It’s all about our sustainable future
Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations
We are so happy to know that two more hostages are now safely back in Israel this week and reunited with their families after 128 days in captivity, having been rescued by the IDF in a daring raid on Hamas in southern Gaza, but there are still many more hostages who must be also released from the clutches of Hamas. We continue to hope and pray that all remaining hostages will be safely back in Israel soon.
An interesting read on top tips to cope with the Israel-Hamas war.
NEVER AGAIN IS NOW
Sunday 18 February 2024
A message from the organisers of this event: “If you have not already registered to attend it is not too late to do so. Please register here and make sure to be at this very important event this coming Sunday.
“They want to know where the Jews are? Let’s show them. We are ALL standing up together, with our Christian friends, AGAINST the rise in anti Semitism #neveragainisnow. Every single one of our voices (and bodies) is important. We need to show our politicians and our fellow Australians that we stand strong together against anti Semitism in our country. We are being targeted and we will not tolerate this. There will also be a PRE EVENT – Youth Exclusive.”
The next generation of Emanuel students
Dean Vigdor with Ortal and Scarlett
Alumnus Dean Vigdor says: “In the year 2000 I walked out of the Waxman School gate with my ‘big daddy’ customised Emanuel School Year 12 jumper (Yes, I still have it!) with little knowledge of what the future might hold. After a 24 year hiatus, ‘daddy’ returned to School but this time with the absolute pleasure of walking our daughter Scarlett through those same school gates to her first day of kindergarten. It truly felt like a walk down memory lane as I experienced flashbacks of the wonderful memories, lifelong friendships and personal accomplishments over the course of my school years. I think I lost Scarlett during my pep talk when I said ‘I came I saw I conquered’ in reference to dominating lunchtime basketball and the athletics carnival but that’s OK – she will carve out her own path, I have the outmost confidence in her.
Walking into the School gates, there is undoubtedly a level of familiarity, particularly as you bump into old friends and old teachers (excuse the pun). I’m still waiting to bump into my first PDH/PE/Geography teacher, Mr Francis, and my first Music teacher, Ms Lowe!
Worth mentioning, I was really impressed by the on-campus developments that took place over the years and yet still very much relieved to see much of the old façade retained. We can’t hold ‘The Emanuel School Cup’ anymore (the race around the School) but I don’t think anyone will be complaining. I am truly excited for Scarlett as she embarks on her journey at Emanuel and if her big smile is anything to judge by, we are off to a good start!”
Friendship Circle (FC)
Friendship Circle says a huge “thank you” to Emanuel School for hosting them during their tweens and teens camp last month. If your High School children are looking to volunteer, FC has some amazing opportunities for their upcoming holiday camps as well as for one-off events and their ongoing weekend programs. Please see below for some of these volunteering opportunities.
FC is currently is seeking:
FC Social Club Coordinator (part-time) – paid role
FC Social Club is a social program for adults aged 18+ with and without disabilities who get together regularly for fun activities, such as bowling, karaoke, pizza dinners, yoga and more.
You can download the position description here, and please email hello@sydneyfc.org.au with any questions.
Friendship Bakery mentors – paid role(s)
As Capacity Building Program at Friendship Bakery continues to grow, they are seeking passionate mentors. The program provides opportunities to young adults with disabilities through hands-on experience in the hospitality industry with the goal of gaining employment in future mainstream settings. This casual paid role is perfect for anyone who is motivated by working with people with disabilities and keen to be hands-on in the kitchen. They are currently looking for mentors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, download our flyer and email your resume to kerenklein@sydneyfc.org.au.
In December, Friendship Bakery was honoured to collaborate with Macquarie Bank, providing delicious doughnuts to help staff celebrate Chanukah. Bringing together Jewish holidays with Jewish values was a great way to provide a relevant message that engages people across cultures. The Bakery would love to support your next business event. Contact them at orders@sydneyfc.org.au.
FC volunteering opportunities for our High School students:
Junior Sunday Circle
Our Junior participants (ages 5-11) and buddies enjoy arts and crafts, sensory games, music, and a range of other fun activities. Open to volunteers in Years 7-12.
When: Sundays, 9.30 am – 12.00 pm (fortnightly)
Minimum Commitment: 1 year
Email: Gabriel
Register here
Teen Sunday Circle
This program fosters friendships and personal growth through shared experiences. Our Teen participants (ages 12-18) and buddies engage in a variety of fantastic activities, such as yoga, drumming, sport, and arts and crafts. Open to volunteers in Years 7-12.
When: Sundays, 10.30 am – 1.00 pm (fortnightly)
Minimum Commitment: 1 year
Email: Gabriel
Register here
Sunday Sports Club
Participants and volunteers come together to practise their sport and teamwork skills, hang out together, and develop new friendships. This is a great opportunity for sports teams, friend groups or Bar/ Bat Mitzvah groups. Contact us for available dates.
When: Sunday, 10.00 am – 11.30 am (one-off opportunity)
Email: Lara
Friends at Home
During weekly home visits our buddies and participants spend time together playing sports and games, drawing, baking, and engaging in other shared interests. Open to volunteers in Years 7-12.
When: 1 hour per week
Minimum Commitment: 1 year
Email: Abby
It’s all about our sustainable future
Jewish Climate Network (JCN)
Alumnus Mitch Birnie (Class of 2011) who was the founder and director of Adamama, the first Jewish Urban Educational Farm Project in 2019 is now Head of NSW, JCN a not-for-profit organisation that supports the Australian Jewish community to tackle climate change. Read more here.
Past parent, Dr Judy Friedlander, is CEO and Founder of the not-for-profit organisation Planting Seeds Projects, an environmental protection and sustainable education initiative, whilst her husband, Anthony Kahn is a Director. Judy is also the instigator of the B&B Highway (Bed and Breakfasts for Birds, Bees, Butterflies and Biodiversity)
Jewish Swimming Championships
Sunday 3 March 2024
Come and challenge yourself at the 74th Annual Jewish Swimming Championships. A great day of Racing, Prizes and Socialising. For young and old. Maccabi Swimming Club president and organiser of this event, Emanuel parent Elan Miller says “From as young as 7 to over 70’s we have a race for you. We hope our Emanuel students, parents and grandparents will come along and support this community event brought to you by Maccabi Swimming. Entries and enquiries here.
![Jewish Champs flyer 2024[71]](https://manishma.emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Jewish-Champs-flyer-202471-2.jpg)
International Women’s Day High Tea
Sunday 10 March 2024
One of the founders of The Angel Network, Emanuel parent Simone Joffe, and Board member Galia Durbach, who is also an Emanuel parent, invite all women in our community to celebrate International Women’s Day for High Tea – bring your mother, your sister, your daughter, your women friends – you will hear from Allanah Zitserman, award winning Australian film maker and film producer talk about The Business of being a Woman. For more information please email here.
B’nai B’rith (BB) players and community singers
Past parent, Vivienne Radomsky, Marketing and Growth Manager at B’nai B’rith NSW, invites our community who like theatre and/or singing, or just like being part of a wonderful group of people, to join one or both BB groups. Emanuel grandparent Moira Blumenthal, theatre producer and director, will guide the players group to learn new skills, stretch your imagination and rehearse for the next production.
If acting is not your schtick but you like to sing, perhaps you might consider joining the community choir with choir master and voice coach, Andrea Catzel, who is one of our music tutors here at School. For more details about both these groups, please email or phone: 9321 6300.
The Nomad String Quartet
Here is a message from past student, well-known violinist Ben Adler: “The Nomad String Quartet is beyond excited to be collaborating with one of Australia’s most significant Jewish artists, the extraordinary jazz saxophonist Mark Ginsburg, on Sunday 25 February 2024 at VJs, North Shore Temple Emanuel, Chatswood.”
Mark is a breathtaking musician and composer, and his Oceans Together ensemble has recently released their gorgeous album – have a listen here.
It’s already received rave reviews. As Eric Myers wrote: “It’s comforting to know that there’s room in Australian jazz for such an exquisite album.
Ben continues “My string quartet will be playing fresh string arrangements of this music, plus some of our beloved Danish Folk Songs. Have a listen to Mark and me talk about this show here. This is a one night only meeting of musical worlds, so it’s worth dusting off your passport if you’re schlepping across the bridge from the eastern suburbs!”
Get tickets for Sunday 25 February 2024 @ Chatswood
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 great weekend, as we hope and pray for the safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza, and for peace to be restored in Israel soon.