75Th ANNUAL REPORT MIZRACHI MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

75th ANNUAL REPORT

MIZRACHI MELBOURNE

AUSTRALIA

(Affiliated with World Mizrachi)

תשע"ח - תשע"ט 2018-2019

EUGEN YAACOV WEISS MIZRACHI CENTRE

81 Balaclava Rd, Tel: (03) 8317 2555 CAULFIELD NORTH, VIC. 3161 Fax: (03) 9527 5665

Email: [email protected]

CONTENTS

Key positions – Mizrachi Organisation ...... Page 5 Mizrachi Organisation Past Presidents ...... Page 5 Rabbanim of the Mizrachi Organisation ...... Page 5 Mizrachi Organisation Executive Directors ...... Page 5 Mizrachi Organisation Executive & Committee 2017-2018 ...... Page 5 Mizrachi Honorary Life Members ...... Page 6 Key positions – Leibler Yavneh College ...... Page 6 Leibler Yavneh College Foundation ...... Page 6 Leibler Yavneh College YPO Representatives ...... Page 6 Leibler Yavneh College Past Chairmen ...... Page 7 Mizrachi Committees, Sub-Committees & Convenors Kosher Australia Board & Staff ...... Page 7 Beit Haroeh Committee ...... Page 7 Beit Midrash Sub Committee ...... Page 8 Bnei Akiva Liaison ...... Page 8 Elsternwick Jewish Community (EJC) ...... Page 8 Eruv Committee ...... Page 8 Kehillat Ohr David Committee ...... Page 8 Mizrachi Building Chairman ...... Page 9 Mizrachi Hospitality Committee ...... Page 9 Mizrachi Wellbeing Committee ...... Page 9 Mizrachi Charity Funds ...... Page 9 Mizrachi Sick Visiting Society ...... Page 9 Mizrachi Synagogue Sub-Committee ...... Page 9 Mizrachi Delegates ...... Page 9 Notice of Annual General Meeting ...... Page 10 Minutes of 2018 Annual General Meeting ...... Page 11 Message from R’ Danny Mirvis, Senior Rabbi, Mizrachi Organisation ...... Page 16 Message from R’ Doron Perez, Chief Executive, World Mizrachi ...... Page 18

REPORTS

President ...... Danny Lamm AM ...... Page 21

Seudah Shlishit – A Year in Review ...... Page 26

Rabbi Baruch Abaranok Award ...... Menachem Broner & Harry Gelber OAM ...... Page 27

Beit HaRoeh ...... Abigail Cooper ...... Page 27

Beit Midrash Sub-Committee ...... Jeremy Herz ...... Page 28

8eit Midrash Hesder Bachurim Report...... Hesder Bachurim ...... Page 29

Bnei Akiva Melbourne ...... Cohava Rubinstein Sturgess ...... Page 31

Building Chairman ...... Robert Nossbaum ...... Page 33

Charity Fund ...... Karen Franks ...... Page 34

Elsternwick Jewish Community ...... Robert Wyner ...... Page 34

Emunah ...... Sue Boltin & Debbie Nossbaum ...... Page 35

Eruv Report ...... Jeff Herz ...... Page 36

Kehillat Ohr David ...... Jeremy Gold ...... Page 39

Kosher Australia Pty Ltd ...... Stephen Shnider ...... Page 40

Leibler Yavneh College

Chairman’s Report ...... Avi Gilboa ...... Page 44

Principal’s Report ...... Cherylyn Skewes ...... Page 46

Treasurers’ Report ...... David Brykman ...... Page 49

MIZRACHI ORGANISATION 2018-19

President ...... Dr Danny Lamm AM Religious Programmes Director ...... Senior Rabbi ...... Rabbi Danny Mirvis ...... Rabbi Mark Steiner (since Mar 18) Chief Financial Officer ...... Mr Daniel Solomon Office Manager...... Ms Rae Bower

Mizrachi Organisation Past Presidents

1978-1980 ...... ע”ה Mr David Apfelbaum 1943-1948 ...... ע”ה Rev Chaim Joffe 1980-1985 ...... ע”ה Mr Manfred Levy 1951-1956 ,1948-1949 ...... ע”ה Mr David Feiglin Mr Robert Fixler ...... 1991-1992 1949-1951 ...... ע”ה Mr Avraham Samuel Leibler Dr Danny Lamm ...... 1992-1996, 1998-2003 1956-1959 ...... ע”ה Mr Joseph Feiglin Mr Warren Zauer ...... 1996-1998 1959-1964 ...... ע”ה Mr Mordechai Rich 2003-2004 ...... ע”ה Mr Malcolm Slonim 1964-1968 ...... ע”ה Mr Jacob Rich Mr Sam Seigel ...... 2004-2008 1968-1970 ...... ע”ה Mr Simon Lowinger Mr Ben Slonim OAM ...... 1970-1972, 1988-1991 Dr Shlomi Menahem ...... 2008-2011 Mr Ian Waller QC ...... 2011-2016 1972-1975 ...... ע”ה Mr Julius Kraus 1985-1988 ,1975-1978 ...... ע”ה Mr Bernie Pushett

Mizrachi Organisation Rabbanim

1996-2003 ...... זיל Rabbi Simcha J Cohen 1950-1959 ...... זיל Rabbi Abraham First Rabbi Yaakov Zelig Sprung ...... 2005-2015 1961-1986 ...... זיל Rabbi Boruch Abaranok Rabbi Boruch Zaichyk ...... 1986-1994 Rabbi Daniel Mirvis ...... 2016 1994-1996 ...... זיל Rabbi Boruch Abaranok

Mizrachi Organisation Executive Directors

Mr Michael Neuhauser ...... 1964-1983 Rabbi Ian Goodhardt ...... 2003-2005 Rabbi Ronnie Figdor ...... 2008 - Jan 2012 1983-1984 ...... ע”ה Mr Jacob Cook Mr Len Hain ...... 1984-1986 Mr Ari Morris ...... June 2012 – December 2013 2005-2006 ,1987-2003 ...... ע”ה Dr Peter Kloot

Mizrachi Organisation Executive & Committee 2018-2019

Executive President ...... Dr Danny Lamm AM LYC Deputy Chair ...... Mr Jeremy Leibler Vice President ...... Mr Sam Seigel LYC Treasurer ...... Mr Andrew Davis Mizrachi Treasurer ...... Mr David Brykman Building Chairman ...... Mr Robert Nossbaum Hon. Secretary ...... Mr David Lindell Kosher Australia Chairman .... Mr Stephen Shnider Immediate Past President ...... Mr Ian Waller QC Beit Midrash Chairman ...... Mr Jeremy Herz LYC Chairman ...... Mr Avi Gilboa

Committee In addition to those listed above on the Executive BA Merakez 2018 (ex-officio) Committee Member ...... Mrs Sharona Jotkowitz ...... Mr Benny Menahem Committee Member ...... Mr Ronnie Judah BA Merakezet 2019 (ex-officio) Committee Member ...... Mr Raphael Lamm ...... Ms Cohava Rubinstein Sturgess Committee Member ...... Mr Alex Mihalovich Committee Member ...... Dr Pnina Adler Committee Member ...... Mr Jeff Morrison Committee Member ...... Mr Sooly Balter Committee Member ...... Mrs Keren Zelwer Committee Member ...... Mr Avi Cohen Beit HaRoeh Rep ...... Ms Abigail Cooper Emunah Representative ...... Mrs Naomi Bloch ע”ה Committee Member ...... Mr Gary Esterman Committee Member ...... Mrs Eva Goldberg EJC (ex officio) (from Feb 18) ..... Mr Robert Wyner Committee Member ...... Mr Yehuda Gottlieb Kehillat Ohr David Chairman ...... Mr Jeremy Gold Committee Member ...... Mr Michael Granek Life Member ...... Mr Michael Neuhauser Committee Member ...... Mr Benji Jotkowitz Life Member ...... Mr Ben Slonim OAM Committee Member ...... Dr Max Jotkowitz

Mizrachi Honorary Life Members

Dr Danny Lamm Mr Sam Seigel Mr Isi Leibler AO, CBE Mr Ben Slonim OAM Mr Michael Neuhauser

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE 2018-19 (Incorporating Abrahamovits Yavneh Primary School & Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre)

Chairperson ...... Mr Avi Gilboa Head of General Studies (Prim) Mrs Yianna Pullen Deputy Chairperson ...... Mr Jeremy Leibler Head of Jewish Studies (Prim) .. Mrs Pnina Landau Principal ...... Ms Cherylyn Skewes Head of Early Learning Centre ...... Head of Jewish Studies (Sec) Rabbi Chaim Cowen ...... Mrs Charlene Orwin

Executive President - Mizrachi Organisation Dr Danny Lamm Chief Financial Officer ...... Mr Daniel Solomon Treasurer – Mizrachi Organisation ...... Member ...... Mr Ben Kave (from May 18) ...... Mr David Brykman Member ...... LYC Principal ...... Ms Cherylyn Skewes ...... Mrs Amanda Castelan-Starr (from May 18) LYC Treasurer ...... Mr Andrew Davis Member ...... Mr Davin Miller

Yavneh Foundation

Chairmen ...... Mr Benji Jotkowitz Member ...... Mrs Aviva Paluch ...... Mr Reuben Zelwer ...... Mrs Ilana Wald Executive Director ...... Mrs Tanya Shaltiel ...... Mr Daniel Parasol

Yavneh Parents’ Organisation Representatives

Tali Boltin Amanda Hampel 6

Leibler Yavneh College Past Chairmen

Mr Alex Moss ...... 1993-1994 1963-1967 ...... ע”ה Mr Judah Feiglin Mr Harold Wise...... 1967-1971 Mr Harry Grynberg ...... 1994-1996 Mr David Fisher ...... 1996-1999 1971-1975 ...... ע”ה Mr Bernie Pushett Mr Les Feiglin ...... 1975-1980 Mr John Kraus ...... 1999-2002 Mr Robert Reisner ...... 2002-2003 1980-1985 ...... ע”ה Mr Ian Rockman Rabbi Hillel Bick ...... 1985-1987 Mr Mark Joel ...... 2003-2009 Mr Leon Duval ...... 1987-1990 Ms Ilana Wald & Mr Jonathan Wenig ... 2009-2013 Mr Ronny Goldschlager ...... 1990-1993 Mr Avi Gilboa ...... 2013 MIZRACHI COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES & CONVENORS

Kosher Australia Board

Chairman ...... Mr Stephen Shnider General Manager ...... Mr Yankel Wajsbort

Board of Management Dr Danny Lamm, Mizrachi President Rabbi Michael Lewis ...... Mr Robert Lebovits Mr David Brykman ...... Mrs Sue Korbl Mr Ben Slonim OAM ...... Mr Ezra May

Rabbinic Board Rabbinic Administrator .. Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick Rabbinic Board Member ...... Rabbinic Board Member ...... Rabbi Arieh Berlin ...... Rabbi Moshe Schreck (till Aug 18) Rabbinic Board Member ... Rabbi Yonason Johnson Rabbinic Consultant Rabbinic Board Member ...... Rabbi Danny Mirvis ...... Rabbi Ephrayim Baskin (till May 18)

Kosher Australia Staff Chief Chemist ...... Mr Kasriel Oliver, B.App.Sc. Operations Manager Chemist ...... Mrs Rose Mehlman, B.Sc...... Mr Mordi Joseph (from Jul 19) Chemist ...... Mr Mordy Hoenders M.Chem Eng Administration ...... Mrs Chaya Ash Associate Rabbi ...... Mr Adam Rushinek B.Bc ...... Mrs Gail Goldberg (Jan 19) Rabbinic Field Representative ...... Mr Yossi Herbst ...... Mr Eli Paneth Operations Manager...... Mr Chaim Silcove (till May 18) ...... Mrs Dina Rosenbaum

Beit Haroeh Committee

Chairperson/Secretary ...... Ms Abigail Cooper Ex-Officio ...... Mr Ian Symons Tzedakah project ...... Rabbi Michael Lewis ...... Mr Ashley Tugendhaft Gabbai ...... Dr Lawrence Cher ...... Mr Michael Granek Gabbai ...... Mr David Greenberger Social Committee ...... Ms Abigail Cooper Members Support & Hospitality Mrs Sara Garfield Social Committee ...... Mrs Janie Fixler Furniture Committee ...... Mrs Andrea Esterman Social Committee ...... Mrs Aviva Greenberger Furniture Committee ...... Mr Anthony Gosling 7

Beit Midrash Sub-Committee

Convenor ...... Mr Jeremy Herz Mizrachi President ...... Dr Danny Lamm Rabbi Danny Mirvis Mr Geoff Bloch Dr Michal Herz Ms Noa Bloch Mr Daniel Lotzoff Dr Lawrence Cher Ms Sarah Winthrope Mr David Fisher Mr Yaakov Waller Ms Annie Hersham

Bnei Akiva Parent Liaison Committee

Mr Benji Jotkowitz Andrew Davis

Elsternwick Jewish Community Committee

Chairman ...... Mr Robert Wyner Security Liaison ...... Mr Ken Shapiro Immediate Past Chairman & Assistant Gabbai Committee ...... Ms Helen Silberg ...... Mr Mark Kras Security Roster ...... Mr Tom Slomovic Treasurer ...... Mrs Lorraine Fantl Gabbai ...... Dr Bryan Winthrope Membership ...... Mr Dennis Max Secretary (Employed) ...... Mrs Sally-Ann Jaye Committee ...... Mr Stephen Barton

Melbourne Eruv Committee

Chairperson & Director ...... Dr Danny Lamm AM Marketing ...... Mr Paul Sor Board Member ...... Hechaver Yossi Aron COSV Treasurer ...... Mr Moshe Trebish Director & Head Mashgiach ...... Mr Jeff Herz COSV President ...... Mr Robert Wyner Honorary Solicitor ...... Mr Tom May OAM COSV Representative ...... Mr Mark Cohen Administrator ...... Mr David Prins Halachic Adviser ...... Rabbi Danny Mirvis Accountant/Bookkeeper ...... Mr Mark Sarachik Board Member ...... Rabbi Mark Steiner

Kehillat Ohr David Committee

Chairperson ...... Mr Jeremy Gold Kiddushim ...... Mr Saul Finberg Treasurer ...... Mr Oren Smith Youth Services ...... Mrs Alana Hersh Secretary ...... Mr Ari Fisher ...... Mrs Hayley Rosenbaum Public Relations (PR) ...... Mr Ricky Castan Committee Member ...... Mr Yoel Rosenbaum Gabbai ...... Mr Yonatan Rubinstein Events: ...... Tzena Ajzenszmidt Gabbai ...... Mr Gabby Lefkovits Committee member ...... Mr Eli Goodhardt Hospitality ..... Mr Benji Jones & Ms Chavi Lazarus 8

Mizrachi Building Chairman

Mr Robert Nossbaum

Mizrachi Hospitality Committee

Mrs Karen Franks

Mizrachi Wellbeing Committee

Rabbi Danny Mirvis Mrs. Tanya Gruenwald Rav Chezy Deren Dr. Michelle Meyer Mr Harry Gelber OAM Mr. Sam Seigel Rabbi Ian Goodhardt Rav Noam Sendor Dr. Vicky Gordon

Mizrachi Charity Fund Committee

Convenor ...... Mrs Yvonne Korbl Mizrachi President ...... Dr Danny Lamm Treasurer ...... Mr David Brykman Administrator ...... Mrs Karen Franks

Mizrachi Sick Visiting Society

Convenor ...... Mrs Talilah May

Mizrachi Synagogue Sub-Committee

Chairman ...... Mr Robert Nossbaum Beit Yehuda ...... Dr Michael Bruce Mizrachi President (ex officio) ...... Dr Danny Lamm Beit Yehuda ...... Mr David Brykman Mizrachi Treasurer (ex officio) . Mr David Brykman Beit HaRoeh ...... Dr Lawrence Cher Senior Rabbi ...... R’ Danny Mirvis Beit HaRoeh ...... Mr David Greenberger Hashcama ...... Mr David Lindell Kehillat Ohr David ...... Mr Yonatan Rubinstein Beit Yehuda ...... Mr Jack Feldman ...... Mr. Gabby Lefkovitz

MIZRACHI DELEGATES Council of Orthodox Synagogues Jewish Community Council of Victoria (COSV) of Victoria (JCCV) Mr Alex Mihalovich Mr. Sam Seigel

Directors Melbourne Zionism Eruv Pty Ltd Victoria Mr Jeff Herz & Dr Danny Lamm AM Mrs Eva Goldberg

Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) Dr. Danny Lamm AM

Members are advised that the

75th Annual General Meeting of the Mizrachi Organisation

will take place at 8:00 PM on Wednesday 13 March 2019 in the Goldberger Hall, Weiss Mizrachi Centre 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North

 AGENDA 

1. Opening of Annual General Meeting 2. Dvar Torah 3. Apologies 4. Minutes of the 74rd Annual General Meeting 5. Matters arising out of the Minutes 6. Adoption of Annual Reports 7. Elections: a. Mizrachi President b. Mizrachi Vice President c. Mizrachi Treasurer d. Mizrachi Secretary e. Leibler Yavneh College Chairman f. Leibler Yavneh College Deputy Chairman g. Leibler Yavneh College Treasurer h. Kosher Australia Board Chairman i. Building Chairman j. Bet Midrash Committee Chairman k. Twelve (12) Committee Members 8. Address by incoming President 9. General business David Lindell Hon. Secretary

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MIZRACHI ORGANISATION HELD AT 8.00 PM, WEDNESDAY, 09 MAY, 2018 IN THE GOLDBERGER HALL, 81 BALACLAVA RD, CAULFIELD NORTH

Present Danny Lamm, Sam Seigel, Stephen Shnider, Benji Jotkowitz, Sharona Jotkowitz, Michael Neuhauser, Rae Bower, Keren Zelwer, Penina Adler, Mark Steiner, Jeremy Herz, Ian Waller, David Lindell, Avi Cohen, Abigail Cooper, Eva Goldberg, David Brykman, Alex Milhalovich, Robert Wyner, Daniel Solomon, Naomi Bloch, Sooly Balter, Max Jotkowitz, Bruce Esterman, Robert Nossbaum, Michael Granek, Yehuda Gottlieb, David Fisher, Jeff Morrison, Aaron Judah, Ben Slonim, Oren Smith, Jeff Herz, Ashley Tugendhaft, Jeremy Leibler, Avi Gilboa, Dion Epstein, Michael Bruce, Anne Shnider

Apologies Rafi Lamm, Gary Esterman, Sheila Esterman, David Waysman, Mark Joel, Rolene Lamm, Debbie Nossbaum, Gilda Moss, Alex Moss, Ilana Wald, Harry Gelber, Andrew David, Ilse Lamm, Michael Lewis

Chairman Danny Lamm assumed the Chair.

Dvar Torah Rabbi Mirvis gave a Dvar Torah to the AGM.

Rabbi Mirvis thanked all those in attendance for their contributions to the organisation throughout the year.

He reflected on the upcoming Shabbat Achdut at Mizrachi, and the fact that it coincides with a Shabbat Achdut with the whole of Am Yisrael, as for a number of weeks the Leining in the Diaspora had been out of sync with the Leining in Israel, to be reunited that Shabbat ahead of Shavuot. Though there were earlier opportunities to catch up with Israel, there is a particular desire for the blessings and curses of Parshat Bechukotai to be read before Shavuot.

Rabbi Mirvis then reflected on the physical nature of the rewards promised to us at the beginning of Parshat Bechukotai if we keep Hashem’s Mitzvot. One might have expected spiritual achievements to result in spiritual rewards, yet the major focus of the rewards is physical, only reach spiritual goals at the end of the list.

Based on this observation, he shared the explanation that we can only reach spiritual heights once our physical needs are looked after. In applying this concept to the community, he paraphrased

Abraham Maslow and explained that our community can only reach spiritual heights if physiological, safety, security and belonging needs are taken care of first.

In that spirit, he expressed gratitude to all the volunteers, professional and lay staff of the organisation who take care of the many needs of the community throughout the year.

Minutes The Minutes of the last annual general meeting were tabled and adopted. Moved: Danny Lamm, Seconded: Ashley Tugendhaft

No Matters Arising

Reports to the Danny Lamm advised that verbal reports would not be given as AGM the reports had been provided to members in written format prior to the AGM.

Danny Lamm moved that the reports be accepted Jeff Morrison seconded the motion.

The following matters arose from the reports:

Eruv: Jeff Morrison asked the Chairman if there was intention to expand the Eruv north of Dandenong Rd. Danny Lamm responded that investigations are currently being undertaken and costs assessed. It is intended that the beneficiaries of any extension of the Eruv be asked to contribute to construction and maintenance of the Eruv. Danny Lamm also advised that at the completion of an extension to the Eruv, an invitation would be extended to the Rav Hamachsir (who resided in USA) to visit and confirm the status of the Eruv.

Bruce Esterman asked the Chairman for any update on the matter (raised at last year’s AGM) regarding the welcoming of people to Mizrachi.

Bruce Esterman asked the Chairman about succession planning for the future leadership of Mizrachi. Danny Lamm responded that he was pleased that many of the nominations for Committee were received from younger members of the community who have not served nor have they stood previously for positions on the Committee. Danny Lamm advised that he was looking forward to these nominees bringing new ideas to and participating in the subcommittees that help manage the activities of the Organisation.

Danny Lamm addressed the matter of the appointment of a CEO. He advised that no steps had been taken yet in this regard. Any appointment will require the input of the Mizrachi Committee and the College Executive.

Elections Danny Lamm advised the meeting that there were no contested positions and all nominees were therefore duly elected to the positions they stood for, as follows:

President: ...... Danny Lamm Vice President: ...... Sam Seigel Mizrachi Treasurer: ...... David Brykman Honorary Secretary:...... David Lindell Chairman Beth Midrash: ...... Jeremy Herz Chariman Kosher Australia: ...... Stephen Shnider Chairman Building: ...... Robert Nossbaum Chairman LYC: ...... Avi Gilboa Deputy Chairman LYC: ...... Jeremy Leibler LYC Treasurer: ...... Andrew Davis

Committee Members: Peninah Adler, Sooly Balter, Avi Cohen, Eva Goldberg, Yehudah Gotlieb, Max Jotkowitz, Benji Jotkowitz, Sharona Jotkowitz, Ronny Judah, Rafi Lamm, Alex Milhalovich, Keren Zelwer

Danny Lamm welcomed the new members of the Committee.

Incoming Danny Lamm reported that he attended the College Yom President Address Yerushalayim program and he mentioned generally the success of and excellence at the College.

Danny Lamm invited R’ Mark Steiner to report on his attendance at the World Mizrachi Strategy Meeting of world Mizrachi leaders in Israel. R’ Mark reported that world Mizrachi is experiencing a resurgence. The appointment of Rav Doron Perez has provided for expansion of worl Mizrachi activities and influence. R’ Mark also stated that he attended a strategy meeting with Mizrachi leaders from around the world. Three main aims were identified: - Education - Creating a presence for Mizrachi around the world; and - Creating a sense of belonging to (those within the Mizrachi movement) something much bigger than their local communities R’ Mark also stated that World Mizrachi has a number of programs that train leaders, Rabbis and teachers to be to go out and work in Mizrachi communities around the world.

General Business: Ben Slonim asked about the Rabbi Abaranok Scholarship. Danny Lamm responded that he did not know the answer and would table it for follow up.

Ashley Tugendhaft asked about Rabbi Mirvis’ speaking commitment across each of the minyanim at Mizrachi. Danny Lamm agreed that it was difficult for the rabbi to get to all the minyanim with the frequency that they would like but he is making his best attempts. Danny Lamm asked that people be understanding and accepting of the speaking rostering as it happens. 13

Bruce Esterman asked about the President’s 5-year vision for the Organisation. Danny Lamm responded that he hopes that in 5 years’ time the building projects will have been completed at 81 Balaclava Rd and that all activities can be housed at 81 Balaclava Rd. Danny Lamm also stated that he would like to see Mizrachi promoting religious Zionism within the community at large.

Abigail Cooper suggested to the meeting that it was important to cater to post Bnei Akiva youth who need something and somewhere until they get married and can join a minyan like Ohr David. Danny Lamm stated that this was one of the aims of the creation of the Beth Midrash and the appointment across the Organisation of younger Rabbis to connect with the youth.

Bruce Esterman suggested to the meeting that Mizrachi should promote itself far wider and better in the community (for example in the Jewish News).

Bruce Esterman asked about the building plans for 81 Balaclava Rd. Danny Lamm advised that the plans were being amended to better utilize spaced on the property and that as soon as they are completed the plans will again be displayed for the community to view.

Bruce Esterman asked about the Mizrachi website. David Lindell advised that he was in the process of reviewing the current website and would be seeking input from others to update the current functionality and content of the website with a view to introducing new functionality and content of the website in the near future.

Bruce Esterman also suggested that an electronic notice board should be erected in the synagogue foyer to better advertise shule times and activities to the members.

Eva Goldberg commented that many communal leaders and Rabbis have stopped attending the communal Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalyim services at Mizrachi. Danny Lamm confirmed that all were invited. Danny Lamm agreed that the numbers have dropped and that it will be followed up with the invitees again.

Robert Wyner advised that the COSV and many of its constituent Rabbis attended the abovementioned services. Robert Wyner acknowledged that the COSV website needs to be updated to better advertise community activities.

Ashley Tugendhaft noted that the Beth Haroeh minyan on shabbat tends to finish after Ohr David and Beth Yehudah shules and there is a lot of noise prior to the communal kiddushim when they are held. Danny Lamm responded that in the short term this problem will continue. 14

Yehudah Gotlieb noted that much of the vibrancy now being experienced in the Organisation is a result of Rabbi Mirvis and the talented team of Rabbis that now serve at Mizrachi, and that the concentration should be on human resource talent and not buildings alone. Danny Lamm endorsed Yehudah Gotlieb’s comments about talent and noted that amenities also contribute to the success of events held at Mizrachi.

Keren Zelwer noted that it appears that the next generation is not moving into the Beth Yehudah shule. Danny Lamm responded that there is an issue with the availability of seats in BY shule. Danny Lamm also noted that there is a flow of young people moving into Ohr David.

Danny Lamm noted that the Beth Midrash dinner will also incorporate the celebration of the 75th year of Mizrachi in Melbourne. The dinner is scheduled for 19 August at the College.

Meeting Close 9.05 pm

MESSAGE FROM Rav Danny Mirvis, Senior Rabbi Mizrachi Organisation

It has been a year of significant anniversaries for our Organisation: 75 years of Mizrachi, 50 Years of Kosher Australia, and 20 Years of Kollel Torah Mitzion.

These significant milestones provide us with an opportunity to pause and reflect on our proud history as an organisation, to celebrate our many achievements today, and to plan for a secure and successful future.

Mizrachi plays a vital role in Melbourne Jewry and Australian Jewry, not only through the communal provisions offered by the different arms of our organisation, but also through setting the tone for Religious Zionism – as an ideology and as a way of life. The annual RZOA (Religious Zionist Organisation of Australia) conference provides a framework for us to further enhance our working relationships with like-minded Religious Zionist bodies in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, and I look forward to Mizrachi Melbourne hosting the conference next year.

Beyond our natural hashkafic partners, we continue to maintain and develop our connections with other leading Orthodox organisations in Melbourne. The Melbourne Beth Din now operates from the Mizrachi Beit Midrash. As of this year, Mizrachi is also the home for weekly professional development sessions for RCV Rabbis, bringing 30 Rabbis to our premises for high-level learning led by R’ Feitel Levin every week. The Melbourne Eruv is another beautiful example of a project which brings together different parts of the community, both in the halachic reality it enables, and the partnership involved in its leadership and maintenance.

I am blessed with talented, experienced and dedicated partners in the lay leadership of our organisation, which relies heavily on the skills and hard work of our professional staff and volunteers, who all deserve recognition and appreciation for their invaluable contributions to Mizrachi’s continued successes. I am continually impressed by the dynamic growth of Kehillat Ohr David, both in numbers and in activity, including the commencement this year of Kehillat Ohr David’s 7am weekday Minyan.

I could not ask for a more supportive President than Dr Danny Lamm AM, or a more supportive Vice President than Sam Seigel. For an organisation of our size and significance to thrive, unity and understanding are essential at all levels. Whether it is between individuals, between minyanim, between the different arms of the organisation, or at a leadership level – we are only as strong as we are united.

For the third year in a row, I have increased my weekly hours at Leibler Yavneh College. The College is central to everything we want to achieve as an organisation and I am grateful for the excellent working relationship I enjoy with Ms. Cherylyn Skewes. It is particularly gratifying to receive feedback from our alumni in Yeshivot and Midrashot in Israel about how our College has set them up for success in life-long learning, as well as seeing our alumni blossom as responsible and inspired leaders within Bnei Akiva, our Beit Midrash and Midrasha, and beyond.

Our generous RSVP donors continue to facilitate visits to our community from world-class Torah scholars. Even when we are not hosting guest speakers, hundreds of people every week participate in our weekly Shiurim or enjoy a Chavruta in our Beit Midrash and Midrasha. The connection built through learning and sharing Torah is a unique and meaningful one, and I am personally grateful to all those who attend one or more of my weekly Shiurim.

The recent launch of the Tzurba learning program is a great expression of the partnership between Mizrachi branches worldwide, under the umbrella of World Mizrachi and the inspiring leadership of Rav Doron Perez. Similarly, the HaMizrachi magazine has showcased the very best of what Mizrachi has to offer, while providing high-level content and promoting the values of Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael and Torat Yisrael.

Althea, Raphael, Liora, Eliana and I look forward to continuing working with you so that together we can bring Mizrachi to even greater heights.

MESSAGE FROM Rav Doron Perez, Chief Executive World Mizrachi Movement

Dear Attendees of the Mizrachi Melbourne AGM,

Firstly, special greetings from Yerushalayim to all attending this important meeting, and Yishar Koach to the leadership of Mizrachi Melbourne and Yavneh for continuing to take your wonderful campus, school and community from strength to strength.

A brief update from World Mizrachi’s activities over the last year.

We thankfully had a very successful Yom HaAtzmaut 70 celebration with our mission in Tel Aviv. Around 200 people attended our 5-day mission, some from your own community. The program was multi-faceted, with our opening event on Yom HaZikaron evening (joint with NBN), memorial ceremony at Kfar Etzion, touring historic 1948 sites, a spectacular festive event in Chevron, an International Conference celebrating Israel's achievements, an uplifting Shabbat in Tel Aviv and a reenactment of Israel's Declaration of Independence. In all – an inspiring and uplifting experience of this important milestone.

Besides connecting us all more deeply to our beloved State of Israel and to its unprecedented international success in many fronts, the mission created a sense of a global Religious-Zionist community with the whole being bigger than the sum total of its individual parts.

In a couple of weeks, we will hold an inspiring weekend during the Jerusalem Marathon event. An international Team Mizrachi / Bnei Akiva will gather from the four corners of the earth, numbering more than 300 runners and raising funds in support of Tikvot – an Israeli organization which rehabilitates wounded IDF soldiers through sports. The runners will then spend a special Shabbat together in Jerusalem.

World Mizrachi has 6 focused areas of activity summarized below:

Global Renewal - Energizing our branches worldwide The Mizrachi World Movement works continually with its branches worldwide on a re-invigoration process with the opening of new branches and the strengthening of existing ones. With active branches in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Johannesburg, Melbourne (needs so little from us as you are such and amazing and active branch), Sydney and Perth – these many exciting hubs of activity and programs are creating a transformative Religious Zionist global movement. This year we have opened a new Mizrachi branch in Argentina [headed by our Shaliach Rav Tzvi Elon], and in Marseilles, France.

Merkaz HaShlichut - The Religious Zionist Shlichut Center Mizrachi launched the innovative Merkaz HaShlichut – the Religious Zionist Shlichut Center lead by Ohad Tal. The Center works as an umbrella body, synchronizing the activities of all organizations in the Religious Zionist world who send out Shlichim and raising the profile of the importance of Shlichut across the country. We have hosted thousands of potential Shlichim in conferences that both raise the profile of Shlichut across the country and have caused a major rise of outstanding applicants who are serving communities around the world. The most recent conference was held at Jerusalem's Begin Center two weeks ago, with over almost 1000 participants!

Leadership Programs - Shalhevet and Manhigut Toranit Raising the bar in leadership development, Mizrachi is investing in the recruitment of the next generation of global Rabbinic and Educational leaders to serve Diaspora Jewry, with several leadership programs. This last year we initiated 3 new programs - Lapidot, Musmachim and Mechanchim .

Shalhevet Through pinpoint searches in Israel and unique partnerships with local Diaspora communities, we have a cadre of young and talented educators, all fluent in English and ready to serve and to lead. Under the directorship of Rav Hillel Van-Leeuwen, the program currently has 40 educators in training and many graduates making a difference across the Jewish world. Shalhevet is currently in its fourth year, and two years ago we added a Latin-American track, with 14 participants preparing for shlichut in South America.

Manhigut Toranit Mizrachi has partnered with Kollel Eretz Chemda in the transformative Manhigut Toranit 5-year intense leadership program, directed by Rav Doron Podlashuk. This program prepares the highest-level Talmidei Chachamim and Rabbinic couples to serve Diaspora communities and our first couple is currently serving Mizrachi UK and many of the remaining couples are soon to follow.

Lapidot - * New A joint 2-year program of Mizrachi and Matan, run by Rabanit Shani Taragin, preparing top female educators to teach and to lead abroad (with 9 women in its first year). This focuses on training in the areas of Tora ShBa’al Pe - Talmud and Halacha - as well as Machshevet Yisrael.

Musmachim * New Led by Rav Binyamin Zimmerman, this is a new 3-year program aimed to ordain rabbis for Jewish communities abroad, offering a full Halacha curriculum, Halacha and modern technology as well as practical, hands-on, pastoral training.

Mechanchim This joint program with Yeshivat HaKotel, led by Rav Jesse Horn, trains young and talented yeshiva students aspiring to develop skills needed to serve in the chinuch world, and to eventually become educators abroad.

Mizrachi Press - Religious Zionist publications Mizrachi is continuously disseminating inspiring and relevant Religious Zionist educational material across the Jewish World including multi-media content, books and publications. In recent years we published in partnership with Koren Publishers the first ever English/Hebrew Machzor for Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim with a wide range of articles from some of the Jewish World's leading thinkers. Other publications include Karnei Ora – a collection of Rav Reiness's writings; From Volozhin to Jerusalem – the autobiography of Rav Meir Bar Ilan; The Six Day Scroll – the story of the miracles of 1967; A 3-volume encyclopedic compendium on the spiritual significance of the miraculous reunification of Jerusalem (in Hebrew); The Ingathering and Independence scroll – on the miracles of 1948; Jerusalem: Then, Now and Forever – a stunning photo album of modern Jerusalem alongside historic photos and quotes.

This year, we have taken on two new enormous projects:

HaMizrachi Published in Jerusalem and distributed in close to 900 shuls worldwide for the Chagim, HaMizrachi was launched last Yom Ha’atzmaut and is a Religious-Zionist Torah publication, full of inspiring and insightful content by some of Israel’s leading educators and experts bringing Torat Eretz Yisrael to communities around the world.

Tzurba MiRabanan This systematic method of learning Halacha, from its Talmudic sources to modern-day issues, is now being translated into English by Mizrachi, in partnership with the Manhigut Toranit. In Israel, thousands are dedicating a weekly hour for a shiur in Tzurba, and now Jews around the world can join!

College Students Israel Programs Mizrachi is focusing on the critical college campus stage of life and runs two annual programs in Israel for students from aboard: The Summer in Jerusalem Internship Program hosts some 60 students for a dynamic 6 week internship experience, and the winter break Recharge program brings to Israel around 100 students who "recharge" their spiritual batteries, deepen their connection to Israel and recommit to their leadership responsibilities.

Yavneh Student Network Mizrachi, in partnership with the OU, has launched Yavneh - a student leadership initiative across some 35 college campuses in North America. The re-branded Yavneh, under the leadership of Rav Yonatan Shulman, works with hundreds of gap-year students in Israel and thereafter on campus to empower young leaders to champion the cause of Jewish identity and destiny in the face of the twin scourges of assimilation and the delegtimization of Israel.

National Institutions Mizrachi has 3 representatives in the National institutions in Israel (Jewish Agency, World Zionist organization and Keren Kayemet LeYisrael): Avraham Duvdevani is Chairman of the WZO, Rav Yechiel Wasserman is Chairman of the Department of Religious Affairs for the Diaspora and Gael Grunewald is Chairman of the Settlement and Rural Development Division of the WZO, each one making significant contribution to these important enterprises.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Dr Danny Lamm AM – March 2019

Overview The past year has again been important for Mizrachi during which the many arms of the Organisation have continued to provide a range of services to our members and the Jewish community at large.

R’ Danny Mirvis, Senior Rabbi of our Organisation, provides leadership, enthusiasm, empathy and generous full-time commitment and has overseen a very inclusive atmosphere at Mizrachi, which is reflected in increased membership and larger attendances at services and at all Mizrachi events. It should be noted that Rav Danny’s shiurim given on Mondays, Tuesday’s and Thursday’s are extremely well attended by Mizrachi members and the wider community. Particularly appreciated and valued, is the wonderful support for the Rabbi by his wife, Althea, her Chachnasat Orchim in their home and her contribution as a speaker at shule events. Most gratifying has been the Rav’s continued interest and leadership in Kehillat Ohr David, which having outgrown the Beit Midrash, transferred to the area formally occupied by Beit Haroeh and packs it out with its ever-increasing membership.

In recent years particular attention has been given to the future of the 20 - 35-year-old demographic within Mizrachi. Many of these young adults have graduated from Leibler Yavneh College and/or been actively involved in Bnei Akiva. Those who do not make aliyah represent the future of the Mizrachi community in Melbourne and it is vital that their needs are adequately catered for. It is a primary focus of Mizrachi.

Throughout this year’s annual report, you will read of references to the contribution made by R’ Mirvis to the many facets of our Organisation. I enjoy an excellent rapport with the Rabbi. It is literally the case that we speak every day and he displays a great interest in every area of the Organisation and offers leadership to them. This annual report covers every aspect of our Organisation which looks after its membership but also contributes to the Jewish wellbeing of the entire Melbourne community and further provides support for both Sydney and Perth’s Mizrachi Kehillot. Mizrachi Australia is internationally represented on the World Mizrachi Executive through my role as Deputy World Chairman, I represent the World Zionist Organisation on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency of Israel. World Mizrachi has been rejuvenated under the direction of its CEO, Rav Doron Perez and we have benefitted from his leadership and innovation. One example is the Hamizrachi, a high-quality magazine, bringing Torat Eretz Yisrael periodically. During the forthcoming year we will see further consolidation of the many important activities of our Mizrachi and its continued growth and innovation. In particular a massive improvement of our amenities is planned.

We have also been very fortunate to have the continued involvement of Reb Leor Broh. His dedication to Mizrachi particularly as Manhig Ruchani of Beit Haroeh is deeply appreciated. Rav Chezy Deren has also continued to provide valuable spiritual leadership particularly within Kehillat Ohr David as has Rav Yehoshua Asulin, our Rosh Kollel, and Rav Mark Steiner, our Religious Programmes Director, substantially improving the delivery of our ever-increasing activities. We much appreciate the Divrei Torah delivered each Erev Shabbos in Beit Yehuda by Rav Mottel Krasnjanski.

Professional Staff Ms. Rae Bower has continued to ensure that the Organisation runs smoothly, and has done so with characteristic efficiency and good humour even while dealing with significant health issues. Rae has been of enormous assistance to me as President and I wish her good health and happiness. Mrs. Sally-Ann Jaye, also assists us in the office from time to time. Mizrachi Charity Funds, is capably and professionally managed by Mrs. Karen Franks in a voluntary capacity. 21

Mr. Daniel Solomon manages a small team in his role as Chief Financial Officer. Together with the honorary treasurer and the professional staff, Daniel has ably managed the finances of the Organisation. We acknowledge the overall comprehensive support by David Fisher for both Building and Administration purposes, in the College and Mizrachi.

Mr. Jim Moustos continues to provide outstanding service as our groundsman and facilities manager assisting in many and varied ways and always doing so with a positive and helpful attitude. We are also grateful for the services of Mrs. Eva Sarkissian, and the rest of her team for their professionalism and dedication to our needs throughout the year.

Mr. Robert Lowinger continues to give of his time to help where needed and it is greatly appreciated.

Minyanim All of our minyanim both at Balaclava Road and Elsternwick continue to thrive, offering mitpallelim a wide choice of tefillah options.

Elsternwick Jewish Community has appointed Rabbi Mark Steiner, as its Rabbi and we wish EJC and the Rabbi the best of success. Mr. Mark Kras has concluded his term of office leading the committee of management and Mr. Robert Wyner has returned to that role.

The Hashkama minyan continues to grow in size and popularity and benefits from its enthusiastic gabbaim Mr. David Lindell and Mr. Jack Feldman and the weekly shiurim provided by Rabbi James Kennard, who also gives weekly shuirim on Shabbat afternoon. His contribution to Mizrachi cannot be overstated.

Ms. Abigail Cooper has provided energetic leadership in Beit Haroeh, as has Mr. Jeremy Gold in Kehillat Ohr David, which has seen spectacular growth.

I would like especially thank the gabbaim of all our minyanim who give their time to ensure that the tefillot run smoothly: Mr. Robbie Nossbaum, Dr. Michael Bruce (Beit Yehudah)=; Dr. Lawrence Cher and Mr. David Greenberger (Beit Haroeh); Mr. Yoni Rubinstein & Mr. Gaby Lefkovits (Kehillat Ohr David); Mr. Jack Feldman also in the daily second Shacharit Minyan and Mr. Ronnie Judah daily at Mincha/Ma’ariv.

Leibler Yavneh College Principal, Ms. Cherylyn Skewes with the Senior Management and her academic and professional team work extremely productively in the college and they have been ably supported by the energetic lay leadership provided by Chairman Mr. Avi Gilboa and the College Executive.

Beit Midrash The Kollel Torah Mitzion, comprising the Beit Midrash and the Midrasha, is the very heart and soul of the Mizrachi Organisation. Since its establishment in 1998, the Beit Midrash has been, and continues to be, a place of learning, of teaching, of Torah and of tefillah. Mizrachi’s Beit Midrash is unique in our community. It offers a learning experience similar to that enjoyed by our young people in yeshivot and midrashot in Israel and provides a familiar haven for them to continue their studies and their involvement with Torah learning once they return home to Melbourne.

The past year has been a particularly exciting time for our Beit Midrash under the leadership of Rosh Kollel, Rav Yehoshua & Malki Asulin. Rav Asulin is also a capable darsham speaking at all pulpits in Mizrachi. Rosh Kollel, Rav Asulin completed five years as a participant in the Selwyn and Ros Smith Manhigut Toranit Program at Eretz Hemdah. Previously he studied nine years at Yeshivat Kerem Beyavne and served in the Golani 12th Brigade as a combat soldier. Rav Yehoshua received his Smicha Ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, as well as a B.Ed. degree from Machon Lipschitz specializing in Tanach and Torah Shebaalpeh. He is currently

completing his M.A in Technology and Halacha from Bar Ilan University. He is in the process of receiving his Advanced Smicha Certification (Rav Ir).

Torah Mitzion under the leadership of Mr. Zeev Schwartz, successfully recruited our bachurim Elhai Agassi, Nadav Alon, Yosef Rosenberg, Yitzchak Vider, Guy Truzman and, also with our banot Midrasha, Racheli Weinberg and our Sherut Leumi girls, Oshrit Rosemarin and Moria Adadi. It has been a pleasure to welcome them. Their presence is felt not only within the Beit Midrash, but also at Leibler Yavneh College, in Bnei Akiva and around Mizrachi generally. At Yavneh and in Bnei Akiva, they serve as role models for our children who we hope will emulate their commitment to learning and love of Israel. And in the Beit Midrash, in giving shiurim, participating in chevrutot and organising special events, they add a vibrant dimension to its programs and activities.

In her role as Rosh Midrasha, Dr Michal Kaufman continues to develop innovative and engaging learning programs for women. Her own shiurim are very popular characterized by her learning, enthusiasm and imagination. I also note the very successful batmitzvah program managed by Dr. Michal Kaufman under the leadership of Mrs. Avital Seifman.

I am confident that the Beit Midrash and Midrasha leadership will continue to build and reinforce the foundations of Torah and learning that underpin all that Mizrachi stands for. I encourage all members to take advantage of the wide range of shiurim, chaburot and other programs offered by our Kollel Torah Mitzion in the Beit Midrash.

The Annual Mizrachi & Beit Midrash dinner was a very successful event held once again at Yavneh’s Lamm Hall. Our guests and scholar in residences were our past Rashei Kollel; Rav Moshe Pinchuk, Rav Noam Himelstein, Rav Avia Rozen, Rav Yoni Rosenzweig, Rav Elad Dahan and Rav Dudi Winkler. In addition to raising much needed funds, the dinner showcases the important role played by the Beit Midrash and Midrasha and brings the Mizrachi kehilla together.

I also thank the host families of the bachurim and bachurot; Ilana & Gerard Max (Elhai Agassi), Leah & Sooly Balter (Nadav Alon), Zeta & Daniel Bierenkrant (Yosef Rosenberg), Andi & Alan Lotzoff (Guy Truzman), Aviva & Doron Paluch (Yitzchak Vider), Ari & Debby Schachna (Racheli Weinberg), Simona & Simon Weinstein (Oshrit Rosemarin) and Yona & Dion Epstein (Moria Adadi) together with Rav Noam Sendor and Rae Bower who have made their time in Melbourne so much easier.

Finally, I express my appreciation to the Beit Midrash Committee ably led by Mr. Jeremy Herz whose report will add greater detail to the accomplishments in the Beit Midrash.

Kosher Australia As the peak kashrut authority within Australia, Kosher Australia continues to provide the Australian Jewish community with a range of vital services. Guided by its Rabbinic and professional staff (capably led by Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick and Yankel Wajsbort) and under the leadership of the Kosher Australia Board Chairman Stephen Shnider, Kosher Australia has significantly enhanced the range and quality of its services in the last twelve months. Stephen has provided dedicated service to Kosher Australia and to Mizrachi for 18 years. He has demonstrated outstanding commitment and Australian Jewry is the beneficiary. Additionally, Stephen provides excellent counsel to the executive and me, for which I’m most appreciative.

Religious Zionist Organisation of Australia This year’s conference will be hosted by Sydney Mizrachi under the chairmanship of Rabbi Shua Solomon. The guest speaker from Israel is R’ Reuven Taragin, Dean of Overseas Students at Yeshivat HaKotel. It brings together the Rashei Kollel from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, Bnei Shlichim from each Snif in Australia; merakzim from each city, all hesder bachurim and bnot sherut from Carmel School, Moriah College, Leibler Yavneh College.

Emunah We work very cooperatively with Debby Schachna, as Director. Emunah shares its space with the Mizrachi Charity Fund. Congratulations to Co-Presidents Mrs. Susan Boltin and Mrs. Debbie Nossbaum for their efforts.

Bnei Akiva Bnei Akiva continues to play a central role in the lives of our children. The largest Zionist youth movement in Australia continues to grow and has benefitted from strong leadership from successive leaders. We thank Mihal & Matti Borowski for their leadership and contribution to Bnei Akiva. Shlichim Motti & Yisca Goodman will IY’H arrive soon. Thanks to Benji Jotkowitz and Andrew Davis for all their efforts as Parents & Friends leaders.

Security Security of the campus is under the guidance of Dan Goodhardt, to ensure the safety and security of members and guests attending Mizrachi premises, Dan works closely with CSG.

Guest speakers and scholars in residence During the past year Mizrachi has hosted many interesting guest speakers and welcomed scholars in residence and visiting dignitaries who have provided a range of fascinating shiurim and presentations. Particular mention should be made of:

Rabbi Shalom Hammer Chazzan Avi Ganz Rabbi Yehuda Glick MK Rav Moshe Taragin Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein

The visits of many of our scholars in residence have been made possible thanks to the RSVP – the Rabbinic Scholars Visiting Program and supported by a number of generous families. All arrangements are made in consultation with R’ Danny Mirvis, R’ Mark Steiner and Rae Bower and the visits so far have been very successful.

Tishrei Yamim Tovim The Yamim Tovim were enhanced by inspirational drashot combined with meaningful tefillot led by our accomplished Ba’alei Tefillah, Ba’alei Kriyah and Ba’alei Tokeah. The chagim culminated in a range of activities during Simcha Torah including the highly successful Womens’ Learning Forum. I would like to thank Gloria Blau and Adina Waller for their fantastic contribution to the forum over the years, which is now being organised by the Midrasha.

Chatanim in our various minyanim were:

Beit Yehuda/Beit Haroeh Hashcama Minyan: Chatan Torah: David Waysman Chatan Torah: Rabbi Bertram Mond Chatan Bereshit: Selwyn Braver Chatan Bereshit: Jerrold Lichtig Chatan Kol Hanearim: Kovi Paneth

Bnei Akiva: Kehilat Ohr David: Chatan Torah: Alon Esterman Chatan Torah: Yehuda Gottleib Chatan Bereshit: Benji Jones Chatan Bereshit: Yoel Rosenbaum Chatan Kol Hanearim: Josh Kohn

Executive and Committee I thank all members of the Executive and Committee for the commitment they have shown and the time they have devoted to our Organisation. In particular, I pay thanks to Vice President Sam Seigel, who has played a large role representing the organisation in my stead in various communal organisations. I am grateful for the total support of Immediate Past President, Ian Waller QC, who has been available for my every call; Building Chairman Robbie Nossbaum, a man who leads by example; Hon Sec David Lindell who has brought order to our meetings and our records, Treasurer David Brykman for much behind the scenes activity, Beit Midrash Chairman Jeremy Herz for his contribution.

President ...... Danny Lamm Committee Member ...... Eva Goldberg Vice President ...... Sam Seigel Committee Member ...... Yehuda Gottlieb Treasurer ...... David Brykman Committee Member, Co-Opted ...... Michael Granek Secretary ...... David Lindell Committee Member ...... Benji Jotkowitz Chairman – Beit Midrash ...... Jeremy Herz Committee Member ...... Max Jotkowitz Chairman – Building...... Robert Nossbaum Committee Member ...... Sharona Jotkowitz Chairman – Kosher Australia ...... Stephen Shnider Committee Member ...... Ronny Judah Committee Member ...... Pnina Adler Committee Member ...... Rafi Lamm Committee Member ...... Sooly Balter Committee Member ...... Alex Mihalovich Committee Member ...... Avi Cohen Committee Member, Co-Opted ...... Jeff Morrison Committee Member, Committee Member ...... Keren Zelwer ע”ה Co-Opted ...... Gary Esterman

Conclusion It has been a privilege and an honour to serve again as President of the Mizrachi Organisation. We strive to involve more people in our activities and encourage more people to attend our minyanim and shiurim. We hope to attract more students to our College while maintaining and enhancing the quality of limudei kodesh and general studies and the panoply of co-curricular activities. We should involve ourselves and others in the activities of the Beit Midrash. We must support Bnei Akiva and encourage it to grow while maintaining the high standards on which the movement is based. There is always more that we can do and we can always do things better.

I encourage you all to read all the reports provided. You will be both impressed and encouraged when you read the plethora of activities under our auspices.

Finally, I record my deepest thanks to my wife Rolene and our children – Rafi & Aliza, David & Penina and Yonatan & Kara, my mother Ilse Lamm (Mizrachi’s longest serving member) – who have supported me in everything I have done and provided me with much needed advice and encouragement throughout the past year and during my term as President.

Seudah Shlishit A Year in Review

12 May 2018 Welcome to the Steiner Family 19 May 2018 Dr. Agi Bankier OAM 26 May 2018 Dr. Shosh Kloot 2 June 2018 Professor Efraim Inbar, President, Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies 9 June 2018 Yossi Aron 16 June 2018 Rabbi Katz, MMY and Rabbi Menachem Traxler 23 June 2018 Rav Aviad Tabory 30 June 2018 Elie Lederman 7 July 2018 Rav Yehoshua Asulin 14 July 2018 Rav Mordechai Weinstock 21 July 2018 Erev Tisha B’Av 27 July 2018 Professor Izbicki, Sharee Tzedek & Farewell to Hesder Bachurim 4 August 2018 Farewell to Shaul and Dior Families 11 August 2018 Rav Rafi Feuerstein, Feuerstein Institute and R’ David Meyer 18 August 2018 Rav Aviya Rozen & Rav Elad Dahan 25 August 2018 Rav Dudi Winkler 1 September 2018 Rabbi Yehuda Glick MK 8 September 2018 Welcome to Hesder Bachurim and Bnot Sherut 15 September 2018 Avi Ganz & Zalman Feiglin 22 September 2018 Rabbi Menachem Channen 29 September 2018 Nadav Prawer 6 October 2018 Mark Joel, Jewish Care 13 October 2018 Nir Sherwinter 20 October 2018 Rabbi Danny Sinclair 27 October 2018 Dr Tovah Lichtenstein 3 November 2018 Doodie Bankier 10 November 2018 Dr. Danny Lamm AM, Mizrachi President 17 November 2018 Romy Leibler 24 November 2018 Yael Hersham & Adina Bankier-Karp 1 December 2018 Searle Breitman, Yad Vashem and Daniel Luria 8 December 2018 Bnei Akiva Merakzim Handover 15 December 2018 Lital Marmerosh-Slonim 22 December 2018 Moshe Trebish 29 December 2018 Farewell to Guy Truzman 5 January 2019 Rav Danny Mirvis 12 January 2019 R' Reuven Klein 19 January 2019 Farewell to Departing Shnatties 26 January 2019 Sonia Slonim & Shai Israel 2 February 2019 Jeff Herz 9 February 2019 Rav Aharon Tzohar and Andy Olb 16 February 2019 Or Porat, ZDVO Speaker & Yakov Gaon, Ariel University 23 February 2019 Harry Mainzer 2 March 2019 Reuven Lavi 9 March 2019 Dr. Michal Kaufman, Rosh Midrasha 26

TRUSTEES OF THE RABBI BARUCH wish Sheila, Dion, Ari, Alon and Bruce, ‘Arech Yamim’, may they know no more sorrow. We also

ABARANOK AWARD wish Arech Yamim to other members whose Dr. Menachem Broner & Harry Gelber OAM parents have passed away this year.

Without reviewing week by week, as with every As in previous years, we would like to highlight the year, Beit Haroeh members have had smachot and fact that the Award carries the name of Rabbi we all share in each other’s happiness. Likewise, whose love for Torah and Eretz ע"ה Abaranok when sadness comes we support each other. We Yisrael exemplified his life. It is in the spirit of his are becoming a grandparent’s minyan, and a memory that we award a Scholarship for Torah minyan full of overseas travellers, many visiting Studies in Israel. children in Israel. We have had several sponsored The Trustees go through a rigorous process to kiddushim to celebrate anniversaries, births and choose the candidate for each year. This involves to honour parents’ Yahrtzeits. an interview with all candidates, discussions with This year we celebrated milestone Kiddushim, referees and many meetings and deliberations of including a Kiddush in to honour 12 members the interview panel. Once again, we would like to turning 60 (and becoming senior citizens), and thank the other members of the interview panel another kiddush kindly sponsored by 10 families for their valuable input and assistance with this whose youngest child (finally) finished school. Of process. note, the number of Beit Haroeh children making For 2018, with the generous help of a few donors Aliyah continues to grow and we miss them and to add to the funds available, we were able to pick wish them hatzlacha raba. two winners. These were Zoe Zweier and Shlomy Beit Haroeh is very much a part of the Mizrachi Hurwitz. Shlomy is attending Eretz Hatzvi and Zoe community, enjoying Kehillah Kiddushim, Shabbot is at Harova. They are already benefiting Achduiot and special guest speakers in Beit immensely from their programmes. Yehuda after Musaf and of course Yom Hashoah, On behalf of the Trustees, we would like to take Chagim, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Yom Yerushaliyim, Lag this opportunity to thank the Mizrachi b’Omer etc. As always, this past year’s ‘Mizrachi’s Organisation and those members who assisted us Ladies Simchat Torah Forum was held in our space with this process. We also want to thank the and well attended by our members. We look various School Representatives who assisted our forward to participating in this year’s Mizrachi / deliberations. Emunah Kiddush to recognise the contribution of We are currently seeking financial contributions to women in our community. allow us to Award these Scholarships. Please contact one of the undersigned so that you can Reb Leor help us to send worthy recipients to Israel to study We are privileged to have Reb Leor lead Beit in a Torah environment. Haroeh. He is an inspiring speaker and teacher.

Reb Leor teaches Torah, with a new angle each

parsha, that makes us all go away and think about being better people, uplifting ourselves and getting closer to Hashem, b’avodat Hashem. Reb Leor is an excellent story teller and is always able BEIT HAROEH to bring in world events and a love for Israel into Abigail Cooper his drashot. We are enjoying Reb Leor’s WhatsApp mid-week Dvar Torah broadcasts and his Beit Haroeh is a very special place. We are a Chag/Yom Tov reminders bulletins. We wish Reb supportive minyan, who enjoy each other’s Leor and Tirzah mazel tov on the occasion of company and most importantly enjoy davening Bochi’s marriage and welcoming new together. grandchildren in New York. It is with great sadness that we note the passing of who was an such an integral Gabbaim ,ע"ה Gary Esterman part of our minyan for so many years, a past Beit I wish to thank our Gabbaim: Lawrence Cher and Haroeh Chairperson, someone you could always David Greenberger for their wonderful efforts in rely on and most importantly a friend to all. We ensuring the smooth running of the minyan 27

throughout the whole year, ably assisted by to move forward and have new furniture by Rosh Ashley Tugendhaft and Ian Symons. Hashana. Special thanks to Andrea and Bruce Esterman for Speakers all their efforts to set up our space for the Yamim We have welcomed many speakers in Beit Haroeh Noramim. We greatly appreciate Rav Asulin’s on Shabbatot and Yamim tovim. Thank you to assistance and of course thank you Jim who works Rabbi Danny Mirvis, Rabbi Yehoshua Asulin and so hard each week, to covert the Beit Midrash into Rabbi James Kennard. We have greatly our shule. appreciated their drashot we look forward to their participation again in the coming year. Mizrachi Thank you to Danny Lamm and the Mizrachi Communication committee for their continuing support of Beit Regular emails are sent to members outlining Haroeh. interesting community items, BH news and A very special thank you to Rae Bower for her “hatch, match and dispatch notices”. Thank you continuous assistance to Beit Haroeh, for to Ashley Tugendhaft and David Prins for their administrative tasks, readiness to provide advice Parsha Notes BH also has a notifications and organise physical needs of the minyan and of WhatsApp group that keeps everyone course her general care. informed. Mizrachi event flyers are posted regularly and its always pleasing to hear of Beit Committee Haroeh engagements, marriages and births. On behalf of all Beit Haroeh mitpalelim, I would like to thank all members of the committee for Tzedakah projects their time and continuing efforts: Lawrence Cher, As has been our practice in the past, Beit Haroeh David Greenberger, Ian Symons, Ashley runs Tzedakah projects each year. One at Succot Tugendhaft, Michael Lewis, Andrea Esterman, for an Israeli Charity and one at Pesach for a local Anthony Gosling, Sara Garfield, Michael Granek, charity. Aviva Greenberger and Janie Fixler. This past Succot 5779 we raised funds for Zichrom Menachem Mobile Medical Centre. Thank you once again to Rabbi Michael Lewis for BEIT MIDRASH SUB-COMMITTEE organising these projects and broadening our Jeremy Herz, Chairman horizons about people in need. Beit Midrash Website: http://bm.mizrachi.com.au/ Cultural Activities: Acknowledgements Facebook: Michelle & Jeff Rubin for once again opening their https://www.facebook.com/killelm?fref=ts home to us in celebration of Yom Haatzmaut. What a wonderful evening, clearly The Beit Midrash has gone from strength to enjoyed by all. strength, with two significant events headlining Judy and Rob Berkowitz for hosting a very our activities this year. successful and well attended Beit Haroeh In August/Elul, we celebrated 20 years of the Beit Educational function in July 2018 - An Evening with Midrash by hosting our past Rashei Kollel at our Alan Freedman, The Voice of J-Air’s “Nothing annual dinner. In the week leading up, the Rashei Left”, In conversation with Anthony Gosling. Kollel gave shiurim each night on topics relating to Teshuva, Tefilla and Tzedakah. On Friday night, we Beit Haroeh in the Beit Midrash had an Oneg Shabbat at which we heard updates We have now been more than a year in our new about each of the Rashei Kollel’s families and home. The ladies especially are more engaged in discussed the recently passed Nation State law. Tefillah etc because of the shule setup. Current The week was one of great celebration and fond furniture is definitely cramped. Our minyan has an nostalgia, culminating in a full capacity dinner attendance of around 60 on a regular Shabbat and attended by almost 300 guests. is bursting on Yom Tovim. The current furniture Later in the year, we were privileged to host Dr will not accommodate 110 seats that we need Tovah Lichtenstein for her first visit to Australia. (including overflow from Beit Yehuda). We hope With captive storytelling, an ability to convey the 28

complex with simplicity, and good grace, Dr Tovah needed it. Of course, thanks go to our amazing engaged her audiences and left the community host families for being so caring and supportive, wanting more. She gave shiurim and sichot, and looking out for our every need, whether physical spoke about the legacies of her father, Rav Joseph or emotional. Our families went above and B Soloveitchik, and husband, Rav Aharon beyond, and we want them to know that we Lichtenstein. There were over 1,200 attendances appreciate it to no measurable end. at her talks, each of which was bursting at the seams. It was an incredible experience. It is pleasing to see the high level of daily activity in the Beit Midrash. The Beit Midrash is busy every night with shiurim, chaburot and chavrutot. This is facilitated in no small part by our staff, who are putting in a lot of effort to innovate and grow our offering. We express our gratitude to Dr Michal Kaufman and Rav Yehoshua Asulin, together with Elhai Agassi, Nadav Alon, Yosef Rosenberg, Yitzchak Vider, Guy Truzman (second Overall, it has been inspiring to see such a warm year) and Racheli Weinberg. and intra-connected community, and we feel Rav Danny Mirvis continues to be an active and blessed to have had this experience over the valued member of the Beit Midrash team both in course of the last six months or so. the shiurim he delivers and the guidance he Thank you to R’ Danny Mirvis, who too has been a provides. source of inspiration for us, both in terms of his Thank you also to significant contributors Rav idealistic approach to the challenges in the Mark Steiner, Rabbi James Kennard, R’ Leor Broh, community, and perhaps even more impressively, R’ Yirmi Goldschmit and Rabbi Mottel Krasnjanski, his smart and tactful approach to them, which who deliver regular shiurim. facilitates real, tangible, albeit incremental Finally, thank you to the Beit Midrash Committee change. His strong Halachic and Hashkafic identity members for their ongoing support and input - Dr is clear to see and no doubt has a positive effect Danny Lamm, Geoff Bloch, Dr Lawrence Cher, on the community. David Fisher, Dr Michal Herz, Yaakov Waller, Oren Thank you to R’ Yehoshua and Malki Asulin for Smith, Noa Bloch, Annie Hersham, Sarah supporting us and coordinating our work here. Winthrope and Daniel Lotzoff. They are giving their time and Neshama to us, always making sure we have everything we need in order to maximise our Shlichut. They help us to face challenges and are with us in every step with BEIT MIDRASH their guidance and advice. Hesder Bachurim and Bnot Midrasha Our deepest thanks goes to Rae Bower, who

ultimately has been our first and last point of The Beit Midrash team is led by R’ Yehoshua Asulin call. Rae has been there even before the start of and the Rosh Midrasha, Dr. Michal Kaufman. They our Shlichut. Rae is here for us, her door is open were joined by a team of Hesder Bachurim – Elhai (and when it’s closed she manages to find the time Agassi, Yosef Rosenberg, Nadav Alon and Yitzchak and resources to still be here for us…) with Vider, Guy Truzman (second year) and Bat patience and a warm heart, always finding a Midrasha, Racheli Weinberg; also, our Banot solution and always looking out for us. It is safe to Sherut are Oshrit Rosmarin and Moria Adadi – all say our year would have significantly suffered who take a major part in the Beit Midrash/a, without Rae. learning in chavrutot and organising events Our work and vision in Leibler Yavneh College together. could not and would not have been realized The Bachurim wish to thank the entire without the expert and experienced guidance and Organization and the Community for welcoming leadership R’ Chaim Cowen and Avigail Wonder. them with open arms and warm smiles. A special We felt throughout the year that the approach to thanks to President, Dr. Danny Lamm for our work in school was as optimal mix of presence organizing and facilitating the Hesder Program and “finger on the pulse” style leadership and for always having an open ear when we have 29

alongside a lot of “blank cheque” freedom to connections developed in Leibler Yavneh College, express ourselves and our ideas without Bnei Akiva and elsewhere. unnecessary conformity to previous projects or formats. Hona Dodge too, cannot escape without Leil Shishi special mention; Hona was always the first to Every Thursday evening Cholent is served in the volunteer to help us out, whether in the planning Beit Midrash. It gives the Limud an atmosphere of or execution stages of any project, and his help Shabbat. After Maariv, Madrichim of Bnei Akiva, was immeasurable. university students and others gather around for a soulful Tisch - begins with the singing of 'Ka Echsof' and other songs, continues with an inspiring idea or discussion lead by one of the participants. This event has become a spiritual highlight for young adults in the community who attend regularly.

Holy Bagel We run a program to encourage people from the community, specifically high school students to attend Shacharit in the Beit Midrash on Sundays at 9:00am. After davening, a bagel breakfast is provided. This way, we start off the week with Tefilah and Divrei Torah given by participants.

Lastly, the Bnei Akiva movement and Hanhaga, headed until January by Benny Menahem, then replaced by Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess as Merekezet and Matti Borowski and Michal Epstein have too been an invaluable asset. The team has benefited both directly and indirectly from the amazing phenomenon that is a group of university students, armed with nothing but their ideals and will to educate.

WEEKLY BET MIDRASH EVENTS

Chavrutot Throughout the week, the Bachurim and B’not ANNUAL BEIT MIDRASH EVENTS Sheirut have Chavrutot (one-on-one study sessions) with members of the community of all Shlichim Conference ages on a wide range of topics. The attendance We look forward to attending the forthcoming RZOA conference in Sydney at the end of March, a key moment in the year and a healthy mid-year “recharge” for the team.

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE

Beit Café Every Thursday the secondary school are invited to get together for a short learning session during and “buzz” of the Beit Midrash and Midrasha are lunch time. The Beit Midrash is converted into a greatly enhanced by these Chavrutot and the mock coffee shop – small tables of six to eight personal connections they help develop. These people, each with a custom printed placemat with Chavrutot also provide a focal point for an idea on the Parsha or something else topical. 30

Whilst learning, the students are served chocolate milk and cookies.

Mishmar This special after-school program, led by the team provided an extra opportunity for learning, friendship and fun. A mid-afternoon barbeque BNEI AKIVA was provided, as well as food for thought. Cohava Rubinstein Sturgess, Merakezet

Bar/Bat-Mitzvah programme Introduction The team joined Hona Dodge & Tamara Ginzburg Bnei Akiva is by definition, an ever-changing, fluid in preparing and delivering a number of sessions movement. What is true today may not be the and activities to the students in year 7. These case tomorrow; we are always growing, always sessions give the students some fundamental progressing and never stagnant. For this reason, it information and experience with related topics is difficult to write a report that encapsulates our and help prepare them toward becoming a mature movement. and responsible person after their Bar/Bat- As always, Bnei Akiva’s core aim is to instil the Mitzvah. values of Torah and Avodah within our chanichim

and madrichim. Bnei Akiva is a pillar of Modern Camps Orthodoxy in our community, and our education is The team joined different year levels throughout centred around living a Religious Zionist life, in the year on their school camps. This was a Melbourne or in Israel. ‘Am Yisrael, B’Eretz Yisrael, wonderful way for them to strengthen their Al Pi Torat Yisrael’ - our mantra is a succinct relationship with the students, especially the summary of our purpose. younger ones – with whom there is less formal We are very proud of our extraordinary size and interaction – and attract new participants to the growth - Bnei Akiva Melbourne boasts the biggest Beit Midrash. snif in the world, outside of Israel, of any Jewish

Youth Movement of any kind. We attract over 400 BNEI AKIVA kids to our weekly programs on Shabbat

afternoons. Chanichim range from the ages of 8- Hadracha 18, and come from a diverse range of families, Over the year, the Hesder Team volunteered to be schools and communities. It is a testament to the Madrichim in Bnei Akiva and were each assigned a incredible effort of the madrichim that we are now year group. This was done in order to expand the spreading our message of Torah V’avodah far and circle of influence in the community and especially wide, across the whole community - Bnei Akiva in order to add an opportunity to contribute their now has a presence in every Jewish day school. own experiences of living in Israel and living a life Due to the sheer size of our weekly meetings, Bnei of Torah V’Avodah. Akiva Melbourne has had to expand out of our

Maon - we also use the Yavneh ELC classrooms, Camps and various rooms and areas within the Mizrachi The Hesder team took part in Bnei Akiva’s Summer complex. These shared spaces are a testament to Camps. We found this a wonderful opportunity to the strong connection between Bnei Akiva bond further with the chanichim. Melbourne and Mizrachi, and to the

immeasurable amount of support that Bnei Akiva receives from Mizrachi. Key Mizrachi personnel including Rae Bower, Rabbi Danny Mirvis and Dr. Danny Lamm give a huge deal to our youth movement, and Bnei Akiva owes a great deal of thanks to them, and to the entire Mizrachi Organisation.

Each program is carefully planned by a team of dedicated madrichim, to ensure that the intended

message is given over in a fun and insightful way. to help a different cheesed organisation. Informal education is a constant balancing act, but Chanichim volunteered at C- Care, participated in as the year goes on and our madrichim develop bake sales, WIZO events, phoneathons and many deep connections with their chanichim, this more great events that contributed to the extends beyond Shabbat afternoon. Madrichim community. become role models to kids of all ages - passionate young adults, that our chanichim aspire to be like. Junior Summer Camp However, this connection doesn’t come about Held at the glorious campsite of Lake Dewar easily - each and every one of our 69 madrichim Lodge, Junior camp was the perfect way to end off spend hours every week, throughout the year, the year. Lead by Megan Gorley (Rosh Machine) tirelessly achieving the mission of Bnei Akiva. and Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess (Rosh Tochnit), Through weekly programs, events, camps, and chanichim learnt about the seven days of creation much more, being a Bnei Akiva madrich/a is in a creative way and used each day as a metaphor incredibly demanding, and it is crucial that we as a to explore key concepts of Judaism and Israel. community rally around these outstanding These tochniot were interspersed with water individuals, who volunteer so much of their time sports, hikes, kayaking and stand up paddle to the children and grandchildren of our boarding and all chanichim had a fun and community, who are the future of our community. meaningful experience. Let’s take a lot back on the year that was (this report covers the key events of 2018 that occurred 2019 after the last report. ) Shlichim Tikkun Leil Bnei Akiva has been blessed to have the guidance On Shavuot, chanichim and madrichim alike were of Mihal Epstein and Matti Borowski as our engaged by a fantastic line up of speakers put shlichim for the past year and a quarter. Their together by Sarah Winthrope and Matan Slonim. professional expertise and vast Bnei Akiva Including prestigious Rabbis, educators and experience has been an invaluable asset to the madrichim, many stayed up until the late hours of Bnei Akiva leadership team and the wider the morning, learning and celebrating Torah. movement. We will be very sad to see them go when our new shlichim arrive but are very excited Winter Camp for the next chapter with Motti and Yisca Under the incredible leadership of Emma Levy and Goodman who will be arriving in early April. Jacob Jones (Roshei Machane) and Yaffa Bart, Tamara Ginsburg and Yasmin Shwartz (Rosh Mad Meetings Tochnit), Bnei Akiva winter camp was an absolute This is the one time of the week dedicated to success. Chanichm were inspired and challenged educating the madrichim on relevant and with engaging and dynamic tochniot on “The interesting topics to help them educate the Greatest Show Mach”. With plenty of chanichim. Different topics are explored by the singing, ruach and fun - chanichim left camp with Rosh Chinuch. This is also an opportune time to stronger and more well informed Jewish create a vibrant community amongst the identities. madrichim. Even though we have had only one mad meeting Mega Shabbat of 2019, Timmy Davis our Rosh Chinuch has shown A new initiative, saw a Shabbat dinner for senior his dedication and passion for Chinuch in the way chanichim and a Shabbat lunch for junior he educates the Madrichim. We look forward to chanichim. Re-igniting a love for shabbos amongst his meaningful contribution in the year ahead. chanichim , this shabbat was filled with good food, zmirot, divrei torah and lots of laughs. Minyan The Bnei Akiva Minyan, the heart of Bnei Akiva Project Achi Melbourne, is thriving as usual. Expertly run in In October, all Shvatim of Bnei Akiva took part in 2018 by Sarah Winthrope and Matan Slonim, who Project Achi, a month dedicated solely to cheesed made the shule a welcoming and vibrant place for projects. Each Shevet choose a different initiative both madrichim and chanichim alike, the Minyan 32

has been handed over to the capable leadership of (Rosh Maon), Mihal Epstein and Matti Borowski Aviya Weiner who will take it to new heights. (Shlichim)

Hanitzotz Hanitzotz, more commonly known as ‘The Nitz’, is BUILDING REPORT Bnei Akiva Melbourne’s weekly newsletter. Edited Robert Nossbaum, Chairman in 2018 by Daniel Menahem and Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess who worked tirelessly to Project Fortify ensure that each edition is filled with lots of The Mizrachi Organisation is delighted with the interesting and entertaining content. Insightful substantial support provided by the CSG that Divrei Torah, hilarious opinion pieces and a few enhances the security of our site. special features are enjoyed every week by many We thank the CSG, the State Government and the shules around Melbourne. Bnei Akiva is looking wider community for supporting this important forward to seeing what Tali Borowick and Shimi initiative. Kluwgant the new Nitz editors of 2019 will be able The Project Fortify team has granted the to do with this publication. Organisation significant funds to deliver a range of projects over the coming year. The CSG and Roshei Beit Midrash Government funds are matched on a 1/3 Mizrachi This inaugural position was created to be the to 2/3 CSG basis. liaisons between the Beit Midrash and Bnei Akiva. We are delighted to advise that a key project this Ensuring that Bnei Akiva is a vibrant place of Torah year will be the extension of the perimeter fence learning for madrichim and chanichim alike. The along Balaclava Road and Fosbery Avenue. The Roshei Beit Midraash will facilitate madrichim brick fence will provide additional security to the learning in the Best Midrash through setting up site and still retain the access points in Fosbery shiurim, facilitating chevrutot and chaburot and Avenue. making the Beit Midrash a more inclusive and The creation of a safe haven within the campus welcoming environment for madrichim and and enhancements to the CCTV chanichim. This year the Roshei Beit Midrash are and evacuation system, window protection and Sarah Winthrope and Jacob Jones and they are improvements to Bnei Akiva are all planned for already planning a jam packed and fun year in the 2019. Beit Midrash. An appropriate bollard arrangement on the The year ahead is full of promise and excitement Balaclava Road footpath is planned and this will and we look forward to educating the next provide some protection for pedestrian traffic generation of Bnei Akiva chanichim with the outside the campus. values of Torah and Avodah. We are a Youth Once the new fence is erected, we intend to Movement with immense strength and passion remove the wooden fence between the admin and together we can achieve truly phenomenal building and the Shul building, so as to open up the things. whole area.

Leadership: Kinder Works 2018 - Benny Menahem (Merakez), Gabe Casper The Kinder and Creche Office and Staffroom (Sgan Merakez), Natan Kessler (Gizbar), Gidi Rubin project was completed by the College despite (Rosh Chinuch), Matan Slonim and Sarah some challenges in construction. Staff now have a Whinthrope (Roshei Minyan), Esther Oyberman suitable environment to plan and collaborate on (Rosh Tarbut), Yossi Balbin (Rosh PR), Yakira the educational program. Sarachik (Rosh Maon), Matti Borowski and Mihal Esptein (Shlichim) Front Garden The area to the front of the Bet Yehuda Shul that 2019 - Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess (Merakezet), encompasses the memorial honouring Malcolm was completely re- landscaped with ע"ה Matan Slonim (Sgan Merakezet), Leah Jones Slonim’s (Gizbarit), Timmy Davis (Rosh Chinuch), Aviya a range of plantings that are meaningful and part Wiener (Rosh Minyan), Natan Kessler (Rosh of our heritage. Thus, the selection of trees from Tarbut), Basya Vorcheimer (Rosh PR), Mikey Lazar 33

the Shivat HaMinim are an ideal and appropriate and an awareness of the critical services that each feature for this beautiful area. charity can provide. The Mizrachi Charity Fund also operates a Gemach New Hall & Offices Fund which offers small interest free loans and Over the past year we have been continuing to whilst this service has not been utilised this year work on the plans for the new hall, foyer and we have received a number of requests for larger offices, which is still work in progress. interest free loans which we have not been in a We are looking for donors to assist with these new position to facilitate. works, so please approach me to discuss. In the last year we have also held some fundraising I would like to acknowledge David Fisher for his events - the Comedy evening in conjunction with wonderful assistance during this past year. Emunah and the presentation with Dassi Erlich. In addition to the fundraising aspect, these events were designed to raise awareness of our Fund and provide the community with a better understanding of the work we perform. The funds we distribute are predominantly MIZRACHI CHARITY FUND donated by Mizrachi members via our Maot Karen Franks, Coordinator Chittin Appeal, Rosh Hashanah Appeal, donations in lieu of Mishloach Manot and as a result of Once again, we are pleased to report that as a members of Kehilla requesting or making result of the generosity of our donors Mizrachi donations to the Fund on the occasion of smachot. Charity Fund has distributed almost $140,000 to Daily contributions to Tzedakah Box in shule are assist numerous families within the Jewish also directed towards the fund and we are most community who have found themselves in crisis. grateful to every donor who ensures that our The Mizrachi Charity Fund has offered assistance services can continue. in diverse forms and seeks to identify options that will prove to be most helpful to our clients. In the majority of cases however the assistance will be offered in the form of: -Food vouchers

-Rent assistance ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY -Payment of utilities such a Water/ Gas / Electricity Robert Wyner, Chairman -Payment of medical expenses

-Payment of motor vehicle expenses No hiding the fact that this past year has been one -Educational/ retraining support of a challenge for us as a Community and for me

as well. In addition to the weekly support offered to our We received the announcement that Rabbi Cowen clients the Mizrachi Charity Fund also offers wasn’t renewing his contract. After 6½ years of additional support prior to Pesach and Rosh being with us, he and Chaya and their young family Hashana to assist with the additional expenses have truly woven themselves into the DNA of EJC experienced prior to the Chagim. and they will truly be missed. The Mizrachi Charity Fund works collaboratively So the search for a Rabbi commenced, started as with a range of other communal charity providers quickly as possible which it did just after Pesach. and receives regular referrals from them. We As we progressed through the year, I’ve kept endeavour to work together to provide a holistic everyone aware of the ongoing search with two approach to the support offered and maximise the “Meet & Greet” sessions with potential assistance available. The emphasis on candidates. As time progressed it became clear to collaboration has been a particular focus in the the Selection Panel that a decision for a new Rabbi past year and considerable time has been spent wouldn’t be made prior to the Yamin Noraim, so understanding the full extent of the services with the assistance of Rabbi Danny Mirvis and Dr offered by our charitable counterparts. This Danny Lamm we secured the services of Rabbis understanding between the organisations has allowed for more optimal servicing of our clients 34

Mark Steiner and Yehoshua Asulin, both of whom A special thanks to Helen Silberg, who took it upon have gladly supported us up until very recently. herself to reinvigorate the morning Minyan. Not During this time, we received an application from an easy task but one which bore fruit and we only Rabbi Steiner and the Selection Panel met with missed having a Minyan a couple of times. him to go through the formal process, as we had Normally over the holiday period we suspend the already done with a number of applicants. Shacharit Minyan, this year there was I am pleased to say, as per my earlier considerable interest in continuing on Sunday announcement, that Rabbi Steiner accepted the mornings, and with the guidance of Tom Slomovic, offer of taking on the position of EJC Rabbi as well it has continued - thanks Tom. as continuing with his employment with the wider This year marks a change to our Gabbaim line-up. Mizrachi Melbourne organisation. After 10 years of growing into the role, Elan Jacobs I take this opportunity to again welcome Rabbi has decided it’s time for a rest. No, he’s not Mark and Nat Steiner, as well as their 3 children moving on, just having a rest. Noa, Ariel and Libby to the EJC Family. Lastly there is a very special person who needs to We commenced the year with the theme EJC Your be thanked, my ‘partner for life’ my gorgeous wife Shule at School, this will be continued in the Gill, who this year has really put up with a lot, coming 12 months. especially having to be relegated to another room Last Purim we trialled the strategy and it proved when we had the ‘occasional’ meeting night after successful as we had a crowd of approximately 50 night. children attending our Purim function – plans are Some may say I’ve taken on this role because I ‘afoot’ to repeat this success and challenge enjoy it, and sometimes I do, but it’s not for ourselves to work with the School to increase this enjoyment that I’ve undertaken the various involvement. communal roles that I have. It’s undertaken for We also had our “big kid’s” function ‘EJC goes the future for our children and grandchildren, and Bollywood’ where we had a sumptuous Indian with this in mind, I encourage you to consider banquet, followed by a Bollywood dance class. getting involved in the future of our Kehilla and Most of the outfits worn were outstanding, with nominate for the Committee. people creatively acquiring their Indian attire. As always, our Tikkun Leil Shavuot is a highlight and the theme was the 70th Anniversary of the State of Israel. I would like to thank a number of people who have made important contributions to our Shule during EMUNAH – WORLD RELIGIOUS the year. ZIONIST WOMEN’S ORGANISATION In particular, Rabbi Danny Mirvis and the Debbie Nossbaum & Susan Boltin President of the Mizrachi Organisation, Dr Danny

Lamm who have both been exceptional with Over the past year Emunah Australia has ongoing support and counsel, without which EJC continued to support Emunah Israel through a would not exist. Also thanks to David Fisher who wide range of activities, functions and projects. In ensures that EJC and the School integrate accordance with the values of World Emunah we seamlessly. focus both on fund-raising through a variety of We have a hardworking Committee who keep our events and on education within the community. Shule running throughout the year. They keep us The most significant event of the past year was going through all the joys and challenges that receiving our tax-deductibility status in May. Since come with being part of a Jewish communal then we have seen an increase in donations. organisation. Once again during 2018 Gilda Moss organised To the members of the Selection Panel, Mark Kras, Purim cards in conjunction with Bnei Akiva, Bryan Winthrope, Tom Slomovic, Lisa Hespe and Bedikat Chametz kits, and the annual 16-month Romy Berhang. Thank you for agreeing and for Emunah calendar which continues to be well- putting in the considerable amount of time received by the community, with the number of involved in securing the services of a new Rabbi. sponsors increasing each year. A Rosh Hashana e- The EJC Committee who have endured a long year card appeal was added in 2018. of challenges and understanding – thank you. 35

A highlight of the year continues to be the Emunah Purim Spiel under the leadership of Talia Boltin. The 2018 production “Star Drek” played for four nights to audiences who thoroughly enjoyed a ERUV REPORT witty, hilarious and generally entertaining Jeff Herz performance. The Purim Spiel involves a whole new generation of young Jewish adults and raises Funding of Melbourne Eruv maintenance much-needed funds for Emunah’s projects in From its inception in August 1997, the Melbourne Israel. Eruv has undergone several extensions, with the The Emunah Rina Pushett shiurim were once again most recent adding Carnegie and parts of held over the summer. Thanks to Naomi Bloch and Moorabbin, Highett, Bentleigh and East Romy Prins for organising the shiurim and sincere Bentleigh. The enlarged Eruv requires greater thanks to all our speakers who graciously and inspection time, additional infrastructure, and willingly give us their time. hence more maintenance. Each extension The first Chesed Day was held in Israel at Pesach increases the cost of repairs and maintenance, as time, with over 45 participants experiencing a well as the need to replace ageing infrastructure: wonderful day of touring, volunteering and lechis (usually plastic conduits) and wires. learning about the Afula Children’s Home. A The maintenance and operation of the Melbourne second Chesed Day was held in January 2019. Eruv is undertaken by Melbourne Eruv Pty Ltd, A Comedy Night was held in conjunction with the which was formed through an agreement Mizrachi Charity Fund, and a karaoke afternoon between Mizrachi and the Council of Orthodox was enjoyed by women and girls. Synagogues of Victoria (COSV). Melbourne Eruv In the past year Emunah benefitted from 3 Bat Pty Ltd is reliant on being funded by COSV to Mitzvah celebrations which raised money for the undertake this important work, which has ensured organisation through online donations. that the Eruv has been fully functional every single Ties with Yavneh College were strengthened, with week since its inception. Without this funding, the grade 6 children participating in a Hebrew project Eruv could not continue to operate. Adass Israel, that saw them create videos in Hebrew that were which is not a member of COSV, assists sent to the children in the Afula Children’s Home. significantly through halachic advice and the Year 12 students initiated a 60for60 fundraising provision of a weekly inspection team at no project, to raise money for shoes for the children charge. in Afula. This is expected to continue this year with COSV funds Melbourne Eruv through a levy on the Yavneh school captains taking over leadership. seat holders in shules that are members of An emergency appeal was held specifically to help COSV. However, not all shules belong to COSV, the Emunah Center in Sderot, which successfully and some COSV members do not make their full raised $11,000. During 2018 our executive officer contribution. In addition, not all those who use Debby Kloot oversaw a new website, online the Eruv are shule seat holders. It is important donation system and automated receipting. that every shule that is not a COSV member should As always, our thanks go to Rabbi Mirvis, Danny make a donation to the running of the Eruv, as Lamm and the Mizrachi committee, and otherwise their members are freeloading. particularly to Rae Bower and the staff in the Similarly, families and individuals who use the Mizrachi office. We greatly appreciate the Eruv and are not shule seat holders should be guidance, encouragement, advice and assistance encouraged to make voluntary donations to the provided by each and every one. costs of maintaining the Eruv from which they are benefitting.

Halachic authorities Rabbi ,ע"ה Having succeeded Rabbi Shimon Eider Gavriel Zinner of New York has for many years been the international Posek for Melbourne Eruv. Rabbi Zinner has visited Australia several times and has participated in meetings and

inspections of the current Eruv infrastructure. He of how the Eruv needs to be maintained, and has given his approval both to the way in which committed to ensuring the kashrut of Melbourne the Eruv has been constructed and to our weekly Eruv. procedures for inspections and repairs. Rabbi Most weeks, the Eruv does not require Zinner has also advised Melbourne Eruv on a maintenance. When a repair is required, it is planned extension across Dandenong Road. usually to replace a lechi (post) that has been The Board of Melbourne Eruv has appointed Rabbi damaged by a passing vehicle. When a power Yonason Johnson, at the request of Rabbi Zinner, company replaces an electricity pole bearing a as his local representative to provide halachic lechi, we generally have to reposition the lechi guidance and oversight of Melbourne Eruv, correctly to ensure the Eruv remains alongside Dayan Katz of Adass Israel. kosher. Some maintenance is also necessitated by On several occasions, Dayan Katz has made on-site wear and tear, as much of the infrastructure is visits at very short notice to resolve halachic issues now over 20 years old. when requested by the Melbourne Eruv The Eruv contractor notifies the Administrator Administrator. On each of these occasions, our when repairs are complete. The Administrator Administrator has received a psak halacha to then personally checks that all repairs are enable the Eruv to continue to satisfactory before declaring the Eruv kosher for operate. Melbourne Eruv has greatly appreciated that week. the commitment and assistance of Dayan Katz at An exciting innovation by our Administrator was all times. the launch of the Melbourne Eruv smartphone The Board of Melbourne Eruv notes with sadness app. We are indebted to R’ Doodie Bankier for his the passing during the last year of the Rav of Adass technical expertise in developing the app and to Over many years, Rabbi Gideon Rubin for his development of the .ע"ה Yisroel, Rabbi Beck Beck showed considerable commitment to Melbourne Eruv logo. ensuring the ongoing kashrut of the Melbourne Several hundred subscribers have already Eruv. downloaded the app onto their smartphones, and Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, renowned Israeli Posek, receive weekly push notifications from our has also inspected the boundaries of the Administrator on the status of the Eruv. The app Melbourne Eruv. He confirmed the advice of also provides maps and other relevant other rabbinic experts in Eruvin that the information. The app enables our Administrator to Melbourne Eruv, its infrastructure and associated provide last minute notification before Shabbat inspection, maintenance and notification should it be necessary and provides for mapping processes are of a very high standard. of temporary and permanent Eruv boundaries. The Rav of Mizrachi, Rabbi Danny Mirvis and The app is the best and most comprehensive up- Dayan Katz made a kinyan just prior to Pesach to-date tool and form of communication and is 5778, using a box of matzot being the food owned very useful to local residents as well as interstate by the community, until it is replaced prior to and international visitors. It is now the principal Pesach 5779. The box of matzot is kept in the means of communicating alerts and Eruv status to Tugendhaft display cabinet in the Mizrachi foyer, the community. together with a map and description of the Eruv. At present, the COSV system of notification via webpage and email is still being used as well, but Weekly inspections, maintenance and it will be replaced by a new notification system community notification which will be integrated with the app. A flag Two teams, each comprising a mashgiach and outside Mizrachi to display Eruv status is currently driver, inspect the boundaries of the Eruv each not operational but is intended to return to service week. The mashgichim are from Kollel Bet soon. HaTalmud and Adass Israel, together with Jeff The administrators of Emmanuel’s Google group Herz and David Prins. play a part in notifying the community that the Each team reports its findings to the Eruv Eruv is kosher through their large email Administrator, who in turn informs our dedicated database. This enhances dissemination of the contractor Ian Taylor of I R Constructions whether Eruv status and is appreciated by the Board. any repairs are required. Ian is an accredited It is important that members of the community linesman who is very reliable, very understanding wanting to use the Eruv obtain positive 37

confirmation through one of the above channels Challenges over coming years every week. The rollout of the underground NBN (National Equally important for those intending using the Broadband Network) which will replace Optus Eruv is that they are familiar with the boundaries, overhead cables that form a significant portion of and on which side of the street they should walk if the Melbourne Eruv boundaries constitutes a they want to stay inside the Eruv boundary. major threat to the integrity of the Eruv. Optus is Cabrini Hospital in East Malvern is outside the aware of our concerns and we hope to resolve the Eruv, and those walking to St. Kilda Shule via Alma matter over the next year. Road need to walk along the footpath on the south The proposed extension to the north and east over side of Alma Road between Alexandra Street and Dandenong Road which has been on the drawing Chapel Street in order to stay inside the Eruv board for several years, plans to incorporate boundary. within the expanded Eruv, where practicable, sites A map of the Eruv is shown, and may also be of significance such as Cabrini Hospital, Malvern viewed on the app as well as the COSV website, Chabad and The Avenue Hospital. The Montefiore www.cosv.org.au Jewish Care redevelopment site in St Kilda Road is In case of insurmountable problems that are not also being investigated to assess the possibility of able to be repaired before a Shabbat, twice its inclusion. The previous proposed route for the extension is currently being re-assessed due to changes in the electricity supply infrastructure (poles and wires) on which Melbourne Eruv relies. Considerable time has been spent over the past year investigating possible new boundaries and boundary extensions to the north of Dandenong Road. Although we have found potential routes, we now have a new obstacle to the extension – Skyrail, in addition to traversing tram routes. The State Government’s level crossing removal programme involves the construction of Skyrail close to the existing Eruv. It has kept us busy with many alterations to the existing Eruv poles and wires, and is complicating and delaying the linking of the existing Eruv with the proposed extension. Other level crossing removals may adversely affect Melbourne Eruv in coming years. Requests have been received from several shules to investigate the possibility of eruv extensions. The investigations will be undertaken in due course. Melbourne Eruv also has ongoing concern with annually the original Eruv boundaries on South removal of strategic infrastructure on which it Road, Jasper Road and Grange Road are inspected relies, particularly overhead cables, and replacing to ensure that in an emergency, if suitable and them with underground cables. This has resulted relevant, we could temporarily revert to those in several re-routes of the Melbourne Eruv boundaries. boundary over the years. The Melbourne Eruv Administrator has addressed audiences at several shules over the past few Relationships with external infrastructure years on matters pertaining to Melbourne Eruv, in owners order to increase the community’s knowledge The Administrator has established very good regarding the operation of the Eruv and the relationships with the infrastructure owners on importance of ongoing funding. whom Melbourne Eruv relies. He has again

worked with them to avoid circumstances that Chairperson: ...... Jeremy Gold would have led to the Eruv not being kosher for Secretary: ...... Ari Fisher some weeks. Treasurer: ...... Oren Smith CitiPower, United Energy and Optusvision (Optus) Public Relations (PR): ...... Ricky Castan were original major sponsors of Melbourne Eruv, Events: ...... Tzena Ajzenszmidt and we are grateful for their continued support Hospitality: ...... Benji Jones & Chavi Lazarus and assistance. Gabbaim:...... Yon Rubinstein & Gaby Lefkovits Kiddushim: ...... Saul Finberg Melbourne Eruv Board Members Children's Programming: Dr Danny Lamm AM ...... Chairman and Director ...... Alana Hersh & Hayley Rosenbaum Hechaver Yossi Aron ...... Board Member Committee Members: Mark Cohen ...... COSV representative ...... Yoel Rosenbaum & Eli Goodhardt Jeff Herz ...... Director and Head Mashgiach Tom May OAM ...... Honorary Solicitor Spiritual leadership Rabbi Danny Mirvis ...... Halachic Adviser Mizrachi is fortunate to have an amazing David Prins ...... Administrator Rabbinical team. Rav Chezy Deren and his wife Mark Sarachik ...... Hon. Accountant / Bookkeeper Sheva continue to inspire all those around them. Paul Sor ...... Marketing They continue to welcome many of our members Rabbi Mark Steiner ...... Board member around their Shabbat table and are available to Moshe Trebish ...... COSV / Treasurer our members throughout the week. They continue Robbie Wyner ...... COSV President to provide valuable spiritual leadership within KOD and their dedication to our Kehilla is deeply All past and present office holders are thanked for appreciated. their dedication to Melbourne Eruv. We also thank you also to Rav Danny, and Rav Since his appointment as Senior Rabbi of Mizrachi, Asulin who continue to deliver regular Derashot in Rabbi Danny Mirvis has been a welcome addition KOD. We have an ongoing partnership with the to the Board, providing practical and halachic Beit Midrash to promote a culture of Torah study guidance and support. and many of our members enjoy the other The board meets quarterly, and/or as required. learning opportunities available in the Beit Midrash throughout the week. Finally, a big thank you and Hatzlacha Raba to Rav Mark and Natalie Steiner in their new role at Elsternwick Jewish Congregation.

Mizrachi Kehilat Ohr David I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a Jeremy Gold, Chairperson heartfelt thank you to Danny Lamm, and the

greater Mizrachi Organisation for their Overview encouragement and thank you also to Rae Bower It gives me great pleasure to present this report as and Jim Moustos in the Mizrachi office who is of Chairperson of Kehillat Ohr David. I want to great assistance to us as well. specifically thank those on the previous Continued thanks goes to Beit Haroeh for the committee who stepped down at the last AGM – swap in premises. It is with your help and support Darren Katz, Noa Bloch, Niki Kohn and Racheli that we are able to host Aufrufs and Bar Mitzvahs Morrison, and welcome the new Committee and for our Kehilla, family and friends. thank them for stepping up this year. It has been a very exciting time for KOD over the last 12 Services and functions months as we have continued to flourish, and I am We are proud to host the 7am Minyan in our grateful to the previous and current committees premises. The Minyan has been running since just and our members who have all facilitated this. after Tishrei and continues to flourish.

We are also pleased to wish Mazal Tov to our ex- members' homes for Shabbat lunch. This initiative Members who have made Aliyah over the past few has continually received so much positive months. We are proud to be part of an feedback that we keep getting requests to put it organisation that embodies Zionism and we wish on. B’hatzlacha to those who are thinking and As was the case last year, our weekly Kiddushim planning to make Aliyah in the future. continue to be delicious and largely sponsored by We would like to welcome our new members, members in honour of their various Smachot and especially the younger demographic. We are it is rewarding to know that our members seeing an increase in attendance and we are selflessly support the Minyan in this way. In a way focusing on holding a number of events to produce bigger and improved Kiddushim, we throughout the year. We look forward to seeing will be approaching multiple members to sponsor you all there. We are looking at introducing a in the same week. Who knows - we can celebrate professional network that allows these a Bar Mitzvah, an Anniversary and a birth in all the youngsters. same week! In no particular order, Ohr David kicked off the new year with our annual Simchat Torah Membership celebrations. We had meat pies and drinks on erev In 2018 we sold over 215 seats for the Yamim Simchat Torah with our huge BBQ lunch for the Noraim. The shule was at absolute capacity. As Chattanim the following day. Not to forget, we we did last year, we will soon be commencing our also liaised with Mizrachi Office to produce an EOFY membership drive with the intention that excellent Kids program during this time. It was people purchase all-inclusive mid-year here MizKids started off strongly with another membership as opposed to simply buying seats for successful event in Chanuka. Yamim Noraim. It has always been important to us We were privileged to host Dr Tovah Lichtenstein that KOD is recognised as more than just that and for a Friday night dinner in our Goldberger Hall we look forward to welcoming new Bogrim where we saw over 100 people attend. ‘graduating’ from Bnei Akiva as part of this drive. We are continuing to have Seudat Shlishit in conjunction with the Beit Midrash and we look Conclusion forward to having exciting food and guest KOD continues to be a strong, sociable Kehilla and speakers. Additionally, we held a number of Shab is attracting a lot of positive attention within Clubs (a Friday night, informal get together) in Mizrachi as a result. With all of your support, we which we say thank you to the various host look forward to taking the Minyan from strength houses! to strength. Our Shavuot Tikkun Leil may have been our best yet. The theme being "Obligations: Halachic and Secular. The night revolved around what Halacha says about some of the ethical dilemmas we experience in the workplace. Thank you to our ` speakers, Rav Chezy Deren, Dr Hugo Gold, Dr Ruth Kasmir, Andrew Strum QC, Dr Michelle Rubin and KOSHER AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Yael Hersham. We look forward to what's in store Stephen Shnider, Chairman for 2019. Due to the diverse nature of our membership It is my pleasure to present the report for Kosher (students, graduates, professionals, singles, Australia Pty. Ltd. for the calendar year of 2018. couples, young families), we have focused on holding social events that encourage members to A YEAR OF STAFF CHANGES get to know others in the Minyan with whom they might not otherwise engage. The year in review saw several changes at Kosher At the time of writing this, we are in the midst of Australia. Our Operations Manager since 1997, organising our 5th “Mix and Match”. We're Chaim Silcove resigned after deciding to follow currently looking at 7 hosts and over 40 guests! other commercial opportunities. Chaim Silcove For those who aren't familiar with M&M, our was a “jack of all trades” in that he not only dealt members are randomly allocated to other 40

with operational matters but also travelled food outlets to make sure that our standards are extensively to undertake various audits. maintained. It is their attention to detail that Rabbi Barber relocated to the US and as a result ensures that we can all eat at or buy from the brought to an end his association with Kosher various outlets under Kosher Australia. I look Australia. Prior to Rabbi Barber joining us as a forward to their continued involvement at Kosher Rabbinical Supervisor and a member of the Kosher Australia. Australia Rabbinic Board, he provided his own supervision to various licensees. Whilst a single 2018 IN REVIEW Rabbi providing kashrut supervision is the acceptable approach in isolated or remote The year under review has seen continued growth communities, in mainstream communities this is in our activities. As at the end of 2018 Kosher not the accepted practice. Rabbi Barber brought Australia certified over 18,000 products and his licensees under Kosher Australia and that audited 572 companies. In order to certify these assisted with the unification and strength of companies, we have sent our auditors to factories Kosher Australia. throughout Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, PNG, Rabbi Ephraim Baskin, had started with us in a part Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan, Indonesia, time capacity as he completed his university Taiwan, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. We have degree. He then became a full-time member of engaged the services of Rabbis in Denmark, our audit team and a member of the Rabbinic Bulgaria and Italy to carry out audits on our behalf Advisory Board. Rabbi Baskin left us in the middle in those countries. of the year to take up a position in commerce. I have often heard that many people feel that they Rabbi Schreck left us in the middle of the year to can rely on our list from a previous year. I presume take a pulpit position in Miami and a position as that people believe that nothing “really” changes. Rabbinic Coordinator at Kosher Miami. In addition This belief is not correct. From the start of 2018, to being part of our audit team, Rabbi Schreck there were 1510 changes to the List. It is simply often gave shiurim and talks on matters relating to not possible to keep kosher without a current kashrut to various parts of the Community. He was subscription. It is not possible to rely on outdated also a member of our Rabbinic Advisory Board. information. Rita Broner left Kosher Australia when she and I have previously reported on the decision by Menachem made Aliyah. At the end of December, Sanitarium to cease its relationship with Kosher Gail Goldberg informed us of her decision to Australia. Clearly any loss of products is retire. unfortunate and even more so when the product To each of them, I acknowledge their extensive is a staple item such as Weetbix. At the same time contribution to Kosher Australia, thank them for as the community was active on social media being part of the team and wish them well in their trying to persuade Sanitarium to change its mind, future endeavours. we were quietly working our way through the In 2018 we welcomed as part of the team Mr. various corporate levels within Sanitarium to seek Mordi Joseph, who joined us as our new a reversal of the decision. Fortunately, our efforts Operations Manager. Mordi Joseph came to us were successful and on 19 August, Rabbi Mirvis after several years as General Manager of the was able to make the announcement that Weetbix Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand. was back on our List. Eli Paneth accepted additional duties when he Several years ago, Berri advised the NSW Kashrut joined our accounts section. Authority that it was ceasing its certification. The departure of staff always allows the Whilst we are fortunate to have other juices on opportunity for the renewal and new the List, Berri was then and still is a major opportunities. I am pleased to record that in the manufacturer of shelf and chilled juices. year in review we have been fortunate to be Numerous approaches over the intervening years joined on a part time basis by Rabbis Berlin, Kessly, to Berri were made by us to get them “on board”. Sabbah, Serebryanski and Simpson. You may have Finally, our persistence paid off and 2018 saw the noticed these supervising Rabbis as they visit on a us finalizing the certification of a number of juices very regular basis our many licensed businesses. under the Berri, Daily Juice and Just Juice labels. They have the task of undertaking the spot checks on our restaurants/takeaways, bakeries and other 41

2018 also saw new certifications which included take up a position with the kashrut authority of Dare, Yoplait, Big M, Pietro Gallo, Farmer’s Union, Kansas City. His replacement, Rabbi Tal has since Remedy Kombucha and SPC returned to the List. his arrival late last year has been very involved in As I reported last year the Coles shelf labels the New Zealand shechita arrangements. signifying mainstream Kosher products has been a Kosher Australia believes the assistance given to great success. The programme has now been the New Zealand communities and indeed the rolled out in numerous Coles stores in Victoria, in other smaller communities throughout Australia, New South Wales and in stores in Western is an essential component of our service to the Australia and Queensland. community. Our staff are often providing advice Woolworths also started a similar programme and and assistance to the Rabbis of the smaller Jewish as a result Kosher shelf labelling can be found in communities, who do not have the experience or Victoria. In addition, both Coles and Woolworths resources which we are fortunate enough to have. have continued to stock and sell a large selection Clearly such assistance is provided without charge of kosher goods including an extension range of and without publicity, but further demonstrates Continental Kosher Butchers’ meat. Kosher Australia’s takes seriously its community Pesach 2018 saw us provide supervision to Unger service role. Catering, Klein’s, and Kimberley. Also noteworthy Each week we receive numerous enquiries from was our supervision of Roquette Catering and manufacturers wishing to obtain our certification. Pesach in Cairns. The distance between far north Each of these enquiries requires a great deal of Queensland and Melbourne and the fact that the time and effort to determine whether or not it is venue was being used for the first time as a kosher possible on halachic grounds to provide facility, raised various challenges. Working certification. In order to deal with these enquiries together with Roquette, we put in place all of our and indeed the many halachic and administrative requirements to ensure the supervision was issues which arise on a daily basis we are fortunate acceptable. This was a major undertaking with to have the highly respected Rabbis and the very numerous site visits prior to Pesach and full-time committed office staff. supervision during preparation and Pesach itself. I record my appreciation to our Rabbinic In addition, our Pesach Guide was larger than Administrator, Rabbi Gutnick. The depth of his previous years, again evidencing the greater knowledge and practical experience is an demand from the community. enormous asset to Kosher Australia. His wise and During the year we had the opening of the new considered counsel and the manner he restaurant, Shiloh. The much-anticipated arrival of communicates and explains our requirements to another restaurant, involved a lot of planning and the various people that we interact with, is consultations with the owners of Shiloh. outstanding. Rabbi Gutnick is assisted by the The year also saw Chocolatine open up in Kooyong members of our Rabbinic Advisory Board. which Road and Zavdiel came under our supervision. We comprises of Rabbis Mordechai Gutnick, Mirvis, were also very pleased to welcome Panda and Berlin, Serebryanski and Johnson. I thank the Fresh & Co to our growing list of choice of places Rabbis for their guidance. to eat out. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the With the opening of each food outlet, there are assistance I receive from Rabbi Mirvis and his many hours of behind the scenes of meetings and interaction with the Kosher Australia staff. planning. Our General Manager, Mr. Yankel Wajsbort works During the year we have again assisted the Jewish tirelessly and is absolutely committed to ensuring Communities in New Zealand by sending our the smooth running of Kosher Australia and its senior Shochet, Avremel Krinsky to fly to New growth. to ensure that all under his management Zealand to shecht lamb and chickens for the New runs smoothly. I express my personal thanks to Zealand communities. I also acknowledge the him for his enormous contribution and the cooperation from the Rabbis Friedler and Mizrahi seemingly endless hours which he devotes to from the Auckland and Wellington communities Kashrut. I also acknowledge the role undertaken respectively and from Continental Kosher by Mr. Kasriel Oliver, our Chief Investigating Butchers and our other Shochtim in making these Chemist and our Assistant Investigating Chemists, trips possible. I also note that during the year Mrs. Rose Mehlman and Mordy Heonders, our Rabbi Mizrahi left the Wellington community to Operations Manager, Mr. Mordi Joseph, Rabbis 42

Berlin, Kessly, Sabbah, Simpson and Serebryanski, Adam Rushinek, Chaya Amzalak, Eli Paneth, Dina Rosenbaum Yossi Herbst. I am pleased to report that all of our staff work with absolute dedication and commitment to ensure that the highest standards are achieved. I also acknowledge the assistance of Ms Rae Bower of the Mizrachi Office for her assistance and support to our team. I am grateful for the support we receive from Daniel Solomon and his staff at the Elsternwick finance office. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated work of our team who work with Continental Kosher Butchers. I appreciate the assistance of our Shochtim Avraham Krinsky, Moshe Hanovitch and Rabbi Goldzweig. Our Mashgichim, Rabbi Nocham Goodman, Rabbi Shusterman, Rabbi Mydlasz, Mr. Dzienciol and Mr. Bonder all of whom continue to carry out their duties to the highest standards thereby ensuring that our meat supply is in accordance with all halachic requirements. In addition, Kosher In closing I wish to note that food product and Australia sends out each week several individuals processes are so complex and the desire of to factories, functions and various other manufacturers to alter their production processes establishments to ensure that our standards are to gain efficiencies and create economies of scale being followed. To all of our Masgichim I thank may have a positive commercial outcome for the you for your dedication and commitment. companies but can have a major impact on the I also wish to record our appreciation to Mr. Kashrut of the products produced. There are no Doodie Bankier, who continued to assist in further short cuts in kosher certification. You need to developing our technological advancements. check right back to the source ingredient, not just To my colleagues who have served on the Board the final items used. You need to understand how of Kosher Australia, Dr Menachem Broner, Mr. high-tech food production works and the impact David Brykman, Sue Korbl, Robert Lebovits, that such equipment has on the kosher status of Michael Lewis, Ben Slonim, Ezra May, and Danny products. In these times when food production Lamm. I thank you for your assistance throughout and food processes present many challenges, the year. there needs to be a blend of halachic knowledge It must also be recorded that the community in with a detailed understanding of food production. general owes an ongoing debt of gratitude to the It is because Kosher Australia has on staff people Mizrachi Organisation for its continued support with the required skill sets, that we are able to for Kashrut in Melbourne. In particular I wish to carry out all our audits, add numerous new acknowledge the support I receive from Mizrachi’s products to our list, deal where possible to resolve Executive. I especially record the absolute and the various and many issues which arise and solid support which I receive from President, Dr where such issues cannot be resolved to know Lamm, Vice President, Sam Seigel and Mizrachi when to withdraw a product. Adding products to Treasurer, Mr. David Brykman. Even with all of his a list may seem the easiest and quickest way to other responsibilities at Mizrachi, Danny Lamm gain recognition and acceptance. However, adding has and continues to be very interested in the products can only be undertaken after full and activities of Kosher Australia. proper enquiries have been made. Kosher Australia like all professional bodies does not seek to exist on the size of its list or its popularity in the community.

We do seek to add as many products as possible additional new talent at the senior management but only after being satisfied that proper level, the College is enjoying the benefits of standards have been met. There are times when invaluable thought leadership. we have to withdraw products, and such decisions are only taken either because the manufacturer General has for its own reason altered ingredients and/or The College program remains strong at all levels, production processes which compromises with our 2018 VCE class again showcasing Leibler Kashrut. Where possible we will always work with Yavneh College in the elite cohort of Victorian the manufacturer to suggest alternatives in order schools and our NAPLAN results continuing to be to keep the kosher status, but if this is not possible well above the State average. This past year, 26 of then the product will be delisted. It is not correct our graduating class made the decision to defer to say that Kosher Australia is too stringent; all their university studies to spend their post high- that we seek to do is maintain the same level of school year in Israel on a variety of learning-based Kashrut which is employed by the major programs, and six of these graduates plan to enlist international Kashrut authorities. It is because of in Tzahal. Ashreinu Shezachinu! Our graduates’ our standards and our knowledge that we are passion for Medinat Yisrael and Torah truly sets respected and accepted by the major the college apart from its peers and this is international authorities, the manufacturers and ultimately the greatest litmus test of our success. the community. The formal and informal Limmudei Kodesh programs are benefiting from continued Kosher Australia looks forward continuing to serve investment with the latter being bolstered by a the Community. strong cohort of Yavneh alumni. Indeed, the number of our graduates who come back to the school to work in the Jewish Life department, the Educational Support department, Musical Production or in a variety of other roles is a testament to the enduring impact on and the relationship that the college has developed with its students. LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE I would like to acknowledge the integral role Rabbi Avi Gilboa, Chairman Mirvis continues to play at the College, both in his I am pleased to present this, my final report as capacity as Board advisor, but no less Leibler Yavneh College Chair, for consideration to meaningfully, in his capacity as a Melamed in our the members of Mizrachi. The 2018 year was, VCE Bet Midrash program, where he continues to B’Ezrat Hashem, another successful year for the have an indelible impact. College. Fund Raising Leadership Significant building works were completed during In 2018, Cherylyn Skewes built 2018 at the ELC and Elsternwick campuses and upon her outstanding first year as new Principal, have further enhanced the significant physical establishing a renewed sense of professionalism, transformation that has taken place at the College continuous improvement and accountability at all in recent years. The College was extremely levels within the College. Her intense study tour fortunate to receive major financial commitments of Israel this year was particularly successful, from key donors to support the planned new having further deepened her appreciation for and Multi-Purpose and Music Facility. The completion commitment to promotion of the vision, mission of this important project will mean that the and values of our college. The conclusion of the modernization of classrooms will be the only school year also saw the promotion of Rabbi remaining significant capital works project at the Chaim Cowen to the position of Deputy Principal, College. a role that reflects the primacy of Limmudei The College’s unwavering commitment to never Kodesh to our school’s raison d’etre and the deprive a Jewish child of the right to an education contribution of Rabbi Cowen to the past, present, at Yavneh due to financial need is an incredibly and future religious growth of our students. With honorable, but nonetheless incredibly costly 44

moral commitment. It is only through the indeed the social normalization of intermarriage generosity of our donors, large and small, that are at unprecedented levels, philanthropic Leibler Yavneh exists. We remain in acute need of commitment to Melbourne Jewish institutions their ongoing support. I would like to from traditional sources is waning, and the acknowledge the efforts of the Yavneh Foundation heightened motivation to rebuild Jewish life that under the leadership of Benjamin Jotkowitz, characterized Melbourne’s Holocaust survivors Reuben Zelwer and Tanya Shaltiel. The Yavneh and our community is sadly no longer a feature of Foundation has continued to work tirelessly and the landscape. Moreover, within our own without fanfare to perform the difficult and often Religious Zionist community, decreasing thankless task of fund raising. standards of Halachic observance and the turbulent winds of secularization have resulted in Thanks too many of our children departing the world of I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Orthodoxy. I have, and remain firmly of the view, 2018 senior management team of Cherylyn that only a strong Yavneh, Bnei Akiva and Mizrachi Skewes, Rabbi Chaim Cowen, Yianna Pullen, Renee can underpin a prosperous future of Modern Dabschek, Amanda Samson, David Fisher, Pnina Orthodoxy in Melbourne. Landau and Daniel Solomon, and all of the College To my dismay, Mizrachi members presently staff for their dedication to the welfare and comprise only one third of the Yavneh parent success of our children. I would like to take this body. This composition should of course be much opportunity to thank the members of the College higher. Our membership has too frequently made Executive for their hard work and dedication, and a short-sighted choice to either opt for schools to in particular, to outgoing Board member and our ideological right or to its left, substantially former Chair, Ilana Wald, whose commitment to weakening the fabric of our College and the College has been remarkable. I would also like undermining the Religious Zionist identity of their to thank the new co-Chairs of the Yavneh Parents own children in the process. With diminishing Organization, Tali Bolton and Amanda Hampel, for enrolments a phenomenon facing all Jewish day the incredible energy and vitality that they have schools, and the consequent need for internal introduced to the College since assuming their support higher than ever, I believe that the lack of roles. commitment by Mizrachi’s own membership towards our college represents its greatest Departing Chairman’s Observations existential threat. Yavneh’s graduates are the During my Chairmanship at the College, I have crème de la crème of Melbourne’s Jewish school endeavoured to elevate the importance of system, yet our ability to continue to provide an strategic thinking and decision making to the environment for this exceptional product is not direction of the college. My strategic lens has simply a function of the passion and commitment been framed by the statement of the Midrash of the professional and lay leadership. Yavneh's Our children shall be future will instead be primarily determined by“ "בנינו עורבים אותנו" :Rabba our guarantors.” It is only our children who whether or not our communal members truly לא “ always have, and forever will, assure a Jewish believe in and act upon the dictum of Chazal ”עליך המלאכה לגמור, ולא אתה בן חורין ליבטל ממנה Future. The promotion of Jewish Continuity via an authentic Orthodox Jewish education is Yavneh’s “The work is not yours to complete, but neither core purpose and it is within that context that I are you free to desist from it (Avot:2:16)”. make some disturbing observations about the Each and every one of us that truly believes in our state of play within the Mizrachi and broader organisational and national Religious Zionist Melbourne Jewish community. mission has an individual obligation to support its וכן יהי רצון .The data released last year from Monash bedrock foundations University's Gen17 survey, the Gen08 survey that With Brachot for continued success for our preceded it, empirical global Jewish communal community's children, the Guarantors of our trends and my own assessments and Mesorah. corroborating discussions with professional and fellow lay leaders, confirms an alarmingly deteriorating level of commitment towards Yahadut and to Israel. Assimilation rates and 45

Antonia Provatas ...... Year 5 General Studies Efrat Shlomo ...... Year 1, 2, 5, 6 Hebrew Caroline Wainrib ...... Year 5 General Studies

Secondary LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Michael Cohen ...... Religion & Society Cherylyn Skewes Richard Dowling ...... Science & Forensic Science Tamara Ginzburg ...... Jewish Life Educator VCE 2018 Malcolm Fraser ...... VCE Biology Teacher Congratulations to our 2018 VCE graduates. Daniel Gold ...... Jewish Studies . 20% of our students ranked in the top 5% of Rachel Isunza ...... Administraton Assistant the state Serena Kore...... Science . 30% of our students ranked in the top 6% of Alexandra Lyster ...... Health & PE, the state ...... Maths & Science . 48% of our students ranked in the top 10% of Dawn MacGregor ...... Art Elena Martin ...... Career Practitioner & Maths the state Nava Orbach ...... Hebrew Mazal Tov to Michael Gilboa, Dux of our College Marcus Rosenberg ...... Jewish Studies for 2018 with an ATAR score of 98.80. Mazal tov Liba Susskind ...... Jewish Studies too to Eli Tawil who achieved a perfect study score Toni Susskind ...... English Teacher of 50 in Legal Studies. We are proud that close to half of our graduates Whole School achieved an ATAR of 90 and above, which placed Dina Zaitman ...... PR/Marketing Co-ordinator them in the top 10% of the state. Every one of our graduates received a first round offer into a Secondary Student Leadership Team 2019 tertiary institution, with 56% receiving their first College Captains preference; an excellent achievement. Just short ...... Dahlia Paneth, Akiva Franks of half of these offers were for places at Monash Vice-College Captains University with most of the remaining offers from ...... Mia Singer, Kobi Paluch RMIT, the University of Melbourne and Deakin Jewish Life & Zionism Captains University...... Emma Jaffa, Benjamin Goldberg In January, many of our 2018 graduates also Social Action Captains relocated to Israel to spend their gap year studying ...... Nechama Klajn, Ariel Zelwer at pre-eminent Religious Zionist Midrashot and House Captains Yeshivot with others undertaking National Service Rosh Tzurim ...... Daniel Hyman or volunteering in various Israeli not-for-profit Ofra ...... Talya Cohen organisations in Israel and elsewhere. Magshimim ...... Benjamin Levin

Efrat ...... Michaela Raitman New Staff

Members of staff who commenced in 2019 in Primary Leadership Team 2019 contract and ongoing positions were: Primary School Captains Gillian & Colin Mandel Family Yavneh Crèche ...... Ashley Gold, Gideon Sztokman Gina Adelson ...... Crèche Co-educator Ilana Glasman ...... Crèche Co-educator Primary School Vice-Captains Tamar Jaquiery ...... Kinder Teacher ...... Sara Almeleh, Jesse Slade Lorena Pearl ...... Kinder Assistant House Captains Primary Rosh Tzurim ...... Ava Niselow, Noah Matchet Daniella Cohen ...... Year 1 General Studies Ofra ...... Gila Gochin, Ari Szkolnik Sue Crothers ...... Year 3 General Studies Magshimim ...... Keira Lewis, Gilad Lowinger Tamar Dayan ...... Year 2 & 3 Hebrew Efrat ...... Tali Feiglin, David Smolarski

2018-19 Hesders & Sheruts Secondary School Elhai Agassi, Nadav Alon, Yosef Rosenberg and The introduction of the RIGHT Way at Yavneh Yitzhak Vider are our new Hesder Bachurim. (Respect, Integrity, Gratitude, Honour and Hesder Girl, Racheli Weinberg arrived in August Tradition) is providing students with a clear rights but returned to Israel earlier this year. and responsibilities road map. Oshrit Rozmarin and Moria Adadi, our new Sherut Highlights of the 2018 year included the Roots girls, are working with our students in the Primary Project, the Vonnie Coopersmith Public Speaking School. Competition, the Secondary Soirée, Science Week, Festival of Curious Minds, Book Week and Overview 2018/19 Debating. Years 9 to 12 students attended Zionist Camps led by outstanding Israeli Madrichim. Early Learning Centre 2018 Year 12 student Amit Slonim won the The renovations of rooms and the upgrade of the National Mikolot Public Speaking Competition, play spaces at our Early Learning Centre have beating Year 9-12 Jewish students from around provided inspiration and safety for our youngest Australia. learners. The building of the ELC office and In the Secondary sporting arena, three teams were staffroom are also most important additions for involved in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup the deserving staff at our Balaclava Campus where and we had our first ever Year 8 Girls team in Charlene Orwin leads our Early Learning Centre Division 2. With approximately 18 teams from with great aptitude and commitment. around Australia in each year level division, each During the year we created opportunities for our of our teams managed to finish mid-table in every families to feel more engaged in our larger Yavneh division. Our students were a credit to the College. community by holding several Sunday functions at our Elsternwick campus and including our SK Jewish Life children in whole school events. Informal is now known as Jewish Life as the informal program is such an intrinsic part of who Primary School we are at Yavneh. 2018 highlights included the inaugural Grandparents & Special Friends Games Challenge Musical by the YPO to welcome grandparents into our The musical Beauty and the Beast played to large school, Prep Siddur Concert, Year 1 Shabbat audiences and great acclaim with three Concert, Year 3 Midot Concert, Year 6 Batmitzvah performances at Monash University. Program, Boys’ and Girls’ Jewish Interschool Chess Tournaments, Interschool Debating, Living Capital Works Historians, Science Week activities, Lag B’Omer My thanks to David Fisher for his continued work Fun Fair and the Year 6 Graduation Ceremony. in co-ordinating the capital works program at our In the sporting arena, upper Primary students College. Current projects include: were involved in the AFL 9s training program . Construction of a new Performance and which also saw two Year 6 teams participate in the Learning Space and Amphitheatre AFL Jewish Cup. The boys’ team finished third and . Creating a model 21st Century classroom to their day included an after-the-siren goal to beat facilitate collaborative work and provide Mt Scopus. flexibility in teaching and learning in the The Year 10s were involved in a coaching unit that secondary school saw them coaching the Prep-Year 1s in football, soccer, basketball and athletics for much of Term Further upgrades are planned for our Jewish Life 4. area and the Bet Midrash. The Year 6 interschool sports team participated in a four-week competition against other district Yavneh Parents Organisation schools in handball, sofcrosse, rounders and touch I thank our YPO Co-Chairs, Amanda Hampel and rugby. Talia Boltin, for their leadership of the YPO. Outstanding events organized by the YPO included

the New Parent Evening, a Trivial Pursuit Night, a Our sincere appreciation to Marlene and Abe Sukkot activity for grandparents, the “Masterfress Zelwer for their ongoing support and generosity Challenge” and the launch of the new YPO toward the Community Service program. Cookbook “Soups, Salads & Sides”. We warmly thank Brigetta Paneth OAM for the dedication of the classroom in the Primary School .Paneth ע"ה Yavneh Foundation in honour of Brigetta and Johnny I would like to once again express my appreciation We express our gratitude and thank Foundation to Benji Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer for their Board members Aviva Paluch, Daniel Parasol, dedicated leadership of our Yavneh Daniel Solomon and Ilana Wald for their guidance Foundation. Together with the Executive and support. Director, Tanya Shaltiel, they have continued to increase the donor base of our Foundation. College Executive The funds raised through our Campaign in 2017 We welcomed Ben Kave and Amanda Castellan- were directed towards the 2018 upgrade of our Starr onto the College Executive in 2018. I thank outdoor areas in both the Elsternwick and the lay leadership for their unwavering Balaclava Road campuses. At the ELC, the two play commitment to Yavneh and the hours of time they areas were linked creating new and exciting give to our College. A special thank you to Vice opportunities for play based learning. At the College Chair, Ilana Wald, for her many years of Elsternwick campus, we re-developed the entire service. She stepped down from her position at northern play area, further meeting the needs of the end of 2018. our students and teachers. We are enormously grateful for the bequest College Leadership Team received from the Estate of the late Oscar and Lisa My thanks to my colleagues in the Leadership which was directed to the Team. With the resignation of Renee Dabscheck ,ע"ה Sokolski refurbishment of the administration facilities at in 2018, Shoshi Vorchheimer was appointed to the the Balaclava campus. position of Director of Teaching & Learning, Ruth and Sam Parasol OAM are proud Secondary, for the 2019 academic year. Other grandparents of the College and have generously members of the team are: committed to the building of an Outdoor Performance Amphitheatre. We are honoured Rabbi Chaim Cowen and most grateful for Ruth and Sam’s ongoing ...... Deputy Principal, Head of Jewish Studies support of the College. David Fisher ...... Head of Administration The 2018 Charidy Campaign was a great success Charlene Orwin ... Head of Early Learning Centre and we achieved our goal within 24 hours, Yianna Pullen ultimately raising $380,028. We thank the ...... Head of General Studies, Primary School following people who were first round matchers Dr Amanda Samson .. Head of Secondary School for this campaign: Tammie and David Slade, Daniel Solomon ...... Chief Financial Officer Rebecca and Avi Gilboa, Marlene and Abe Zelwer, Debbie and Robert Nossbaum and Danny and Deanne Segman. The funds will be directed towards the upgrade of our Music and Performing Arts Space.

TREASURERS’ REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018 by David Brykman, Honorary Treasurer, Mizrachi

The Treasurer of Mizrachi Organisation presents this report on the consolidated financial activities for the year ended 31st December 2018. Whilst the organisation operates several “divisions”, the consolidated results are most relevant.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS 2018 2017 ($316,074) Deficit from Operations ($494,316) $1,837,232 General Donations $614,984 -- Donations for Capital Works $826,000 $946,668 $1,521,158 Other Comprehensive Income Revaluation of land and buildings $ - $21,000,000 Total Comprehensive Income for the year $946,668 $22,521,158

Each division of the Organisation has its own independent financial requirements, and the various contributions to the 2018 results are shown in the separate revenue and expense statements included as schedules to the financial statements. Set out below is a summary of the divisional results. These figures are indicative of relative contribution of each arm of the organisation. There are some differences between these figures and the formal accounts due to the treatment of interest and donations.

ACTIVITY BY OPERATING UNIT College 2018 2017 Operating Deficit ($435,600) ($660,440)

Synagogues & Bnei Akiva Operating Deficit ($392,444) ($143,068)

Kosher Australia Operating Surplus $265,672 $291,267

Beit Midrash Operating Deficit ($98,861) ($93,196)

The Mizrachi Organisation is a substantial financial entity, with total assets now exceeding $62 million and accumulated funds (total assets less total liabilities) of $61.6 million. However, the major assets of the Organisation are its land and buildings which are non-income producing and therefore do not contribute to the operating cash flow requirements of the Organisation year to year.

BALANCE SHEET – KEY ITEMS 2018 2017 College Debtors – net $2,651,077 $2,475,562 Funds on hand $3,020,681 $2,746,609 Land & Buildings $62,986,241 $61,968,585 Total Assets $70,960,827 $69,317,670 Borrowings $5,609,000 $4,880,000 Accumulated Funds $61,640,650 $60,693,982

The 2018 financial results reflect the cumulative efforts of both senior management and the various committees of the Organisation over the last few years in particular. The Executive is committed to building on this momentum but anticipates a continued challenging environment. Some of the key features of the 2018 landscape include:

• Commitment to balancing service delivery needs across all divisions with the need to maintain strong financial disciplines • Continuing focus on resourcing and driving Leibler Yavneh College’s Foundation • Continuing Leibler Yavneh College’s balanced approach in providing an education to the children of families in financial need whilst ensuring the ongoing viability of operations

The Organisation continues to deliver a broad spectrum of quality services; however, our budget is not unlimited. We must again provide our deepest thanks to our many donors in the community. Your increased financial support remains critical to ensuring our ability to maintain the broad spectrum of community services that we currently provide.

Finally, we extend our thanks to the members of the Mizrachi and Leibler Yavneh College committees, and to the staff and management of the Organisation who contribute daily to its effective operation.