Neighbourhood Dispute
Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations
As the School year comes to an end next week, this is our final issue of Ma Nishma for 2023. I want to thank our amazing community for your contributions to my page throughout the year and for your positive comments as you read about community-related events and members of our extended School community each week. I look forward to your contributions again next year.
Neighbourhood Dispute
Neighbourhood Dispute by Ofer Levy
Shalom turns 50 – 50 Stories and Recipes
To mark the 50th anniversary of Shalom a very special commemorative cookbook A Taste of Our Community, was launched last night and it includes the famous
“Dill Pickles” recipe from alumnus Mitch Burnie (Class of 2011) who was Manager of Adamama Farm, the first Urban Jewish Educational Farm in Australia, from its inception in 2008 until April this year.
This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of togetherness and the rich tapestry of flavours that define our community. Over the years, Shalom, supported by the JCA, has been a source of connection, unity, and innovation. This cookbook serves as a tribute to all those who made Shalom what it is today. Shalom has been at the forefront of Jewish life and learning over the past 50 years, and this cookbook celebrates a half-century of impact. Shalom College, founded in 1973, has been a home for thousands of students, and Shalom programs (under many different auspices) have been central to creating a strong and vibrant community. These recipes are from a collection of people, current and past staff, partners, board members, volunteers, presenters, and participants, who have, over the course of time, shaped the Jewish experience of an entire community. Some of the recipes are from festival meals, others family favourites. They are delicious, wholesome, and share a story.
An important message from the Community Security Group NSW (CSG)
Never Again Is Now
The Australian Jewish community has been a vital part of Australia’s diverse cultural landscape for over 200
years, making significant contributions across business, the arts, medicine, and public service. Their involvement over decades has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s values of multiculturalism and inclusivity. Through active societal engagement and fostering intercultural dialogue, Jewish communities have been instrumental in defining Australia’s identity as a tolerant and dynamic democracy. However, since Saturday 7 October 2023, there has been a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents throughout Australia. Across the country, there have been a staggering number of reports which detail offensive language, harassment, threats and appalling vandalism at significant landmarks across Australia. The rise of antisemitism in Australia has been described by the Sydney Morning Herald as “off the charts”, while The Australian has reported a 482% rise in antisemitic incidents.
In response to these developments, there has been a call to action from leaders across various sectors in Australia, re-affirming their commitment to fighting racism in all its forms and supporting the Jewish community. This collective stance underscores the importance of standing together and upholding the principles of respect and dignity for all, which are central to the Australian way of life.
Can you help with getting more black beanies to our IDF soldiers in Israel?
An update from Emanuel grandparent Pam Wertheim who is co-ordinating the mammoth “Black Beanie Project for the IDF” – some of the 5000 beanies already knitted are now keeping the heads of our soldiers warm and more beanies are on the way. Pam says: “the next shipment will be leaving Sydney end of December/early January, so please keep those needles clicking and for those of you who wish to buy beanies they are available at $2.50 from Federal Workwear, 69 Ebley St, Bondi Junction (next to Spotlight). We are also seeking donations towards the freight cost of getting the beanies to Israel, so please call me on 0401519156 or email blackbeanieproject746@gmail.com for more details.”
Peace, prayer and ‘the star’ run
Sunday 3 December 2023, 9.30 am – 10.30 am
This event is a collaboration, supported by JCA and Maccabi Life. Please join Maccabi Walkie Talkies and register now!
- Moment of prayer for Israel with IDF soldiers
- Walk/run along a 2km route shaped Magen David
- Download Strava or running app to record your route and speed powerful message of support on social media
- Dress code: wear BLUE
- The aim of this event is to uplift ourselves and benefit our mental health during these challenging times by being outdoors, together, and sharing our support with Israel the Jewish people worldwide.
We continue to support our brothers and sisters in Israel as best as we can, as well as our families in Sydney. We are heartened as we see some of the hostages returned to their loving families over this past week, but we will not stop our prayers and support until all hostages are released.
Last week you read about the collaboration of singers from around the world which culminated in a moving video clip, a cover version of Madonna’s song Like a prayer. Watch the Sydney singers in this video clip – if you look closely you will see a number of members of our School community including parent Eileen Goldberg and grandparent Rony Bognar OAM, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Head On photo festival
Parents Moshe Rosenzveig OAM and Anita Schwartz thank our School community for your support of this amazing photographic festival and wanted to let our readers know they have just a couple more days to get down to Bondi Beach to check out some of the photographic installations on display along the promenade.
Practical Strategies to Help Us Cope
Monday 4 December 2023, webinar, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Wolper Jewish Hospital and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (NSWJBD) invite our community to this special wellbeing webinar.
This free session is for parents, grandparents and carers and will focus on our children and adolescents as we all learn how to protect their mental health during this time of trauma, grief and anxiety. For more information contact Wolper Hospital on 9328 6077.
Chanukah 2023/5784
The Festival of Miracles, Chanukah, starts next Thursday night when we light the first candle on our Chanukiot. It is said that when Jews come together, miracles can happen, and we are all hoping for the ultimate miracle very soon, where all hostages are released, and peace returns to Israel. Here in Sydney, most synagogues have their own Chanukah celebrations planned as do many Jewish organisations, including a family event planned at Taronga Zoo on Sunday 10 December 2023.
Here is a message from one of our parents Ilana Maisel: “Please join Dover Heights Shule on Sunday, 10 December 2023 from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm for the annual city wide Chanukah celebration – an evening of unity, resilience, and joy. In these challenging times, it’s more crucial than ever for the Jewish community to stand together in solidarity with our people and Israel, and the DHS Chanukah In The Park event is the perfect opportunity to do just that. The event promises entertainment for all ages, including live music, dancing, shows, rides for kids and teens, great food and more. At 6.30 pm, witness the grand menorah lighting, symbolising the ultimate triumph of light over darkness. It’s a powerful moment of shared strength and hope for a better tomorrow. Entrance is $10.00 per person with kids under 5 free and includes the musical concert, shows and some activities, as well as doughnuts, water, chocolate gelt and dreidels for the kids. Additional rides and food are available for purchase. Please book here – the venue will be confirmed via email several days prior to the event due to extra precautionary safety measures.”
Songs for Israel
Monday 11 December 2023
On the 5th night of Chanukah at 7.00 pm, you are invited to attend “Songs for Israel” – a Community United in Solidarity. A spectacular concert with renowned performers. Feel uplifted, sing along as you support and be at one with Israel. Tickets are $72.00, and all proceeds go to Chanukah Respite Camp Children Victims of Terror. Register online.
Friendship Circle (FC) Camp
January 2024
School holidays are just around the corner, and this means it won’t be long until the next FC Day Camp! Registrations are now open for current and new volunteers aged 12-18 and in Years 7-12.
It will be a week filled with laughter, friendships, and fun incursions and excursions, with amazing opportunities for High School students to volunteer and share these experiences while assisting children with disabilities, aged between 5 and 18. Find out more and register here.
We look forward to sharing our news and yours, so if you have photos and/or news you would like to share with us, please send to Sonia Newell.
Shabbat shalom, stay safe and have a relaxing summer break. We are all hoping for a wonderful start to 2024.