MIZRACHI MIZRACHI ORGANISATION, MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA. (Affiliated with World Mizrachi)

Transcription

1 70 th ANNUAL REPORT MIZRACHI MIZRACHI ORGANISATION, MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA (Affiliated with World Mizrachi) תשע"ג- תשע"ד EUGEN YAACOV WEISS MIZRACHI CENTRE 81 Balaclava Rd, Tel: (03) CAULFIELD NORTH, VIC Fax: (03)

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3 Contents Key positions Mizrachi Organisation... 3 Key positions Leibler Yavneh College... 3 Mizrachi Organisation Presidents... 4 Rabbanim of the Mizrachi Organisation... 4 Mizrachi Organisation Executive Directors... 4 Leibler Yavneh College Past Chairmen... 4 Mizrachi Organisation Committee Executive... 4 Committee... 4 Honorary Life Members... 4 Mizrachi Org. Committee Attendance Register... 5 Leibler Yavneh College Council Mizrachi Committees, Sub-Committees & Convenors 5 Kosher Australia Board & Staff... 5 Beit Haroeh Committee... 5 Beit Midrash Committee... 6 Beit Midrash Minyan Committee... 6 Bnei Akiva Liaison... 6 Building Chairman... 6 Charity Funds... 6 Elsternwick Jewish Community (EJC)... 6 Eruv Committee... 6 Hospitality Committee... 6 Nachalat David... 6 Security Sub-Committee... 6 Sick Visiting Society... 6 Synagogue Sub-Committee... 6 Mizrachi Delegates... 6 Notice of Annual General Meeting... 7 Minutes of 2013 Annual General Meeting... 8 Annual Reports Mara D Atra of the Mizrachi Organisation President s Report Seudah Shlishit A Year in Review Rabbi Baruch Abaranok Award Bet HaRoeh Bet Midrash Minyan Bet Midrash Sub-Committee Beit Midrash Rosh Kollel Report Bnei Akiva Melbourne Building Chairman Charity Fund Children s Tefilah Group Elsternwick Jewish Community Emunah World Religious Zionist Women s Organisation Eruv Report Kosher Australia Pty Ltd Leibler Yavneh College Co-Chairpersons Report Principal s Report Nachalat David Financial Reports Treasurers Report Auditor s Report & Financial Documents Mizrachi Organisation, MR IAN WALLER QC President RABBI YAAKOV ZELIG SPRUNG Mara D Atra MR ARI MORRIS (till 31 December 2013) Executive Director 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield Nth, 3161 Tel: Fax: MR DANIEL SOLOMON Chief Financial Officer 2 Nagle Avenue, Elsternwick, 3185 Tel: Fax: MS RAE BOWER Personal Assistant to Rabbi Leibler Yavneh College, JOSEPH & STERA GUTNICK SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES MS ILANA WALD, MR JONATHAN WENIG (Dec 2013) Co-Chairpersons, College Council MR. AVI GILBOA (from Jan 2014) Chairperson, College Council MS ILANA WALD (from Jan 2014) Deputy Chairperson, College Council MR ROY STEINMAN Principal MRS PNINA LANDAU Head of Jewish Studies, Primary School ABRAHAMOVITS YAVNEH PRIMARY SCHOOL & ABELES LIBERMAN EARLY LEARNING CENTRE MR TERRY CROTHERS Acting Head of General Studies Primary School MRS NAVA MILLER Head of Early Learning Centre 3

4 Mizrachi Organisation Past Presidents ע ה Rev. Chaim Joffe , ע ה Mr. David Feiglin ע ה Mr. Avraham Samuel Leibler ע ה Mr. Joseph Feiglin ע ה Mr. Mordechai Rich ע ה Mr. Jacob Rich ע ה Mr. Simon Lowinger Mr. Ben Slonim OAM , ע ה Mr. Julius Kraus , ע ה Mr. Bernie Pushett ע ה Mr. David Apfelbaum ע ה Mr. Manfred Levy Mr. Robert Fixler Dr. Danny Lamm , Mr. Warren Zauer ע ה Mr. Malcolm Slonim Mr. Sam Seigel Dr. Shlomi Menahem Mr. Ian Waller QC Rabbanim of the Mizrachi Organisation ע ה Rabbi Abraham First ; ע ה Rabbi Boruch Abaranok Rabbi Boruch Zaichyk Rabbi Simcha J Cohen Rabbi Yaakov Zelig Sprung Mizrachi Organisation Executive Directors Mr Michael Neuhauser Mr Len Hain Dr Peter Kloot , Rabbi Ian Goodhardt Mrs Betty Salomon (office manager) Rabbi Ronnie Figdor Jan 2012 Mr Ari Morris... June 2012 December 2013 Leibler Yavneh College Past Chairmen ע ה Mr. Judah Feiglin Mr. Harold Wise ע ה Mr. Bernie Pushett Mr. Les Feiglin ע ה Mr. Ian Rockman Rabbi Hillel Bick Mr. Leon Duval Mr. Ronny Goldschlager Mr Alex Moss Mr Harry Grynberg Mr. David Fisher Mr John Kraus Mr Robert Reisner Mr Mark Joel Ms Ilana Wald & Mr Jonathan Wenig Mr Avi Gilboa Mizrachi Organisation Committee EXECUTIVE President... Mr Ian Waller QC Vice President... Mizrachi Treasurer... Mr Mark Franks Hon. Secretary... Mrs Sharona Jotkowitz Immediate Past President... Dr Shlomi Menahem Chairman of Committees... Mr Sam Seigel Leibler Yavneh College Co-Chairpersons... Mrs Ilana Wald... Mr Jonathan Wenig... Mr Avi Gilboa (From Jan 2014) Leibler Yavneh College Treasurer... Building Chairman... Mr Nathan Cher Kashrut Board Chairman... Mr Stephen Shnider Bet HaRoeh Rep (coopted)... Ms Beverley Honig Bet Midrash Sub-Committee Chair.. Dr Lawrence Cher Shule Sub-Committee Chairman. Mr Robert Nossbaum COMMITTEE In addition to those listed above in the Executive Mr Geoffrey Bloch... Committee Member Mrs Naomi Bloch... Emunah Representative Mr Jonathan Boymal... EJC (ex officio) Mr Michael Bruce... Committee Member Mr David Brykman... Committee Member Mr Tuvia Cannon... BA Shalich (ex-officio) (from Aug 13) Mr Gary Esterman... Committee Member Mrs Eva Goldberg... Committee Member Mr Aron Goodhart...BA Merakez 2013 (ex-officio) Mr Alex Izsak... BMM Rep 2014 (ex-officio) Dr Peter Kloot... Life Member Mr Noam Korbl... Committee Member Dr Danny Lamm... Life Member Ms Ronit Lewis... BMM Rep 2013 (ex-officio) Mrs Efrat Metzler... BA Shlicha (ex-officio) (till Aug 13) Mr Ari Morris... Executive Director (till Dec 13) Mr Jeff Morrison... Coopted to Mizrachi Committee Mr Michael Neuhauser... Life Member Mr Ben Slonim OAM... Life Member Mr Daniel Solomon... Chief Financial Officer Ms Romy Spicer... BA Merakezet 2014 (ex-officio) Dr Joel Steiner... Committee Member Dr Shira Wenig... Committee Member HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Mr and Mrs Yehuda Avner (Jerusalem) Dr Peter Kloot Dr Danny Lamm Mr Isi Leibler AO, CBE Mr Michael Neuhauser Mr Ben Slonim OAM 4

5 Mizrachi Organisation Committee Attendance Register May 2013 May 2014 A total of 7 regular meetings were held in the review period. PRESENT APOLOGIES MEMBER Geoffrey Bloch 3 4 Naomi Bloch 5 2 Jonathan Boymal 2 Michael Bruce David Brykman 2 Tuvia Cannon (from Sept 2013) 3 Lawrence Cher 2 Nathan Cher 3 3 Gary Esterman 6 1 Mark Franks 5 2 Jeremy Gold (from Jan 2014) 2 1 Eva Goldberg 6 1 Aron Goodhardt (till Dec 2013) 1 Beverley Honig Alex Izsak (from Jan 2014) Sharona Jotkowitz 2 4 Dr Peter Kloot 1 3 Noam Korbl 4 3 Danny Lamm 3 3 Ronit Lewis (till Dec 2013) 4 Dr Shlomi Menahem 1 4 Efrat Metzler (till Aug 2013) 1 Ari Morris (until Dec 2013) 3 1 Jeff Morrison 5 2 Michael Neuhauser 7 Robert Nossbaum Sam Seigel 6 1 Stephen Shnider 5 Ben Slonim OAM 5 Daniel Solomon 4 3 Romy Spicer (from Jan 2014) 1 Joel Steiner 4 3 Ilana Wald Ian Waller 7 Jonathan Wenig Shira Wenig 3 3 Leibler Yavneh College Council EXECUTIVE Co-Chair... Ms Ilana Wald & Mr Jonathan Wenig... (till Dec 2013)... Mr. Avi Gilboa (from Jan 2014) Chairman of the Yavneh Foundation Mr Leon Burman College Treasurer... President - Mizrachi Organisation... Mr Ian Waller QC Treasurer Mizrachi Organisation... Mr Mark Franks... Daniel Parasol Jeremy Leibler... Michelle Rubin COUNCIL MEMBERS (in addition to Executive) Leon Burman... Julie Epstein Karen Franks... Benji Jotkowitz Pat Levy... Atida Lipshatz Michael Szuster... Reuben Zelwer LYC Principal... Mr Roy Steinman LYC Chief Financial Officer... Mr. Daniel Solomon Mizrachi Committees, Sub-Committees & Convenors KOSHER AUSTRALIA BOARD Chairman... Mr Stephen Shnider General Manager... Mr Yankel Wajsbort Board of Management Dr Menachem Broner... Mr David Brykman Dr Peter Kloot... Mrs Sue Korbl Rabbi Michael Lewis... Mr Robert Lebovits Mr Ben Slonim OAM... Mr Ian Waller Mr Moshe Treibish Rabbinic Board Rabbinic Administrator... Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick Rabbinic Board...Rabbi Yaakov Sprung... Rabbi Yankel Barber Rabbinic Consultant... Rabbi Ephrayim Baskin Kosher Australia Staff Chief Chemist... Mr Kasriel Oliver, B.App.Sc. Chemist... Mrs Rose Mehlman, B.Sc. Chemist... Mr Mordy Hoenders M.Chem Eng Operations Manager... Mr Chaim Silcove Administration... Mrs Rita Broner... Mrs Devora Gold... Mrs Gail Goldberg... Mrs Christine Stone 5

6 BEIT HAROEH COMMITTEE Beverley Honig... Chairperson Gary Esterman... Vice Chairperson Michael Gordon... Immediate Past Chairperson Michael Lewis... Tzedakah project Lawrence Cher & David Greenberger... Gabbaim Janie Fixler... Events Ralph Greenberger... Initiatives Zev Barr... Committee Member Anthony Gosling... Committee Member Ian Symons... Committee Member BEIT MIDRASH COMMITTEE Dr Lawrence Cher... Convenor Mr Geoff Bloch... Mr Dean Ellinson Mr Jeremy Herz... Mrs Michal Herz Dr Danny Lamm... Dr Joel Steiner Mr Ian Waller... Mr Yaakov Waller Rav Dudi Winkler... Rebbetzin Chani Winkler BEIT MIDRASH MINYAN COMMITTEE Rav Dudi Winkler... Rabbi Mr Alex Izsak... Chairperson Ms Natasha Katz... Vice Chairperson Mr Dion Esterman... Gizbar Mr Ian Ludski... Gabbai Mr Jeremy Herz... Gabbai Ms Yonina Garfield... Advertising and PR Ms Debbie Reisner... Functions Mr Yoel Rosenbaum... Secretary BNEI AKIVA LIAISON - Mr Gary Esterman BUILDING CHAIRMAN - Mr Nathan Cher CHARITY FUNDS Mrs Yvonne Korbl... Convenor Mr Jonathan Wenig... Director Mr Mark Franks... Treasurer Mr Ian Waller QC... Mizrachi President EJC (ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY) Mr Mark Kras... Chairman Mr Robert Wyner... Immediate Past Chairman Lorraine Fantl... Elan Jacobs Sally-Ann Jaye... Dennis Max Alex Muller... Ken Shapiro Helen Silberg... Tom Slomovic Bryan Winthrope ERUV BOARD MEMBERS Mr Romy Leibler... COSV Nominee (Chairman) Rabbi Yaakov Zelig Sprung... Rav HaMachshir Mr David Prins... Administrator Mr Isaac Teller... COSV President (ex-officio) Mr Jeff Herz... Mizrachi Nominee (Director) Dr Danny Lamm... Mizrachi Nominee (Director) Mr Tom May... Honorary Solicitor Mr Moshe Trebish... Treasurer, COSV Mr Yossi Aron... Project Officer, COSV Mr Paul Sor... Marketing HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE - Mrs Karen Franks NACHALAT DAVID COMMITTEE Jeremy Gold... Chairperson Shira Wenig... Vice President/Public Relations Brendan Rothschild... Treasurer Shmuli Wenig... Gabbai Rachel Teller... Kiddush Co-ordinator Nicole Kohn... Functions Co-ordinator SICK VISITING SOCIETY Ms. Erika Weilburg... Convenor Talilah May SYNAGOGUE SUB-COMMITTEE Chairman... Mr Robert Nossbaum Mizrachi President (ex officio)... Mr Ian Waller Mizrachi Treasurer (ex officio)... Mr Mark Franks Members Dr Michael Bruce... Mr David Brykman Dr Danny Lamm Gabbaim Dr. Menachem Broner... Hashkamah Dr Michael Bruce... Bet Yehuda Mr David Brykman... Bet Yehuda Dr Lawrence Cher... Bet HaRoeh Mr David Greenberger... Bet HaRoeh Mr Benji Jones... Bnei Akiva Mr Jeremy Herz... Bet Midrash Minyan Mr Elan Jacobs... Elsternwick Jewish Community Mr Noam Korbl... Bet Midrash Minyan Mr David Lindell... Hashkamah Mr Robert Nossbaum... Bet Yehuda Dr Shmuli Wenig... Nachalat David Mr Bryan Winthrope... Elsternwick Jewish Community MIZRACHI DELEGATES Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) Delegate... Mr Ian Waller Deputy... Mr Sam Seigel Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) Delegate... Mr Sam Seigel Directors Melbourne Eruv Pty Ltd. Mr Jeff Herz... Dr Danny Lamm Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) Delegate... Mr Sam Seigel 6

7 Members are advised that the 70 th Annual General Meeting of the Mizrachi Organisation will take place at 8:00pm on Monday, 26 May 2014 in the Goldberger Hall The Eugene Yaacov Weiss Mizrachi Centre 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North AGENDA 1. Opening of Annual General Meeting 2. Dvar Torah 3. Apologies 4. Minutes of the 69 th Annual General Meeting 5. Matters arising out of the Minutes 6. Adoption of Annual Reports 7. Leibler Yavneh College Constitutional Amendments 8. Elections: i. Mizrachi President ii. Mizrachi Vice President iii. Mizrachi Chairperson iv. Mizrachi Treasurer v. Mizrachi Secretary vi. Leibler Yavneh College Chairperson vii. Leibler Yavneh College Deputy Chairperson viii. Leibler Yavneh College Treasurer ix. Kosher Australia Chairperson x. Building Chairperson xi. Beit Midrash Chairperson xii. Twelve Committee Members 9. Address by incoming President 10. General business Rae Bower Acting Returning Officer 7

8 MINUTES OF THE 68TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MIZRACHI ORGANISATION Date: 1 May 2013 Chairman: President: Minutes: Mr Sam Seigel Mr Ian Waller SC Mr Ari Morris Opening of 69 th Annual General Meeting Sam Seigel opened the meeting and invited the Mara D Atra, Rabbi Yaakov Sprung, to deliver a dvar Torah. Rabbi Sprung delivered a dvar Torah and thanked those who work tirelessly for our community and wished them every success in their future endeavours. Apologies Jeff Herz, Benji Jotkowitz, Danny Lamm, Robert Wyner Minutes of the 68th Annual General Meeting Minutes of the 68th Annual General Meeting held on 23 May 2012 having been previously circulated, were taken as read and adopted as an accurate record. Matters arising out of the Minutes No matters were raised. President s Address Sam Seigel said that the President of the Mizrachi Organisation, Ian Waller, is owed a great debt of gratitude for his outstanding leadership and contribution to Mizrachi. Ian Waller thanked Sam Seigel for his kind words and welcomed all those attending. He then: said that the annual report demonstrates that the Mizrachi Organisation is involved not only in the lives of all Mizrachi members, but in the lives of members of the Jewish community at large; expressed thanks to Michael Dodge for the contribution he has made in a range of areas in recent years, particularly for the support he has provided for the past two years as Vice President; expressed thanks to Mr Michael Neuhauser for the wonderful contribution he has made as a member of the Mizrachi Committee and as Mizrachi s delegate to the JCCV and ZCV, the meetings of which he has attended with diligence for many years, representing Mizrachi to the broader Jewish community. Ian Waller further said that Mr Neuhauser is stepping down from his position as Mizrachi delegate to the JCCV and ZCV, but that as a life member we look forward to his ongoing participation on the Committee; expressed thanks to Mizrachi s professional staff for their dedication and commitment to the Mizrachi Organisation and said that their efforts are appreciated; said that there is much excitement regarding the imminent launch of Mizrachi s new website. He said that the entire kehillah will benefit from the website and noted that suggestions are welcome as to how the website might be improved. He expressed thanks to Ari Morris for his work in constructing the website. 8

9 Mizrachi Treasurer s Report Marks Franks presented the financial accounts for the year ending 31 December 2012 and noted the following matters: the operating result of a significant surplus of $163,000 for the year. He said that this achievement it is a credit to management; in excess of three million dollars of school fees are subsidised; net interest payments totalling $412,000 were made during the year, such total being lower than the previous year; voluntary repayments of $150,000 have been made to the bank in each of the past two years and it is intended to continue such voluntary repayments in the coming years; the Mizrachi Organisation has negotiated lower interest rates on its debt; the consolidated surplus of $812,000 indicated in the financial accounts is an accrual accounting figure. The actual closing cash balance is just under $2.1m; the Mizrachi Organisation is in a clearly stronger financial position than it was at the end of 2011; he expressed thanks to the professional staff, in particular to Daniel Solomon for his hard work and commitment as CFO. Leibler Yavneh College Report Sam Seigel said that LYC has gone from strength to strength, thanks in no small part to the dedication of the Principal and the lay leadership. Co-Chair Jonathan Wenig then reported that: A strategic priority for LYC is the state of the ELC. Other Jewish day schools, have almost without exception over the last 3-4 years radically refurbished their ELC centres. They are generating increased revenue for their organisations out of their ELCs. Our priority is to make sure that our children are in an excellent environment both physical and in terms of programming and education. An urgent priority is to talk to the community about finding a way to revitalise the physical environment in which our children are learning. With the assistance of a government grant (thanks to work of David Fisher and Daniel Solomon) we will be installing two more classrooms at Balaclava Road in modular buildings. Co-Chair Ilana Wald then: Thanked the College Principal, Roy Steinman, who provides incredible leadership to staff and students. He is passionate and committed to the College. Thanked the Senior Management Team. Said the College is proud of all our students. Our graduates reflect the Yavneh difference. Our students have a very important role to play in our community. Thanked the Mizrachi Executive, in particular Ian Waller, Michael Dodge and Mark Franks, and the wider Mizrachi community for their ongoing support. Adoption of Annual Reports Sam Seigel asked for a motion adopting the Annual Reports. Moved: Gary Esterman Seconded: Michael Bruce The motion was passed on the voices. 9

10 Elections: EXECUTIVE As there were no contested positions the following were declared duly elected: President... Mr Ian Waller SC Mizrachi Treasurer... Mr Mark Franks Secretary... Mrs Sharona Jotkowitz Immediate Past President... Dr Shlomi Menahem Chairman of Committees... Mr Sam Seigel Leibler Yavneh College Co-Chairpersons... Mrs Ilana Wald..... Mr Jonathan Wenig Leibler Yavneh College Treasurer... Mr Simon Feiglin Building Chairman... Mr Nathan Cher Kashrut Board Chairman... Mr Stephen Shnider Bet Midrash Chairman... Dr Lawrence Cher COMMITTEE There were 13 nominees. Based on precedent all of the following were duly elected. Mr Geoffrey Bloch... Mr Michael Bruce Mr David Brykman... Mr Gary Esterman Mrs Eva Goldberg... Ms Beverley Honig Mr Aaron Judah... Mr Tommy Junger Mr Noam Korbl... Mr Jeff Morrison Dr Joel Steiner... Mr Richard Weider Dr Shira Wenig Sam Seigel expressed congratulations to the incoming Executive and Committee. Address by Incoming President Mr Ian Waller SC I want to thank all those Executive and Committee members who have volunteered to serve Mizrachi for the next 12 months. We have wonderful professional staff, but without the willingness of our members to provide their time on a voluntary basis the Organisation would not be able to function. I look forward to working together with the Executive and Committee harmoniously and in the best interests of Mizrachi. Thank you also to those members who have attended this evening. In doing so you have shown your support for the Organisation and its lay leadership. In the annual report, the treasurers noted that the major assets of the Organisation are its land and buildings. In a physical sense that may be true, but in fact the most important assets that we have are our members. So to those members here tonight and the many members who are not here we want to work together with you and I welcome all advice, suggestions and constructive criticism. With the same proviso I mentioned last year - Whenever you identify a problem or suggest something that we can do better please commit yourselves to being part of the solution as well. 10

11 If our most important assets are our members, then our most important investment is in our spiritual growth and developing our intellectual capital. That s why we place such a big emphasis on education at every level from the College, in Bnei Akiva, through the Beit Midrash and in the very many shiurim available presented by Rabbi Sprung, Rav Dudi and many others. That is also why we continue to invite some of the finest rabbis from around the world as scholars in residence. We look forward to soon welcoming one such person, namely Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik. This Shabbat will be a special Shabbat Achdut in honour of Yom Yerushalayim. In what has now become an annual event, our various minyanim will daven together on Friday night and again on Shabbat morning for a combined tefillah followed by a wonderful kiddush with inspiring speakers. Although Mizrachi comprises a range of minyanim we are all part of one organization and our real strength is in being united. Next Tuesday night Mizrachi will once again host the communal Yom Yerushalayim tefillah demonstrating the leadership role played by Mizrachi in the Jewish community generally. And in less than two weeks we will celebrate Shavuot through tefilla, an engaging Tikkin Leil Shavuot program details of which will be announced in the next few days and with the annual Siyum Hatanach bringing the whole kehilla together through Talmud Torah. This Shabbat we will read the final parsha of Sefer Yayikra. At its conclusion we will stand as one and declare in unison Chazak Chazak Venitchazek - "Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us strengthen others as well." As we move Mizrachi forward and face the challenges that lie ahead, let us be strong and let us strengthen one another as well. Thank you General business Gary Esterman Efrat Metzler has been doing a tremendous job for Bnei Akiva and since the last AGM, BA has renovated its maon. Ian Waller said that the Executive met last week in the renovated maon. It is a great improvement. As to Efrat, she has been a wonderful asset to Bnei Akiva together with David and the whole family. We will be sad to see them go and we are looking for a new shaliach now. Mark Joel Ian mentioned the fact that it is not about the numbers of people at an AGM, but when talking about numbers it would be interesting to look at our membership over the past few years. Why don t we report on it at the AGM? We should not be complacent, because I fear that we may have lost people over recent years and numbers seem to have diminished. Is that a KPI to look at? Ian said that it shouldn t be too hard to gather that information and we should track it from year to year. He noted however that people feel an affinity towards and are identifying with Mizrachi though not necessarily becoming members. For example, on the Bogrim facebook page, there are 250 friends, not all of whom are members. We should try and convert those people into regular members by running good programs. 11

12 Naomi Bloch in the past has suggested that we follow up with people who have ceased membership in recent years. There is a lot of work to do in that area. Gary Esterman A lot of people have gone to other shules in the area, because of certain attractions there, such as sushi. Possibly we could have more attractive Friday night davening. Ian noted that on a given Friday night we have 3-4 minyanim. If we combined them all together it would be a lot fuller and livelier. This Shabbat we plan to do that. There is always a balance to be struck between having separate minyan catering to different groups and being together, etc. Launch of Mizrachi Website Ari Morris then presented the website on a large screen demonstrating its key features. Close The meeting concluded with Hatikvah at 9:00pm. 12

13 REPORTS Mara D Atra of the Mizrachi Organisation... Rabbi Yaakov Sprung President... Ian Waller QC Seudah Shlishit A Year in Review Rabbi Baruch Abaranok Award... Menachem Broner & Harry Gelber OAM Bet HaRoeh... Beverley Honig Bet Midrash Minyan... Alex Izsak Bet Midrash Sub-Committee... Lawrence Cher Beit Midrash Rosh Kollel Report... Rav Dudi Winkler & Rebbetzin Chani Winkler; and Hesder Bachurim Bnei Akiva Melbourne... Romy Spicer Building Chairman... Nathan Cher Charity Fund... Devora Gold Children s Tefilah Group... Nomi Kaltmann Elsternwick Jewish Community... Robert Wyner & Mark Kras Emunah World Religious Zionist Women s Organisation... Sue Boltin Eruv Report... Jeff Herz Kosher Australia Pty Ltd... Stephen Shnider Leibler Yavneh College Co Chairpersons Report... Ilana Wald, Jonathan Wenig & Avi Gilboa Principal s Report... Roy Steinman Nachalat David... Jeremy Gold Financial Reports Treasurers Report... Mark Franks Auditor s Report & Financial Documents 13

14 MARA D ATRA OF MIZRACHI ORGANISATION by Rabbi Yaakov Sprung During this past year 2013/2014, I delivered approximately 72 drashot and 225 shiurim. The Wednesday evening Gemara Iyun shiur continued its study of B'rachot, with every single Tosafot, innumerable explanations of Rav Soloveichik z tl and other Rishonim. In addition to my Shabbat afternoon Parasha Shiur and Tuesday Chumash Shiur for women, my weekly shiur for young men having returned from a minimum of one year study in an Israeli Yeshivah, was well attended and a delightful exchange in both Torah and present day topics pertaining to the young men, continued at my table at a Sukkah meal. The Motzei Shabbat Avot Ubanim programme, in its fourth year, run by Moshe Tawil, attracted between children, their parents and grandparents on a weekly basis, studying parshah sheets written by the Rebbetzin, in addition to a film, supper and prizes. The Shabbat morning Tefilah groups, continued under Daniel Herszberg & Nomi Kaltmann (and Ruth Epstein continuing as chairperson) and once again received anonymous funding from a kind member of our organisation, arranged through myself. The Leibler Yavneh afterschool Gemara Classes, I arranged years ago, continued, in study with Doodie Bankier at the beginning of the school day following davening. LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE Maintained on going dialogue with College Principal Roy Steinman Spoke at all chumash and siddur presentations of the First Grade and Kindergartens Spoke at all Graduations Spoke at Speech night YOUTH DEPARTMENT I davened and spoke at the Bnei Akiva Minyan during the Yomim Tovim of Pesach and Sukkot in addition to speaking to them on Shavout night, as I have done over the past eight years. PASTORAL DUTIES I have counselled numerous families and young adults, in areas of shalom bayit, divorce, bereavement and adolescent challenges. I have sat with families prior to the funeral of dear ones, reviewing the details of aveilut and laboriously preparing eulogies (accompanying the consecration of matzevot, as well). I have met with bar- and bat- mitzvah young adults of our community, (and their parent/s) to discuss the event/celebration, and the responsibilities accompanying the celebration of such a milestone. I have met with chatanim and kalot prior to their weddings to discuss pertinent matters, even when not functioning as the Mesader Kedushin. I have met with parents prior to a brit milah. Hospital visits were made whenever sickness was brought to my attention. 14

15 COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES Met with Rabbinic Board of Kosher Australia and maintained close working relationship with R' Mordechai Gutnick, Stephen Schneider and Yankel Wajsbort, regarding matters of policy, crises, (and) Pesach (and) standards. Continued to oversee the halachic operation of the Melbourne Eruv, its halachic questions, repair and communal acceptance, in concert with HaRav Gavriel Zinner, successor to Rabbi Shimon Eider z tl. Sole communal Rabbinic member of Chevra Kadisha. Provided COSV with halachic information for their website for every Yom Tov and Eruv Tidbits. IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES Hosted annual communal Purim mesibah at home. Attended and spoke in Beit HaRoeh, Beit Midrash Minyan, Nachalat David. Arranged and presided at the Annual Kinnus Teshuvah. Arranged annual Shavuot Siyum Hatanach with full spectrum of participation Assisted the Rebbetzin in maintaining a home welcoming all members of our community. Beit Midrash Dinner 2014 Rav Dudi Winkler, Lawrence Cher, Danny Lamm, Rabbi David Stav, Ian Waller & Rabbi Yaakov Sprung 15

16 PRESIDENT S REPORT Ian Waller Overview The past year has been a vibrant period for the Mizrachi Organisation during which the many branches of the Organisation have continued to provide a range of services to our members and the Jewish community at large. We have also witnessed a transformation of the perimeter, entrance and outdoor areas at the Balaclava Road site which have greatly enhanced the security and overall amenity of the area. Rabbinic leadership Our Mara D Atra, Rabbi Sprung, continues to provide outstanding spiritual leadership assisted by the Rebbetzin. Rabbi Sprung has consistently advanced our objectives to increase Torah learning and to provide encouragement and support to our members. This is demonstrated in carefully prepared drashot and shiurim, innovative Tikkun Leil Shavuot and Siyum Tanach programs and many hours spent in pastoral and counseling activities and active participation in our members life cycle events. I particularly appreciate the encouragement and support the Rav has extended to me in my role as President. Reb Leor Broh s dedication to Mizrachi particularly as Manhig Ruchani of Beit Haroeh is also deeply appreciated. Rav Dudi and Chani Winkler have provided energetic leadership within the Beit Midrash and the Midrasha and Rav Chezy Deren s contribution in recent months within Nachlat David has been valuable. Professional Staff At the end of December 2013 Ari Morris moved on from his position as Executive Director of the Organisation. I thank Ari for the contribution he made in that role and in particular for the valuable work he did in establishing Mizrachi's website. With characteristic efficiency and cheerfulness Rae Bower has taken on increased administrative responsibilities and has ensured that the Organisation continues to run smoothly. Rae has been ably assisted by Devora Gold who, in addition to assisting in the Mizrachi office, continues to sensitively manage and administer Mizrachi Charity Funds. Daniel Solomon continues to provide exemplary service as Chief Financial Officer. Together with the honorary treasurers and the professional staff, Daniel has ably managed the finances of the Organisation. 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. Minyanim All of our minyanim both at Balaclava Rd and Elsternwick continue to thrive, offering mitpallelim a wide choice of tefillah options. Elsternwick Jewish Community is very well served by Rabbi Chaim Cowen and Rebbetzin Chaya Cowen and newly elected Chair, Mark Kras and his committee. Beverley Honig has provided energetic leadership in Beit Haroeh, as have Shira Wenig and more recently Jeremy Gold in Nachalat David and Ronit Lewis and more recently Alex Izsak in the Beit Midrash Minyan. I would like especially to thank the gabbaim of all our minyanim who daily (or weekly) give of 16

17 their time to ensure that the tefillot run smoothly: Robbie Nossbaum, Michael Bruce and David Brykman (Beit Yehuda); Menachem Broner and David Lindell (Hashkama); Lawrence Cher and David Greenberger (Beit Haroeh); Jeremy Herz and Noam Korbl (Beit Midrash Minyan); Shmuli Wenig (Nachalat David); Benji Jones (Bnei Akiva) and Elan Jacobs and Bryan Winthrope (Elsternwick). Leibler Yavneh College The College has completed another very successful year under the capable professional leadership of Principal Roy Steinman and the Senior Management Team. They have been ably supported by the lay leadership provided by Co-Chairs Ilana Wald and Jonathan Wenig and more recently by Avi Gilboa. I record the Organisation s appreciation of the dedicated leadership provided by Ilana and Jonathan during their five year term as Co-Chairs and wish Avi hatzlacha rabba as he takes over that important role. Beit Midrash The Beit Midrash - Kollel Torah Mitzion program 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. Under the leadership of Rav Dudi and Chani Winkler and with the wonderful support of our Hesder bachurim, the Beit Midrash and Midrasha continue to offer a wide range of shiurim, chevrutot and other programs to the entire community. The presence of the Hesder bachurim - Shay Abergil, Netanel Breuer, Ido Gross and Eitan Katz - has been 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, the bachurim add a vibrant dimension to its programs and activities. In coming on shlichut the bachurim choose to leave family and friends in Israel and defer their studies or other commitments so they can serve Am Yisrael in Chutz L Aretz. We should not underestimate the personal commitment which that involves. Rav Dudi and Chani Winkler and their children will be returning home in August after three years in Melbourne. On behalf of the Mizrachi Organisation, I thank them and the bachurim for their outstanding commitment and contribution to our kehillah and wish them hatzlacha rabba for the future. I also thank our host families and Mrs Rita Broner who have made their time in Melbourne so much easier. The Beit Midrash Committee led by Dr Lawrence Cher provides guidance and support and I thank all of its members for their commitment and contribution. 17

18 The Annual Beit Midrash dinner was once again held in the new school hall and was an outstanding success. In addition to raising much needed funds (thanks principally to the efforts of Danny Lamm), the dinner showcases the important role played by the Beit Midrash and brings the Mizrachi kehilla together. Our guest speaker and scholar in residence Rabbi David Stav provided a fascinating presentation which was well received. 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 (led by Rabbi Mottel Gutnick and Yankel Wajsbort) and under the dedicated chairmanship of Stephen Shnider assisted by the Kosher Australia Board, Kosher Australia has significantly enhanced the range and quality of its services in the last twelve months. I particularly thank Doodie Bankier for volunteering his time and expertise to create an effective Kosher Australia app for mobile devices. Building Nathan Cher has continued to provide dedicated service as Chairman of the Building Committee. The recently completed building works at Balaclava Road encompassing the construction of a security fence, guard house, high profile entrance gate, covered areas, seating, garden and landscaping have greatly enhanced the site. Planning is continuing in other areas particularly in relation to a Master Plan for the overall redevelopment of the Balaclava Road site. The Organisation owes Nathan a large debt of gratitude for the countless hours and attention to detail he has devoted to the project. Emunah Under the leadership of Mrs Susan Boltin, Emunah has through its various groups continued to undertake a wide range of social, fundraising and educational projects in support of individuals, families and communities facing difficulties in Israel today. Bnei Akiva Bnei Akiva continues to play a central role in the lives of our children. The movement has benefitted from strong leadership particularly under Aron Goodhart and his successor Romy Spicer and from Bnei Akiva shaliach Tuvia Cannon who took over after Efrat Metzler and family returned to Israel. We have recently appointed a new shlichah for Bnei Akiva Moriyah Ben David and we look forward to welcoming her and Shlomo and their children later in the year. JCCV Community Award Mizrachi nominated Mrs Rita Broner to receive a JCCV Community Award in recognition of the special role she has played for our hesder bachurim, coordinating hospitality for them, organising their travel plans and generally acting as their counselor and surrogate mother over many years. Guest speakers and scholars in residence During the past year Mizrachi has hosted many interesting guest speakers, particularly during Seudat Shlishit, Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the annual Siyum Tanach and Kinus Teshuva. 18

19 We also welcomed scholars in residence and visiting dignitaries who provided a range of fascinating shiurim and presentations. Particular mention should be made of: Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik Rabbi Kenneth Brander Rabbi David Stav Rabbi Ronen and Rabbanit Pnina Neuwirth Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel Naftali Bennett MK Natan Sharansky Religious Zionists of Australia Conference In March, our shlichim attended the annual conference of the RZOA the Religious Zionists of Australia in Perth together with leaders and shlichim of the key religious Zionist organisations in Australia and our prominent partners in Israel. Yom Ha atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim Mizrachi continues to arrange, in association with the COSV, the RCV and Bnei Akiva, the communal tefillot for Yom Ha atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. This year s Yom Ha atzmaut tefilla celebrating the 66 th anniversary of the establishment of Medinat Yisrael was particularly well attended. The guest speaker was the recently appointed ambassador of the State of Israel H.E. Mr Shmuel Ben-Shmuel. This year, Mizrachi will once again celebrate Yom Yerushalayim with a special Shabbat Achdut. All minyanim will join together for tefillah at 8.30 am in Bet Yehudah followed by a seated kiddush (the fundraising and organization of which Leon Tugendhaft continues to spearhead) featuring guest speakers, including Aliya Shaliach Bezalel Gleiser and Michael Gordon and Brian Wiener who recently participated in the Shvil Yisrael walk across Israel. Public Affairs In March this year, Mizrachi publicly expressed its concerns regarding a Communal Tefillah Gathering that had been arranged in protest against a law recently passed by the Knesset that will end the blanket exemption of the Haredi community from national service. The protest rally and Mizrachi s opposition to it were reported both in the local Jewish press and in the Israeli media and widely discussed on social media. Mizrachi is proud that our members hold senior leadership positions in other communal organisations, including AIJAC, ZFA, EJAC, ZCV, UJEB, COSV and COSA. In particular I acknowledge the contribution made by Philip Chester who recently completed an 8 year term as President of the ZFA and congratulate Danny Lamm who has succeeded Philip in that role. 19

20 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 am grateful to Executive members Sam Seigel, Shlomi Menahem, Mark Franks, Stephen Shnider, Sharona Jotkowitz, David Brykman, Nathan Cher, Beverley Honig, Lawrence Cher, Jonathan Wenig, Ilana Wald and Avi Gilboa for the way in which they have dealt with their particular responsibilities. Hamakom Yinachem I offer condolences to all members who lost loved ones during the past year and record with sadness the passing of our members Mrs. Jenni Abzug, Dr. Erwin Dodge, Mrs. Alice Farkas, Mrs. Gitta Herz, Mr. Tibor Herz, Mrs. Minya Lipkies, Mrs. Irene Reich, Mr. Leibish Schachna, Mr. Andor Schwartz, Mr. Max Shnider, Mr. Abe Slonim, Mrs. Esther Wiener and Mr. Joshua Zajdband. Yehi Zichram Baruch. Conclusion As the pages of this Annual Report demonstrate, Mizrachi s activities are broad ranging and enhance many aspects of our lives. As I have written in previous years, there is always scope for improvement. We should involve more people in our activities. We should encourage more people to attend our minyanim and shiurim. We should 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 should 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. Finally I record my particular thanks to my wife Adina and our children Avital & Marc, Ya akov & Leah, Gidon and Amira - who have supported me in everything I have done and provided me with much needed advice and encouragement throughout the year. Yom Ha atzmaut Communal Tefilah May 2014 Ian Waller, H.E. Ambassador Shmuel Ben Shmuel & Isaac Teller 20

21 Seudah Shlishit A Year in review 03 May 2013 Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, Principal, Yeshivah & Beth Rivkah Colleges 10 May 2013 Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein 17 May 2013 Rabbi Hanoch Teller 24 May 2013 Dr William Recant, Assistant Executive Vice-President of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) 31 May 2013 Zoe Goodhardt (Acting ED, Yavneh Foundation) and Pnina Landau (Head of Jewish Studies, LYC Primary School) & Rabbi Yosef Kantor, Thailand s Chief Rabbi 07 June 2013 Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig 14 June 2013 Rabbi David Katz, Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim 21 June 2013 Rabbi Aviad Tabory, Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi 28 June 2013 Farewell to Banot Sherut and Hesder Bachurim 07 July 2013 Mrs Seyma Lederman 13 July 2013 Rabbi Meir Soloveichik & Matan Gold 20 July 2013 Rabbi Meir Soloveichik & Dr. Allan Garfield 27 July 2013 Farewell to the Metzlers 03 August 2013 Rabbi Ronen Neuwirth 10 August 2013 Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Dean of Yeshivah University 17 August 2013 Honouring Dr Peter Kloot, Former Melbourne Eruv Administrator 24 August 2013 Dr David Pelcovitz 31 August 2013 Welcome to the new Hesder Bachurim & Banot Sherut 07 September 2013 Gilbert Weinstein & Sam Seigel 21 September 2013 Tuvia Cannon 28 September 2013 Adam Korbl 05 October 2013 David Trachtman, Passionate Catering 12 October 2013 Searle Brajtman, Director of the English Language Desk, International Relations Division, Yad Vashem 19 October 2013 Aron Rubin & Simon Weinstein 26 October 2013 Rabbi Shlomo Kohn, Executive Director, Yad L Achim and Tommy Lamm 02 November 2013 Dr. Danny Lamm 09 November 2013 Mr Henri Korn 16 November 2013 Rabbi Yossi Fromer 23 November 2013 Philip Chester 21

22 30 November 2013 Sam Gosling 07 December 2013 Rabbi David Stav 14 December 2013 Michael Lewis 21 December 2013 Michael Gordon 28 December 2013 Yossi Aron 04 January 2014 Dan Goodhardt, CSG 11 January 2014 Raphael Leibler 25 January 2014 Farewell to the Shnatties 01 February 2014 Rabbi Chaim Wein 08 February 2014 Sam Tatarka, President, Zionist Council of Victoria 15 February 2014 Yankel Wajsbort 22 February 2014 Mark Kras, President, EJC 01 March 2014 Dubi Goldflam 08 March 2014 Romy Leibler 15 March 2014 Jeffrey Appel, Jewish Care 22 March 2014 Dov Meir Ascher, Zir Chemed 29 March 2014 Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel, Director General, World Mizrachi 05 April 2014 Noa Bloch 12 April 2014 Rabbi Yaakov Glasman 19 April 2014 Rabbi Yaakov Sprung & Danny Lamm 03 May 2014 Professor Andrew Lindell 10 May 2014 Mr Leon Milch, Holocaust Survivor 17 May 2014 Mr. Tony Fell, UJEB 24 May 2014 Mr David Armon 22

23 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE RABBI BARUCH ABARANOK AWARD Menachem Broner & Harry Gelber OAM Before reporting on the past 12 months, we would like to highlight the fact that the Award carries the name of Rabbi Abaranok ZT"L whose love for Torah and Eretz Yisrael exemplified his life. It is in the spirit of his memory that we award a Scholarship for Torah Studies in Israel. The Trustees go through a rigorous process to choose the candidate for each year. This involves an interview with all candidates, discussions with referees and many meetings and deliberations of the interview panel. We would like to thank the other members of the interview panel for their valuable input and assistance with this process. For 2013 the winner was Yaffa Travitz. She will start her programs in early September later this year in a Seminary in Tzfat. On behalf of the Trustees, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mizrachi Organisation and those members who assisted us with this process. We also want to thank the various School Representatives who assisted our deliberations. BEIT HAROEH Beverley Honig, Chairperson Beit Haroeh as a kehilah has been established for over 30 years. Its members/stakeholders have invested significantly in the Mizrachi/Yavneh community and are an integral part of the greater community. I have been the Chairperson since 2012, and under my leadership Beit Haroeh continues to thrive and grow. General attendance at shule is swelling and there is a feeling of achdut within the Beit Haroeh Kehilah. Members are coming back and new members are joining. We have had a dozen new families join us as members, including 2 new families from South Africa with young kids who have said they have never felt more comfortable in a shule than when they are at Beit Haroeh. We have had a succession of weekly visitors from overseas, such as Ronnie and Judy Joss who were with us for 5 months until they returned to Israel, as well as visitors from other shules, which adds diversity to the Beit Haroeh Shule. Beit Haroeh Committee Beverley Honig (Chairperson), Gary Esterman (Vice Chairperson), Dr Lawrence Cher, David Greenberger, Janie Fixler, Ralph Greenberger, Michael Gordon, Rabbi Michael Lewis, Ian Symons, Antony Gosling, Dr Zev Barr. Meetings are held bimonthly. Beit Haroeh Spiritual Leader and Speakers Reb Leor Broh: Reb Leor, our Spiritual Leader, continues to invigorate the Beit Haroeh Kehilah with his eloquent and inspiring Divrei Torah on Shabbat, and his Parshah Quiz questions to ensure we become ensconced in layning to find the answers. 23

24 Occasionally we also bring in a variety of outstanding or visiting speakers including: Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik (almost all minyanim joined us) Rabbi Berel Wein Rabbi Neuwirth Rabbi James Kennard Rabbi Isaac Bernstein Rav Dudi Winkler Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel Rebbetzin Neuwirth Rabbi Tabory, the Ram at Yeshivat Har Etzion Mr Eytan Epstein Mr Tuvia Canon Beit Haroeh Digital Initiatives Beit Haroeh has started a WhatsApp group with topical podcasts from Reb Leor and other invitees which has become very popular amongst existing and new members Weekly President s to members/non-members to tie in Parshah with weekly events and Beit Haroeh Bytes (special thanks to Dr Zev Barr for 16 years of Beit Haroeh Bytes publications) Beit Haroeh Special events Beit Haroeh has arranged a series of very well attended and successful major events including: April 2013: Joint Film evening with Peulah featuring Cheryl Mandel of the OneFamily Fund May 22 nd 2013: Dr Robert Vasl presentation in Goldberger Hall on: Finding your Family Roots. May 26 th 2013: Beit Haroeh AGM Shavuot: Beit Haroeh sponsored ice cream after the reading of the 10 commandments July 2013: We sponsored Shuk Caulfield and also ran a kiosk for Tzedaka August 2013: Rabbi Beryl Wein event: Melaveh Malka Dinner and presentations, 200 people packed into the Goldberger Hall and a full four course menu was provided. Quite a remarkable feat for Beit Haroeh to have the honour of hosting him on his only weeknight in Melbourne. Beit Haroeh is now dubbed the Happening Shule. September 2013: The Beit Factor auditions for melodic chazzanim for yomtov and year round October 2013: Women s speaking event on Simchat Torah Commemoration Ross Esterman Yarzheit Rabbi Berel Wein Event Beit Haroeh Shule is at the cutting edge of high profile events. A few months ago we experienced a sellout crowd in the Goldberger Hall, with tables of people from State Zionist Council, Adass, Katanga, Mizrachi, St Kilda Shule, Cauflield Shule and the Australian Jewish News as well as many cross sections of the community. We were honoured to have hosted such a powerful event featuring the world famous Jewish Entity Rabbi Berel Wein, especially since he was only visiting Australia for 2 days, and chose Beit Haroeh as his host community for this very public function in Melbourne. This event was electrifying, as he talked to a packed hall, over a four course meal, on his leading thoughts regarding Israel Then and Now. Those lucky enough to purchase a seat at the event experienced a night of inspiration, divrei torah from the fiery and most learned visiting scholar- 24

25 in-residence Dr Pnina Neuwirth, and meeting Rabbi Wein s (entourage) of (dozens of) accompanying American dignitaries. I gave a vote of thanks to the outstanding speakers with eloquent words of praise to all that helped especially the evenings event manager Mel Rink, and explained the true meaning of melave malkas, at one stage quipping everyones Luz bones have been nourished by this evening. Feedback from the night has been overwhelming. Calls, s and even cards of thank you have been received. Everyone has said that Rabbi Wein was so easy to listen to, so full of amazing stories, depth of thought and incredible insights. In the packed hall you could hear a pin drop. People wanted more, even after he had finished his 40 minute talk, as to everyone it seemed that it was only a few minutes. The ambience was friendly and engaging. An evening a world class affair of enormous value and enjoyment, by anyone s standards. Caterers Eshel outdid themselves, providing food and service second to none. Young vibrant Audiovisual Manager Matthew Lichtig spent the evening taking photos and making sure music from Dovid Honig s Shabbas Treasures Music Albums filled the hall with beautiful music and song. I presented Rabbi Wein with a sterling silver boomerang shaped Bsamim holder, calling it a long distance boomerang symbolising the hope that he would return again to our shores soon; and, Rabbi Wein s acceptance speech had the hall in cheers of applause. Reb Leor Broh gave Rabbi Wein a warm and dignified introduction, and Rabbi Sprung also welcomed Rabbi and Mrs Wein to Australia. For over 25 years, Rabbi Berel Wein has been identified with the popularisation of Jewish history through worldwide lectures, 15 books, history courses, educational tours, and film documentaries. We thanked him for providing access to the annals of history to our children, and for making history come alive. The evening ended with Hatikvah, and many stayed on a high, chatting enthusiastically over wine and sweet treats, to unwind after a fabulous event. Other events and programs We have been preparing and piloting a mentoring program from which we are developing a series of evenings to integrate with other minyanim and groups, and which involves an oneg Shabbat program starting mid year. This program has involved collecting and amalgamating a series of databases across shules and other communal organisations to enable us to invite the wider community to Mizrachi for these events. I would like to thank our tireless community for the efforts made so far, and we look forward to continued energy and enthusiasm to launch this program. Other smachot Each Baal/Baalat Simcha receives a special certificate from Beit Haroeh in commemoration of their simchah and members also receive a Siddur from Mizrachi. We have hosted a succession of smachot at Beit Haroeh including: Zand Bar Mitzvah Fishman Bat Mitzvah Berkowitz/Cher wedding aufruf Chanukah get together Dina Barr Engagement Chatan Bereishit Ashley Tugendtaft Gurgiel Aufruf Esterman Engagement 25

26 Beit Haroeh Kiddushim We are busy organising weekly hot kiddushim which have now become the norm to commemorate the smachot of long standing members or to honour people who have committed time and energy to the Beit Haroeh kehilah or who would like to commemorate the yarzheit of a loved one or a special occassion Warm kiddushim al frescoe have created an air of achdut and chevrah, and the fact that they are haymish and humble means affordability with a great atmosphere. Thank you to all the wonderful kiddush sponsors who have made this possible We also have special event kiddushim such as the much anticipated Shavuot ice-cream kiddush for kids Purim 2014 Beit Haroeh was packed on Purim, both on the Men s and Women s sides, with standing room only on Purim eve, everyone came dressed up and after Megilah we had a spiritual Havdalah and singing followed by Tea and Taschy s sponsored by the Fixlers. The ruach created was exciting. There were more than 150 people in the shule, indicated by standing room only and by the tasty refreshments consumed. A fun night was had by all. BEIT MIDRASH MINYAN Alex Izsak, Chairperson Since the last Mizrachi AGM, the Beit Midrash Minyan has certainly had very positive moments: we continue to run services on Friday night and Shabbat mornings, our weekly Kiddushim and have held a number of functions. We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge R Dudi Winkler and his family who will soon be returning to Israel. We thank R Winkler for being our Rabbi and for all his has done for us since his arrival in Australia. As to the general state of the minyan itself, I certainly wish that we could relate only positive tidings to the Mizrachi community regarding the state of the Beit Midrash Minyan, but doing so would be false and, more importantly, irresponsible. The unfortunate truth is that our Minyan is currently facing a series of very real challenges namely in respect to its membership. The 2014 committee has found the following: 1) Most young adults finishing their Hadrachah in Bnei Akiva have expressed no interest in joining the Minyan. They have either moved on to other Kehillot outside of Mizrachi or to no Kehillah at all. 2) Many of our current members have left the Beit Midrash Minyan in favour of Kehillot outside of Mizrachi or to no Kehillah at all. 3) New membership is virtually non-existent. It was with a certain sense of apprehension that all members of the 2014 committee took their respective positions. But we all took it because, despite its many difficulties, we believe that the 26

27 Beit Midrash Minyan holds great promise and could and should be a hub of activity for young adults from our community. The minyan continues to run Friday night services which have had varied amounts of attendants usually between 10 to 25 people. Shabbat morning services, however, have remained stable with approximately congregants attending. A number of events were held with very positive attendance; this is certainly an indicator that indeed the potential for the reversal in this membership crisis exists, as many young adults seem to crave the dynamic and fun community feeling that has arisen from our functions. In conclusion: the Beit Midrash Minyan is at a crossroads. It would serve no purpose for the committee not to disclose this to the wider Mizrachi community whom we cherish deeply and whom we know care deeply about the future of us: its youth. We would like to stress that the one and only way in which we can overcome this series of challenges is to work hand-in-hand with the next Mizrachi committee (and indeed the entire Mizrachi community) and address all issue that prevent the Beit Midrash Minyan from realising its full potential as a vibrant centre for young Jewish adults from all backgrounds and all walks of life. We strongly urge the committee to remember that by investing in us, they will be investing in it s own future. BEIT MIDRASH SUB-COMMITTEE Lawrence Cher, Convenor It is hard to believe how quickly the time has passed that Rav Dudi and Chani Winkler have been here now for almost three years. Their dedication and hard work has been inspiring. The range of activities they perform are not always realised as they work in different areas of our community and outside the four walls of Mizrachi. From the daily Shiurim they give during the day and the evening, their work in the Bet Midrash Minyan and working in the school they are always on the go. In addition, they have put on a range of special programs from Ervei Shira for the community, with Rav Dudi on the piano, to special shiurim and activities for Shiva Asar B Tammuz, Yom Kippur, Purim, a Hoshana Raba learning program, a program for Yom Ha atzmaut, just to mention a few. We have really appreciated the dedication they have shown and the efforts they have put in as a team. We thank them and their family for all the hard work they have put in the last 3 years and wish them all the success in the future. 27

28 Rabbi David Stav, the head of Tzohar was our guest speaker for the Beit Midrash dinner, and he was a fascinating speaker, with deep Torah knowledge, and a wonderful approachable personality. The events during the week he was here covered a range of issues relating to Israel and Torah. Particularly illuminating was the Motzaei Shabbat open forum hosted by Rav Chaim Cowen that was entertaining and informative, and dealt with the crucial issues facing Medinat Israel from a religious perspective. The Hesder Bachurim also outdid themselves with another outstanding video presented that evening that can be found here: Another new initiative which began last year, is a scholarship program to encourage those who have returned from study in Israel to commit to learning in the Bet Midrash nightly and participating in the activities of the Bet Midrash. This has been spearheaded by Doodie Bankier who is overseeing those learning. We are now in the second year and the program is consolidating. In addition, we have had a number of shiurim webcast from Israel, including Chasida Pinchuk and Rav Menachem Leibtag which have been successful. Rabbi Kennard has continued his special shiurim as part of the Arnold Bloch Memorial Lecture Series. This initiative has been very successful with interest from across the Melbourne community. By targeting the series to different ages it has made it available and attractive to high school students, university aged students as well as adults. The support of the Bloch family has been invaluable to allow us to reach out across the Melbourne Jewish community, which has been an important step in raising the profile of the Kollel Torah Mitzion. My thanks go to Dean Ellinson who has taken this on and coordinated with AUJS, and spread the word via traditional and new media. In addition, some of these events have been recorded and are available on This year s team are Shay Abergil, Netanel Bruyer, Ido Gross and Eitan Katz. As well as shiurim and Chevrutot they also run the Holy Bagel on Sunday mornings and Chillin Chulent on Thursday night and are involved in the Limmud program with Bnei Akiva, where they are also Madrichim. They are involved in informal education in the school of course as well. This year, they put together an amazing program for Yom Hazikaron, highlighting for us here in Chutz Laaretz the sacrifice of those in Israel. They focussed this year on two men, who lost their lives serving in the army. They presented them from their childhood, telling us about their qualities, and what they stood for. Then as the presentation continued we realised that they were brothers. Their mother, Miriam Peretz was inspirational as to how she dealt with the tragedy. It will be one that will not be forgotten. Check out also the Facebook page and the KTM website for more information about past events as well as future activities. I would like to thank each member of the sub-committee for their invaluable assistance over the past year. We hope to see as many people as possible participating in activities of the Bet Midrash. 28

29 Beit Midrash Rosh Kollel Rav Dudi Winkler & Rebbetzin Chani Winkler; and Hesder Bachurim Beit Midrash team The Beit Midrash team includes: The Rosh Kollel, Rav Dudi Winkler, the head of the Midrasha, Rebbetzin Chani Winkler and the Hesder Bachurim. The team works together to operate the Beit Midrash; organise shiurim, run events, and build a schedule of chavrutot in order to give each individual his or her needs. The team meets every Monday night at Rav Dudi's house and during the week at school for planning sessions, events etc for the Beit Midrash and Yavneh. WEEKLY PROGRAMS AND SHIURIM Chevrutot Each day in the Beit Midrash between pm the Hesder Bachurim, Rav Dudi and Chani are in the Beit Midrash and welcome anyone and everyone for personal, one on one learning sessions which often includes Gemarah, Emunah and Machshava. All together the bachurim have 52 chavrutut. This year our Bnot Sherut also took part in the Beit Midrash. All together, some 15 chavrutot took place with University students, school students and Bat Mitzvah girls. There is also a Midrasha which is used especially for shiurim and Chaburot for women and young ladies who learn together in Chevrutot. Hosting different students and members of the community, the Beit Midrash has been the heart and main focus of Rav Dudi s and Chani s Shlichut. Shiurim Rav Dudi's shiurim in BM Besides Rav Dudi's regular chavrutot with adults, students and youth, Rav Dudi gives seven shiurim on a weekly basis: Kuzari, Parshat Hashavua for ladies, practical Halachah in the 21 st century, Chaburah Gemarah for female university students, Rav Kook s philosophy, Gemarah shiur and Parashat Hashvaua in easy Hebrew. Chani Winkler's shiurim in the Beit Midrash this year went beyond her chavrutot with girls and women. Chani gives a weekly shiur, which in the last year dealt with the Sages of the Mishnah: their background from a historical, cultural and geographic perspective. This then gave a better understanding of their Torah which has since been taught for generations. In the past year Chani gave Shiurim outside of Mizrachi such as: Shiurim for the "Footsteps" shiur, shiurim for ladies in Blake Street Shule, shiur for "Beit Aharon" Shule, Katanga Shule, "Beth Rivkah" high school and a shiur in the Bat Mitzvah program in Yavneh. Thursday night chaburah In the past few months Chani initiated a new chaburah for female university students in the Midrasha. Every Thursday the girls come to the Beit Midrash to hear shiurim on different topics. The shiurim are given either by Chani or a different girl every week. In the chaburah there is a special dynamic; the girls are not only coming to hear but rather to give to the other girls as well. 29

30 Chug Talmud Torah During the first term of 2014 the bachurim with the Sherut girls started a chug Talmud torah for the primary kids in years 2-5. Every Thursday the kids gathered after school at Mizrachi's Beit Midrash and learned about our sages. The learning was given in an interactive way: the bachurim and the banot put on a play about the story of one of the sages and the Mitzvot. Later on they learned about one mitzvah with a work sheet made by the bachurim and banot. At the end of the chug the kids made an art and craft activity with the sherut girls and play games. Topics learnt in the chug: Shabbat, Mezuzah, Pesach, honouring parents etc. Chill n Cholent Every Thursday evening following Maariv, the Chill n Cholent tradition has continued. Joined by Madrichim of Bnei Akiva, university students and others, the evening begins with the singing of 'Ka Echsof', continues with an inspiring D var Torah given by one of the participants, and ends with everyone enjoying delicious Cholent, prepared and served by the Hesder boys. Holy Bagel Our Hesder Bachurim run a program to encourage High School students to attend Shacharit in the Beit Midrash on Sundays. After davening, a bagel breakfast is provided in conjunction with the Leibler Yavneh College and the students start off the week with Tefilah and Divrei Torah given by our Bachurim. SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS THROUGH THE YEAR Shavuot On the night of Shavuot, the Beit Midrash was abuzz with people from all over Melbourne who came to learn and participate in Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Rav Dudi gave a shiur, Matan Tur Paz participated in a panel outside of Mizrachi about army service and the rest of the bachurim gave two sessions of shiurim for years 7-9 about the topics of free will and Emunah. In addition, we continued the tradition of the "Cheesecake" shiur 35 university students and young ladies gathered in the house of the bachurim and were being inspired by three shiurim given by: Natasha Katz, Avital Waller and Ellyse Borghi. Shabbaton in Canberra On Shabbat Parashat Korach 5753 (June 2013), the Winkler family and the Hesder boys went on a special trip to Canberra. The mission was to introduce our bachurim and the Rosh Kollel to a smaller community, and bring the ruach of Mizrachi - with a touch of Israeli spice to Canberra. Over Shabbat the Bachurim and the Winklers took part in the Tefillot and Kriat HaTorah. On Friday night the community ran a joint Seudah with Z mirot Shabbat and a shiur given by Rav Dudi. On Shabbat afternoon we ran a panel discussion on Ways to solve conflicts within the 30

31 Jewish community. On Motza ei Shabbat, the boys ran special activities for kids and youth on topics related to Jewish identity and free will. Leil Limmud for the 17 th of Tammuz On the week before the commencement of the Three Week mourning period we had a Leil Limud given by two guest speakers from Israel - Rabbis Michael Sussman, Aviad Tabory as well as Rav Dudi Winkler. They addressed the topic: The Contemporary Relevance of The Three Weeks Israeli sing along evenings for ladies Twice this year we held an 'erev shirah' hosted by the Broners About 30 ladies came, played and sang Eretz Yisrael songs, and the atmosphere was uplifting and inspiring. Host Families - Farewell for the Bachurim Each Hesder bachur is hosted throughout their year of shlichut by a family from the community. As a sign of the boys appreciation, they organised a function to officially thank and farewell their host families. Held at the home of Rav Dudi and Chani Winkler, the event included a catered brunch and activities that were enjoyed by all. First Night Slichot Melave Malka During Chodesh Elul, at the first night of the "Slichot" the Beit Midrash invited Bnei Akiva Madrichim for a preparation time for Slichot and the Yamim Norai m. We sang uplifting songs and enjoyed the musical talent of Rav Dudi, Bnei Akiva Madrichim and the Zionist Camp Madrichim. Preparation - Leil Limmud for Yom Kippur Before Yom Kippur, Chani Winkler organised an uplifting Leil Limmud for ladies, so they would prepare to enter Yom Kippur with the right mind-set. Fifty ladies and university students came and heard shiurim given by Rabbi Chaim Cowen, Rabbi James Kennard and Adina Bankier-Karp. They all spoke about different aspects of "Teshuvah". Leil Limud Hoshana Raba At the last night of Succot, the Beit Midrash held a Leil limud in honor of 'Hoshana Raba'. Sixty people, adults and young adults came to a special program at the Beit Midrash. We ran four parallel shiurim for the youth, given by Dana Slonim, Gaby Lefkovits, Shoshi Dessauer and Noey Kolt. Everyone could choose which shiur to join. The shiurim for adults were given by Avi Gilboa, Michal Kaufman and Jeremy Herz. 31

32 Chanuka Party- 'Chanukeif' On Chanuka the Beit Midrash team, together with the sherut girls, ran a fun activity for primary school children in the Goldberger hall. The kids watched a movie about the historical meaning of Chanukah, and there were stations of arts and crafts, games and decorating doughnuts. BBQ for departing Shnaties 2014 Just before their departure to Israel, Rav Dudi and Chani invited the Shnaties for a BBQ in their house. Beside the great food, they got advice from Rav Dudi; the importance of going to Israel with aims and goals. The Bachurim and the Sheruties handed out a booklet with Israel s best hikes, restaurants and places to see. BBQ for returning Shnaties 2013 In order to continue their growth and development, the Beit Midrash team invited the returning Shnaties to a BBQ in the Hesder boys house. The Shnaties were invited to take part in the Beit Midrash, Shiurim, Chavrutut and events. RZOA (Religious Zionist Organisations of Australia) Shlichim Conference During March 2014, the Shlichim from all over Australia, went to the ROZA conference in Perth. We discussed several topics about our "shlichut". We met the community in Perth and took part in different activities there. Pre Purim Kids Carnival On Taanit Esther the Hesder Bachurim and Bnot Sherut held a fantastic pre Purim event for kids. The kids made their own ra ashan (grogger), mask and hamantaschen and enjoyed other fun activities like face painting. There was a great turnout with over 100 children from ages 4 12 participating. Megillat Esther the Characters Behind the Curtain A week before Purim, the Beit Midrash hosted a Leil Limmud for the community discussing the minor characters behind the story of the Megillah and the impact they made. Rabbi James Kennard, Shira Wenig, Michal Kaufman and Rav Dudi Winkler introduced a new perspective of reading the story of the Megillah through the eyes of Bigtan and Teresh, Heggai, Hatach and Charvonah. The Beit Midrash was packed and it was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all who attended. Oneg Shabbatot at the Winklers In the past year, the Winklers hosted three Oneg Shabbatot for current and previous Bnei Madrichim at their home: Before Yom Yerushalayim, on the Friday night before Purim and Friday night before Pesach. With over 40 people in attendance, songs were sung and Diveri Torah were shared until 1am. Mimuna On Motzei Chag of the 8th day of Pesach this year, the Hesder boys house was transported to Morocco for the night, as we took part in the traditional Moroccan Jewish celebration of Mimuna. Over 120 high school students, madrichim from different Jewish movements and adults gathered to enjoy traditional Moroccan food and music. 32

33 Yom Ha'atzmaut Musical Hallel For Women On Yom Ha atzmaut about twenty women gathered in the Lamm Boardroom for a celebratory Musical Hallel coordinated by Chani Winkler. This was followed by a shiur given by Rabbi Gurewicz. This was the third time such an event was organized for the women of the community and we look forward to it continuing in the future. Yom Ha'atzmaut BBQ To end Yom Haatzmaut with uplifting mood, Chani and Rav Dudi, with the help of the Hesder boys made a Yom Haatzmaut BBQ. Rabbi Sprung, Rabbi Chaim Cowen, and Rav Dudi spoke about "Choose your own Moshiach and what is its relavence to our days. Rabbi Kennard's Shiurim As is becoming tradition the Beit Midrash was packed to capacity when Rabbi Kennard addressed the community on different topics: Should Jews live in Israel? The Ultimate Question for Diaspora Zionists, Do we want our grandchildren to be Jewish? Why? What can we do about it? The Transformative Power of Jewish Learning". The shiurim were given for different age groups (high school students, university students and adults). This way Rabbi Kennard was able to focus the message of the speech on the particular demographic. Thanks to Dean Ellinson who coordinated the shiurim. Rabbi Kennard inspires hundreds of members of the community each year in the walls of the Beit Midrash. GUEST SPEAKERS Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein Rav Grunstein from the "Tzohar" and "Amiel" organisations was in our kehilla twice in the past year. Rabbi Grunstein delivered speeches and shiurim that focused on his area of expertise: the relevance of Torah in the modern world, Tefillah and more. Rabbi Ronen and Dr. Pnina Neuwirth Rabbi Ronen and Dr. Pnina Neuwirth are both active members of the innovative Modern Orthodox Beit Hillel Organisation. During their visit in August they gave wonderful shiurim in the Beit Midrash. These shiurim focused on the major conflicts and issues which are currently on the table in the state of Israel. Chassida Pinchuk Chassida is a marriage counselor and a former Rosh Midrasha of the Mizrachi Organisation in Melbourne. Chassida continued her on-going connection with the Beit Midrash via her online shiurim from Israel to the women in the Midrasha. In her lectures Chassida integrated her professional knowledge as a marriage counselor with relevant Jewish topics by use of quotes 33

34 and related Torah and Chazal soures. In the past year Chassida gave two online shiurim to the Midrasha women. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik We were truly privileged to host Rabbi Meir Soloveichik as the Mizrachi Scholar in Residence. During his weeklong visit the Rabbi gave numerous shiurim and lecturers. The Rabbi had the opportunity to meet with the youth and the students of Bnei Akiva at an intimate Oneg Shabbat. At Seuda Shlishit Rabbi Soloveichik addressed the community on the topic: Yiddish: Metaphysics of a Mameloshen and gave a lecture on Erev Tisha B'Av on the topic The Temple and the Colosseum. Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel is an educator and the Deputy Director of the World Mizrachi Movement. During his visit in Melbourne he addressed the community in various occasions. The Rabbi addressed the community at Friday night and Seudah Shlishit. Rabbi Gimpel gave a shiur about the importance of learning Tanach in a Shiur he gave on Monday night. He also talked with uni students at chill n' cholent on Thursday night. WORKING AND COOPERATION WITH BNEI AKIVA Hadracha During their Shlichut the Hesder Bachurim are also assigned to different year levels as Madrichim of Bnei Akiva. This way they contribute their own experiences of living in Israel and living a life of Torah V Avodah. The Hesder boys become a part of the Bnei Akiva Tzevet helping to organize camps and events for the Chanichim. Brothers In The Beis Over 2013 the Beit Midrash has embarked on a new program in collaboration with Bnei Akiva. The program involved a planned, one-on-one weekly study session between madrichim and chanichim. Each chavrutah chose a specific topic to study, and through the weekly learning sessions the madrichim and chanichim developed strong connections. In addition, each month an expanded session of Torah learning was held, followed by a scrumptious supper. Seudah shlishit Every Shabbat after Bnei Akiva activities, all madrichim are invited to the hesder boys' house for a Seuda Shlishit, with some snacks and soul songs. Trivia Night for Madrichim The Hesder boys organised a special trivia night for the Madrichim in Goldberger hall before Chanukah. The Madrichim competed against each other in topics like history, sport, Eretz Yisrael and Tanach. The night was successful and helped to improve the relationships between the Hesder boys and their co-mads. 34

35 BEIT MIDRASH IN LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE Beit Midrash sessions Once a fortnight every class in the Secondary school from year 9 to 12 comes to the Beit Midrash for a session with the bachurim. In those sessions the students and the bachurim deal with important issues in Judaism and Zionism in a fun and interactive way. Among the topics we discussed are: Between Shabbat and Sunday, Chalutziut (pioneers), releasing terrorists for soldiers etc. Before the Chagim years 7 and 8 join the Beit Midrash sessions so they also enter the Chag more prepared. Beit Midrash Elective For students from year 9 who wanted more Jewish studies, the Beit Midrash last year ran a Beit Midrash elective subject. Ten students came twice a week to learn in the Beit Midrash in Yavneh with the hesder boys. They learned different topics like as: Kuzari, Parashah, Gemara and Emunah. Beis café Every Tuesday during lunch break all the students are invited to come to a short learning session with the hesder boys and the sherut girls. The students enjoy, besides the learning, a cup of (de-caffeinated) iced coffee and cookies. Tim Tam time Twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, after early minyan, during breakfast time in the tuck-shop, the students join the hesder boys for a short "chaburah" about the prayer and the blessings, followed by hot chocolate and Tim-Tams. Shabbat meals During the year the bachurim invite to their house the boys of one year level of Secondary school at Yavneh for a Shabbat meal, including Divrei Torah from the students and the bachurim, zmirot and great food prepared by the bachurim. Succot At the beginning of their Shlichut, the new Hesder boys invited the students from years 9 & 10 Yavneh for a breakfast in their Sukkah. The boys and the Sheirut Leumi girls treated the students to pancakes, ice cream and milkshakes. The girls led fun-filled and inspiring activities. Parent and kids Learning Evening In the beginning of Adar Aleph, the Bachurim with Rav Dudi and Chani organised an Erev Limmud for years 7 and 8 on the topic "The dark side of the moon" discussing the process of the declaration of a new Hebrew month. 35

36 Yom HaZikaron Exhibition After months of thinking and preparation the Bachurim with the guidance of Rav Dudi and Chani, put together a unique exhibition for Yom HaZikaron. The exhibition told the heartbreaking story of Miriam Peretz and her two sons; Uriel and Eliraz. In the exhibition the students had the opportunity to meet Uriel and Eliraz's characters: their life stories and beliefs, their goals and their dreams, what type of commander they were and their tragic fall in battle. At the end of the exhibition they watched a moving interview with Miriam with her unbelievable Emunah and trust in Hashem. The session was given to 250 students. Throughout the week the bachurim also held special sessions for bnei's Madrichim and for bogrim. On Sunday the exhibition was open for the community from 10am to 4pm. The sessions were completely filled and the bachurim added on another session at 5pm. In total the session was given to more than 200 people in addition to the students. The Bachurim and Rav Dudi were also responsible for the Yom HaZikaron assembly for both Primary and Secondary. The students heard personal stories from Netanel and Eitan and a dvar Torah and song from Rav Dudi. In conclusion, the Yom Hazikaron events were very successful; the students got a taste of the sacrifice many Israelis soldiers have made for the security of the State of Israel and felt more connected to Yom HaZikaron. Sports Day Nothing beats a sunny day at Albert Park Stadium! The Hesder boys really enjoyed joining in on this family fun day, taking part in their own Hesder Boys race and having delicious hotdogs for lunch. Camps The Hesder boys joined different year levels throughout the year on their school camps. This is a wonderful way for the boys to strengthen their relationship with the students. BNEI AKIVA MELBOURNE Romy Spicer, Merakezet To be writing this report after a few intense and incredible months since the beginning of this year gives me personally a moment to actually sit back and look at what we have already accomplished so far as a movement. It gives me the chance to remind myself and then in turn remind others as to the overarching reason we are all involved in such a special movement which constantly strives to educate and inspire the Jewish Youth of Melbourne with a love of Bnei Akiva Values. It also gives me a moment so consider my involvement in the movement 36

37 over the years and see it as a link in the chain of the rich tapestry that is Bnei Akiva Melbourne and even further back to what is Bnei Akiva Olami. It allows me to comprehend Bnei s past and present and of course to contemplate the future. While the movement is constantly changing and moving according to the people and generations that come through, it is nonetheless inspiring to know that at the core, everyone who has been involved in Bnei is striving to achieve the same goals. This year we have an inspiring and passionate 65 madrichim who are dedicating and investing their time and souls to Bnei Melbourne. Each and every one of them brings their own uniqueness, enthusiasm and perspective to the movemenet which ultimately is the lifeblood of Bnei and ensures it s day-to day running. But, our Madrich body would not be complete without our dedicated Shaliach, Tuvia Cannon. In a movement run essentially by youth, it is vital to have someone with more life experience, someone who can give advice with objectivity and a clear head. Tuvia does this, and more. He, with his family, spend countless hours assisting and caring for, not just the movement, but every individual Chanich and Madrich. They have opened their hearts and home to everyone and we ll be sad to see them go. We are truly lucky to have been able to work with the Cannon family. Over time, there have been the established events that are grounded as fixtures in our yearly calendar, yet each and every year, new projects and initiatives are created and implemented with great success. Here is what comprises Bnei Akiva Melbourne s calendar, including our new initiatives for 2014: NEW INITIATIVES FOR 2014 Hadracha Focus This year we have a decided focus on the development of Hadracha skills and training for our Madrichim. We have dedicated a room in our Maon to being a heder Hadracha. In this room, Madrichim are able to sit on couches, have a tea of coffee and look through a number of resources stored there, including Leadership manuals, past tochniot and previous camp materials. Furthermore, this year at both our introduction day for first year Madrichim, and at our opening seminar, we placed a large emphasis on Hadracha. We looked at ideas such as task/maintenance, discipline and educational tools. This is an ongoing process and project we will be undertaking throughout the year. Shabbat Minyanim The last two years we have increasingly focused on the Bnei shule. We see the Shule as the spiritual epicentre of our movement. With regular Minyanim every Friday night and Shabbat morning, Madrichim and Chanichim alike have a unique opportunity to run the Minyan and lift their Avodat HaShem to new heights. We have tried to have Kiddushim after every Shabbat morning service, opened up the shule to a range of different speakers, and started a Pre- Shacharit Shiur given by Tuvia Cannon to encourage people to be on time for shule. Another new initiative, is to have shule events on certain Shabbatonim to encourage more Chanichim to come to shule, including year level shule takeovers and our recently successful bring your family to shule Shabbat which was a huge success. 37

38 Bigger Weekly Numbers We are very proud of the fact that we are such a large snif (branch), and we are the largest Bnei Akiva branch outside of Israel. During our first week of tochniot, with our Madrichim buzzing with excitement after a stimulating MadSem (Madrich Seminar), over 350 Chanichim came flooding through the gates of Mizrachi. We have seen an average of over 280 Chanichim on a weekly basis, all receiving high quality tochniot (activities) from their Madrichim, many of whom spend many hours planning and creating them during the week. As lovely as these numbers are, we also understand it s about quality not quantity! Social Events for Madrichim One of the most important elements to running a cohesive madrich body is the assurance of investing in working on building relationships and lasting friendships. Even though we are ultimately here to educate and inspire the Jewish youth, we see that the movement also plays a central role for madrichim s personal and religious development. Therefore we run multiple events and social gatherings throughout the year to boost the overall morale, ensure networking within a reliigous social framework and of course to have fun. We run Shabbat dinners, Onegs and Tisches throughout the year and recently went to Bounce which was thoroughly enjoyed by all! ESTABLISHED FIXTURES IN BNEI AKIVA MELBOURNE Shevet Yuval Shevet Yuval is one of the most exciting parts of Bnei Akiva Melbourne, and is the only group of its kind in Australia. We continue to develop and refine innovative programs designed to push the boundaries of what is possible with special needs education and integration. Café Yuval Café Yuval provides a three-course, high quality catered meal for up to 600 people at a café set up during the 9 days. Shevet Yuval youth are the centre of attention on the nights, as they work as waiters and waitresses, serving guests with professionalism and charm. Café Yuval achieves four distinct goals: 1. Opportunity for true integration into the community 2. Spreading communal awareness of Shevet Yuval 3. Raising funds for our work with Shevet Yuval throughout the year 4. Providing the Yuval Chanichim with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that they have worked to earn the activities which are conducted for them through the year. Federal Shabbat Lech Lecha An initiative of Bnei Akiva in Melbourne, Shabbat Lech Lecha began in 2010 as an opportunity to spread a Torah message from Bnei around the wider Melbourne community, with Chanichim and Madrichim going to almost 20 different shules on the week of Parshat Lech Lecha to share a Dvar Torah. In the past few years, the project has been expanded Australia-wide, so that Bnei chaverim will speak in almost 35 different shules across three states, all on the same Shabbat. 38

39 Bneizing Race We recently held what is fast becoming an annual highlight: the 4 th annual Bneizing Race. 12 teams of six Chanichim and two Madrichim each spend 24 hours running around Melbourne finding clues, completing challenges, and negotiating public transport in an Amazing Race style event which leaves everyone tired, bruised, sore, and incredibly excited for next year s race! Thanks to the organisers Jeremy Lissauer and Eliat Weizman. Year 12 Shnat Seminar As has become an annual fixture in the Bnei Calendar, the year 12 Shnat Seminar will be taking place this weekend. This Shabbaton prepares our Chanichim for their upcoming year in Israel and begins the thinking process by focussing on the various programs and what they offer together with integral questions on our ideology and the importance of Israel. Alumni from each program and instituion will be in attendance to ensure the asking and answering of vital questions is facilitated. This is the beginning of helping our chanichim best take advantage of their sure to be life changing experiences in the year to come. Biannual Camps What could be better than a week (or more) of concentrated time to learn, laugh and live Bnei Akiva? Months of preparation go in to each camp, and most Madrichim and Chanichim describe them as the highlights of the year. Preparations for Winter Camp 2014 are in full swing, and it is shaping up to be one of the best camps yet! Be er Akiva Bnei s weekly newsletter, containing Divrei Torah, feature articles, entertainment, and recent Bnei news, is printed and distributed to over ten Shules in Melbourne each week. Mishloach Manot Each year for Purim, Bnei packs and hand delivers over 500 Mishloach Manot packages and around 400 Tzedakah donation cards. This annual project is one of our largest and most logistically challenging to run, but also one of the more enjoyable, with Chanichim participating in deliveries on Purim night. Communal Pre-Pesach Barbeque (PPBBQ) On Erev Pesach, when there s no Chametz to be found at home, Bnei provides one last Chametz dinner before Chag, along with some entertainment for the kids! Yom Ha zikaron/yom Ha atzmaut This year, Bnei Madrichim and Chanichim participated in and ran a multitude of events and tekesim over three days to commemorate Yom Ha zikaron, and celebrate Yom Ha atzmaut. These days represent the true essence of our Zionist ideology, and Bnei Chanichim and Madrichim were actively involved in celebrating and mourning along with our fellow Jews in Israel. 39

40 Lag Ba Omer Carnival Bnei s annual Lag Ba Omer carnival is a wonderful way to celebrate this significant day, with rides, food, live music, dancing, and of course, a huge bonfire! This year s attractions include bigger and better rides and of course the argest bonfire in Melbourne! Tikkun Leil Shavuot Learning Our Tikkun Leil program is designed to cater specifically to young people and provide engaging and thought-provoking shiurim, chaburot, and other activities all night long. In addition, Bnei each year hosts the other five Zionist youth movements in Melbourne for a combined ZYC Tikkun Leil immediately preceding Bnei s own program. Lulav & Etrog One of the wonderful services Bnei Akiva provides the community each year is the sale of the Arba Minim to the wider community. Hundreds of sets are imported from Israel and distributed Australia wide in time for Sukkot, with 100% of proceeds supporting Jewish youth. Simchat Torah Dinner The Simchat Torah Dinner is an opportunity for Bnei Akiva to host Jewish youth from all around Melbourne. Following our energetic davening and dancing for Simchat Torah, we provide a free festive Yom-Tov meal for almost 300 Chanichim and community youth. Biannual Mishelanu Publication This professionally printed book of Divrei Torah is published twice a year For Pesach-Shavuot, and for the Elul-Tishrei Chagim. It showcases Divrei Torah written by Madrichim, Chanichim, and Bogrim of Bnei Akiva, and is distributed free across all of the Shules in Melbourne. Year 11 Hadracha Program A eight-week leadership training course for our year 11 Chanichim is followed by several weeks of leading Bnei groups, alongside Madrichim, each Shabbat, and gives them the chance to gain valuable leadership experience and begin to make a contribution to the great movement of which they are a part. A highlight of the program is spending a Shabbat away in East Melbourne Shul, to reflect on what they learnt and share memories of the course. Shule Takeovers A great way to connect Bnei Akiva with the wider community, takeovers consist of the Bnei Minyan joining another Shule or Minyan for a Shabbat. Previous year s takeovers have included Elsternwick Hebrew Congregation, Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Shule and the Mount Scopus Youth Minyan at Gandel Besen House. Recently, we joined Ohr Yisrael for the first time and had an amazing turnout with lots of ruach and fun. Year level/shichvah functions In addition to all the other Bnei events, each year group runs individual functions twice a year, which are often more informal and are a great way to bond as a year level. The Shichvot (Juniors / Intermediates / Seniors / Yuval) also run Shichvah-wide functions twice a year. Previous functions have included Bounce, bike-riding, bowling, and ice skarign. Bnei Akiva Israel Year (Shnat) Programs The culmination of our Chanichim s journey through Bnei in school is the Shnat year (or two!) in Israel on one of our tailor-made programs MTA and Limmud. MTA is focused on Yeshiva/Midrasha learning, while Limmud aims to provide an all-round experience, with 40

41 Yeshiva/Midrasha combined with volunteering, Marva/MDA, and the incredible Machon. This year s Shnat group has reported a fantastic start to their year! Madrich Training Seminars Two Madrich Seminars ( MadSem ) take place each year, a Melbourne-only seminar in February, and an Australia-wide Shabbaton in October. They are a great chance for Madrichim to hone their Hadracha skills, have meaningful discussions about relevant Bnei Akiva issues, and just have a good time! This year, an additional Hadracha Day is also planned for before Winter Camp along with some other ideological and hadrach focuses shabbatonim and day intensives. Leadership 2014 Tuvia Cannon (Shaliach), Romy Spicer (Merakezet), Stephanie Israelsohn (Sganit Merakezet), Oren Smith (Gizbar), Avital Lindell (Rosh Chinuch), Adam Pincus (Rosh Tarbut), Liora Cher (Rosh PR), Benji Jones (Rosh Minyan), Daniella Ginzburg (Mazkira) Efrat Metzler (Shlicha), Aron Goodhardt (Merakez), Nathan Joel (Sgan Merakez), Yehonatan Dodge (Gizbar), Brett Sacks (Rosh Chinuch), Romy Spicer (Rosh Tarbut), Ella Joel (Rosh PR), Gaby Lefkovits (Rosh Minyan), Talsi Gordon & Danielle Winthrope (Mazkira). Mizrachi Building Chairman s Report Nathan Cher Summary Our organisation remains asset-rich in property compared to cash on hand or operational income. Our spread of real estate holdings in Balaclava and Elsternwick (and their realisable value) are enviable but they are somewhat underdeveloped. We do not at present have the capital reserves to make vast improvements to the building assets on site. We cover maintenance costs adequately, but major maintenance needs are addressed from an unbudgeted perspective. There have been minor improvements to both campuses; however we will need to raise serious funds: to address the age of our buildings in order to maintain or replace structures across both of our campuses, answering the continued call for more and better spaces for all our groups, and for capital improvement. Holdings We have not acquired or divested any real estate over the past 12 months. 41

42 Major Improvements / Demolitions Over the past 12 months, we have utilised some government grants together with generous donor funding to complete: the construction of 2 modular classrooms to accommodate an upgrade and expansion the ELC (Early Learning Centre) at Balaclava Road. There are now 2 Junior Kinders, 2 Senior Kinders and 2 Crèche Classrooms on site. 2 of the older classrooms were completely refitted during the year One playground was redesigned and refitted in its entirety along the Otira boundary of the site The construction of Walls and Security installations at Balaclava Road. Installation of new security systems, video monitoring to the boundary, new lighting and intercoms. The enhancement of the Balaclava Road site in the creation of a new internal Plaza with new landscaping, lighting and seating. Minor upgrades to the old school building on the Otira Road side which are currently underway to improve the aesthetic relationship between this building and the remainder of the site. The works above: Are the single largest improvement to the Balaclava Road site in decades. Fit in to the overall master plan for the site, and are envisaged and designed to last over 70 years. Much of this work was undertaken through the allocation to our organisation of 2 government Grants. Thanks must go to David Fisher and his team for making the case for these grants and achieving success. Additionally, I acknowledge (in alphabetical order) generous donations from the following families towards the work at Balaclava Road: N & C Cher and Family R & D Goldschlager and Family S & D Herszberg and Family B & E Slonim and Family P & N Zuckerman and Family In addition we need to recognise the financial contribution made by the parent body the YPO and the Yavneh Foundation in assisting with these projects. We continue to sell dedications and nominations on items which were installed as part of these projects. To date, some 45% of seats and benches have been dedicated. The three major initiatives above were carried out with a budget of approximately $1.4M of which approximately 35% came from Donations, 48% came from two government Grants, 18% came from (or will come from) monies raised for on-site dedications and cashflow and contribution from YPO and Yavneh Foundation. Minor Initiatives There are a range of minor initiatives which are being executed including new seating in the front of the main school building and other improvements to security and upgrading. New blinds were installed in the Synagogue and I thank the Reisner family for their generous donation. 42

43 Works to be implemented in the next 12 months The following works are planned to be undertaken over the next 12 months : - The relocation of Caretaker facilities to allow new space to be opened up between the two redbrick houses on the Fosbery side of the site for the creation of a new open space for play and breakout. - This new space will provide suitable location for the re-installation of the Yael Bloch Succah which I hope can be in place in time for Succot this year. - Improvement to the front garden of the Hesder Boys House too allow for additional activities in this area. - Preparation of applications towards additional Grants which may become available during 2014/15 - Masterplanning & the review and potential variation of Covenants - We will review the approach taken to Naming Rights and Major Donations within the organisation. Masterplanning The core buildings at Balaclava Road are between 40 and 80 years old. A Masterplan for the site is in development and will be circulated to members during the next year for comment. It will serve as the touchstone for development and sequencing at Balaclava Road for the next years. Members will be invited to participate in the development of this Masterplan and have valuable opportunity for input. Having now completed the upgrades to the exterior of the Mizrachi campus on Balaclava Road, I am pleased that I have received approaches from families wishing to support the improvement and replacement of buildings on the site, and I hope to be able to announce in the 2014 / 2015 year, some sizable and funded initiatives that we could deliver under this master plan. Policy Matters We continue to apply our nominated subcontractors policy welcoming participation from our Members or Parent body for recommendations or subcontracting whenever we action a new project and where that involvement lowers cost or improves outcomes without increasing project risk as determined by our professional advisors. This year, we benefited from the services of the following families and thank them for the assistance (in alphabetical order): Mr Ron Goldschlager; Mr Tunni Paneth; Mr Michael Slonim and Mr Simon Weinstein. In order to protect the interests of the school and Mizrachi, professional project managers are retained to manage and audit any larger building process and the signoff of all payment certificates. The management team on all projects work closely with the financial controller and treasurers to ensuring that all milestones are met in accordance with payment controls and fund raising initiatives. Staffing Jim Moustos continues to provide an outstanding service to the organisation in his role as Caretaker / Facilities Manager at Balaclava Road, and we thank Jim for his exceptional service. The Elsternwick campus is property-managed under the school s management control. 43

44 Charity Fund Devora Gold, Fund Administrator Number of People/Families Benefitting The number of families who benefit on a regular basis has increased slightly to 25 this year. The number of additional groups who drift in/out when they need help has increased only slightly from 14 last year to 15 this year. This might be a few occasional bills which require payment or food vouchers to tide them over. Whilst the assistance provided is supposed to be a once-off, more often than not, the client returns for further assistance, but does not become a regular client. The minimum dollar value our clients received $30 per week and there are more people in receipt of $100 per week (per voucher) than in previous years. Further, most of these combined, plus several former clients and additional clients receive Yom Tov assistance in the way of food or Coles vouchers or cash handouts. Regular Assistance Predominantly we distribute food vouchers. And our suppliers remain unchanged, with the exception of Elsternwick Fruit and Vegetables and Alex s, which has closed down. They are: CKB Carnegie Fruit Dom s Fruit Mart We continue to encourage people to get back on their feet by encouraging further studies, and/or any employment possible, but it s obvious that this option has dramatically reduced since economic and outside influences change people s situations. Another noticeable change is more people require assistance with occasional rental payments and car registration. Networking We continue to have a solid working relationship with Linda Faigen, Social Worker of the Melbourne Jewish Charity Funds. Additionally, the Posh Op Shop, under the auspices of the National Council of Jewish Women, has, on several occasions agreed to clothe clients at no cost to the client or us! Maot Chittin Appeal We have completed our 2014 Appeal. The total amount donated was slightly higher than the amount donated last year. The current concern is the indisputable fact that prices of fuel, meat, fruit and vegetables are continuing to rise. We are concerned that this will impact on our donations as well as cause a further increase in requests for current and future clients. Despite urging our donors to be generous, we are aware that many in our community are feeling the pinch clients and donors alike. 44

45 Children s Tefilah Groups Nomi Kaltmann, Kids Minyan Coordinator & Ruth Epstein, Kids Minyan Chairwoman In its eighth year, the Kids Minyan program has truly prospered. The program runs from 10:15-11:30am every Shabbat morning in the rooms opposite the Bnei Akiva Minyan. After Tefilla, the Madrichim run Tochniot which endeavour to impart the children with key themes from the Parsha, Chagim and Middot. The educational tools used include age-appropriate quizzes, games, plays, songs and stories. The highlight of the program is a Kiddush, where children are encouraged to lead the group in the Shabbat Kiddush Brachot over grape juice and Shabbat treats. The program has had a great attendance this year, with about 100 children attending weekly. This is an increase on last year s figures which approximated 90 children weekly. Programs are run for Kinder, Prep, grades 1/2, grades 3/4, grades 5/6 boys and grades 5/6 girls. The new Madrichim body is fresh, mature and bursting with ideas. The Madrichim provide an excellent Doogma (example) for the children in their genuine dedication to Torah, Tefillah and Chinuch. There are two Madrichim allocated per group. This year's Madrichim body have displayed maturity beyond their years and are facilitating enjoyable programs and consistent high attendance numbers. Additionally, the male Madrichim are attending the hashkama minyan on a weekly basis. The Kinder Madrichim engage the children with songs, stories and puzzles. They often create make-believe Shabbat meals where the children are encouraged to sing the songs and brachot associated with Shabbat, and carry out the Mitzvot of Shabbat such as lighting candles. This group does not do much Tefillah as such due to the young age of the children, but ageappropriate songs are encouraged (such as Purim songs in Adar). The Prep Madrichim do an excellent job in creating exciting and relevant Tochniot for the children. For example, before Purim, the children prepared charades with different scenes from the Megilah. The children do basic Tefillah, and children are encouraged to share any new parts of Tefillah learnt in school. The Grade 1/2 Madrichim do a very good job managing the extremely active and enthusiastic children in this group. Tefillah is given a real priority, with a Chazzan/it appointed each week to lead the group. Active games are used mainly in the giving-over of the Parsha content. The Grade 3/4 Madrichim have a very challenging job as this group can be relatively unruly. The children know most of the Shabbat Tefillah, and most of the program is taken up with group Tefillah. In the remaining time active games are used to keep the children engaged. The Madrichim use an interactive Kiddush to quiz the children on Parshah, with the winners given the prize of leading the group in Kiddush. The Grade 5/6 boys group is a similarly challenging group with some discipline problems. The number of children attending the program often depends on peer pressure of older children 45

46 who play with football cards instead of attending Kids Minyan. The group runs an impressive complete Shabbat Tefillah of Shacharit and Musaf. The Grade 5/6 girls group is a very successful group. The group runs an impressive complete Shabbat Tefillahof Shacharit and Musaf. The Madrichim also lead quizzes, games and songs which give over the Parshah content. Kids Minyan is a vital component of the Mizrachi Organisation. It provides children with an opportunity to learn about Shabbat and Chagim in a safe, informal and fun environment. We hope that the successes of Kids Minyan so far will encourage Madrichim to join the program, children to attend it, and sponsors to nurture it. Elsternwick Jewish Community Chairman s Report Robbie Wyner, Chairman (till December 2013) 2013 a year of challenges and change: Rabbi Haller joined EJC to fill the void left by Rabbi Cowen and family who had left for Israel to further his studies before he took up a fulltime teaching position with Yavneh. A year of transition our first Co-Chairmanship with Mark Kras stepping up to the plate. A year where we as a community went through some hardship as well as happiness. Over the past seven years I have been very fortunate to have been the Chairman of a wonderful community, the Elsternwick Jewish Community. At times there have been a few trying moments but these were aberrations compared to all the positive times we ve had. Rabbi Haller stepped into the breach and the St Ives Community in Sydney are very lucky to now have him as part of their Kehilla. With the return of Rabbi Cowen preparation for the Yomim Noraim began with haste and flowed as smoothly as always. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of committee who have worked hard over the past 12 months to ensure the continued growth of E.J.C. A very special thank you to Sally-Ann who has been a constant support, and to Helen Silberg who made life a lot easier for me through some stressful times; Elan & Bryan our Gabbai tag team, thank you. To Rabbi & Chaya Cowen your return was eagerly awaited and true to form we haven t stopped for a second. Thank you both for your insights and support. One person who doesn t get enough recognition is our Daniel Lowinger, your support of E.J.C is unsurpassed and we wouldn t be same without you. To my Co-Chairman, Mark Kras, the first year is now over and it s been fun! We ve been able to juggle the responsibilities and you ve done it all without losing a beat, E.J.C is in safe hands with you showing the way forward. 46

47 Thank you to you our members for your support and trust over the past seven years. A very special THANK YOU to my very trusting wife Gill and family who have been very patient with me but as they say all good stories must end. As always I again finish my report as I have done in the past as a community we are strong, but more of us need to step up as we need more people to be involved. Mark Kras, Chairman (from January 2014) It s been quite an initiation, my first year as Co-Chair at EJC. It felt a bit daunting at the beginning but it has been very stimulating and enjoyable. I have been very lucky to have received great support from the Kehilla. In particular, thanks to Robbie Wyner, who has been a wonderful Chairman over the past seven years. He has provided plenty of encouragement and is always available to offer advice or suggestions. I also want to thank, Helen Silberg for her help and ideas, and Sally-Ann Jaye for great back up and her tireless efforts as Shule Secretary. In addition I would like to thank the Committee for all their efforts. And of course thanks to Rabbi Cowen for his leadership and sense of fun! Also thanks to my family, Judy and David for their understanding and encouragement on taking on this position. During the year we had some great functions and fundraisers. Personally I thought the Shavuot dinner and the Tisha Ba av programme were highlights. Also, the movie nights were terrific. Thanks to all those involved in making our functions successful. On a spiritual level Rabbi Cowen s pre Shacharit Shabbat Shiurim and Drashot are stimulating and thought provoking. I am very proud that even though we are a small Kehila, we manage to have a regular weekday morning Minyan. Kol Hakovod to all those who make our weekdays special! Also thanks to our Gabbai s Elan Jacobs and Bryan Winthrope for all their efforts during the year. Daniel Lowinger is a rare talent, and we are very lucky to have him. In some ways it has been a challenging year for EJC. The Cowen family went to Israel for seven months so that our Rabbi could attend an educational course. It is always a challenge when a Rabbi is away and a temporary Rabbi comes in. It puts pressure on the interim Rabbi, the Kehilla and the Rabbi who is away. To use a sporting metaphor Rabbi Haller stepped up to the plate and threw himself into the position and did a wonderful job. Rabbi, Chaya and Levana returned reinvigorated (if that s possible!) and full of energy. During the year some loved members of the community passed away. But the year ended with some wonderful symmetry in births to various community members including the Cowen and Haller families. While the Committee works hard to guide your Shule, it is ultimately up to each of us to determine what we want our Shule to be. With the right level of community engagement so much (more) can be achieved. Looking forward to an even better 2014 for EJC! 47

48 Emunah World Religious Zionist Women s Organisation Susan Boltin, President During 2013 Emunah continued its involvement in a wide range of projects. Through personal efforts in both Israel and the Diaspora we engage in both fund-raising and consciousnessraising in an effort to help alleviate many of the social problems faced by individuals, families and communities in Israel today. We strive to strengthen national and religious consciousness, care for Israel s disadvantaged children and families, enhance the status of women and provide education and opportunity for a secure and meaningful Jewish future. Over the past year Emunah Australia has continued to support Emunah Israel through a wide range of activities, functions and projects. The projects for which we have particular responsibility include the Midreshet Emunah Family Counseling Centre in Jerusalem, a High School for Girls in Bnei Brak, the Neve Sharett Day Care Centre in Tel Aviv, and a range of facilities within the Neve Michael Children s Village in Pardess Hana. For a complete list, including donors, please visit the World Emunah website In accordance with the values of World Emunah we focus both on fund-raising through a variety of events, and on education within the community. Emunah Australia extends a special thanks to all those in our community who shared their smachot with us over the past year, as well as to all our donors, sponsors and supporters. In 2013 Emunah Aviv, our senior group, continued to function under the leadership of Brigetta Paneth, and the annual brochure was once again coordinated by Elaine Bloch-Jaffe. Under the stewardship of Gilda Moss, Emunah Tiferet undertook their annual projects, most of which focus on the cycle of the Jewish calendar. These activities have been running for several decades and continue to be well-received by our supporters. They include Purim cards, which were for again sold in a joint venture with Bnei Akiva, and B dikat Chametz kits for Pesach, which were again packed with the help of students from Leibler Yavneh College. Tiferet s annual 16-month Hebrew/English wall calendar continued to prove popular, with several new sponsors coming on board. A highlight of 2013 was Emunah Hillel s production of the Purim Spiel under the leadership of Talia Boltin. Substantial audiences over five nights thoroughly enjoyed a witty, hilarious and generally entertaining performance, which involved a whole new generation of young Jewish adults and raised much-needed funds for Emunah s projects in Israel. In the area of education, the Emunah Rina Pushett summer shiurim series, held each Shabbat afternoon in the Mizrachi Shule, continued to attract a loyal group of participants. The shiurim were organised by Ruth Wein and Naomi Bloch, and we sincerely thank all our guest speakers who graciously and willingly give us their time. Our annual education evening was held at the home of Tallilah & Tom May, with educationalist Rabbi Meir Soloveichik addressing the topic of The Talmudic Marriage of Henry VIII. Rounding out our activities for the year, many families joined in our annual Rosh Hashana Greetings project. In addition, we extend warm appreciation to all those members of our community who chose to share their personal smachot with us. 48

49 As always, our thanks go to Rabbi Yaakov Sprung, to the Mizrachi committee and to Rae Bower and the staff in the Mizrachi office. We greatly appreciate the guidance, encouragement, advice and assistance provided by each and every one. Eruv Report Jeff Herz Since my previous report, Dr Peter Kloot, the inaugural Melbourne Eruv Administrator has retired as planned and the Board undertook an extensive search for a suitable replacement. Dr Kloot provided sterling dedicated service beyond the call of duty, not limited to his successful dealings with a range of public authorities and privatised utilities, and even on occasion undertaking repairs to lechis to avoid the cost of calling out our maintenance crews. Dr Kloot s immense and vital contribution in benefitting Melbourne s orthodox Jewish community is well recognised by the Board. The new administrator, Mr David Prins was appointed to the position in mid 2013 and has effected a seamless transition, initially working closely with Peter and to a lesser extent recently during Peter's convalescence - Pinchas Hakohen Bat Bluma should have a Refuah Shleima. Mizrachi and the Council of Orthodox Synagogues (COSV) are partners in the management of the Melbourne Eruv. From its inception in August 1997, the Eruv has undergone several extensions, with the most recent adding Carnegie and parts of Moorabbin, Highett, Bentleigh and East Bentleigh. Naturally, a larger Eruv requires greater inspection time, additional infrastructure and hence more maintenance. With each extension there is a commensurate increase in the cost of repairs and maintenance, also reflected in the need to progressively replace ageing infrastructure such as lechis (usually conduits/pipes) and wires. It should be noted that the day-to-day operation of the Eruv depends on funding from the COSV which contributes a portion of its shul seat levy to the cause. Not all shuls belong to the COSV so unless these shuls make a special donation for the running of the Eruv, their members are, in a sense, freeloading. Rabbi Gavriel Zinner from the U.S. is the posek for our Eruv and has visited Australia several times in this capacity, participating in meetings and inspections of the current Eruv infrastructure and advising on the planned extension across Dandenong Road. This extension will incorporate where practicable within the Eruv, sites of significance such as Cabrini and The Avenue hospitals as well as Malvern Chabad. Specifications and costings are being prepared at present and have taken much longer than expected due to the complexity involved as well as the increased regulations. The Board is negotiating with two power companies as well two organisations involved with the tramways and its infrastructure, and the assessment process is much more rigorous than our experience when constructing our previous stages. The Board is nonetheless confident that the necessary approvals will eventually be forthcoming. 49

50 The routine operations are under the Halachic guidance of Rabbi Sprung, who wears two hats, being the Mara D Atra of Mizrachi as well as the nominee of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria. Rabbi Sprung acts in consultation with Rabbi Beck of Adass Yisroel, when necessary. Rabbi Sprung participates in Board meetings and his contribution to all aspects of Melbourne Eruv is greatly valued and appreciated. Inspections The Eruv is inspected every Thursday by members of the Kollel Bet Hatalmud and Adass Yisroel, together with Yossi Aron and David Prins. Two teams comprising a driver and mashgiach inspect one half of the Eruv each week. One of our long-term mashgichim, Rabbi Nachman Sofer recently relinquished his position prior to his Aliyah. The Board appreciates Rabbi Sofer's dedication and commitment in ensuring the Eruv was functional and wishes him and his Rebbetzin hatzlacha rabba in Israel. The Board has needed to recruit several mashgichim and drivers to ensure these vital roles are carried out during the absence/retirement of some of those involved with these roles for nearly 17 years. The COSV provides one team and Adass Yisroel the other. Each team reports its findings to the Eruv administrator, David Prins, who initiates repairs when necessary. These are carried out by our expert and dedicated contract technical crew. Once completed, the green flag is raised outside Mizrachi and a text and message is sent by the COSV to all those requesting receipt of the weekly Eruv status. The weekly Eruv status is also circulated via by Emmanuel which given its large database enhances dissemination of this important information and this notification service is appreciated by the Board. The COSV website ( contains current information about the Eruv including a detailed map of the boundaries and details of how to make a financial contribution to the upkeep of the Eruv. Maintenance Records indicate that most weeks, the Eruv does not require maintenance. On those occasions, when repairs are required, they are usually needed to replace a lechi (post) brushed by a passing vehicle. When the power companies replace poles bearing a lechi, our team is usually required to reposition the lechi correctly. The Eruv Board is very fortunate to have contractor Ian Taylor, an accredited linesman with the electricity distributors, as head of our Eruv infrastructure maintenance provider team. Eruv Board Eruv board meetings are convened as required. Eruv Board Members Mr Romy Leibler... Chairman Mr Jeff Herz... Director Dr Danny Lamn... Director Mr Paul Sor... Marketing 50

51 Mr Tom May... Honorary Solicitor Mr Moshe Trebish... Treasurer, COSV Rabbi Yaakov Sprung... Rav HaMachshir Mr David Prins... Administrator Mr Yossi Aron... COSV Mr Isaac Teller... COSV President (ex-officio) Financial It is vital that the Eruv board continues to receive the COSV seat levy distribution to pay for the ongoing maintenance and inspections, which have increased with each Eruv expansion. This levy accounts for the bulk of the income of the Eruv Board. It is imperative that all shuls provide this nominal, but critical funding. Private donations are also welcome. They may be made by contacting the COSV through its website ( The proposed Eruv extension over Dandenong Road has been painstakingly focussed on for several years, if approved by the Power and Rail/Tram agencies is estimated to cost in the vicinity of $200,000. An appeal will be required to raise the necessary capital funding, as the maintenance of the infrastructure is covered by the COSV. The Board is hopeful that the community will be generous as it was with the initial Melbourne Eruv in 1997 and subsequent extension a few years later Kosher Australia Pty. Ltd. Stephen Shnider, Chairman It is my pleasure to present the report for Kosher Australia Pty. Ltd. for the calendar year of In starting my report I record with sadness the passing of one of our senior masgichim, Leibisch Schachna. Leibisch joined Kosher Australia in July 1998 and for the next fifteen years he worked with complete dedication and commitment. He was well respected by all the caterers he supervised and by the management and employees of the factories he audited on our behalf. He was a great ambassador for Kosher Australia and indeed the Jewish Community. The year also saw the passing of Mr. Baum who had been an honorary chemist for many years and was involved in the very early days of kashrut in Melbourne. At the time this report is being prepared, I also record that Rebbetzin Barber has recently passed away. Our thoughts and condolences are extended to the Schachna, Baum and Barber families. After many years of service, Rabbi Sofer retired and has now made Aliyah. We record our appreciation for his efforts and wish him well in his retirement. 51

52 The year also saw the preparation and then release of our mobile phone app. It was no small undertaking to transfer all of our data into an app. I record Kosher Australia s sincerest appreciation for all of the hard work undertaken by Doodie Bankier. Doodie came to us and offered his expertise and single handedly created the app. Doodie s attention to detail and his overwhelming desire to making the app user friendly has resulted in Kosher Australia having another medium by which it can keep its subscribers informed. Thank you Doodie. On Motzei Shabbat 5 October we held an information evening which saw the Goldberger Hall at Mizrachi full to capacity. The audience was given the opportunity to not only hear presentations from our panel, which consisted of Rabbi Gutnick, Yankel Wajsbort and Kasriel Oliver but also to ask questions of Rabbi Gutnick and Yankel Wajsbort. It was not only pleasing to see such a large cross section of the community in attendance but it also gave us the chance to explain the issues which we deal with on a regular basis and which may not be that apparent to the consumer. In 2013 we once again experienced another year of expansion in all areas of Kosher Australia s activities. Almost every week the office receives an enquiry or indeed multiple enquiries from manufacturers for certification. Each enquiry is carefully examined in order to determine whether the granting of certification is possible. The central platform of Kosher Australia is to whenever halachically possible to grant certification to as many products as possible in order to give the consumer the widest choice of food and the ability to purchase those products from as many shops, beyond the Caulfield/East St Kilda area. Last year I reported on the programme initiated by Coles supermarkets whereby our symbol was placed on the shelves next to the price tag in order to indicate that the marked product was kosher according to our list. After carefully monitoring the programme, we met again with Coles in order to modify the programme to minimize the accidental errors in the display of our symbol against products which are not on our list. Coles has been and remains a very strong supporter of the kosher community and I am pleased to record that Coles took on board our suggested changes. There has been an overwhelming positive response by consumers to the programme, acknowledging that this initiative was making shopping easier. Also during the year Coles approached Kosher Australia to supervise the sale of fish before Pesach and Rosh Hashanah, in their Elsternwick store. Again this initiative was very well received by the community and has been repeated prior to Pesach Kosher Australia is pleased to be working together with Coles and we hope to further develop this relationship for the mutual benefit of the consumer and Coles. Pesach 2013 saw us provide supervision to Unger Catering, Klein s, Goldberg s, and Kimberley. Behind the scenes the team at Kosher Australia continued to travel throughout greater Melbourne, Victoria, interstate and overseas to carry out our inspections and audits. In order for us to prepare our Kosher Food Guide, we first check the ingredients and the food processes of approximately 11,500 items. This involved carrying out audits at 450 companies stretching from Melbourne to various parts of the country and overseas including Fiji, Japan, Taiwan, China, New Zealand and Europe. We supervised in excess of 400 kosher functions during the year. Our team of masgichim carried out in excess of 8,700 visits on our licensees premises in order to fulfill the requirement of yotses v nichnas supervision. During the year we have again assisted the Jewish Communities in New Zealand by sending our senior Shochet, Avremel Krinsky to fly to New Zealand to shecht lamb and chickens for the New 52

53 Zealand communities. I also acknowledge the cooperation from Continental Kosher Butchers and our other Shochtim in making these trips possible. His absence does have an impact on our own shechita, but Kosher Australia believes the assistance given to the New Zealand communities and intend the other smaller communities throughout Australia, is an essential component of our service to the community. Our staff are often providing advice and assistance to the Rabbis of the smaller Jewish communities, who do not have the experience or resources which we are fortunate enough to have. Clearly such assistance is provided without charge and without publicity, but further demonstrates Kosher Australia s takes seriously its community service role. In 2013 Kosher Australia returned to Kosherfest in New York as an exhibitor. Rabbi Gutnick, Mordy Hoenders and two of our licensees shared a stand and the feedback which we received was very positive. Rabbi Gutnick then was invited to deliver a seminar at the annual conference of the Association of Kashrus Organisations (AKO), which was also in New York following Kosherfest. Presently there are over 1000 different hechsheirim in the world, yet only 69 are considered worthy of being invited to be members of AKO. I consider it to be a privilege and of real importance that Kosher Australia is a member of this very distinguished group. Our membership clearly speaks volumes about our standards, our Rabbinic and administrative leadership. Rabbi Gutnick is held in very high regard by our sister kashrus authorities overseas and his views and rulings are respected and accepted by the major Authorities in Israel, Europe and North America. Each week we receive numerous enquiries from manufacturers wishing to obtain our certification. Each of these enquiries requires a great deal of time and effort to determine whether or not it is possible on halachic grounds to provide certification. In order to deal with these enquiries and indeed the many halachic and administrative issues which arise on a daily basis we are fortunate to have the highly respected Rabbinic Board and the very committed office staff. I record my appreciation to the Members of our Rabbinic Board which comprises of Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick, Rabbi Sprung and Rabbi Barber. Our General Manager, Mr. Yankel Wajsbort works tirelessly to ensure that all under his management runs smoothly. I express my personal thanks to him for his enormous contribution and the seemingly endless hours which he devotes to kashrut. I also acknowledge the role undertaken by Mr. Kasriel Oliver, our Chief Investigating Chemist and our Assistant Investigating Chemists, Mrs. Rose Mehlman and Mr. Mordy Heonders, our Operations Manager, Mr. Chaim Silcove, Rabbi Baskin, Mrs. Christine Stone, Mrs. Gail Goldberg, Mrs. Rita Broner and Mrs. Devora Gold. 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 wish to acknowledge the contribution of the Mr. Ari Morris, during this term as Executive Director of Mizrachi. 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. 53

54 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, Mr. Jacobi, Mr. Danks, 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 Australia sends out each week several individuals to factories, functions and various other establishments to ensure that our standards are being followed. To all of our Masgichim I thank you for your dedication and commitment. To my colleagues who have served on the Board of Kosher Australia, Dr Menachem Broner, Mr David Brykman, Dr Peter Kloot, Sue Korbl, Robert Lebovits, Michael Lewis, Ben Slonim, Moshe Trebish, and Mr Ian Waller. I thank you for your assistance throughout the year. It must also be recorded that the community in general owes an ongoing debt of gratitude to the Mizrachi Organisation for its continued support for kashrut in Melbourne. In particular I wish to acknowledge the support I receive from Mizrachi s President, Mr. Waller. I also acknowledge the support of the Mizrachi Treasurer, Mr. Mark Franks and the Mizrachi Executive. In closing, I wish to take the opportunity to once again state that the true strength and value of Kosher Australia comes from the depth of its experience and knowledge. Reading ingredients printed on labels is not the way to determine if a product is kosher. Food product and processes are so complex and the desire of manufacturers to alter their production processes to gain efficiencies and create economies of scale may have a positive commercial outcome for the companies but can have a major impact on the kashrut of the products produced. There are no short cuts in kosher certification. You need to check right back to the source ingredient, not just the final items used. You need to understand how high tech food production works and the impact that such equipment has on the kosher status of products. In these times when food production and food processes present many challenges, there needs to be a blend of halachic knowledge with a detailed understanding of food production. It is because Kosher Australia has on staff people with the required skill sets, that we are able to carry out all our audits, add numerous new products to our list, deal where possible to resolve the various and many issues which arise and where such issues cannot be resolved to know when to withdraw a product. Adding products to a list may seem the easiest and quickest way to gain recognition and acceptance. However, adding products can only be undertaken after full and 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 but only after being satisfied that proper standards have been met. There are times when we have to withdraw products, and such decisions are only taken either because the manufacturer has for its own reason altered ingredients and/or production processes which compromises kashrut. Where possible we will always work with the manufacturer to suggest alternatives in order to keep the kosher status, but if this is not possible then the product will be delisted. It is wrong to say that Kosher Australia is too stringent; all that we seek to do is maintain the same level of kashrut which is employed by the major international kashrut authorities. It is because of our standards and our knowledge that we are respected and accepted by the major international authorities, the manufacturers and the community. Kosher Australia looks forward continuing to serve the Community for the benefit of kashrut. 54

55 Leibler Yavneh College Co-Chairperson s Report Jonathan Wenig and Ilana Wald (2013) Avi Gilboa (2014) This year s report is submitted by the outgoing co-chairs Ilana Wald and Jonathan Wenig, as well as the incoming Chair, Avi Gilboa. The 2013 year has indeed been a milestone year for the College. We are very confident that the achievements of 2013 will resonate within the community for many many years to come, and we are delighted to present this report to the members of Mizrachi. Abeles-Liberman Early Learning Centre During 2013 the Early Learning Centre at the Balaclava Road campus experienced some fundamental changes and improvements. Play areas were upgraded. New demountable classrooms were installed, in part thanks to a grant received from the State Government. And, perhaps most importantly, Leibler Yavneh College founded and opened the Yavneh Crèche. We have had an incredible response from the community and there is significant demand for this service. Lisa Ezekiel and Nava Miller and the rest of the team have done a superb job in pulling together a program and a spirit and atmosphere that is the envy of our peers. We are very confident that the crèche will become the cornerstone for the next generation of Yavneh students and families. General We are pleased to report that the school program continues to be very strong. Enrolments are healthy, our VCE results were extremely pleasing, and we are very proud of those achievements. There are programs taking place within the school every day and every week that give our children both a first class general studies and Jewish education but also a rich and exciting school experience. We have invested wisely in our informal Jewish studies program, and the contribution that those programs make to the Yavneh difference grows with each passing week. Finances We are grateful for the support of the members of the Yavneh Foundation, and pay tribute to the work of Leon Burman and the Foundation Board. That support is making a tangible contribution to the education of our children and the success of our community. We continue to work very hard to present a balanced budget for the College, to manage costs aggressively, and to be efficient and responsible in our financial management of all aspects of College life. We have, during 2013, again achieved that outcome, after repaying a small amount of bank debt principal. We continue to apply and implement a policy of providing Jewish children with an outstanding general and Jewish education of the highest quality, and not to restrict access to this education 55

56 for reasons of finance. No Jewish child should miss out on that education because their parents are unable to afford it. However, this policy costs us millions of dollars every year. In simple terms, fees remitted, deferred and forgone constitute more than 25% of the College s annual budget. That is an enormous burden for our school to bear and it is a burden that it appears to be getting worse as the years progress. More families require our assistance with every year that passes. Our finance committee do an incredible and thankless job. We have a rigorous and transparent system by which applications for fee relief are assessed and pursuant to which debts are collected. We are as strong in our commitment to the policy articulated above, as we are in our resolve to ensure that people do not abuse the generosity of our College, our community and our organization. We need more support. We need to invest more in our programs. We need to invest more in our teachers. We need to give our children the very best opportunity to realise all of their ambitions and to encourage them to, in turn, give back to our community. We need more support from our community, from Mizrachi, and from its members, so that we can do an even better job of executing on our vision. We want our children to have excellence in their Jewish education, excellence in their general education, as well as at least some of the breadth of opportunities for learning and discovery that should be part of a quality private school education. In our conversations and interactions with parents, we continue to experience a growing level of economic difficulty, which in turn translates into additional requests for fee assistance, and additional delay and difficulty in collections. As things stand, doing more with less is very hard. Without your support, it is impossible. Thanks We would like to take this opportunity to thank Roy Steinman along with his senior management team Shula Lazar, David Fisher, Esther Meltzer, Daniel Solomon, Renee Dabchek, Terry Crothers and Nava Miller, and all of the College staff for their dedication to the welfare and success of our children. We would also like to thank Elka Gaensler, who filled the role of Deputy Principal Primary, and whom we farewelled during We are particularly proud of our departing VCE class who have again ensured that our College was ranked among the very top schools in the State. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our Executive for their hard work and dedication through In 2013, we farewelled College Treasurer Simon Feiglin, Zandy Fell and Ian Fishman from the Executive. We thank them for their dedicated service. The other members of the Executive include Mizrachi Treasurer Mark Franks, Mizrachi President Ian Waller, Daniel Parasol, Michelle Rubin, and Jeremy Leibler. The Executive puts in an enormous amount of time and we are grateful for their wisdom, their energy, their passion and their support. For the members of the College Council who join with the Executive on a regular basis to review the activities of the College we would also like to extend our thanks. Thank you to Karen Franks, Alissa Burman, Benji Jotkowitz, Pat Levy, Atida Lipshatz, Michael Szuster and Reuben Zelwer. We would also like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the Yavneh Parents Organization led by Karen Franks and Tammy Slade. 56

57 Conclusion Leibler Yavneh College is an incredible school. We are not just another Jewish State School. We don t simply make up the numbers. We have an outlook, an offering that we have inherited from Mizrachi, of which we are very proud. We are creating incredible graduates and have classrooms and hallways full of wonderful Jewish children. We look forward to your ongoing commitment and support in furthering our endeavours. Leibler Yavneh College Principal s Report Roy Steinman VCE 2013 I am very proud to record our outstanding 2013 VCE results and congratulate our students, their parents and our wonderful teachers, who continue to go above and beyond in so many ways. 14% of the Year 12 class achieved an ATAR score of 98 or above (placing them in the top 1% of the State) 36% achieved over 94 58% of the VCE group achieved an ATAR score of 90 or above (placing them in the top 10% of the State). Nearly two thirds of the class achieved results in the top 10% of the state. Mazaltov to Adam Reisner, the Dux of the College for 2013, with an ATAR score of We also congratulate the following students who achieved perfect scores of 50: Adam Reisner Legal Studies Josh Ben Moshe Media Studies Mona Chatskin Studio Art We note with pride the achievements of all our students, and are delighted that the following students all achieved marks in excess of 98: Adam Reisner, Shuki Wyman, Josh Ben Moshe, Nathaniel Pizmony and Danny Feigen. This year, our proportion of results above 40 has soared to an outstanding 30%. Staff Long serving staff members who retired or resigned during were: Tania Bianco Juli Ekman Michael Katzew Debbie Lewis David Lissek Hani Ron Loren Sabel Esther Lewis 57

58 Special mention needs to be made of David Lissek who, after 29 eventful years, has decided to retire from full-time teaching and Head of Mathematics to devote more time to his family. I also note the resignation for personal and health-related issues of our Head of Primary, Elka Gaensler, who left after nine years at the College. I thank our Deputy Head of Primary, Terry Crothers, for assuming the role of Acting Head of Primary until the College is able to advertise and recruit a permanent Head of Primary during the year. New staff New members of staff who took up their appointments at the beginning of 2014 were: Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre Yael Berman Office Manager Eva Cohen Kindergarten Educator Hebrew/Jewish Studies Robina Morris Kinder Assistant Yavneh Crèche Tzena Ajzenszmidt Sarit Ben Shitrit Alysha Fogelgarn Nicole Orloff Rozlyn Iosad Bianca Chiplowitz Naomi Berman Dor Harel Sari Winter Gila Shirinov Primary School Janet Korman General Studies Teacher Nechama Meyer Hebrew Teacher Janie Readdie Convenor of Education Support Secondary School Shira Roth Hebrew Teacher Matthew Home Maths Teacher Richard Koch Head of Maths David Keen Studio Arts Rachel Faigen Drama Teacher Sagit Shahar Hebrew Teacher Benjamin Shafir Integration Aide Benjamin Zajac Integration Aide Tuckshop Angie Szkolnik Slezak Scholarship winners 2014 Year 7 & 8 Akiva Franks, Koby Paluch Years 9 & 10 Daniel Jaffa, Ruth Slonimsky Years 11 & 12 Gabriel Strum, Jeremy Wein 58

59 Slezak Scholarship winners 2015 Years 7 & 8 Teya Bierenkrant, Ayden Maron Years 9 & 10 Drew Feiglin, Kovi Zand Years 11 & 12 Batya Maron, Sarah Winthrope External Scholarships Nechama Klajn joined Year 7 on 30 January 2014 on a full scholarship. Leadership Team 2014 College Captains Vice-College Captains Jewish Life & Zionism Captains Social Action Captains Performing Arts House Captains ROSH TZURIM: OFRA: MAGSHIMIM: EFRAT: Aviva Lefkovits, Benji Simai Rebecca Ellinson, Ben Menahem Jordan Kapul, Nushi Gordon Benji Prawer, Chloe Berkovic Liora Israelsohn, Michi Wenig Lishai Steinman, Caleb Dobelsky Simi West, Jordan Swire Orna Weinstein, Avi Paneth Alona Jenshel, Elliot Blau Hesder Bachurim In August 2013 we said farewell to Amir Cohen, Daniel Moatti, Gilad Cohen and Matan Tur-Paz and welcomed the new team of Shai Abergill, Netanel Breuer, Ido Gross and Eitan Katz. Bnot Sherut We said farewell to our 2013 team of Chana Efrati, Liat Mehazri, Naamah Oliven and Talia Zimchoni and welcomed our new team of Noa Graus, Atara Danino, Einav Weiss and Sapir Liberman, who have already made a significant impact on the College. Their enthusiasm, passion and creativity have enriched the lives of our students in many ways. Overview 2013/2014 Yavneh Crèche It was with great delight that we opened the doors of our Yavneh Crèche for the first time at the beginning of Our Junior Crèche Room (14-24 months) has 22 children and our Senior Crèche Room (24-36 months) has 26 children. We welcomed Lisa Ezekiel, our newly appointed Crèche Co-ordinator and Mandy Gecelter, our Curriculum Adviser and look forward to what we are sure will have an incredibly successful impact on our youngest Yavneh Students. I record my thanks to David Fisher and his team for all their work in co-ordinating the renovations to our Kinder classrooms, the design and modeling of the Crèche Rooms and the new outdoor environment. The Crèche was formally opened on 6 April by Glen Eira Mayor, Cr 59

60 Neil Pilling and Member for Caulfield, David Southwick and our new Kinder classrooms were officially opened on 8 April by David Southwick. National Curriculum The implementation of the National Curriculum continues to be phased in. I thank our former Head of Primary School, Elka Gaensler, our Acting Head of Primary School, Terry Crothers and our Head of Curriculum, Secondary School, Renee Dabscheck, for all their work in implementing the National Curriculum throughout the College. Primary School Hebrew update Debbie Garber was appointed Head of Hebrew, Primary School, in addition to her role as Head of Hebrew in Secondary School. Her role in Primary School is to collect data with which to evaluate each student and levels of students against various set targets. This will provide a more formal tracking system which identifies progress or lack thereof of each child in more detail than was previously possible. New Informal Education model Moshe Feiglin, an Informal Educator and a trained and qualified Counsellor, joined our Informal Education Department in He is a charismatic and inspirational individual who will be making Aliya at the end of 2014 and was looking for an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others during He is working closely with Rabbi Noam Sendor in counseling students and devising special programs in which our students have the opportunity to experience the magic and beauty of Judaism. With our school year revolving around the Jewish calendar, our Informal curriculum has enjoyed major highlights, including a moving Yom Hashoah Program; an exciting pre- Purim day; and fun-filled Yom Ha atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim days in I also note the very moving and meaningful Yom Hazikaron assemblies and extraordinary Yom Hazikaron exhibition put together by our Hesder Bachurim of 2013, which we opened to the community for the first time. At time of writing, we are in the middle of our preparations for 2014 Yom Ha atzmaut and the Yom Hazikaron exhibition, which will be reported on next year. I also pay tribute to the increased number of Shabbatonim that took place in 2013 and the first term of 2014, which together with our Zionist Camps and the many innovative lunchtime programs in our newly established Informal Centre Hamakom, have given our students so many more exciting and meaningful opportunities to engage with Israel and Judaism, beyond the limitations of the classroom. Once again, I pay tribute to the Wyman family for all their support with the Torah Dedication of the year before in order to raise the necessary funds for the refurbishment of our new Informal Centre Hamakom. 60

61 Reassessing the culture of our school Primary and Secondary Two programs have been introduced into the College with the aim of creating an environment of caring and inclusiveness: Kids Matter (Primary) and Mind Matters (Secondary). In Secondary School, the Life Skills Program has been expanded to include the Informal Education Team, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing. Debating Our debating teams once again performed exceptionally well during during 2013 against incredible opposition. Teams faced almost impossible odds as they pitted their wits and prowess against schools three and four times our size. Leibler Yavneh College has certainly earned its reputation as having one of Melbourne s best school debating teams. All our students and their coaches need to be congratulated on representing our school so admirably and with such aplomb. We wish them hatzlacha for 2014 and are immensely proud of their achievements. Interschool Sports Our Interschool Sports Competition has ensured that our Secondary students have competed against no less than an extraordinary 36 schools from around the State in a number of exciting sports: volleyball, tennis, cricket, badminton, soccer, netball, table tennis, basketball, futsal, cross-country, athletics and swimming. Music Program Our Music Program has given opportunities to both Primary and Secondary students to perform individually and collectively in bands and vocal ensembles throughout the year. Termly concerts, soirées and communal functions have featured the incredible talents of both younger and older students. Our Secondary School musical in 2013 Into the Woods scored numerous awards by the Music Theatre Guild and Jonathan Skovron, Musical Director, was nominated for Best Musical Director, as was Yaron Sarachik, who was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role with awards for set design and a commendation for Romy Hersham. Our musical in 2014, AIDA, featured twelve Year 12 students and a total ensemble of 50 students (including tech crew, backstage and assistants). Once again, I thank Jonathan Skovron, Musical Director; Bec Skovron, Director; Ari Wenig, Assistant Director and Sandie Klein, Producer, for an outstanding Musical. 61

62 Primary School achievements Our Primary School Aleph Bet Celebration, the Year 1 Chumash Celebration, the Year 2 Brachot Concert, the Year 3 Ma agal Hasha ah Concert and the Year 5 Generation Sinai Parent and Child Learning Session, which linked up students all over the world on Rosh Chodesh Sivan, captured the hearts and souls of parents, grandparents and special friends; while our Year 6s Batmitzvah Program and pre- Barmitzvah Program, Living Historians Project and Graduation Ceremony, took our Year 6s to new levels of excellence in their learning, their personal growth and in their ability to showcase their talents and extraordinary energy. Community Service Our Year 6s ran two tzedaka projects, with the girls also hosting a Teddy Bears Picnic which raised over $1400 and our boys in their pre-barmitzvah Program, hosted a Sports Day which included a soccer match and BBQ, raising over $1500. Our Secondary School students managed to break all records in raising, through many and various tzedakah projects, an incredible $36,000 collectively. Moreover, many students succeeded in giving of their time and energy well beyond the mandatory hours of Community Service. Yavneh Foundation & YPO I acknowledge the excellent work done by Leon Burman, Chairman of the Yavneh Foundation, and Tanya Shaltiel, Executive Director of the Yavneh Foundation, and the work of the Foundation in general, in raising much-needed funds for the many major projects around the school. Of particular note is the transformation of what was the Old Hall into the new Franks Family Merakez, which has now become a centre of learning, assemblies, tefillah and a hub of activity for both Informal Education and interactive education throughout the day. I also pay tribute to Alissa Burman and Julie Epstein, our outgoing Yavneh Parents Organisation Chairs, and thank them for all their dedication in leading our YPO through the last few years. I take the opportunity of welcoming our incoming Chairs, Karen Franks and Tammie Slade, for all that I am sure they are going to do to keep the standard of our YPO delivery consistently high. The teamwork that exists between the lay leadership of our school and the professional leadership continues to amaze and inspire me to greater heights of delivery. 62

63 elearning In the latter part of 2013, we formed a Steering Committee of interested teachers to put together a vision statement for the College s future elearning needs. I thank Terry Crothers, Renee Dabscheck and David Fisher for all the work that they have done in co-ordinating this project and look forward to presenting our report on the ICT and elearning status of the College and our recommendations for moving it forward, to the Executive and later to the Yavneh parent body. New Jewish Studies Curriculum We have implemented a new Chumash and Chagim curriculum which originated at Bar Ilan University (implemented by a number of Jewish Day Schools around the world). We organised an in-service training week for our Primary School teachers under the tutelage of Rabbi Doctor Eli Kohn from the Lookstein Centre at Bar Ilan, who directed the Curriculum writing project. He conducted an intense training session for our staff. I commend the Secondary School team led by Shula Lazar, for their continued work in developing Jewish Studies Curriculum in the areas of Chagim and Chumash. I particularly note the pioneering work done in the area of Yahadut in response to our desire to increase basic Jewish literacy across the Primary and Secondary Schools, we have introduced a new sub-topic within our Limudei Kodesh Program called Yahadut. At the end of the year, students will also be writing an online diagnostic test which will be able to gauge levels of Jewish literacy and compare them from one year to the next in order to measure the College s value-add to this important outcome for all our students. I acknowledge the tremendous work done in both Primary and Secondary Schools to ensure our graduates leave our College with increased levels of Jewish literacy, knowledge and understanding. I single out, in particular, the incredible efforts made by our Jewish Studies teachers, led by Pnina Landau and Shula Lazar, in their redesigning of outcomes and Jewish Studies curricula to ensure increased literacy, knowledge and understanding of our heritage, our practice and the appreciation of our texts and values. After all, this has to be our mission: excellence in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies so that our students leave Yavneh knowing who they are; why are they are who they are and what it is they have to do to actualise themselves, both as citizens of Australia and the world but also as knowledgeable and committed Jewish men and women. I also acknowledge the excellent work done in the area of Informal Jewish Education which has taken this to new levels in both Primary and Secondary Schools. Under the leadership of Rivka Measey in the Primary School and Rabbi Sendor and Moshe Feiglin in the Secondary School, our students now have increased opportunities to directly engage with their Yiddishkeit in a practical, experiential and exciting manner. Improvements to the College When giving new and prospective parents a tour of our College campus, I am constantly amazed at what we have achieved in the last few years and looking at our beautiful campus, through the eyes of someone who is seeing it for the first time I am aware that no longer should we envious of schools that have always been seen to be at the forefront of exciting facilities. We, too, can now boast a modern, well-designed campus with exciting new facilities. When we hosted our first Alumni Kabbalat Shabbat service and dinner, co-ordinated by Daniel 63

64 Parasol, one of our Executive members and Co-ordinator of our Alumni Association, which took place in our newly renovated Merakez I was privileged to see what we are able to offer, through the eyes of those who see our facilities anew and today, we can indeed be proud of our campus and the wonderful environment we have for the incredible programs we offer each day. Executive and Council I pay tribute to our former Co-Chairs Ilana Wald and Jonathan Wenig. Theirs has been an extraordinary commitment. For the past five years, the time, energy and dedication they have devoted to our great College in leading both the College Council and Executive has been a true example of dedication and hard work. I know they both care passionately about our school and have worked tirelessly, at great cost, no doubt, to their families and other professional commitments. On behalf of all my colleagues, students and parents, I thank them for all they have done to further the aims and success of our College over such an extended period of time. I also take this opportunity to welcome our incoming Chairman, Avi Gilboa, and look forward to an exciting and eventful partnership as the baton of lay leadership gets passed on to new hands. We wish him and the Executive he will lead much hatzlacha for all their efforts, and look forward to a continued partnership as together, we strive to continue to ensure the unique mission of our College in educating the next generation of Leibler Yavneh graduates. Senior Management I thank our Senior Management team: Daniel Solomon, David Fisher, Esther Meltzer, Terry Crothers, Shula Lazar, Pnina Landau, Renee Dabscheck and Nava Miller for their commitment beyond the call of duty. They are wonderful and inspiring professionals, dedicated and committed to ensuring the College delivers excellently on all fronts. I thank them for their collegiality, for their support, for their sage advice and for their hard work in leading our College. It is my absolute privilege and honour to work with them at Leibler Yavneh College. I also thank all our teachers, my colleagues, for their dedication to and care of our students. Without them, we cannot and would not achieve what we do. Theirs is not an easy task. I thank them for always going above and beyond ; for striving for excellence and for ensuring our students our children strive for excellence in so many ways. Nachalat David Report Jeremy Gold Another year has passed meaning that Nachalat David is another year older. Nachalat David has now been operating for nearly 3 years and are continuing to go from strength to strength. We once again affirm our gratitude to the LYC Early Learning Centre for allowing us the use of one of their kindergartens. Thank you to Rae Bower, Devora Gold, Jim Moustos and the entire Mizrachi team for their ongoing assistance and support. This year we welcomed Rabbi Chezy Deren who has joined Nachalat David to ensure a more meaningful davening experience, inspirational Drivrei Torah, leadership and guidence. In 64