM program, Vivien Brass little scared of Mum but were glad to have Well of course, we all claim the baby psychoanalytic interpretation of the Exodus story seems President NCJWA(Vic) Minister Wendy Lovell And we wish you, with all our love to say that men needed to be emasculated! The history of her on their side. looks ‘just like us’ and this is true, MLC & Sarah Cohen, National Marketing and hearts, humankind was full of greed, jealousy, misuse of power Manager, Lingerie Company of Australia, In WA, she was active in Temple Life, Because a kernel of our souls will and a rampant need to control. In order to wrest these “Yom Huledit Sameach, our Darling!” and representative of CeSoir Lingerie, major sitting on the Board of Management, always be there with her. “weaknesses” from the nascent Jewish People’s collective sponsor of the MUM FOR MUM program. psyche, God brought them low. He made them feel the effects assisting unwell members through Bikkur And we see her milestones through And in 100 times 120 years, may we of loss of self-worth at the hand of a tyrant so that they would Cholim and co- chairing the Gilad group As an affiliate of the world wide coalition our eyes: all be saying this together. know the “heart of a stranger since you yourselves were of the National Council of Jewish Women. of Stop the Traffik we are actively involved strangers.” “She’s small like me, ‘She’s strong in campaigns to prevent the trafficking of Mazeltov to Dinah Danon on receiving the Only in this egoless state, was this sample of humanity fit women and children. OAM. WA is delighted. like me”, “and vulnerable like me”, Esther Oliver to receive instruction and lead us to the pathway towards we say, Co-Chair of NCJWA Jewish self-actualization. We were saved by no power of our Viv Brass Mazeltov to Victoria and Brisbane on their Education Portfolio and Member own. This is the key to the Exodus. As human beings, we President, NCJWA Victoria 85th Anniversary. And we all feel a little bit bigger, of QJBD must acknowledge God by saving others who are lost and enriched by Israel, as we in our small oppressed. We must dream their dream and even fight their ways, fight. We must hold up the mirror to show themselves their own true worth. This is the core of what it means to be free. Try to enrich her also. Rabbanit Tzipi Boroda

14 Council Bulletin 15 The Jewish National Kew Chiropractic Centre Fund of Australia 86 High St Salutes the The National Kew VIC 3101 Council of Jewish Tel: 9853 1100 Women of Australia on the completion of the playground at Park Golda in the Negev which site forms a part of the Historic ANZAC TRAIL JNF thank all NCJWA supporters Do you get back pain or neck pain? whose contributions have ensured that projects such as these become reality. Could your posture be better? Are you aching to feel better?

Dr Paul Wise and Dr Michelle Kotzman Website: www.jnf.org.au (Chiropractors) have been helping people like you NATIONAL OFFICE: (SYDNEY) for over twenty years. Tel: (02) 9386 9559 Fax: (02) 9386 9828 E-Mail: [email protected] Call 9853 1100 for an appointment OTHER OFFICES:

JNF (NSW) Tel: (02) 9389 5466 Fax: (02) 9389 5330 E-Mail: [email protected]

JNF (VIC.) Tel: (03) 9272 5666 Fax: (03) 9272 5573 Email: [email protected] JNF (WA) Tel: (08) 9275 2761 Fax: (08) 9275 2761 E-Mail: [email protected] JNF (QLD) Tel: (07) 3353 3810 Fax: (07) 3353 3496 Proud supporters of NCJW E-mail: [email protected] JNF (SA) Tel: (08) 8379 0144 Mob.: 0414235845 E-mail: [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

General NSW Victoria • The NCJWA Book Club commences 29 February-Theatre and Gala Supper,” Young Australian of the Year Marita Cheng Pesach 2012 Address Unknown “at Bondi Pavilion will will be the guest speaker at our International • NCJWA Tour of Israel Projects, Late April, launch our membership month. We have Women’s Day brunch. sold out the whole theatre for the evening. 2013 – watch this space JCMAW & NCJWA Women’s model inter- Profits are to go towards our quota for faith seder with our sisters from various • Deadline for Pesach Bulletin 6th August the Haifa Rape Crisis Centre, which will be faiths. 2012 featured as well as other NCJWA projects Canberra and programs. An evening of Q & A with Elliot Perlman is 23 April at Council House We will be holding our Council Shabbat on 3 March- Council Oneg Shabbat, at Emanuel Saturday 3 March 2012, hosting a combined Synagogue, followed by lunch at Council Inter-cultural event with the Jewish Indian Kiddush after Progressive and Orthodox House. Our guest speaker Dr Dasia Black - community - detailsTBA morning services; Jo Dixon will deliver the Gutman, child survivor and psychologist, will Ilan concert is planned for later this year - drasha in the Orthodox service. Following discuss ”How parents and grandparents can details TBA the Kiddush there will be a women’s Mincha raise resilient children in today’s world”. service. We shall mark International Women’s Western Australia Day at that function. On Sunday 25 March March 21 - to celebrate Harmony Day our JCC will be hosting a breakfast held on 2012 Sarit Cohen will host an afternoon tea topic “Faith in Harmony” will be moderated March 8th with Prof Toledano, who is an open to the whole community, when we by Helen Bersten OAM, with panellists from acclaimed Israeli academic. will be addressed by Director of the National Bahai, Catholic, Muslim, Humanist, and We will be represented on Anzac Day and Portrait Gallery Louise Doyle. Quaker faiths. Yom Hashoah events - details TBA Gold Coast March 22- Mum For Mum Fundraiser- April viewing of HRCC DVD *My Sun* with Brunch with Jacinta Tynan, columnist and guest panel –details TBA news presenter will discuss” Reflections on motherhood” with M.C., Jessica Rowe. 16