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72nd ANNUAL REPORT

MIZRACHI

MIZRACHI ORGANISATION, MELBOURNE

AUSTRALIA

(Affiliated with World Mizrachi)

ו"תשע 2015-2016 התשע" -

EUGEN YAACOV WEISS MIZRACHI CENTRE

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

Email: [email protected]

Contents Key positions – Mizrachi Organisation ............................................................................... Page 5

Key positions – Leibler Yavneh College .............................................................................. Page 5

Mizrachi Organisation Past Presidents .............................................................................. Page 5

Rabbanim of the Mizrachi Organisation ............................................................................ Page 5

Mizrachi Organisation Executive Directors ........................................................................ Page 5

Leibler Yavneh College Past Chairmen ............................................................................... Page 5

Mizrachi Organisation Committee 2015-2016................................................................... Page 6

Executive

Committee

Honorary Life Members ..................................................................................................... Page 6

Leibler Yavneh College Council 2015-2016 ........................................................................ Page 6

Mizrachi Committees, Sub-Committees & Convenors ...................................................... Page 7

Kosher Australia Board & Staff .......................................................................................... Page 7

Beit Haroeh Committee ..................................................................................................... Page 7

Beit Midrash Committee .................................................................................................... Page 7

Beit Midrash Minyan Committee ....................................................................................... Page 7

Bnei Akiva Liaison ............................................................................................................... Page 7

Building Chairman .............................................................................................................. Page 7

Charity Funds ..................................................................................................................... Page 7

Elsternwick Jewish Community (EJC) ................................................................................. Page 7

Eruv Committee ................................................................................................................. Page 7

Hospitality Committee ....................................................................................................... Page 7

Kehillat Ohr David Committee ........................................................................................... Page 7

Sick Visiting Society ............................................................................................................ Page 8

Synagogue Sub-Committee ................................................................................................ Page 8

Mizrachi Delegates ............................................................................................................. Page 8

Notice of Annual General Meeting .................................................................................... Page 9

Minutes of 2013 Annual General Meeting ...................................................................... Page 10

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REPORTS President ................................................. Ian Waller QC ................................................. Page 14

Seudah Shlishit – A Year in Review ................................................................................. Page 23

Rabbi Baruch Abaranok Award .............. Menachem Broner & Harry Gelber OAM ...... Page 25

Bet HaRoeh .............................................. Beverley Honig ............................................... Page 25

Bet Midrash Sub-Committee .................. Lawrence Cher ............................................... Page 28

Beit Midrash Rosh Kollel Report ............. Hesder Bachurim ............................................ Page 29

Bnei Akiva Melbourne ............................. Nethanel Pizmony .......................................... Page 34

Bnei Akiva Shlichim ............................. Moriah & Shlomo Ben David .......................... Page 39

Building Chairman ................................... Robert Nossbaum .......................................... 2

Charity Fund............................................. Yvonne Korbl .................................................. Page 43

Elsternwick Jewish Community .............. Mark Kras ....................................................... Page 44

Emunah ................................................... Sue Boltin ....................................................... Page 45

Eruv Report .............................................. Jeff Herz ......................................................... Page 47

Kehillat Ohr David ................................... Ora-Tali Korbl ................................................. Page 50

Kosher Australia Pty Ltd .......................... Stephen Shnider ............................................. Page 52

Leibler Yavneh College

Co Chairpersons’ Report ..................... Avi Gilboa ....................................................... Page 56

Principal’s Report ................................ Roy Steinman ................................................. Page 59

Social & Cultural Report .......................... Shira Wenig .................................................... Page 65

Financial Reports

Auditor’s Report & Financial Documents ....................................................................... Page 67

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MIZRACHI ORGANISATION, 2015-16 MR IAN WALLER QC President MR DANIEL SOLOMON Chief Financial Officer MS RAE BOWER MRS SALLY-ANN JAYE

LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE, 2015-16 (Incorporating Joseph & Stera Gutnick School of Jewish Studies & Abrahamovits Yavneh Primary School & Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre) MR. AVI GILBOA, Chairperson MS ILANA WALD, Deputy Chairperson MR ROY STEINMAN, Principal MRS SHULA LAZAR (until December 2015) RABBI CHAIM COWEN Head of Jewish Studies, Secondary School MRS YIANNA PULLEN Head of General Studies, Primary School MRS PNINA LANDAU Head of Jewish Studies, Primary School MRS NAVA MILLER (until December 2015) MRS CHARLENE ORWIN Head of Early Learning Centre

MIZRACHI ORGANISATION PAST PRESIDENTS Rev Chaim Joffe ה”ע ........................... 1943-1948 Mr David Feiglin ה”ע ....... 1948-1949, 1951-1956 Mr Avraham Samuel Leibler ה”ע ....... 1949-1951 Mr Joseph Feiglin ה”ע ........................ 1956-1959 Mr Mordechai Rich ה”ע ..................... 1959-1964 Mr Jacob Rich ה”ע .............................. 1964-1968 Mr Simon Lowinger ה”ע ..................... 1968-1970 Mr Ben Slonim OAM ........ 1970-1972, 1988-1991 Mr Julius Kraus ה”ע ............................ 1972-1975 Mr Bernie Pushett ה”ע .... 1975-1978, 1985-1988 Mr David Apfelbaum ה”ע ................... 1978-1980 Mr Manfred Levy ה”ע ........................ 1980-1985 Mr Robert Fixler .................................. 1991-1992 Dr Danny Lamm ............... 1992-1996, 1998-2003 Mr Warren Zauer ................................ 1996-1998 Mr Malcolm Slonim ה”ע ..................... 2003-2004 Mr Sam Seigel ..................................... 2004-2008 Dr Shlomi Menahem ........................... 2008-2011 Mr Ian Waller QC ................................ 2011-2016 RABBANIM OF THE MIZRACHI ORGANISATION Rabbi Abraham First ה”ע ................... 1950-1959 Rabbi Boruch Abaranok ה”ע ............. 1961-1986; ............................................................ 1994-1996 Rabbi Boruch Zaichyk .......................... 1986-1994 Rabbi Simcha J Cohen ה”ע ................. 1996-2003 Rabbi Yaakov Zelig Sprung .................. 2005-2015 MIZRACHI ORGANISATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Mr Michael Neuhauser ....................... 1964-1983 Mr Len Hain ........................................ 1984-1986 Dr Peter Kloot ה”ע .......... 1987-2003, 2005-2006 Rabbi Ian Goodhardt ........................... 2003-2005 Rabbi Ronnie Figdor .................... 2008 - Jan 2012 Mr Ari Morris .......... June 2012 – December 2013 LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE PAST CHAIRMEN Mr Judah Feiglin ה”ע .......................... 1963-1967 Mr Harold Wise ................................... 1967-1971 Mr Bernie Pushett ה”ע ....................... 1971-1975 Mr Les Feiglin ...................................... 1975-1980

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Mr Ian Rockman ה”ע .......................... 1980-1985 Rabbi Hillel Bick ................................... 1984-1987 Mr Leon Duval ..................................... 1987-1990 Mr Ronny Goldschlager ....................... 1990-1993 Mr Alex Moss ...................................... 1993-1994 Mr Harry Grynberg .............................. 1994-1996 Mr David Fisher ................................... 1996-1999 Mr John Kraus ..................................... 1999-2002 Mr Robert Reisner ............................... 2002-2003 Mr Mark Joel ....................................... 2003-2009 Ms Ilana Wald & Mr Jonathan Wenig . 2009-2013 Mr Avi Gilboa ............................................. 2014 - MIZRACHI ORGANISATION COMMITTEE 2015-2016 EXECUTIVE President .................................. Mr Ian Waller QC Vice President ............................ Dr Danny Lamm Mizrachi Treasurer ................. Mr David Brykman Hon. Secretary ........................ Mr Benji Jotkowitz Immediate Past President ... Dr Shlomi Menahem Chairman of Committees ............ Mr Sam Tatarka Leibler Yavneh College Chairman .. Mr Avi Gilboa Leibler Yavneh College Treasurer ..................................................... Mr Mark Franks Building Chairman .............. Mr Robert Nossbaum Kosher Australia Chairman... Mr Stephen Shnider Beit HaRoeh Chairperson ....... Ms Beverley Honig Beit Midrash Chairman ............ Dr Lawrence Cher Kehillat Ohr David Chairman ... Mrs Ora-Tali Korbl COMMITTEE In addition to those listed above on the Executive Mr Geoffrey Bloch ............... Committee Member Mrs Naomi Bloch ............ Emunah Representative Dr Menachem Broner ......... Committee Member Mr Mark Kras ................................ EJC (ex officio) Mrs. Moriah Ben David ....... BA Shlicha (ex-officio) Mr Gary Esterman ............... Committee Member Mr Daniel Goodhardt .......... Committee Member Mr Jeremy Herz ................... Committee Member Mr Benji Jones ........ BA Merakez 2015 (ex-officio) Dr Max Jotkowitz ................. Committee Member Mr David Lamm ................... Committee Member Mr Raphael Lamm ............... Committee Member Mr David Lindell .................. Committee Member

Mr Gerard Max .................... Committee Member Mr Alex Mihalovich .............. Committee Member Mr Jeff Morrison .................. Committee Member Mr Michael Neuhauser .................... Life Member Mr Nathaniel Pizmony .................. Bnei Akiva Merakez 2016 (ex-officio) Mr Sam Seigel .................................. Life Member Mr Ben Slonim OAM ........................ Life Member Mr Daniel Solomon ........... Chief Financial Officer Dr Joel Steiner ...................... Committee Member Dr Shira Wenig ..................... Committee Member HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Dr Danny Lamm Mr Isi Leibler AO, CBE Mr Michael Neuhauser Mr Sam Seigel Mr Ben Slonim OAM LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE 2015-2016 EXECUTIVE Chairman ......................................... Mr Avi Gilboa Deputy Chairman ........................... Ms Ilana Wald President - Mizrachi Organisation .................................................. Mr Ian Waller QC Treasurer – Mizrachi Organisation .................................................... Mr Mark Franks LYC Principal .............................. Mr Roy Steinman Chief Financial Officer ............ Mr Daniel Solomon Member .................................. Mr Jeremy Leibler ................................................. Mr Daniel Parasol .............................................. Mrs Michelle Rubin Yavneh Foundation Chairmen ................................ Mr Benji Jotkowitz ................................................ Mr Reuben Zelwer Executive Director ................... Mrs Tanya Shaltiel YAVNEH PARENTS’ ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVES Karen Franks Tammy Slade

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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 Mrs Sue Korbl ........................ Rabbi Michael Lewis Mr Robert Lebovits .............. Mr Ben Slonim OAM Mr Ian Waller QC ...................... Mr Moshe Trebish Rabbinic Board Rabbinic Administrator Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick Rabbinic Board ..................... Rabbi Yankel Barber Rabbinic Consultant ......... Rabbi Ephrayim Baskin ............................................ Rabbi Moshe Schreck ................................................. Rabbi Arieh Berlin ........................................ Rabbi Yonason Johnson 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 ....................... Ms Chaya Amzalek ..................................................... Mrs Rita Broner ................................................. Mrs Gail Goldberg ............. Mrs Christine Stone (until October 2015) BEIT HAROEH COMMITTEE Ms Beverley Honig ............................ Chairperson Mr Gary Esterman ..................... Vice Chairperson Dr Michael Gordon Immediate Past Chairperson Rabbi Michael Lewis ................. Tzedakah project Dr Lawrence Cher & Mr David Greenberger ................................................................ Gabbaim Mrs Janie Fixler .......................................... Events Mr Ralph Greenberger .......................... Initiatives Mr Zev Barr ......................... Committee Member Mrs Sara Garfield ................ Committee Member Mrs Shelley Ginzburg .......... Committee Member Mr Anthony Gosling ............ Committee Member Mr Ian Symons .................... Committee Member

BEIT MIDRASH SUB-COMMITTEE Dr Lawrence Cher .................................. Convenor

Mr Ian Waller QC .................... Mizrachi President Mr Geoff Bloch Mr Dean Ellinson Mr Jeremy Herz Mrs Michal Herz Dr Danny Lamm Dr Joel Steiner Mr Yaakov Waller Rabbi Danny Mirvis ....................... (from Aug 15) BNEI AKIVA LIAISON - Mr Benji Jotkowitz BUILDING CHAIRMAN - Mr Robert Nossbaum CHARITY FUNDS Mrs Yvonne Korbl ................................. Convenor Mr David Brykman ................................ Treasurer Mr Ian Waller QC .................... Mizrachi President EJC (ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY) Mr Mark Kras ........................................ Chairman Mr Robert Wyner ....... Immediate Past Chairman Mr Stephen Barton ................. Mrs Lorraine Fantl Mr Elan Jacobs ........................ Mrs Sally-Ann Jaye Mr Dennis Max ............................. Mr Alex Muller Mr Ken Shapiro .......................... Ms Helen Silberg Mr Tom Slomovic ................. Dr Bryan Winthrope ERUV BOARD MEMBERS Dr Danny Lamm .............. Chairperson & Director Mr Yossi Aron ............................... Board Member Mr Jeff Herz............................................. Director Mr Tom May ........................... Honorary Solicitor Mr David Prins ............................... Administrator Mr Mark Sarachik .................................. Treasurer Mr Paul Sor .......................................... Marketing Mr Moshe Trebish ....................................... COSV Mr Robert Wyner ......................... COSV President HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE Mrs Karen Franks KEHILAT OHR DAVID COMMITTEE Ora-Tali Korbl .................................... Chairperson Yoel Rosenbaum ....................... Vice Chairperson Gilad Katz .............................................. Treasurer Claire Gomo & Racheli Shnider .................. Events

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Avital Seifman ............................. Public Relations Shmuli Wenig & Jeremy Herz ............... Gabbaim Nathan Joel ......................................... Hospitality Shira Wenig ................................... Youth Services Shoshi Berkowitz & Eli Goodhardt ........... Kiddush SICK VISITING SOCIETY Mrs Erika Weilburg ................................ Convenor Mrs Talilah May SOCIAL & CULTURAL COMMITTEE Dr Shira Wenig Mr Daniel Parasol SYNAGOGUE SUB-COMMITTEE Chairman ............................ Mr Robert Nossbaum Mizrachi President (ex officio) .................................................. Mr Ian Waller QC Mizrachi Treasurer (ex officio) ................................................ Mr David Brykman Members 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 Benny Menahem ............................ Bnei Akiva Mr Jeremy Herz ........................ Kehillat Ohr David Mr Elan Jacobs .... Elsternwick Jewish Community Mr David Lindell ................................. Hashkamah Mr Robert Nossbaum ........................ Bet Yehuda Mr Shmueli Wenig ................... Kehillat Ohr David Mr Bryan Winthrope ............................ Elsternwick Jewish Community MIZRACHI DELEGATES Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) Delegate .................................... Mr Ian Waller QC 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 Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) Delegate ......................................... Mr Sam Seigel

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Members are advised that the

72nd Annual General Meeting of the Mizrachi Organisation

will take place at 8:00pm on

Monday, 09 May 2016 in the Goldberger Hall

The Eugen 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 71st Annual General Meeting 5. Matters arising out of the Minutes 6. Adoption of Annual Reports 7. Elections: a. Mizrachi President b. Mizrachi Vice President c. Mizrachi Treasurer d. Mizrachi Secretary e. Leibler Yavneh College Chairman f. Leibler Yavneh College Deputy Chairman g. Leibler Yavneh College Treasurer h. Kosher Australia Board Chairman i. Building Chairman j. Twelve (12) Committee Members 8. Address by incoming President 9. General business

Rae Bower, Acting Returning Officer

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MINUTES OF THE MIZRACHI ORGANISATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015

Date: 18 May 2015 Chairman: Mr Sam Seigel President: Mr Ian Waller QC Minutes: Mr Daniel Solomon Opening of 71st Annual General Meeting Sam Seigel opened the meeting and invited Reb Leor Broh to deliver a dvar Torah. Reb Leor delivered a dvar Torah and wished those who work tirelessly for our community every success in their future endeavours. Minutes of the 70th Annual General Meeting Minutes of the 70th Annual General Meeting held on 24 May 2014 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 thanked Ian Waller for his leadership over the past 12 months and noted that members owe Ian a great debt of gratitude for his ongoing contribution to the Mizrachi Organisation. Ian Waller addressed the meeting and noted that:

• The published annual reports paint a rich picture of the Organisation and its activities across a diverse range of areas and involving all ages.

• This year’s AGM falls at a busy time in our calendar. The highlight of our Yom Yerushalayim celebrations will be a Shabbat Achdut with Rabbi Michael Baris as scholar in residence. That will be followed by the visit of Rav Moshe Taragin who will be with us over Shabbat and Shavuot.

• This AGM also comes at a critical time as the Organisation begins its search for a new Senior Rabbi. All stakeholder groups within the organisation have been asked to provide input on what is expected from the new Rabbi and Rebbetzin.

• In August we will welcome Rabbi Danny Mirvis who will be providing dedicated leadership to our young adults and serve as Rosh Kollel.

• We need to look at how we can improve our facilities at Balaclava Road to meet all our different organisational needs.

Finally, Ian thanked all those who give of their time for Mizrachi whether as professional staff, elected representatives or simply as volunteers.

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Life Membership for Mr Sam Seigel Ian Waller noted that it had been proposed by Danny Lamm that life membership be conferred on Sam Seigel. Ian invited Danny to present the motion. Danny Lamm said that Sam first joined the MIzrachi Committee in 1992 and had been an active contributor in many areas since then, including serving as President between 2004 – 2008. Ian Waller noted that it was one of his most pleasurable tasks to support this motion. Sam has been a devoted member for a number of decades. He has been a source of advice and a voice of reason and contributed to the stability of the Organisation. Ian especially thanked Sam for his support and friendship over the past four years. The motion was passed by acclamation. In response, Sam Seigel thanked Danny and Ian for their kind words, noting that they were true pillars of Mizrachi and thanking them for their leadership. He said that it was a great honour to become a life member and felt humbled to be part of that select group. He recalled being asked to join the Committee in 1992 and said that it had been a pleasure to work with others to advance the goals and vision of the Organisation. Adoption of Annual Reports Sam Seigel asked for a motion adopting the Annual Reports. Moved: Michael Lewis Seconded: Michael Neuhauser The motion was passed on the voices. Elections: EXECUTIVE As there were no contested positions the following were declared duly elected: President ................................................ Mr Ian Waller QC Vice President ........................................... Dr Danny Lamm Mizrachi Treasurer ................................ Mr David Brykman Secretary ............................................... Mr Benji Jotkowitz Immediate Past President ................. Dr Shlomi Menahem Chairman of Committees .......................... Mr Sam Tatarka LYC Chair ........................................................ Mr Avi Gilboa LYC Deputy Chair ........................................... Ms Ilana Wald LYC Treasurer ............................................. Mr Mark Franks Building Chairman ............................ Mr Robert Nossbaum Kashrut Board Chairman ..................... Mr Stephen Shnider Bet Midrash Chairman ........................... Dr Lawrence Cher

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COMMITTEE Sam Seigel noted that there were 14 nominees for 12 Committee positions. In accordance with last year’s practice, 12 nominees were elected and the other 2 co-opted. As a result, the incoming Committee comprised:

Mr Geoffrey Bloch Mr Gary Esterman Mr Gerard Max Mr David Lamm Mr Rafi Lamm Mr Alex Mihalovich Dr Max Jotkowitz Mr Jeff Morrison Mr Menachem Broner Mr David Lindell Mr Jeremy Herz Mr Dan Goodhardt Dr Joel Steiner (co-opted) Dr Shira Wenig (co-opted)

Sam Seigel congratulated the incoming Executive and Committee. Address by Incoming President I congratulate all those Executive and Committee members who have volunteered to serve Mizrachi for the next 12 months. In particular I welcome new faces to the Executive – Danny Lamm returning as Vice President, David Brykman as Treasurer and Robbie Nossbaum as Building Chairman – and Alex Mihalovich, Max Jotkowitz, Menachem Broner, David Lindell, Dan Goodhardt and Gerard Max joining the Committee. I am grateful to the other continuing members of the Executive and Committee and look forward to working with all of you harmoniously 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.

The two most pressing issues facing the Organisation are finding of new Senior Rabbi and properly looking after the interest of our young adults. Mizrachi can be proud of the way it has conducted itself in recent months. Although the voting process caused some anguish, the kehillah has acted respectfully and with dignity and has been able to stay united. In relation to our young adults, we must appreciate that this group is critical to our future. We are hoping that Rabbi Mirvis will be able to provide a boost and we will all do our best to assist and support them. We will also give serious consideration to giving the young adults a seat on the Executive in the coming 12 months to ensure that their voice is heard.

Finally, I note the absence from the AGM of Dr Peter Kloot and Mr David Wisel and wish them both a refuah shlemah.

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General business • Michelle Rubin asked if Mizrachi is working on a child protection policy. Ian noted that we are

looking at joining the RCV group and with a view to developing a policy tailored to Mizrachi’s needs.

• Phil Symons noted that that the new rabbi appointment should seek input from the wider Mizrachi community, perhaps through an open forum. Ian responded that an open forum does not translate into a clear vision and that is why he had instead written to all arms of the organisation asking for their considered feedback.

• Sonia Slonim said that we need to look at who we are first, what type of organisation we are

before we look to appoint a Rabbi. She also noted that we need to form a cultural committee. • Nathan Cher noted that it is for the incoming Executive to determine the way forward in the

search for a Rabbi and the appointment of an Executive Director. • Bruce Esterman asked if Mizrachi have given any thought to having a social media person on

board. Ian noted that we do have Facebook pages for a number of sections of the organisation. We also have a dedicated Beit Midrash email list that reaches hundreds of subscribers. Doodie Bankier has also done a wonderful job in making so many shiurim available online.

• Ashley Tugendhaft noted that the search for a new Rabbi could take some time and Beit

Yehudah should still be having a regular drasha. What do we have in mind to ensure that this happens? Ian noted that a consequence of the decision not to renew Rabbi Sprung’s contract was that we will most likely be without a Senior Rabbi for more than 12 months. That said there are within Mizrachi a number of rabbis who we can call upon and we will take steps to ensure that, in addition to visiting rabbis, there are regular drashot given in Beit Yehudah.

• Darren Katz noted that we have problems with keeping the youth. He provided some

anecdotes as to how we can improve our friendliness and community face and become a shule of choice. Ian noted that Nachlat David had recently established a Gan Shabbat for young children and we would continue to support one in the future. Ian noted that thought also needs to be given to revamping the Children’s Tefillah groups.

Close The meeting concluded with Hatikvah.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Ian Waller QC - May 2016

Overview It gives me great pleasure to present my fifth and final Annual Report as President of the Mizrachi Organisation. The past year has been a particularly eventful period for Mizrachi 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. It has been a period of renewal and rebuilding highlighted in particular by the growth of our young adult community and the

refurbishment of our Beit Midrash. While we celebrate these achievements our attention is always focused on events in Israel and the Jewish world. During the past year we witnessed the tragic spate of stabbings, shootings, bus bombing and other violence in Israel. And we watched with growing concern as Jewish communities around the world faced renewed anti-semitism and the possibility of terror attacks in our own country remains a chilling reality. Rabbinic leadership In my report last year I noted that the task of finding a Senior Rabbi for our kehillah with the necessary qualities to build on the work of Rabbi Sprung would not be easy. Since the departure of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Sprung in late April 2015, the search for a Senior Rabbi has been ongoing. All major stakeholders in the Organisation (the minyanim, Leibler Yavneh College, the Beit Midrash and Midrasha, Bnei Akiva and Kosher Australia) were consulted and specifically asked for their views regarding the roles of the Rabbi and Rebbetzin and the qualifications, skills and personal qualities necessary to perform those roles. The responses received enabled a more focused position description to be developed. Detailed advertisements were placed in the local and overseas Jewish press inviting applications for the position of Senior Rabbi of Mizrachi. A special sub-committee of the Executive was tasked with reviewing the applications and, where considered appropriate, interviewing candidates via Skype. Nine applications were received and, after careful consideration, three applicants (all based in Israel) have recently been interviewed by the sub-committee which will shortly advise its recommendations (including the desirability of bringing

any particular candidate(s) to Melbourne) to the incoming Executive. Any final appointment will be made by the incoming Mizrachi Executive and Committee. In the meantime Mizrachi (with the support of its RSVP fund) has continued to host world-class scholars in residence such as Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon, Rav Moshe Taragin, Rabbi Michael Baris and Rav Doron Perez as well as benefitting from our own rabbinic team and other local rabbanim including Rabbi James Kennard who occupied the pulpit in Beit Yehudah during Sukkot.

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In August 2015 Rabbi Danny Mirvis assumed the role of Rav of the newly formed Kehillat Ohr David in addition to becoming Rosh Kollel. Since arriving in Melbourne Rav Danny and his wife Althea have made a tremendous impact especially within Kehillat Ohr David and the Beit Midrash, but also across all age groups and sectors of the Mizrachi Organisation. We have also been very fortunate to have the continued involvement of

Reb Leor Broh. His dedication to Mizrachi particularly as Manhig Ruchani of Beit Haroeh is deeply appreciated. Rav Chezy Deren has also continued to provide valuable spiritual leadership particularly within Kehillat Ohr David. We have also benefitted greatly from Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon’s preparedness to make himself available (often at short notice) to answer halachic sheilot for Mizrachi and Yavneh as required. His teshuvot always reflect his erudition, thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Professional Staff Rae Bower has continued to ensure that the Organisation runs smoothly, and has done so with characteristic efficiency and good humour even while dealing with significant health issues. Rae has been of enormous assistance to me as President and I wish her good health and happiness. In recent months Rae has been ably assisted by Sally-Ann Jaye. Yvonne Korbl has continued to administer Mizrachi Charity Funds. Daniel Solomon continues to provide exemplary service as Chief Financial Officer. Together with the honorary treasurer 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 Road 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 its committee of management led by Mark Kras. The Hashkama minyan continues to grow in size and popularity and benefits from the regular shiurim provided by Rabbi James Kennard. Beverley Honig has provided energetic leadership in Beit Haroeh, as have Ora Tali Korbl and Yoni Rosenbaum in Kehillat Ohr David. I would like especially to thank the gabbaim of all our minyanim who give their time to ensure that the tefillot run smoothly: Robbie Nossbaum, Michael Bruce and David Brykman (Bet Yehudah);

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Menachem Broner and David Lindell (Hashkama); Lawrence Cher and David Greenberger (Beit Haroeh); Jeremy Herz (Kehillat Ohr David) and Elan Jacobs and Bryan Winthrope (Elsternwick). In recent years particular attention has been given to the future of the 20 - 35 year old demographic within Mizrachi. Many of these young adults have graduated from Leibler Yavneh College and/or been actively involved in Bnei Akiva. Those who do not immediately make aliyah represent the future of the Mizrachi community in Melbourne and it is vital that their needs are adequately catered for. The recent formation of Mizrachi’s newest minyan – Kehillat Ohr David – following the merger of Nachlat David and the Beit Midrash Minyan is a very welcome development. Rabbi Danny Mirvis together with his wife Althea and assisted by Rav Chezy and Sheva Deren have provided our young adult community with dedicated spiritual leadership. It is also vital that this minyan has a location that can adequately accommodate its current and potential mitpallelim. While Kehillat Ohr David has been based in our recently refurbished Beit Midrash, its numbers have now grown to the point where it needs to relocate to larger premises. Following discussions with its members, Beit Haroeh has generously agreed to permanently exchange locations with Kehillat Ohr David provided suitable arrangements can be made. A trial swap recently took place and it is hoped that a permanent swap can be effected in the coming months. Leibler Yavneh College The College completed another successful academic year under the capable professional leadership of Principal Roy Steinman and the Senior Management Team. They have been ably supported by the energetic lay leadership provided by Chairman Avi Gilboa and the College Executive. In February this year Roy Steinman informed the Executive that he had decided not to renew his current contract which expires at the end of this year. Roy has made an enormous contribution to the College and the Mizrachi Organization over the past ten years. He brought to Yavneh an unprecedented level of professionalism coupled with dedication and vision. On behalf of Mizrachi I wish to express my thanks to Roy for all he has done as Principal of the College. Beit Midrash The Kollel Torah Mitzion, comprising the Beit Midrash and the Midrasha, is the very heart and soul of the Mizrachi Organisation. Since its establishment in 1998, the Beit Midrash has been, and continues to be, a place of learning, of teaching, of Torah and of tefillah. Mizrachi’s Beit Midrash is unique in our community. It offers a learning experience similar to that enjoyed by our young people in yeshivot and midrashot in Israel, and provides a familiar haven for them to continue their studies and their involvement with Torah learning once they return home to Melbourne. The past year has been a particularly exciting time for our Beit Midrash and Midrasha. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Beit Midrash building has been magnificently renovated. On behalf of the Organisation I extend our appreciation to Milton and Josh Levin and Martell Pty Ltd who carried out the refurbishment in record time. I also thank Beverley Honig for coordinating the planning stages and Robert Nossbaum who, as Building Chairman, oversaw the project and the fundraising associated with it. Robert and Debbie Nossbaum’s generous donation enabled the renovation to proceed. Their dedication and commitment and that of the other donors are greatly appreciated.

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In addition to being Rav of Kehillat Ohr David, Rabbi Danny Mirvis has energetically assumed his role as Rosh Kollel. In that capacity he has recruited and is working closely with our new Hesder bachurim and also for the first time two Midrasha bachurot. It has been a pleasure to welcome Ariel Asper, Elron Bandel, Chagai Feigenbaum, Ori Markovitch, Sara Landau & Aviva Rosenbaum. Their presence has already 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, they add a vibrant dimension to its programs and activities. In her role as Rosh Midrasha, Dr Michal Kaufman continues to develop innovative and engaging learning programs for women. Her own shiurim are very popular characterized by her learning, enthusiasm and imagination. I also note the very successful batmitzvah program recently introduced under the leadership of Avital Seifman. I am confident that Rav Danny and Michal will continue to build and reinforce the foundations of Torah and learning that underpin all that Mizrachi stands for. I encourage all members to take advantage of the wide range of shiurim, chaburot and other programs offered by our Kollel Torah Mitzion in the beautifully refurbished Beit Midrash. I also record my appreciation to Doodie Bankier for administering the Beit Midrash so effectively between August 2014 – July 2015.

The Annual Beit Midrash dinner was a very successful event held once again at the College Hall. Our guest speaker and scholar in residence was Dr Yael Ziegler, an acclaimed scholar, who dazzled us with her brilliant shiurim on Tanach. 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.

I also thank the host families of the bachurim and bachurot and Shlomo Ben David, Rae Bower, Rita Broner and Andi Lotzoff who have made their time in Melbourne so much easier. Finally, I express my appreciation to the Beit Midrash Committee ably led by Dr Lawrence Cher. Kosher Australia As the peak kashrut authority within Australia, Kosher Australia continues to provide the Australian Jewish community with a range of vital services. Guided by its Rabbinic and professional staff (capably led by Rabbi Mottel Gutnick and Yankel Wajsbort) and assisted by the Kosher Australia Board, chaired by Stephen Shnider, Kosher Australia has significantly enhanced the range and quality of its services in the last twelve months.

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Cultural Committee During the past year a Cultural Committee chaired by Dr Shira Wenig has arranged a number of events and activities including weekly kiddushim in the Goldberger Hall, children’s Shabbat programs run by volunteer madrichim and a Chanukah program held at LYC. Most recently, a special Yom Hashoa commemoration was held in Beit Haroeh. A capacity audience listened in silence as Mr Milan Bierenkrant bravely shared his painful personal memories of surviving the Shoah. Religious Zionist Organisation of Australia Mizrachi was well represented at the annual RZOA conference held in Sydney between 4–6 March 2016, which was convened and chaired by Dr. Danny Lamm. Guest speakers from Israel included Rabbis Doron Perez and Yechiel Wasserman, who also visited Melbourne the following week.

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 continues to grow and has benefitted from strong leadership particularly under Benji Jones and his successor Nathaniel Pizmony. Our Bnei Akiva shlichah– Moriah Ben David – has provided much needed experience and support and injected enthusiasm. It has been a pleasure to welcome Moriah and Shlomo and their children to our community and I am delighted that they have agreed to extend their shlichut for a further year until August 2017. Child Protection In recent months a Mizrachi Child Protection Working Group has been formed under the leadership of Dr Michelle Meyer and Harry Gelber and including others with relevant expertise. A special training program consisting of six 2 hour sessions was conducted at Mizrachi coordinated through the JCCV and a Mizrachi-specific child protection policy is currently being prepared. Security

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A security subcommittee comprising Gerard Max, Dan Goodhardt and Tunni Paneth has worked diligently to ensure the safety and security of members and guests attending Mizrachi premises. Working closely with CSG, the sub-committee has introduced a number of significant improvements. Guest speakers and scholars in residence During the past year Mizrachi has hosted many interesting guest speakers, particularly during Seudat Shlishit, Tikkun Leil Shavuot and the annual Siyum Tanach. We have also welcomed scholars in residence and visiting dignitaries who have provided a range of fascinating shiurim and presentations. Particular mention should be made of:

• Rav Moshe Taragin • Rabbi Shlomo Riskin • Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein • Rabbi Doron Perez • Rabbi Michael Baris • Rabbi Eli Mayer • Rabbi Zvi Herschfield • Rabbi Katz (MMY)

• Rabbi Dr Aharon Adler • Dr Yocheved Debow • Rav Dudi Winkler • Dr Yael Zeigler • Rabbi David Blackman • Rav Yechiel Wasserman • Rav Noam Himelstein

The visits of many of our scholars in residence have been made possible thanks to the RSVP – the Rabbinic Scholars Visiting Program. Conceived by Rafi and Danny Lamm and supported by a number of generous families, the RSVP aims to bring a steady flow of world class Modern Orthodox/Religious Zionist Torah scholars and rabbinic personalities to Mizrachi and in particular Leibler Yavneh College. All arrangements are made in consultation with the Mizrachi President and the visits so far have been very successful. Tishrei Yamim Tovim During Tishrei we had the pleasure of hosting Rav Doron Perez, recently appointed CEO of World Mizrachi, as visiting scholar in residence and guest speaker. And over Sukkot and Shmini Atzeret Rabbi James Kennard occupied the pulpit in Beit

Yehudah. The Yamim Tovim were enhanced by their inspirational drashot combined with meaningful tefillot led by our accomplished Ba’alei Tefillah, Ba’alei Koreh and Ba’alei Tokeah. The chagim culminated in a range of activities during Simchat Torah including the highly

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successful Womens’ Learning Forum organized each year by Gloria Blau and Adina Waller. Ben Slonim and Milton Levin were honored as Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereishit and sponsored a magnificent kiddush. Chatan Kol Hana’arim Selwyn Hyman ensured that all children received an aliyah and were amply nourished. 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. Last year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut tefilla celebrating the 67th anniversary of the establishment of Medinat Yisrael was well attended. The guest speaker was the Ambassador of the State of Israel H. E. Mr Shmuel Ben-Shmuel. Mizrachi also celebrated Yom Yerushalayim with a special Shabbat Achdut. All minyanim joined together for tefillah in Bet Yehudah beginning at 8.30 am at which a drasha was given by visiting scholar in residence Rabbi Dr Michael Baris. This was followed by a seated kiddush (the fundraising and organization of which Leon Tugendhaft continues to spearhead) which featured guest speakers Moriah and Shlomo Ben David. Life Membership to Mr Sam Seigel

At last year’s AGM Mr Sam Seigel was made a life member of the Mizrachi Organisation in recognition of the extraordinary contribution he has made over many years. Sam has filled many Executive roles, including as Chairman, Vice President and President. Sam is a quiet achiever. His softly spoken manner resonates across all levels of the community. As a consequence, when difficult issues arise, Sam is often consulted in advance. This is because he is able to see the bigger picture and has an innate capacity of understanding where the community interest lies. This, coupled with his deep understanding of people, enables him to steer the Organisation in a way that brings other people around to his point of view and takes the conflict out of issues.

Shloshim in memory of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l On 20 May 2015 a Shloshim was held in Beit Yehudah following the death of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l. A devoted student and son-in-law of Rav J B Soloveitchik zt”l, Rav Aharon served as Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion for almost 45 years and established a reputation as an unparalleled Torah giant who was able to synthesize Torah and academic knowledge while providing a powerful model of humility and integrity. His influence was felt throughout the Jewish world and in particular within Mizrachi where there are many former Yeshivat Har Etzion students. Speakers at the Shloshim included Rabbi David Blackman, Doodie Bankier and Alex Tsykin.

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Siyum Sefer Torah for the late Maurie Isman z”l On 16 August 2015, Mizrachi welcomed a special Sefer Torah written in memory of Maurie Isman

– Moshe ben Zelig z’l – beloved son of Aleck and Rose, loving husband of Julie, devoted father of Josh and Sara and respected brother of Estelle and Naomi. Maurie was a loyal friend to many and much-loved member of the Mizrachi community. He served as inaugural Chairman of the Elsternwick Jewish Community, as Treasurer of Mizrachi and on the Executives of Mizrachi and Leibler Yavneh College for many years. Each time someone is called up to this special Sefer Torah to receive an aliya, we know that Maurie’s neshama will likewise receive an aliya. May Maurie’s memory be a blessing for his loving family and friends, and may his memory and the enormous contribution he made to Mizrachi – to Elsternwick to Yavneh and to Bnei Akiva – be perpetuated through this Sefer Torah dedicated in his honour.

Dr Peter Kloot z”l The death of Dr Peter Kloot z’l last year was deeply felt within Mizrachi.

Peter served as Executive Director of the Mizrachi Organisation for 18 years between 1987 – 2003 and 2005 – 2006. Prior to moving to Melbourne, Peter had been an accomplished scientist and a capable public servant with the South Australian Department of Agriculture. Upon moving to Melbourne, although Peter embarked on a new career as a Jewish professional, he brought to his work as Executive Director of Mizrachi a disciplined approach and well-honed administrative skills. But the qualities that most characterised Peter’s service as Executive Director of Mizrachi were integrity, dignity, humility and menschlichkeit.

After Peter retired as Executive Director he continued to serve the Melbourne Jewish community in various roles: as Administrator of the Melbourne Eruv, as Foundation Registrar of the reconstituted Melbourne Beth Din and also assisting the Torah Centre. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Mizrachi Organisation, Peter was made an honorary life member in 2004. Until his recent illness, Peter maintained his close connection to Mizrachi. He was a regular mitpallel and ba’al tefillah, as well as occasional ba’al koreh and magid shiur. I had the z’chut of attending Peter’s levayah in Modi’in in May last year. In accordance with Peter’s request there were no hespedim. Instead his son Paul recited Perek Shira, an ancient text containing 85 sections in which elements of creation use biblical and rabbinic verses to sing Hashem’s praises. Paul informed those present that his father would recite Perek Shira daily. The medieval philosopher Rabbi Joseph Albo wrote that whoever recites Perek Shira is guaranteed a place in the World to Come.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_creation_narrative

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Albo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_to_Come

The three teenagers who were kidnapped and murdered in June 2014 are also buried in the Modi’in cemetery. In the years to come many people will no doubt visit their graves. When they do so they will see the kever of Pinchas ben Tzvi Hakohen which is situated just metres away, the final resting place of a remarkable individual who devoted himself tirelessly to his family, his community and Klal Yisrael. In addition to everything else he accomplished in his life, Dr Peter Kloot z’l will be remembered for the exemplary contribution that he made to the Mizrachi Organisation. May his memory be a blessing and a comfort to his dear family and to all of us. Yehi Zichro Baruch. 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 Dr Peter Kloot, Mr Jack Goldberg, Mr Nathan Werdiger, Mrs Gabriella Gordon, Mr Max Stern AM and Mrs Blima Ptasznik. I also note with sadness the death in Jerusalem of Mrs Rachel Leibler who had been very active within Mizrachi prior to making aliyah, particularly as one of the founders of the Ladies’ Mizrachi Organisation which later became Emunah Australia. Yehi Zichram Baruch. 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 Organization. In particular I am grateful to Executive members Danny Lamm, Sam Seigel, Robbie Nossbaum, Mark Franks, Sam Tatarka, Benji Jotkowitz, David Brykman, Beverley Honig, Lawrence Cher, Avi Gilboa and Stephen Shnider for the way in which they have dealt with their particular responsibilities. I record particular thanks to Danny Lamm who during the past year assumed the role of Vice President and in that capacity has played a large role in the day to day administration of the Organisation. I also pay tribute to Mark Franks who is stepping down from the Executive after many years of service as Secretary and Treasurer. Conclusion It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as President of the Mizrachi Organisation. 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 strive to 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 deepest thanks to my wife Adina and our children (and beautiful granddaughter) – Avital & Marc (and Dahlia Simcha), 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 past year and during my term as President.

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Seudah Shlishit A Year in review

23 May 2015 Rabbi Moshe Taragin 30 May 2015 Rabbi Danny Ginsbourg 06 June 2015 Avi Gilboa, Chairperson, LYC 13 June 2015 Rabbi David Katz, Director, Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim 20 June 2015 Rabbi Yoni Fisher 27 June 2015 Eli Lipshatz 04 July 2015 Sam Tatarka 11 July 2015 Farewell for Bachurim and Sherut Girls 18 July 2015 Rabbi Aharon Adler, Rabbi of Ohel Nechama Community Synagogue in Jerusalem 25 July 2015 Erev Tisha B’Av – no speaker 01 August 2015 Dr Alan Garfield 08 August 2015 Shmuel Rosner, editor, writer and researcher based in Tel Aviv 15 August 2015 Dr Dean Harris, Psychiatrist 22 August 2015 Yossi Goldfarb, President UJEB 29 August 2015 Welcoming the Hesder Bachurim

15 Rabbi James Kennard 12 September 2015 Avi Lewis, Journalist & R’ Yehoshua Grunstein, Singer Kollel 19 September 2015 Reb Leor Broh 26 September 2015 Daniel Goodhardt, CSG 03 October 2015 Rabbi Danny Mirvis 10 October 2015 Benji Jones, B’nei Akiva Melbourne Merakez 17 October 2015 Prof. Shlomo Biderman, President Tel Aviv Jaffa College 24 October 2015 Rabbi Shlomo Kohn, Executive Director, Yad L’Achim 31 October 2015 Col. Geva Rapp, Panim L’Panim 07 November 2015 Dr. Danny Lamm 14 November 2015 Adrian Trager (Tzohar) & Rabbi Danny Mirvis 21 November 2015 Rabbi Ovadia Sofer, Head of Jewish Studies & Campus Rabbi,

King David School, Johannesburg 28 November 2015 Banot Sherut & Hesder Girls 05 December 2015 Michael Lawrence 12 December 2015 Farewell for Departing Shnatties

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19 December 2015 Yankel Wajsbort, General Manager of Kosher Australia 26 December 2015 Yossi Aron 02 January 2016 Len Hain 09 January 2016 R’ Doodie Bankier 16 January 2016 Rabbi Yoni Fisher 23 January 2016 Rabbi James Kennard 30 January 2016 Rabbi Dr Norman Goldwasser, Clinical Psychologist 06 February 2016 Yasmin Schwarz & Michal Berson - Rabbi Abaranok Award Recipients

12 February 2016 Marlo Newton, Executive Director, JNF 20 February 2016 Sondra Oster Baras 27 February 2016 Dr. Jeff Lipshatz, President ZDVO, & Ophir Anidjar, injured soldier 05 March 2016 Benji Jones, Nethaniel Pizmony, outgoing & incoming Bnei Merakez, &

Yaniv Cohen, returned Shnattie 12 March 2016 Daf Yomi Siyum - Yirmi Goldschmidt 19 March 2016 Mr Oz Ainie 26 March 2016 Mishna Yomit Siyum with Doodie Bankier 02 April 2016 Rav Dov Meir Ascher, PR director for Zir Chemed Halachic Fertility Centre in Jerusalem 09 April 2016 Rabbi Scot Berman, Education Consultant 16 April 2016 Rabbi Yonasan Johnson, Rosh HaKollel of Kollel Menachem in the Yeshivah Centre 23 April 2016 Adam Reisner 30 April 2016 Marcus Rosenberg

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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. Once again, we would like to thank the other members of the interview panel for their valuable input and assistance with this process. For 2015, with the generous help of a few donors to add to the funds available, we were able to pick two winners. These were Anita Zeltsman and Chani Nutovics. Anita is already greatly benefitting from this Award while Chani will start her experience in Elul. 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 20 years. Its members/stakeholders have invested significantly in the Mizrachi/Yavneh community and are an integral part of the greater community.

Beit Haroeh Chairman, Beverley Honig BA LLB MBA Beverley has been the Chairman since 2012, and under her leadership Beit Haroeh continues to thrive and grow. General attendance at Shule is steady and there is a feeling of achdut within the Beit Haroeh Kehilah. This year Beit Haroeh have had several new families join, and more families are joining for 2016/17. Members continually tell us they have never felt more comfortable in a shule than when they are at Beit Haroeh.

Beit Haroeh Spiritual Leader Reb Leor Broh Reb Leor Broh: Reb Leor, our Spiritual Leader, continues to invigorate the Beit Haroeh Kehilah with his eloquent and inspiring Divrai Torah on Shabbat, and his Parshah Quiz questions to ensure we become ensconced in layning to find the answers. He is guides our Kehilah with warmth and dedication.

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Beit Haroeh Digital Communication • Beit Haroeh has a WhatsApp group which allows it to share news and views on topical and

relevant information and events regarding our Kehilah. • Reb Leor provides topical Parshah Podcasts which has become extremely popular amongst

existing and new members of the community • Weekly President emails from Beverley Honig continue to tie in Parshah and topical events.

Beverley’s email reaches nearly 2000 subscribers within and outside the organisation as a form of inreach/outreach; readers have said they relish her weekly Dvar Torah imbued with contemporary style.

• Special thanks to Dr Zev Barr for 18 years of Beit Haroeh Bytes publications to an extensive database of existing and upcoming members

Beit Haroeh Tzedakah Projects In 2015/16, Beit Haroeh’s Tzedakah Project raised much needed funds towards ‘The Lone Soldier’ Program, who provided BH with an award of appreciation for the Tzedakah funds raised.. Thanks To R’ Michael Lewis and Phillip Chester, and facilitated through an online deposit account set up by Beverley Honig, Tzedakah monies were collected and sent swiftly, funding Shabbat Meals for Lone Soldiers, five solid furnishings for Soldier apartments, and 31 heavy duty backpacks. Beit Haroeh Community Award

Beit Haroeh again was the recipient of community grant funds from Bendigo Bank as a result of their community focus. These funds were recognition of the spiritual work that Beit Haroeh does and a condition of receiving them was public recognition of Bendigo Bank and their good work in the community. As a condition of the award, funds were announced in front of a large crowd that attended Beit Haroeh’s High tea welcome to the South African Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, and again at the Banks AGM. Beit Haroeh are now part of an ongoing program with Bendigo Bank.

2015/16: Kiddushim & special events • Special joint minyan Kiddush with BMM for

Schlock Rock Shabbat • Kiddush to congratulate Beverley Honig in being

awarded the winner of top 100 women of influence by the Australian Financial Review and Westpac Bank

• Special Friday Night “Tish at Tish’s” a Shalom Zachor to celebrate the birth of another Broh

• April 2016, Cher aufruf where members showed up in force, Beit Haroeh was bursting at the seams

• Shavuot 2015: Beit Haroeh hosted the inaugural Shavuot Dinner with speakers, that allowed over

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100 people to daven and eat on site prior to the evenings learnings, and at the same time hear from 3 very inspiring Torah imbued speeches over dinner, including:

• Minna Lederberger on “How She Lost her Legs and Landed on her Feet” • Shoshana Daveney on “How Jewish Kinesiologists work to calm people” • Karen Kascer on “Jewish Global Travels”

• Plans are underway for our 2016 Shavuot Dinner which will be bigger and better than ever! • Yom Ha’atzmaut function at the Rubins: attended by 180 people last year, this year is sure to be

a crowd spinner, with programs by the Hesders and Sheiruties and musical entertainment. • Beit Haroeh sponsor an annual ice

cream for kids after they hear the reading of the 10 Commandments, organised by Gary Esterman

• Purim 2016: Beit Haroeh was bursting at the seams on Purim, with standing room only on Purim eve, everyone came dressed up and after Megilah we had Tea and Taschy’s. The ruach created was exciting. A fun night was had by all.

• August 2015: A combined Shabbat Davening with the Beit Midrash Minyan was held at Beit Haroeh, led by Lenny Solomon of Schlock Rock. The atmosphere was incredible, a large crowd attended.

• Kiddush to welcome new members and visitors

• Gosling Kiddush to celebrate their son’s 3 year army service completion • Jeff Lipshutz’s father (A”H) on his 20th Yorzheit • First Yorzheit of the late Mr Esterman A”H, Gary and Bruce’s father • Kiddush for Purim Katan • Abe and Adele Winter to commemorate the Yahrzeit of their late Father (Z”L) • 18th Yahrzeit of Rabbi Mattus Honig (A”H), Beverley Honig’s Father • David Fishers Barmy anniversary • Ari Esterman’s Aufruf • Harry Herzkovitz’s farewell • Yarzheit Kiddush for Mr and Mrs Kaye A”H, Belinda Fishers parents • October 2015: Women’s speaking event on Simchat Torah Beit Haroeh’s part in reshaping the Beit Midrash Beit Haroeh have had a very busy year. The successful result of their extensive groundwork towards the rebuilding of the Beit Midrash culminated in a beautiful refurbishment of the Beit Midrash, which also enabled a new home for the recombined Ohr David Minyan. The goodwill initiative of Beit Haroeh as key facilitator and driver of the beautification is acknowledged and appreciated. Beit Haroeh members involved in the refurbishment included Milton Levin (builder), Anthony Gosling (Architect) and Beverley Honig (Business consultant), all donating their time pro bono in the interests of the Mizrachi organisation.

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And so it happened, after a lot of hard work and fundraising by Building Chairman, Robert Nossbaum, the project was born. We are proud to say that the Beit Haroeh Kehilah, together with the working group, worked in the interests of Mizrachi to a successful conclusion, where significant funds were raised to beautify the old Beit Midrash, including a complete makeover that will last for many years to come. A debt of gratitude to Beit Haroeh and its Working Group for spearheading this project and spending time and talent in making it happen is acknowledged. The Mooted Move to Beit Midrash As a result of the above initiative, the newly refurbished Beit Midrash now is a similar size to Beit Haroeh. However, the outgoing Mizrachi committee wanted Beit Haroeh Kehilah to move into the Beit Midrash, and Ohr David to move into Beit Haroeh. We greatly appreciate the goodwill of Beit Haroeh and the Beit Midrash in agreeing for this to happen in April. Despite this being their spiritual home, Beit Haroeh members meeting agreed that if this is what the organisation felt was in the interests of the community, they would move, at some time in the future, subject to agreed conditions i.e. proper furniture, exclusive use of the space whilst davening, donated fixtures moving with them as requested by donor families etc. A 12 strong Beit Haroeh Working Group will manage any future transition in terms of planning as members have the necessary project, building, architectural, and procurement skills to ensure that any future move is handled appropriately. This group have met with a core group of the Executive to agree on these conditions. The Beit Midrash agreed to cooperate during the week with Beit Haroeh’s furniture. An architect drew up the best way to place the shtenders for trying out how this worked and with its shtenders could fit just about as many people as their current space does. If the move goes ahead, the risk of losing Beit Haroeh Members begs the question as to whether the small gain in space is worth the exercise.

BEIT MIDRASH SUB-COMMITTEE Lawrence Cher, Convenor Beit Midrash Website: http://bm.mizrachi.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kollelm?fref=ts It has been a pleasure to work with the Beit Midrash Sub-committee during this year, in which longer term plans have come to fruition with the arrival of Rav Danny & Althea Mirvis, and the renovation of the Bet Midrash into a real multipurpose building, that has enhanced the attraction and function of the Kollel Torah Mitzion program.

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http://bm.mizrachi.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/kollelm?fref=ts

Our thanks go again to Doodie Bankier, Michal Kaufman and Shlomo Ben-David who have worked together well, to provide a well-rounded program across the activities of the Kollel and the work of the bachurei Hesder in the Kollel, school and Bnei Akiva, in the previous year which worked wonderfully well. We thank also the four Bachurim who helped us during the interim period, Gil Ben Yashar, Kfir Apfelbaum, Gabi Finkelstein and Aharon Baldav. Gabi Finkelstein has been involved in training the next potential bachurim as well, and we wish them all well in their future endeavours. Our current group are Chagai Feigenbaum, Ori Markovitch, Elron Bandel and Ariel Asper together with the Midrasha girls Sara Landau and Aviva Rosenbaum. Our scholar-in-residence for the Bet Midrash Dinner was Dr Yael Ziegler, who wowed audiences in Melbourne, with ever increasing numbers as word got out. It was fantastic to have a female scholar headlining the dinner and the week, and this will be done again in the future. Special thanks are due to Danny Lamm for his ongoing fundraising efforts which enable the continued operation of the Beit Midrash. Rav Danny has built up the program of the Beit Midrash on the previous foundations. By presenting a program of a period of weeks, people have been able to make a limited commitment. We have had Spring and Autumn program booklets, working to provide a wide range of shiurim. We thank all those who have been involved including: Featuring: R' James Kennard, R' David Blackman, R' Leor Broh, R' Yirmi Goldschmiedt, Dr. Michal Kaufman, R' Danny Mirvis, R' Chezy Deren, Adina Bankier-Karp, Doodie Bankier, R' Doron Perez, R' Yehiel Wasserman, Avital Seifman, Robbie Berkowitz, Romy Spicer, Eli Solomon, Gaby Lefkovits, Dalia Goodhardt, Ya’akov Waller and Hona Dodge among others. We have to thank Rabbi Kennard for his ongoing support of the Bet Midrash, and the special series of Shiurim he has given during year as part of the Arnold Bloch lectures as well as shiurim for young adults, and the recent series on Pesach and the Hagada. Special thanks also is due to Beverley Honig, who spearheaded the renovation plans for the Bet Midrash building, working tirelessly to get the building across the line, together with the building expertise of Milton Levin and his brilliant team, and with Robert Nossbaum who gained the financial backing to allow the renovation to go ahead in record time. We also thank all those who gave so generously. I would like to thank all those involved in the Bet Midrash committee who have worked hard and supported the work of the Bet Midrash.

BEIT MIDRASH Hesder Bachurim and Bnot Midrasha Beit Midrash team The Beit Midrash team was led by Doodie Bankier and the Rosh Midrasha, Dr. Michal Kaufman until August 2015, and the Hesder Bachurim. Since September 2015, Rav Danny Mirvis has led the

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Beit and Dr. Michal Kaufman has continued to lead the Midrasha. They were joined by a new team of Hesder Bachurim (Ariel Asper, Elron Bandel, Chagai Feigenbaum and Ori Markovich) and for the first time, two Bnot Midrasha (Sara Landau and Aviva Rosenbaum) – female Shlichot to work parallel to the Hesder Bachurim to promote women’s learning. WEEKLY PROGRAMS AND SHIURIM Chavrutot Throughout the week, the Bachurim and Bnot Midrasha have Chavrutot (one-on-one study sessions) with members of the community of all ages on a wide range of topics. The attendance and “buzz” of the Beit Midrash and Midrasha are greatly enhanced by these Chavrutot and the personal connections they help develop. These Chavrutot also provide a focal point for connections developed in Leibler Yavneh College, Bnei Akiva and elsewhere. Chill N’ Cholent

Every Thursday evening following Maariv, the “Chill n’ Cholent” tradition continues. 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. This event has become a spiritual highlight for many young adults in the community and many attend every single week, this also aids as a great social meeting place for young adults, who are not necessarily Madrichim.

Holy Bagel (in conjunction with Leibler Yavneh College) 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 Leibler Yavneh College and the students start off the week with Tefilah and Divrei Torah given by our Bachurim. Limonada Once a week during a lunchbreak in the Leibler Yavneh College courtyard, the Hesder Bachurim engage the Secondary students with thought-provoking study over a cup of lemonade. Off The Daf The Hesder Bachurim and Bnot Midrasha regularly enter the Secondary classrooms in order to lead “Off the Daf” informal study sessions, directly connected to the formal syllabus and the page of Gemara currently being studied. Cooperation between the informal and formal staff has been key in implementing this new program.

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Another platform for cooperation with the formal staff has been regular involvement of the Shlichim in the Jewish Studies classes. The Shlichim provide a valuable service for teachers, who invite them into their classrooms to lead small study groups in order to prepare or revise the regular class material. Year 6 Boys Every Thursday straight after Shacharit, the Bachurim learn together with the year 6 boys on a variety of topics relating to ethics and Jewish identity in a warm and engaging atmosphere. SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS THROUGH THE YEAR Rosh HaShana at Yavneh Ahead of Rosh HaShana, honey, other sweet items and a Simanim sheet were prepared and handed out to students at the entrance of the school. First Night Selichot – Tish To enter the atmosphere of Selichot, the Bachurim in conjunction with Leibler Yavneh College hosted a Tish in Beit HaRoeh, attended by many participants on their way to Selichot in Beit Yehuda. Divrei Torah between the uplifiting songs were given by Rav Danny Mirvis, Rabbi Noam Sendor and the Bachurim. Canberra Prior to Sukkot, the Bachurim spent a Shabbat in Canberra, where they led services, brought Ruach and shared Torah with the local community. Many thanks to Rabbi Alon and Lindsay Meltzer for coordinating the Shabbat. Sukkah-Box The Shlichim created an interactive “Sukkah-box” full of activities, quizzes and ideas for the family to enjoy throughout Sukkot. The boxes were handed out at the entrance of Yavneh ahead of the Chag. Open Sukkah Throughout Chol HaMoed Sukkot, the Bachurim welcomed visitors to their Sukkah, where they enjoyed learning, activities and home-made falafel. There were allotted times for target age-groups, as well as many visitors who popped by. Hoshana Raba - Leil Limmud On the night of Hoshana Raba, we had a night of learning at the Beit Midrash and Sukkah at Mizrachi, coordinated by Ronen Slonim. Despite strong competition from the Grand Final, the Leil Limmud attracted many participants who enjoyed the event. Solidarity with Israel As Israel was experiencing some challenging weeks and months, the Shlichim arranged a special assembly of solidarity with Israel, in addition to leading special tefillot and a day-long Seminar for Secondary school students to identify with and learn about the challenges facing Israel.

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Open Home for Bnei Akiva Madrichim Towards the end of Sukkot, the Bachurim invited all Bnei Akiva Madrichim to an evening in their home, in order to introduce themselves ahead of becoming Madrichim. BBQ for returning Shnaties 2015 All returning Shnaties were invited to the Bachurim’s home in order to ease their transition from their year away back into the community and the Beit Midrash. The event was led by all the Shlichim (Bachurim, Bnot Midrasha and Sheruties). Tu Bishvat Events

The annual Seder Tu BiShevat in memory of Malcolm Slonim z’l was well attended and enjoyed by all participants. Many thanks to Sonia Slonim who once again set the tables beautifully with fresh and dried fruits and other produce of the seven kinds. The Shlichim led the participants in song as together they read the “Tu BiShevat Haggada”, newly edited designed by this year’s Shlichim.

Sports Day In addition to their official programing, a large part of the Shilichim’s influence at school is through their informal interactions with students throughout the day and at special events. Helping out at Sport Day provided another great platform for connection and interaction with students in a fun environment. Segway to Torah In partnership with Bnei Akiva, the Summer holidays got off to a great start for the many school children who participated in daily Shacharit, breakfast and learning. Guided Chavruta time was followed by Shiurim presented by Rabbi Mirvis, Dr. Kaufman, Hesder boys and local Shlichim. The program boosted Shacharit attendance and had a positive knock-on effect for Beit Midrash participation in general. Camps The Shlichim 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 and attract new participants to the Beit Midrash. Hosting meals in homes Different year groups are invited to both homes (Hesder boys and Bnot Midrasha and Sheruties) during the year for special Shabbat meals filled by great food, singing, words of Torah and atmosphere. The girls’ have already hosted their first meal and a number of meals have been scheduled for both homes over the coming months. Shiurim in Midrasha The Bnot Midrasha have given regular Shiurim in the Midrasha as part of Dr. Michal Kaufman’s weekly Chabura, standing in for Rabbi Mirvis while he was away, and also special Shiurim targeting high school students by year level.

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Mishmar This special after-school program, led by the Bachurim and the Banot provided an extra opportunity for learning, friendship and fun. Pizza was provided, as well as food for thought. Mother-Daughter Learning In this fresh initiative led by the Bnot Midrasha, mothers and daughters come early to school on Friday mornings in order daven and learn together. On each occasion, the participants have studied different relevant topics in a forum that welcomes and promotes women’s learning. Daf Yomi, Mishna Yomit, Leining and Siyumim on Erev Pesach The Bachurim have supported regular communal activities and happily assisted when called upon, such as providing cover for Daf Yomi and Mishna Yomit in the absence of the regular presenters, leining and making two Siyumim for firstborns on Erev Pesach. The Bachurim and Bnot Midrasha also gave of some Rav Danny Mirvis’ regular Shiurim during his trip to Israel to recruit new Shlichim for next year. Purim The Shlichim brought great spirit to the school during the month of Adar as they led dancing during lunchbreaks and musical tefillot. Both in the Primary and Secondary schools, the Shlichim played a central role in the preparation of Mishlochei Manot and providing entertainment for the elderly as part of the school excursions. Pre-Pesach Women’s Chabura The Bnot Midrasha led a successful pre-Pesach women’s Chabura on Shabbat afternoon for mothers after they dropped off their children at Bnei Akiva. Chagim Leading up to each major festival, the Shlichim led activities in the Secondary school to set the tone, convey relevant messages and educate about the meaning and significance of the day. Mimuna Following Pesach, the Israeli Shlichim came together to host the annual Mimuna celebration, which was a wonderful expression of the cooperation between the Shlichim themselves and the connection between the Shlichim as a team and the community. A very large crowd enjoyed traditional Moroccan food, Australian chametz and a warm and festive atmosphere. Yom HaZikaron exhibition, Yom HaZikaron Tekasim and Yom Ha’Atzmaut Plans are well under way for the annual Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut events, where the unique perspectives and experiences of the Israeli Shlichim add an important dimension to communal activities and celebrations. The whole community is invited to sign up for the Yom HaZikaron exhibition, which promises to be a meaningful and fitting way to recognize the day. 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

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Torah V’Avodah. The Hesder boys become a part of the Bnei Akiva Tzevet helping to organise camps and events for the Chanichim, and also take part in the weekly sessions on Shabbat. Camps The Hesder boys took part in Bnei Akiva’s Summer Camps as Madrichim and as support staff for the camp’s Beit Midrash.

BNEI AKIVA Nathaniel Pizmony, Merakez Merakez Introduction It is my honor and pleasure to present to you the Bnei Akiva Annual Report at this year’s Mizrachi AGM. Bnei Akiva continues to be a vibrant and exciting part of our Jewish community. We pride ourselves on our education and ensuring that our chanichim leave Bnei on a Shabbat afternoon with a massive smile! We have been blessed to have incredible numbers this year, that aren’t able to compare to figures in the past. We have been welcoming between 390-410 kids every week to Bnei this year, and we can’t wait to continue inspiring them on a weekly basis. Bnei Akiva wouldn’t be able to run as efficiently as it does without the care and support of our Israeli Shlichim. Moriah, Shlomo, Hallel, Roi and Eden-Shira Ben-David. Their home is constantly open for meetings or just to chill and they provide a blueprint for the Bnei Akiva Melbourne Snif. We are incredibly excited for the extension of their contract into a third year and relish the opportunity to continue working with Moriah as our Shlicha as well as the Ben David’s as our extended Bnei Akiva family. It is obvious to see that our Madrichim work tirelessly putting together tochniot for their Chanichim. However, it is important to note that our efforts extend past the 2 hours on a Shabbat afternoon. The madrichim of our movement spend hours planning extra events for our chanichim as well for the wider community. This year we have 64 dedicated young adults who have chosen to give up their time for the movement. In this report we will outline the outstanding work they are involved in outside Bnei Akiva official times.

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As a community we must support each and every madrich who put time aside for our movement. Appreciate their efforts and thank them. Thank you for your continuous support of Bnei Akiva Melbourne. B’virkat Torah V’avoda

Renovations Something essential to our madrichim and chanichim involvement within our movement is how proud they do or do not feel about being a part of Bnei Akiva. This we feel is greatly impacted by the condition of our maon. If the place we are leading programs in looks like it hasn’t been cared for then that feeling of disregard transfers onto our participants, resulting in a lack of respect and a lack of pride for our movement and our values. In order to remedy this issue we decided to take a step towards redoing our maon. To date we have redone the couch room and transformed it into a kiddush room with beautiful wooden floors, which make it easier to clean up after our weekly programs. We have also closed up all the holes and gaps in the walls which were allowing rodents to enter the building, making it a cleaner and more inviting place for our madrichim and chanichim. We are currently in discussions about continuing on with the remainder of the building and look forward to transforming it bit by bit. Child Safety Programs This year we have been putting an enormous effort into ensuring that our madrichim have completed the necessary legal documents to participate as a madrich/a within the movement. This includes us building a database of every madrich/a’s contact details, photo ID, working with children checks, indemnity forms, AZYC Commitment statements and the like. We have further been encouraging madrichim to undergo First Aid training and are in discussions about revamping our approach to first aid over camp. Something else we have really pushed this year is ensuring that our madrichim have undergone the Australian Childhood Foundation’s Safeguarding Children Program as well as have attended our CSG training sessions. Additionally, we will be holding a pre-camp training program with different psychologists to discuss issues such as how to approach bullying and mental health issues that usually become more prominent in a camp environment. Mad Meetings Our Rosh Chinuch this year, Hadar Slonim has ensured that Madrich Meetings have been social, entertaining and informative. On Wednesday nights, before madrichim spend time together planning programs for Shabbat meetings, we spend an hour together addressing general Bnei business as well as trying to further our leadership skills. It was ensured that at the beginning of the year CSG came in to train our madrichim about appropriate security training and this was also done during Mad Meeting hours. Aside from this Professional training, we’ve been addressed by Doctor Dvir Abramovich, who is the head of the Anti-Defamation Commission. Mad Sem Before the Bnei Akiva year began, all the madrichim went away on a weekend together to discuss current Bnei issues as well as consider the future of our movement whilst we are the leaders. The group bonded over Shabbat as individuals got to know each other, or reignite friendships from previous years. The tzevet came back from Madrich Seminar with a sense of pride for their movement and were excited to give back to the community in leaps and bounds.

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Schools Over the past year and a bit, Bnei Akiva have visited Bialik College on several occasions, building a kesher with the students and the informal education department. Madrichim have participated in events over Chagim as well as a Shema initiative, educating students at Bialik about the importance of Shema and why we recite it. We are looking forward to continued exposure for Bnei Akiva, and allowing Bialik to have a better understanding for what we stand for. In regards to Yavneh and Scopus, we have kept up our usual school visits and helping the schools with events and activities over Chagim. Specifically, in regards to Scopus, our Madrichim are involved in the Beit Midrash sessions there before Chagim, teaching students about the ideas and concepts behind Jewish festivals. One initiative in particular done closely in conjunction with the school, was the Maot Chitim drive before Pesach. 15 Chanichim came down to CCare to help pack parcels for those in need over Pesach and then delivered the packages with their Madrichim. Bnei Akiva sees themselves as an important player in the schools, delivering informal education to Chanichim with strong backgrounds, but also encouraging kids to develop a connection to Judaism and Israel. Shevet Functions Madrichim plan special events for their kids, a few times a year. With many groups already taking this opportunity to spend quality time together on a Saturday or Sunday night. The Year 7 Boys played FIFA in the maon, whilst the Year 9 Girls and Year 6 Girls have both had movie nights with their Madrichot. In the coming weeks, some groups will go to the footy, and others will have special bonding events of their own. Mishelanu This year’s Pesach edition has been printed with 320 copies being distributed to shules around Melbourne. Filled with Divrei Torah across many Chagim, it is a great publication spreading the values of Bnei Akiva throughout our community. The Nitz Publication Our weekly Bnei Akiva publication has just been relaunched with our first issue being released over Yom Tov. Our editors Ike Curtis and Yaffa Bart will ensure that everyone will have news from Bnei Akiva to share at their Shabbat tables, with enjoyment and laughter. The ‘Nitz’ is published in several Shules around Melbourne, majority of them being places where our Chanichim and Madrichim daven with their parents. Bnei Akiva Minyan The Bnei Akiva Minyan is as strong as it has ever been. Numbers for Friday night and Shabbat morning are consistently high and the davening itself is quite inspirational. Madrichim and chanichim give Divrei Torah following every service without fail. A couple of weeks ago we organized a Friday night Kiddush for Gary Esterman, a long time and significant contributor to Bnei Akiva where we were joined by the wider community in honouring him. We invite all parents and families to join us upstairs, we promise that you will thoroughly enjoy. Limmud Junior Limmud entices Chanichim to come and learn with their Mads, talking about different characters in Tanach. Senior Limmud occurs dependent on the madrichim and their kids joining

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together at different times during the week, and filling the Beit Midrash with Torah noise! Source sheets are provided by our Roshei Limmud and these form the framework for their learning. Mishloach Manot This year our Mishloach Manot program reached new heights with us selling over 500 packages, exceeding last year’s sales. We were incredibly fortunate to have an extra month for planning due to the leap year which we believe may have contributed to our success. Additionally, this year we trialled a new system for Mishloach Manot where every bag was given an ID number which was then linked to their order number. This enabled us to keep track of every bag and ensure that none fell through the cracks. The highlight of course was seeing everything come to fruition, having the madrichim take part in physically putting the packages together and finally, on the night, seeing madrichim and chanichim enjoy the experience of delivering them whilst celebrating the chag. Pre Pesach Car Wash The Pre Pesach Car Wash is an incredible initiative which was introduced by last year’s hanhala. This year we focused on ensuring that each car was allocated adequate time to be cleaned thoroughly and that the appropriate equipment was hired for the job. This event proved to be a great success as attendees were pleased with our service and we received less complaints than last year. Pre Pesach BBQ The Pre Pesach BBQ is a staple event in the Bnei Akiva calendar. This year was a little difficult as we had not anticipated the weather and due to the nature of the event had limited undercover spaces for people to eat. However, we resolved this issue by opening up the rooms in the maon for community members. Something which worked really well this year was that we prepared some food before the event, which we kept on the hot plate for the event. This worked really well as we were able to keep up with orders and minimise the waiting time for attendees. Yomim We are currently in the lead up to many unique days in the Jewish/Zionist Calendar. We start with Yom Hashoa in the week following Pesach, then quickly succeeded by Yom Hazikaron, Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. Bnei Akiva Melbourne will participate in all community ceremonies, and will be represented at each of them. Aside from community events, we will be holding our own remembrance evening for Yom Hashoa, talking about the responsibility of the youth in carrying the stories of those who perished. Bneizing Race This year will see the sixth production of what is fast becoming an annual highlight: the Bneizing Race. Teams of Chanichim and 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! This event bonds madrichim and chanichim together, ensuring once again that connections go deeper than just a tochnit on a Shabbat afternoon.

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Lag Ba’Omer Carnival Every year Bnei hosts a communal bonfire in honour of Lag Ba’omer. This year we would like to focus on providing entertainment for all age groups and not only a younger demographic, making this event more enjoyable for senior and junior chanichim alike. Tikkun Leil Shavuot 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. Camp Preparations for this year's winter camp are in full swing with camp called for the 4th - 10th of July. Madrichim have already begun planning tochniot that will not only provide a fun and exciting camp atmosphere but also engage them in discussions about complex Jewish concepts and the like. We are excited to build on the record numbers from last camp, so please if you’re thinking of taking a holiday in July wait till camp has concluded. Hadracha Program This year our Hadracha program will be placing a stronger focus on the concept of leadership and what it takes to become a leader. The program will be divided into 3 parts, each part focusing on passion, organisation and implementation. The program will further be divided into theoretical and practical weeks so the chanichim will have the opportunity to discuss the different topics as well as implement what they are learning in the broader community as well as by taking Bnei on Shabbat. Additionally, the chanichim undergoing the Hadracha program will be leading over a 4 week period instead of being scattered throughout the year as past years have done. This will allow the chanichim to get a real taste as to what it’s like to be a Bnei Madrich/a and provide them with the opportunity to really enhance their skills. 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. We are currently in the process of sourcing a new supplier to ensure that our Arba Minim are of the best quality possible. 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 This year we will once again be hosting our annual Simchat Torah Dinner. The Simchat Torah Dinner is an incredible opportunity for the Bnei Akiva community to interact with Jewish youth from all over Melbourne to celebrate such an important date in the Jewish calendar. Additionally, the dinner provides a safe and joyous environment for the chanichim to celebrate this festival with energetic dancing and davening. The meal is free of charge and usually attracts around 300 Jewish youth from across Melbourne.

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Federal Bnei This year's Federal Hanhaga works closely with the Melbourne Leadership. They are the figure head of the Bnei Akiva snifim and liaise with the AZYC. They are led by the Federal Merakez, Romy Hersham. His team have been working hard on compiling a Machzor for Yom Haatmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. They ran a fundraising campaign before Pesach with Six South Parallel Wine and are busy planning Shabbatonim in Canberra and Brisbane for later this year. The Federal Team is focused on events connecting all the snifim around the country with specific emphasis on the Federal Camp at the end of the year. Shnat Currently the MTA kids in Israel have finished their Pesach program and are on Chofesh. The pre pesach seminar was a huge success as always, and so was the lively seder. Limmud recently got back from an incredible and powerful experience in Poland, back in time for a familial and comforting seder back together in Jerusalem. The progress for next year Shnat is running smoothly, the Melbourne info night was a big success and the Sydney and Perth ones are in the next week and are sure to follow suite. Leadership

2015 Moriah Ben-David (Shlicha), Benji Jones (Merakez), Gilad Cohen (Sgan Merakez), Rachel Joel (Gizbarit), Noa Bloch (Rosh Chinuch), Adam Pincus (Rosh Tarbut), David Rubin (Rosh PR), Nathaniel Pizmony (Rosh Minyan), Josh Jones (Mazkir). 2016 Moriah Ben-David (Shlicha), Nathaniel Pizmony (Merakez), Ziesel Vorchheimer (Sganit Merakez), Yoel Dodge (Gizbar), Hadar Slonim (Rosh Chinuch), Josh Jones (Rosh Tarbut), Jacob Joel (Rosh PR), Benny Menahem (Rosh Minyan), Ari Josefsberg (Mazkir).

BNEI AKIVA SHLICHIM Moriah & Shlomo Ben David In the past year and a half, we’ve been working in different circles: School, Bnei Akiva and the Community. The following is a summary of different aspects that we chose to focus on since the beginning of our shlichut. We’ve seen fruit from many of them, and we believe that we will continue seeing more fruit as we continue our shlichut for another year and a half.

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In Bnei-Akiva: Bnei-Akiva Melbourne: Professionalism – We are an Informal Education movement, but when working with people, especially youth and children, certain aspects must be taken seriously and professionally. That being said, it is a Youth Movement at the end of the day, and a balance of fun and seriousness needs to be kept. • Professional lecturers giving sessions to Madrichim. • Transparency with the community about what is going on. Monthly updates. Newsletters to parents. • Communication between Madrichim and Parents about special events, issues that are coming up from the weekly programs or just regular updates. • Info night for year 3 parents. • Mentoring Tzvatim (teams) of Madrichim. Every week we meet with groups of Madrichim and talk about what is going on in their Shevet and their Tzevet and discuss ways to improve. • Healthy and proper communication with the schools. Open channel with Heads of Informal Education Departments in Bialik, Scopus, Yeshiva/Beth Rivka and of course, Yavneh. • Writing policies for all aspects of Bnei Akiva, such as: Child protection, Camp, emergency action, allergies, etc. Inclusiveness – In the first few months in Melbourne, we felt that there was a need for opening the circles of Bnei, and allowing more Chanichim to feel included and comfortable in the movement. We’ve worked hard with Madrichim, parents, schools and the larger community to make this possible. We still have a long way to go, and we are aware that there are pros and cons to this process, but we believe that Bnei Akiva is all about ואהבת .and bringing Am Israel together ,לרעך כמוך • We met with the schools and even took part in running a committee of anti-bullying at Yavneh. • We have growing numbers of Chanichim from Yeshiva, BR, Scopus and public schools. • We took young adults who believed in the ideology of Bnei Akiva but don’t want to be madrichim, and kept them connected with the Super Tzevet. • Connections – We believe that building connections and relationships are a key factor to our Shlicut. We put a lot of effort and time in building these bonds. In order to make an impact, to influence, one must develop relationships and build connections. A Shlicha’s role doesn’t end when she/he goes back to Israel. Many Bogrim, Mads, Chanichim and community members are looking for a living connection to Israel. Chanichim in Shnat, Mads in university exchange, Bogrim who’ve made Aliya, people on holiday, all look for advice, assistance or just a friendly face while in Israel. • Ongei Shabbat, meals and informal connections to Madrichim and Chanichim. • Bnei Akiva Friday night davening is rocking and we are putting in much effort in keeping it that way, and making it better. The Tfillah brings in people from all ages and backgrounds. • “Shoresh” - Sunday Israeli style Tiyulim for Chanichim, Madrichim and community members. • Open house policy – Our house is open until odd hours of the night, almost every night, with Madrichim, Chanichim and Bogrim coming by, and leaving on a full stomach. We believe that this is crucial for a good shlichut. Even our kids know that they are shlichim and have helped us connect to different people.

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Federal Bnei Akiva As a Federal Bnei Akiva Shlicha, it has been my mission for the past year to strengthen the stature and understanding of its importance in the eyes of all Bnei Akiva Australia branches. When there is a strong Federal leadership and body, it impacts the interstate snifim and the connection to World Bnei Akiva. Initiatives that are running throughout the year stem from this idea. Shabatonim in Canberra and Adelaide. Shnat-Sem. A Machzor for Yom Yerushalaim, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut with articles and ideas from Chanichim and Madrichim from around Australia is being printed and distributed. More interstate dialogue and communication before camps and other events. Yavneh: • Shlomo led 2015’s informal events and curriculum. • He built a 6-year plan for the Informal Department of Yavneh. The program entailed a

structure in which each year builds up another facet of the student’s personality, spirituality and connection to Judaism and Israel.

• Shlomo has been teaching Gmara, Tanach and Chumash for years 7-10. • He teaches year 6 Tefillah. • Our shlichut is more meaningful and stronger from our connection to students at the school.

The work at school allows us to have a deeper relationship with Chanichim and by that, to influence, advise and support them.

Mishlachat • As part of the Jewish Agency mishlachat, we have different roles in the Zionist Council of

Victoria and Zionist Federation of Australia. • Last year I was on the committee of events and helped with planning the Yom Ha’atzmaut

festival. • This year I’m the Shlicha of the ZYC, the roof body for all Zionist movements in Melbourne. It

consists of all Youth Movement Merakzim. • There are 2 main events that the ZYC runs: • Tikkun Leil – On Shavuot night all Melbourne Zionist movements come to Bnei Akiva and learn

during the night. • Jamboree – Year 10 and 11 Chanichim meet over a weekend with other Zionist movement

Chanichim and discuss the movement’s ideology and ideas. We will be extending our shlichut until July 2017, and we feel that what we’ve done so far, and what we will be able to achieve is thanks to our source of strength: the Chanichim, our Madrichim, the incredible leadership of Bnei Akiva, the community and friends’ support and the leadership of Mizrachi, specifically Ian Waller, who’s put much effort to help us along the way.

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Building Chairman’s Report Robert Nossbaum After 12 years as Building Chairman, Nathan Cher, has stepped down from this role. He was an extremely dedicated chairman and instigated many successful projects during his tenure. I hope that I will be able to follow in his footsteps. The theme last year was security, and as all would be aware, new fencing perimeters, new entrances, video surveillance, guard house and internal courtyard were installed at Balaclava Road. At long last, the brass plaques were affixed to seats and areas recognising all the generous donors. The core buildings at Balaclava Road are over 40 years old, and the administration building is over 80 years old. Unfortunately, we do not have capital reserves or funding from donors to make meaningful improvements to our existing buildings and that also require ongoing maintenance needs. This is a major problem for the Mizrachi organisation. We need proper planning and major donations in order to:- • Address the age of our existing building • To replace structures • To enlarge our current inadequate hall and kitchen • To address (BH a good problem to have), the continual call to better use the spaces for our

various groups. • Relocation of the Yael Miriam Bloch Succah. • Review the seating in the Bet Yehudah Shul, particularly the ladies section. • Address the Hesder Boys house which needs major refurbishment. • Address the dilapidated administration building on the Balaclava premises. During my short tenure, the following 2 projects have been completed:- • Reupholster and repair over 50 seats in the upstairs Bet Yehuda Shul ladies section. • Refurbish the Bet Midrash which is now a beautiful internal building thanks to the wonderful

work that Milton Levin did and from the generous donations made by various donors.The Bet Midrash has been such a run away success under the leadership of Rabbi Mirvis, that it is at over full capacity on a regular Shabbat. This group is the future of our Mizrachi community.

We are now looking at doing the following projects:- • Swapping the Bet Midrash and the Bet Haroeh on Shabbat and Yom Tov. The initial trial held

on Shabbat 16/04/16 was a success for both members of the Bet Haroeh and the Bet Midrash. • Installing an electronic display board in the Shul lobby, Bet Yehuda Shul and Bet Midrash for

Tephilla times, announcements etc. The display will be controlled by the administration office. One will also be able to install an app on one's smart phone to access all this information.

• Pram storage area • Accommodation for the Hashkama Minyan for its morning shiur and kiddish.

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• Audio / Visual Screen in the Bet Midrash. In conclusion, I would like to echo what Nathan Cher has previously said. • The lack of a professional executive director for the Mizrachi organisation puts too much

burden on the lay leadership who are required to look at the running of the organisation at a MICRO level rather than at a MACRO level.

• The decision making process of our executive and committee needs to be streamlined. The current system is too cumbersome and time consuming for our lay leadership.

• The need to attract major donors in order to update and upgrade the facilities at the Mizrachi Balaclava Campus.

Charity Fund Yvonne Korbl, Administrator During 2015, The Mizrachi Charity Fund Ltd provided much needed regular financial aid to vulnerable members of the Mizrachi-Yavneh Family and the wider Jewish Community of Melbourne.

Significant pockets of financial disadvantage exist within the orthodox community and beyond it. Mizrachi does not discriminate to whom assistance is provided. Each applicant is assessed according to individual need and very often, applicants are referred to us from other welfare providers.

Whilst there are a number of Jewish welfare organisations dedicated to helping the most vulnerable, we are receiving referrals at an alarming rate. This does not only indicate that the need is growing but also that some providers have by choice decided to direct their assistance elsewhere and therefore, there is a never-ending void to fill.

Increasingly, Mizrachi Charity is seen as an important adjunct to assist those in genuine need. Indeed, we work closely with other service providers and are particularly grateful for the warm and professional relationship we share with the Melbourne Jewish Charity Fund. It is of enormous benefit to many of our mutual clients who are able to receive coordinated assistance.

On a monthly basis, The Mizrachi Charity Fund Ltd is gifting approximately $13,000 towards food subsidies, accommodation subsidies, medical assistance and for the payment of utilities.

The increasing costs of food, fuel, housing, medical care & child care impact single-parent families and aged pensioners most significantly. However, illness or unemployment can also wreak havoc on a family’s budget and we are often approached for temporary or sporadic help.

Whilst we state our assistance is not long-term, there are families who have been recipients of the

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Fund – in one form or another - for a number of years.

Yom Tov assistance in the form of Coles food vouchers (or less often, cash) is distributed on Purim and prior to Pesach and Rosh Hashanah.

Interest-free loans are also made available and occasionally requested to prop up a struggling business, pay for a child’s wedding, or for educational purposes in order to guarantee better employment or career prospects.

We would be unable to meet our obligations without the generous support of our donors who ensure that we meet our commitments year after year.

Additionally, gifts made in honour of a simcha or the contributions made daily in shule, are wonderful boosts to our budget. The smallest gesture can often make the biggest impact in one’s life and your donations are always so very appreciated. Thank you!

Elsternwick Jewish Community Chairman’s Report Mark Kras, Chairman Another year seems to be over in record time. I don’t quite understand the correlation between getting older and time going faster but it certainly holds true! As a Shule it is important to present interesting and diverse activities to celebrate Jewish life. As well as providing regular weekday and Shabbat services, at EJC we do our bit to acknowledge significant Jewish occasions. In particular I would like to mention a few of the outstanding programmes that were held this year. The Tikkun Leil Shavuot was special. We started off with a beautifully catered dinner followed by an expert panel of speakers on the topic of “Jews and Justice”. This was followed by stimulating talks on a range of topics, given by various members of our own Kehilla, which were all well researched and well presented. Our Tisha B’Av programme incorporated a visit to the Jewish Museum in order to acknowledge the Jewish contribution to World War One. Also, the highly successful “Judaism Decoded” and “Journey of the Soul” series were wonderfully presented and attended by EJC members and the broader community. We are a small community and we are blessed with a dynamic Rabbi and a wonderful congregation. However we are not without our challenges. Issues such as growing the community, participation numbers in the morning Minyan and Kabbalat Shabbat services, and managing generational change are some of the matters that we face. Another issue is respect between each other. While we pride ourselves on being a relaxed and friendly Shule there are moments when frictions arise. It is important to remember that while differences of opinion always exist in the Jewish world, without respect for one another we are left with very little.

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Being chairman would be impossible without a great deal of support from the Kehilla. In particular, thanks to Rabbi and Chaya Cowen, our dynamic duo! Their enthusiasm, creativity and leadership, ensures that we have a meaningful and fun experience at EJC. At EJC we are lucky that we have a committee that provides great service. Thanks to Sally-Ann Jaye, our Shule secretary, who gives tireless support. Lorraine Fantl does a great job as Treasurer. Our Gabbaim, Elan

Jacobs and Bryan Winthrope work tirelessly throughout the year, and keep the services running smoothly. Also thanks to Robbie Wyner and Helen Silberg who have arranged our functions so well. Ken Shapiro and Tom Slomovic manage our security, Alex Muller for doing an amazing job running catering and Dennis Max for running membership. Beyond the committee there are a number of people that regularly give to the Kehilla in various ways and their contributions are greatly appreciated. Also a special mention to our Ba’al Koreh, Daniel Lowinger, who has an amazing voice, and we are very lucky to have him. I am very proud that even though we are a small Kehilla, we manage to have a regular weekday morning Minyan. Kol Hakovod to all those who make our weekdays special! Finally thanks to my family, Judy and David for their support and understanding while taking on this role. I look forward to an even better 2016 EJC when we look forward to celebrating the 25th year anniversary of the Shule!

Emunah – World Religious Zionist Women’s Organisation Susan Boltin, President During 2015 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 consciousness-raising 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

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include Midreshet Be’er Emunah 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 Pardes Hana. For a complete list, including donors, please visit the World Emunah website www.worldemunah.com 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 2015 Emunah Aviv, our senior group, continued to function under the leadership of Brigetta Paneth. The annual Brochure, once again coordinated by Elaine Bloch-Jaffe, was combined with the program for the Purim Spiel. 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 2015 was Emunah Hillel’s production of the Purim Spiel under the leadership of Talia Boltin. Substantial audiences over four 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 Shul, continued to attract a loyal group of participants. The shiurim were organised by Naomi Bloch and Romy Prins, 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 Natalie & Isaac Teller, with Rabbi Aharon Adler addressing the topic “Faith in Trying Times – Emunatcha Ba’Lailot.” Emunah joined a coalition of Melbourne’s Jewish women’s organisations in the “Unchain My Heart” project to promote the cause of agunot, holding a function on World Agunah Day and another with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. We also co-hosted a lecture by Isi Leibler who discussed the political situation in Israel. A very successful preview screening of “The Prime Ministers Part 2” was held at the Classic Cinemas to a sell-out audience, and Emunah hosted a pre-wedding evening in honour of the marriage of Rivki Cowen to Raphael Leibler. Rounding out our activities for the year, many families supported us by joining in our annual Rosh Hashana Greetings project, and in addition we extend warm appreciation to all those members of our community who chose to share their personal smachot with us.

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As always, our thanks go 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 Melbourne Eruv Roles Mr David Prins was appointed to the position of Melbourne Eruv Administrator in 2013. He has continued to perform admirably in a seamless transition from his predecessor, Dr Peter Kloot z”l. It is now almost one year since Dr Kloot was niftar. Dr Kloot served Melbourne Eruv and the wider community in exemplary fashion with total commitment, dedication and efficiency. His contribution to the establishment and operation of the Melbourne Eruv was inestimable, and he is sorely missed. Mr Yossi Aron has recently retired from his role as mashgiach with Melbourne Eruv. Yossi has served the Jewish community in many capacities, all with distinction, for several decades, and has served Melbourne Eruv through the COSV for 20 years. Yossi has agreed to remain on the Board in an advisory capacity, and will continue to assist with operational matters when needed. The Board thanks Yossi for his significant contribution, and looks forward to his continuing participation. I am taking over Yossi’s role as mashgiach. Mr Mark Sarachik of AccSolve Pty Ltd is the Melbourne Eruv bookkeeper and Treasurer. All past and present office holders are thanked for their dedication to Melbourne Eruv. Funding of Eruv Maintenance 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. A larger eruv requires greater inspection time, additional infrastructure, and hence more maintenance. Each extension increases the cost of repairs and maintenance, as well as the need to replace ageing infrastructure such as lechis (usually conduits/pipes) and wires. The maintenance and operation of the Melbourne Eruv is undertaken by Melbourne Eruv Pty Ltd, which was formed through an agreement between Mizrachi and the Council of Orthodox Synagogues (COSV). Melbourne Eruv Pty Ltd is reliant on being fully funded by the COSV to undertake this important work, which has ensured that the Eruv has been fully functional every single week since its inception in 1997. Without this funding, the Eruv could not continue to operate. The COSV funds Melbourne Eruv through a levy on seat holders in shules that are members of the COSV. Not all shules belong to the COSV, and not all those who use the Eruv are shule seat holders. It is important that every shule that is not a COSV member should make a special donation to the running of the Eruv, as otherwise their members are “freeloading”. Similarly, families and individuals who use the Eruv and are not shule seat holders should be encouraged to make voluntary donations to the costs of maintaining the Eruv from which they are benefitting.

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Halachic Authorities Rabbi Gavriel Zinner from the U.S. is the international posek for the Melbourne Eruv having succeeded Rabbi Shimon Eider z”l. He has visited Australia several times in this capacity, participating in meetings and inspections of the current Eruv infrastructure. He has given his approval both to the way in which the Eruv has been constructed and to our weekly procedures for inspections and repairs. Rabbi Zinner has also advised Melbourne Eruv on a planned extension across Dandenong Road. This extension will incorporate within the Eruv, where practicable, sites of significance such as Cabrini Hospital as well as Malvern Chabad. The previous proposed route for the extension is currently being re-planned due to changes in the electricity supply infrastructure (poles and wires) on which Melbourne Eruv relies. Citypower, United Energy and Optusvision were original major sponsors of Melbourne Eruv and we are grateful for their continued support and assistance. Changes in regulations are also impacting on our proposed route. Once a new route is confirmed to be practical, technical drawings and specifications will be required to be submitted to the relevant infrastructure owners for approval. When we have an approved route, we will be able to obtain costings for the extension, and proceed to capital fundraising prior to construction. For the last ten years, the routine local operation of Melbourne Eruv was under the joint halachic guidance of Rabbi Sprung as Rav of Mizrachi and as nominee of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, and Rabbi Beck of Adass Yisroel. On several occasions, Dayan Katz of Adass Yisroel has made on-site visits at very short notice to resolve halachic issues when called upon by the Melbourne Eruv Administrator. On each of these occasions, our Administrator has received a psak halacha from Rabbi Beck to enable the Eruv to continue to operate. Melbourne Eruv has greatly appreciated the commitment and assistance of Rabbi Beck and Dayan Katz at all times. The Board is seeking to appoint a local rabbi to replace Rabbi Sprung as Rav Hamachshir, alongside Rabbi Beck. Weekly Inspections, Maintenance and Community Notification The Eruv is inspected every Thursday by representatives of the Kollel Bet HaTalmud and Adass Yisroel, together with Jeff Herz and David Prins. Inspections are held earlier in the week when yom tov occurs at the end of the week. This past year involved an additional inspection for the midweek occurrence of Yom Kippur, which will happen again in the coming year. Two teams, each comprising a mashgiach and driver, inspect the Eruv each week. The Eruv Administrator has recruited and managed training for several new mashgichim and drivers to replace those who have retired, and to ensure that there are sufficient trained personnel available to cover for absences. He has thus ensured that these vital roles continue to be carried out every week. Each team reports its findings to the Eruv Administrator, who in turn informs our dedicated contractor Ian Taylor of I R Constructions whether any repairs are required. Ian is an accredited linesman who is very reliable, very understanding of how the Eruv needs to be maintained, and committed to ensuring the kashrut of Melbourne Eruv. Most weeks, the Eruv does not require maintenance. When a repair is required, it is usually to replace a lechi (post) brushed by a passing vehicle. When a power company replaces an electricity pole bearing a lechi, we generally have to reposition the lechi correctly to ensure the Eruv remains

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kosher. Some maintenance is also necessitated through fair wear and tear, as some of the infrastructure is now almost 20 years old. The Eruv contractor notifies the Administrator when repairs are complete. The Administrator then personally checks that all repairs are satisfactory before declaring the Eruv kosher for that week. When the Administrator is satisfied that the Eruv is kosher, he updates the status for that week on the COSV website. Email and text messages are then sent to all who have registered to receive them. A green flag is raised outside Mizrachi to indicate that the Eruv is kosher. The administrators of Emmanuel’s Group play a part in notifying the community that the eruv is kosher through their large email database. This enhances dissemination of the Eruv status, and is

appreciated by the Board. It is important that members of the community wanting to use the Eruv obtain positive confirmation through one of the above channels every week. Equally important for those intending using the Eruv outside the “greater Caulfield area”, that they are familiar with the boundaries and which side of the street they should walk on. It is appropriate to reiterate that at this stage Cabrini Hospital is outside the Eruv and those walking to St. Kilda Shule via Alma Road need to walk along the footpath on the south side between Alexandra Street and Chapel Street. A map of the Eruv can also be viewed on the COSV website, www.cosv.org.au Relationships with External Infrastructure Owners The Administrator has established very good relationships with the infrastructure owners on whom Melbourne Eruv relies. He has again worked with them to avoid circumstances that would have led to the Eruv not being kosher for some weeks.

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Kehilat Ohr David Ora-Tali Korbl, Chairperson The KOD AGM was held in October 2015 and it was very uplifting that there were a number of candidates running for the various leadership positions. Thank you to this year’s committee members for embracing their roles and responsibilities: Yoel Rosenbaum – Vice Chairperson Gilad Katz – Treasurer Claire Gomo – Events Rachelli Shnider - Events Avital Seifman - PR Shmuli Wenig – Gabbai Jeremy Herz – Gabbai Nathan Joel – Hospitality Shira Wenig – Youth Services Shoshi Berkowitz – Kiddush Eli Goodhardt - Kiddush November 2015 • We had a strong start to the year with our launch function on 2 November 2015.

The cocktail function was from 7:30pm until 11:45pm at Spirit Station Pier and Roquette Catering catered. Ora-Taliand Rav Danny gave brief addresses. We had a DIY photobooth and Josh Gurgiel and Eli Grynberg did a short stand-up comedy piece. Over 150 people attended and the committee received very positive feedback.

• We had our first ‘Semi-Carlebach’ minyan on 13 November 2015. This ‘half Carlebach/half ‘normal’’ minyan was to encourage attendance without compromising anyone’s experience. This was a success and resulted in an ‘encore’ the following week.

• The committee proactively sought sponsorship for all kiddushim during this month to save money. Peoples’ eagerness to support the minyan in this regard is very encouraging.

• At the end of November, our treasurer Gilad Katz made an application to Caulfield Park Community Branch of Bendigo Bank for a grant. The minyan is mindful that ‘independent’ fundraising to supplement the budget we receive from Mizrachi is required in order to implement all of our initiatives and to set us up for the future.

December 2015 • Despite many committee members and mitpalelim being away this month, we had a 30-strong

turn out to our ‘Ladies Chanukka Get-together’ on 10 December 2015 from 8:30pm until 9:30pm. Rebbetzin Althea hosted at their home and light snacks/refreshments were served. Althea gave a drasha and we lit Chanukka candles together. The committee received positive feedback – especially from mothers who were able to bring their babies along.

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• 3 out of 4 kiddushim were sponsored this month. January 2016 • Again, there were a number of people away this month. Regardless, we had 80 people attend

our outdoor cinema ‘Summer Sesh’ event at Lido on the Roof. We screened the ‘Sabina’ hijacking movie and attendees received a popcorn and drink combo. This was another successful event and we received positive feedback regarding the diverse nature of our events.

• Pending the return of many of our mitpalelim from their holidays, the committee decided that our Friday night minyan would join Beit Yehuda and we would not put on kiddushim. This was a wise decision and did not have any detrimental effect on our numbers.

February 2016 • We had the first of ‘KODSeudah3’ seudah shlishit series, generously sponsored by

Rafi Lamm. We closed the partitions to create a functional space at the back of the Beit Midrash and we filled this space with approximately 50 people. Thank you to Yehuda Gottlieb who gave a dvar torah.

• With Shabbat day numbers growing (we have a regular attendance of over 100 people), we changed the shul layout to maximise capacity and received very positive feedback in this regard.

• 3 out of 4 kiddushim were sponsored this month. March 2016 On 23 March 2016, we ran our Purim Glow function at Yavneh Hall and are proud to have had a

record attendance of over 180 people and very positive feedback about the function. Conscious of our diverse demographic and community involvement, we ran our KOD Family

Purim Party on 24 March 2016 from 2:30pm at Jewish Care’s Munzer Residences. Shabbat day numbers were maintained consistently at 120 and comments have been made by

people who have not come to shule in years that the vibe is great and that they will start coming back as a result.

• Childrens' Services commenced this month and attracted families who do not regularly attend. This is a key area of growth for the minyan

• All kiddushim were sponsored this month. April 2016 • Following very positive feedback, we have continued to run our KODSeudah3 seudah shlishit

series. • We received positive feedback regarding our trial swap with Beit Haroeh General • We publish a weekly newsletter with minyan times, information about our upcoming events

and programs and contact details for hospitality purposes. Over 350 people subscribe to our newsletter.

• Ongoing partnership with the Beit Midrash and in particular, Rav Danny’s weekly CBD ‘Lunch n Learn’ sessions on Thursdays, and Rav Chezy’s weekly ‘Torah in our Times’ shiur on Monday nights.

We celebrate those mitpalelim who make AIiyah by presenting the Olim with a gift and dedicating part of the weekly drasha dedicated to them.

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The committee resolved to make "Hospitality" a committee position and to prioritise looking

out for visitors and new members to cultivate an inviting and inclusive community. We look forward to working with Bnei Akiva to ensure a steady flow of ‘grass roots’

membership and leadership.

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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 2015. It is with much sadness that I commence my annual report recording the passing of Dr Peter Kloot. Peter was our long serving Kashrut Administrator of approximately sixteen years, whilst at the same time holding the demanding position of Mizrachi’s Executive Director. As I wrote at the time of Peter’s Shloshim, I had the privilege and the honour to work closely with Peter. He worked tirelessly for Kashrut during his time as its Administrator. He saw opportunities to make it grow and took them; and he laid the foundations which have secured all of the progress made by Kosher Australia. After he retired from Mizrachi, he never stopped his involvement in Kashrut. He accepted my invitation to join the Board and shared his knowledge and experience, but most importantly, he always offered me his wise counsel and did whatever he could to assist. Even during his illness, I would sit with him and discuss the latest Kashrut issues. As his health deteriorated and his ability to discuss with me became more challenging, he still managed to find a way to express to me his thoughts. Indeed when I sat with him just a few days before he was niftar, we “discussed” one of the latest issues at Kosher Australia. Somehow I felt that even with his physical limitations he was still helping me through the matter. Peter was instrumental in helping so many people to have the ability to keep the mitzvah of Kashrut. His untiring efforts will impact on generations into the future. I have no doubt that when the history of Kashrut in Australia is written the name of Peter Kloot will feature prominently. His contribution to Mizrachi and to Kashrut was outstanding. Kosher Australia is extremely proud to be part of Peter’s legacy. On behalf of Rabbi Gutnick, the Board and staff of Kosher Australia, I express our sincerest condolences to Shosh, Laura, Paul and Debbie, and I am sure you know, that Peter was held in high esteem by all who came into contact and who worked with him and he has truly left an exemplary name. Also during the year, Jack Goldberg passed away. Jack, together with Eva have been caterers under Kosher Australia for a very long time. Jack and Eva have been extremely supportive and generous towards Mizrachi, Emunah and Bnei Akiva. On behalf of Rabbi Gutnick, the Board and staff of Kosher Australia, I express our sincerest condolences to Eva, Michael and Rachelle.

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Late in 2015, Christine Stone decided to retire after nearly seventeen years with Kosher Australia. Christine’s last couple of years were part time, yet her input and influence on our daily activities was enormous. We wish her well in her retirement with her husband Graham and her family. Early in 2015 the Australian Senate decided to hold an enquiry into Third Party Food Certification. The enquiry was set up to examine the process of all types of food certification, including Kashrut. The Senate Economics References Committee called for submissions from all interested parties to make written submissions and subsequently to make an oral presentation. Under the auspices of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, we together with the Kashrut Authority in Sydney and KAWA of Perth, put in a joint submission. I record the input of our colleagues in Sydney and Perth and the enormous coordinating efforts of Peter Wertheim, the Executive Director of ECAJ. We were subsequently invited to make an oral presentation before the Senate Committee. As the hearing day was a Friday in August, we obtained dispensation from the Committee to present our submissions by a teleconference between Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and New York, where Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick was visiting. We were given an hour to present and to answer a wide range of probing questions from the Senators. The final report of the Committee was very positive from the Kashrut point of view. 2015 saw another year of continued growth at Kosher Australia. As the year progressed we were able to certify a range of additional foods to our list including cereals, chips, yoghurts, sauces and a variety of health food bars, just to name a few. With each new product there are many hours behind the scenes of intense work by our dedicated team at Kosher Australia. We have continued to send our investigative staff across the country and overseas to make sure that the products are manufactured in accordance with our standards. 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 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. Over the past few years I have reported about our strong presence at Coles. Elsternwick Coles has continued its production of freshly cooked kosher chickens three days a week. The quantity of chickens sold continues to grow and together with the sale of fresh fish under our supervision our presence in Coles Elsternwick is growing. Woolworths in Malvern and Balaclava, having seen the value in the shelf labelling, has now engaged Kosher Australia to mark its shelves in the same manner as we do at Coles. So has Aunt Maggies in Malvern and Victoria Fruit Palace. In addition both Coles and Woolworths have continued to stock and sell a large selection of kosher goods including an extension range of Continental Kosher Butchers’ meat. Pesach 2015 saw us provide supervision to Unger Catering, Klein’s, and Kimberley. In addition our Pesach Guide was larger than previous years, again evidencing the greater demand from the community. The year saw the opening of Spot On, Yo Ziggy, Mama Falafel Elsternwick and Coco Mama.

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During the year our team travelled 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 which has resulted in 18,497 products being

certified. This involved carrying out audits at 487 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 Zealand communities. I also acknowledge the cooperation from the Rabbis Friedler and Mizrahi from the Auckland and Wellington communities respectively and 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 that Kosher Australia takes seriously its community service role. 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. As I reported in last year’s report, it was announced in December 2014 that Rabbi Sprung would be returning to his family in the United States. Rabbi Sprung left in mid April 2015. Rabbi Sprung was a member of the Rabbinic Board of Kosher Australia during his time in Melbourne. On his departure we have restructured the Rabbinic Board to include other Rabbis in an advisory capacity. 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 Mordy Heonders, our Operations Manager, Mr. Chaim Silcove, Rabbi Baskin, Rabbi Schreek, Mrs. Gail Goldberg, Mrs. Rita Broner and Chaya Amzalak I am pleased to report that all of our staff work with absolute dedication and commitment to ensure that the highest standards are achieved.

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I also acknowledge the assistance of Ms Rae Bower of the Mizrachi Office for her assistance and support to our team. I am grateful for the support we receive from Daniel Solomon and his staff at the Elsternwick finance office. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated work of our team who work with Continental Kosher Butchers. I appreciate the assistance of our Shochtim Avraham Krinsky, Moshe Hanovitch and Rabbi Goldzweig. Our Mashgichim, Rabbi Nocham Goodman, Rabbi Shusterman, Rabbi Mydlasz, Mr. Dzienciol and Mr. Bonder all of whom continue to carry out their duties to the highest standards thereby ensuring that our meat supply is in accordance with all halachic requirements. In addition Kosher 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. I also wish to record our appreciation to Mr. Doodie Bankier, who assists in further developing our technological advancements. To my colleagues who have served on the Board of Kosher Australia, Dr Menachem Broner, Mr. David Brykman, Sue Korbl, Robert Lebovits, Michael Lewis, Ben Slonim, Ezra May 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. David Brykman 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.

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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.

Leibler Yavneh College Report Avi Gilboa, Chairman I am delighted to present this report for consideration to the members of Mizrachi. The 2015 year was another successful year for the College. We are proud of the achievements of our students and look forward to your sustained support so that we can continue to deliver our unique offering to the community. Strategic Plan Following the launch of our November 2014 Strategic Plan, management has dedicated significant effort over the last 12 months to implementation of the various initiatives outlined in the College’s strategic roadmap. Staff’s performance management KPI’s have been linked directly to achievement of those initiatives and as outlined at length in Principal Steinman’s 2015 Speech Night address, there has been significant tangible progress in achieving stated milestones. Realising a strategic plan requires time, commitment and sustained effort. The College Board remains steadfast in its obligation to pursue the College’s vision to be Melbourne’s pre-eminent Jewish Day School: developing the characters, enriching the intellects, and engaging the souls of outstanding, Torah and Israel-committed youth. General We are pleased to report that the school program continues to be strong. We are particularly proud of our 2015 VCE class who have again ensured that our College was ranked among the very top schools in the State. Importantly, a significant proportion of the graduating class of 2015 have chosen to spend their gap year in Israel in intensive Torah learning, IDF service or Bnei Akiva programs. No less important are the numbers of Yavneh alumni who are involved as Madrichim in Bnei Akiva, Australia’s largest and most successful Zionist youth movement. The decisions our students make in relation to their post-high school experience reflect directly upon the success of the Yavneh product.

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The college spent much time during the year working with Child Wise to audit and develop a best practise approach to child safety and protection. The enormous efforts expended during 2015 culminating in the college being certified as a “Child Safer School”. We were the first school within the Jewish Day School system to receive this important milestone. The appointment of a new Limmudei Kodesh Head was a very important milestone for the school. Mrs Shula Lazar will be deeply missed by the college, however I am thrilled that we have secured the leadership of as talented an educator as Rabbi Chaim Cowen. Abeles-Liberman Early Learning Centre During 2014, we announced the retirement of our ELC Head, Nava Miller and the appointment of her replacement, Mrs Charlene Orwin. Whilst Nava will also be missed, I am pleased to report that Charlene has already had an enormously positive impact on the ELC program, integrating the crèche and kindergartens and working closely with primary school management to build a seamless educational experience for our children during the early years of their Yavneh experience. Charlene is a highly experienced professional, and having sent all three children to Yavneh, she has a deep understand of our culture and value system. The decision to develop a crèche at 81 Balaclava Road has proven to be extremely wise, with extremely high room utilisation, reflecting strong parent satisfaction with the offering. We believe that the Creche will continue to serve as an important entry point for families joining the Yavneh community and, in many instances, a very favourable introduction to our organisation’s philosophy and values. Building works at the site remain a topic of ongoing discussion and we look forward to working with the various stakeholders to ensure that 81 Balaclava Road is optimally configured to meet their multiple needs. Finances The College Board remains absolutely committed to maintaining a budget neutral position and continues to be successful in this regard. The efforts required to balance the prohibitive costs of private education for families, offer our hardworking teachers competitive inflation-adjusted salaries, and continually invest in our physical infrastructure cannot be underestimated. David Fisher and Daniel Solomon are to be commended for their disciplined approach to their cost management, debt recovery and general fiscal responsibility. Their efforts enable our ongoing policy of seeking to ensure that no Jewish child should miss out on a Jewish education for reasons of financial wherewithal. Fees remitted, deferred and forgone place an enormous strain on the college budget and this will continue to be a major issue for the school and broader community to address. Our college requires more financial support from the Mizrachi membership and from the broader community. I remain concerned that our membership and the broader community do not appreciate how much investment the college expends in providing heavily subsidised private schooling for the financial underbelly of the Melbourne Jewish Community. Simply put, Yavneh continues to fundamentally alter the course of many of our students lives due to the privilege of a private education granted. No other school has a more generous and responsible approach to fee subsidies – I am enormously proud of that fact (“Im Ani Le’Atzmi Ma Ani?”) however I am equally cognizant that it is a moral pledge that the entire community needs to fund. Greater financial support will mean we can execute our vision. Without your support, it is simply impossible.

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With this in mind, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Yavneh Foundation under the leadership of Benjamin Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer. They have significantly lifted the Foundation’s contributions to the college budget since they assumed their role. I would like to pay tribute not only to them, but in particular, to those Foundation members who continue to renew their memberships because they believe in what this college stands for. Principal As outlined in my recent letter to the College community, Principal Roy Steinman has announced that he does not intend to seek to renew his contract when it expires in December 2016. Roy has made an indelibly positive impact on Yavneh and has numerous achievements to include as part of his legacy at the College. This community owes him a debt of gratitude and will have the opportunity to formally express their appreciation in coming months. We have embarked on an exhaustive international and domestic executive search to find a new Principal and are optimistic that an announcement will be made in coming months. The College Executive is acutely aware of its responsibility to ensure that the best leader available is appointed to oversee continued success at Yavneh. Thanks I would like to take this opportunity to thank Roy Steinman along with his senior management team Rabbi Chaim Cowen, Terry Crothers , Renee Dabschek, David Fisher, Pnina Landau, Esther Meltzer, Yianna Pullen, Daniel Solomon, and all of the College staff for their dedication to the welfare and success of our children. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our Executive for their hard work and dedication through 2015. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the members of the Executive including Treasurer Mark Franks, Mizrachi President Ian Waller, Daniel Parasol, Ilana Wald, Michelle Rubin, and Jeremy Leibler. I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the Yavneh Parents Organization led by Karen Franks and Tammy Slade. We acknowledge the contribution the YPO makes to the College both financially and in building the school community. Conclusion Leibler Yavneh College is an integral part of the Mizrachi Organisation and plays an irreplaceable role in the Melbourne Jewish community. It is an incredible school with clear objectives as set out in our strategic plan. The College faces very real challenges and opportunities and we hope that our focus and strategy, strong leadership at management level together with the support generally from different levels of the community will ensure another successful year in 2016. We are proud of our offering, our philosophy and look forward to your ongoing commitment and support in continuing to perform our role in this community, with the end result being outstanding graduates that we are all proud of.

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Leibler Yavneh College Principal’s Report Roy Steinman VCE 2015 I am very proud to record our outstanding 2015 VCE results and congratulate our students, their parents and our wonderful teachers, who continue to go “above and beyond” in so many ways. • 51% of the class placed in the top 10% of the State • 5% of students placed in the top 1% of the State (ATAR score 99 and above) • 24% of students placed in the top 5% of the State (ATAR score 95 and above) • Spectacularly, 41% of students achieved an ATAR of 93 or more. • Mazal tov to Gabriel Strum, the Dux of the College for 2015, with an ATAR score of 99.2. • We particularly congratulate Batya Maron for achieving a perfect score of 50 in Psychology. This year, our proportion of results above 40 soared to an outstanding 30.15% of all results were scores of 40 or above. Long serving staff members who retired or resigned during 2014-15 included:

• Belinda Fisher (16 years) • Esther Kogan (33 years) • Shula Lazar (16 years) • Nava Miller (5 years) • Linda Yardeny (20 years)

Belinda Fisher Belinda Fisher taught in our Kinder program as well as in our Prep and Year 1 programs. Her caring, wonderfully attentive and loving dedication to her students and her commitment to their Yiddishkeit influenced the lives of many generations of students. A proud Yavneh parent too, she was dedicated to Yavneh, both as a teacher and as a parent, and served our College with distinction. Esther Kogan Esther joined the College in 1982 and was a tower of strength in our Early Learning Centre. So many generations of students remember Esther as being one of the most influential teachers in their lives. Students, former students and parents of the College all remember her as one of those teachers that made a lasting impression. Just before Esther left the College, we celebrated her 80th birthday and it was an honour to be with her on that wonderful occasion. Shula Lazar Shula started at Yavneh as a Prep teacher and then went on to teach Mathematics, Economics and Jewish Studies, especially Chumash. She was a Year Convenor, and never missed an opportunity to imbue her tasks with Yahadut and Jewish values. Shula was Head of Jewish Studies for five years and during that time re-wrote much of the Jewish Studies Curriculum. She is an outstanding

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teacher who made Jewish Studies lessons come alive…even when it was the last period on a Friday! Nava Miller Nava Miller was Yavneh’s Head of Early Learning Centre for five years. She is a warm, caring and nurturing professional and was much loved by her teachers, the parents and of course all our Kinder children – all of whom she knew by name. Nava led the ELC through two full accreditations and earned the highest possible accolades for our Centre. Linda Yardeny Linda taught Hebrew at Yavneh for 20 years. She loves the Hebrew language and was passionate about getting her students to love the language too. She taught with fun, excitement and passion….and always with dramatic flair! Many students look back on their early years of Hebrew learning with Morah Linda and recognise the important foundation they received from her. New staff New members of staff who took up their appointments at the beginning of 2016 were: Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre & Gillian & Colin Mandel Family Yavneh Crèche • Charlene Orwin - Head of ELC & Creche • Fiona Goldberg - Office Manager, ELC & Creche Gillian & Colin Mandel Family Yavneh Crèche: • Sheina Abrahams • Ariella Ben-Moyal • Courtney Fein • Nicole Stednik Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre • Rachel Laibcygier – Teacher • Yael Lewis – Jewish Studies Teacher Primary & Secondary • Nick Karasavvidis - Instrumental Program Manager Secondary • Mark Groves – Studio Art Teacher • Sharon Samuni – Hebrew Teacher YCare Program Liaison Co-ordinator • Rachael Bajayo We also wish Rabbi Chain Cowen mazal tov on his appointment to the position of Head of Jewish Studies, Secondary School

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Slezak Scholarship winners 2017 Years 7 & 8 Jonah Feiglin, Amira Kacser Years 9 & 10 Ayden Maron, Eliana Maron Years 11 & 12 Drew Feiglin, Jacob Zand Secondary Leadership Team 2016 College Captains Sarah Winthrope, Ari Goldberg Vice-College Captains Leah Jones, Daniel Menahem Jewish Life & Zionism Captains Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess, Gabe Paneth Social Action Captain Moishy Basserabie House Captains Rosh Tzurim: James Silber Ofra: (No Captain) Magshimim: Kane Nissenbaum, Rochelle Wittenberg Efrat: Lior Aufgang, Kiria Clemans Primary Leadership Team 2016 Primary School Captains Ben Goldhirsch, Tahni Paluch Primary School Vice-Captains Eliav Roth, Carlia Slade House Captains Rosh Tzurim: Alissa Greenberger, Gabe Jotkowitz Ofra: Saul Alford, Shoval Cohen Magshimim: Eitan Potash, Jemma Goldberg Efrat: Joel Raitman, Dahlia Brykman Peer Support It is envisaged the whole year level will be involved in peer support as in 2015. Hesder Bachurim In August 2015 we said farewell to Aharon Baldav, Gill Ben Yashar, Gabi Finkelstein and Kfir Apelbaum and welcomed the new team of Elron Bandel, Ori Markovitch, Ariel Asper and Chagai Feigenbaum. Bnot Sherut We said farewell to our 2014-15 team of Efrat Guedalia, Sarah Hirschfield, Shani Jaffe and Sapir Ophir and welcomed our new team of Shir Davidzon and Tsofnat Asulin, who have already made a significant impact on the College. Midrasha Girls We also welcomed two Midrasha Girls: Aviva Rosenbaum and Sara Landau, who have made a significant impact on the College and Midrasha. We thank all our shlichim for their enthusiasm, passion and creativity. They have certainly enriched the lives of our students in so many ways and continue to make a significant contribution to the College.

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Overview 2015/2016 Child Protection/Child Safety

2015 saw the culmination of our year-long accreditation process with Child Wise, certifying us as a Child Safe Organisation. Staff Professional Development sessions; student and parent sessions; numerous physical modifications to our rooms ensuring transparency and best practice, together with an update of all our relevant policies and practices, was a core focus of our 2015 school year. I take this opportunity to thank Esther Meltzer for her co-ordination of the Child Safe certification process. It has taken many hours to properly brief and train students, staff and management – as well as to co-ordinate the enormous task of ensuring all our policies, protocols and paperwork is at ‘best-practice’ level. ICT Policies and Practices Both our staff and student ICT Acceptable Use and Social Media policies have been revised to support the current trends and technological developments facing our staff and students alike.

Launch of YCare With enormous gratitude to a very generous benefactor, we have been able to launch YCare, an exciting pro-active and targeted wellbeing program, aimed at addressing the needs and issues of our student, parent, teacher and youth-group populations. I look forward to YCare’s impact on the social culture of our College and College community. Again, I thank Esther Meltzer who has been largely responsible for YCare’s implementation. I also welcome and thank our external YCare Co-ordinator Rachael Bajayo and thank her for her contribution to the evaluation and implementation of YCare throughout the College. Hopefully, over the next three years of its implementation, YCare will make a profound difference to the social culture of our school and community and impact positively all our students and their families as we bring about a renewed and re-energised “culture of caring” throughout the College community. Prep Grandparents & Special Friends Day; Year 1 Siddur Concert; Years 2 & 3 Concerts; Year 4 Night of the Notables; Year 5 Generation Sinai Parent and Child Learning Session; Year 6 Batmitzvah Program and pre-Barmitzvah Program, Living Historians; Graduation Ceremony – all contributed to a full and successful year. Our Year 5 and 6 Robotics team was impressive in our first ever Robotics Competition. Competing against 42 other teams, the Year 5s were awarded the Project Presentation Trophy and an invitation to the National Championships. Our Secondary students scored some impressive wins in Volleyball (the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup – featuring over 100 Australian schools), Table Tennis (narrowly beaten in State

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Finals), Futsal (some of our students were selected for State/Australian Futsal Teams), and Cross Country. Meanwhile, our Primary students were triumphant in cross country, soccer and athletics. 2015 was another outstanding year for those Yavneh students involved in the Debating Association of Victoria (DAV) competition. Three of our teams went through to the finals, highlighting the skill, commitment and passion of our debaters. Our Year 9 teams ranked as the top two teams in the DAV’s Brighton region, having won all five rounds. Music Program This year we piloted an Instrumental Music Program in upper Primary which gives Year 5 students a choice between learning to play guitar or learning one of three woodwind instruments (clarinet, saxophone, flute) for six months of the year. In addition, the Primary music concert program, which has been invigorated in recent years, and which involves countless hours of student participation, has been a highly successful means of driving student engagement in music and song, promoting pursuit of and engagement in music throughout the College As both our School Musical and elective Secondary Music Program attest, music continues as a very real strength of the College’s overall program, including outstanding VCE results in Music. eLearning We are proud to report the successful introduction of our pioneering iPad program through Primary School and our innovative laptop program in Years 7 and 8. Technology is a fundamental component of both education and life in the 21st Century. State-of-the-art technology and professional learning equip teachers with transformative skills and develop students who are innovative, independent, confident and lifelong learners in an ever-changing digital world. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of Ron and Sarah Tatarka whose contribution helped to make this a reality. Unfairest the Musical Our 2016 Musical Unfairest, which featured an original script written by former student Josh Gurgiel, with original musical arrangements by Head of Music and former student Jonathan Skovron, played to full houses for four performances. Featuring 56 children in the cast (aside from backstage and lighting), Unfairest proudly showcased the enormous theatrical and musical ability of our students. Yavneh Foundation & YPO My grateful thanks once again to Benji Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer for their leadership of our Yavneh Foundation. Together with the Executive Director, Tanya Shaltiel, the Yavneh Foundation has certainly grown from strength to strength. I know that I speak on behalf of all my professional colleagues in thanking all the members of the Foundation for their support of and commitment to our College and its growing needs. I also thank our two YPO Co-Chairs, Tammie Slade and Karen Franks, for their leadership of the Yavneh Parent Organisation and know that the YPO will also enjoy record success under their leadership. Successful events organized by the YPO in the last 12 months included the Hostess Evening and a Movie Fundraiser.

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Upgrade of College facilities We were thrilled to announce the naming of our Yavneh Crèche by Colin & Gillian Mandel & Family. The Crèche, now in its third year, is flourishing and at full capacity, promising to be a strategic contributor to the underpinning of our enrolments for years to come. There was much activity during the end of year holidays in upgrading a number of our facilities. The new Junior Kinder classroom refurbishment (thanks to the bequest of Jenny Abzug z”l) and the new Senior Kinder play area have added an exciting new dimension to our Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre. We now have state-of-the-art Kinder classrooms in all year groups and wonderful play areas for all our children to enjoy and in which to learn. It is important that our children find their learning environment exciting and stimulating. Thanks to the generosity of the Yavneh Foundation, the YPO, the Epstein family, the Segman family and some anonymous donors, we have been able to complete the landscaping of our Elsternwick campus with the construction of The Arena. With a mini athletics track, a long jump and shot put area, a rock climbing facility and some beautiful scenic landscaping, The Arena adds an inviting facility for all our children. Adjacent to the Adventure Garden, The Arena creates a beautiful atmosphere for outdoor play and relaxation. We once again acknowledge the generosity of David and Linda Goldberg with the beautiful new Spectator Area adjacent to the multi-purpose courts. It is such a pleasure to walk through our campus and enjoy the incredible improvements in the outdoor facilities we have now been able to provide for our children. New Security protocols Management and lay leadership conducted a detailed and ongoing review of security over a 12-month period with the aim of achieving best practice and including input from Victoria Police, the Community Security Group (CSG), our independent security consultant, as well as international professionals with specialist expertise in all aspects of security relevant to an organisation such as ours. A Board “Security Sub-Committee” was also established last year, comprising select members of the College Executive in addition to members of our parent body with relevant domain expertise to assist in decision making. College Executive My thanks to College Chair Avi Gilboa and Vice College Chair Ilana Wald and the entire Executive for their leadership of and commitment to our College. We are indeed fortunate to have lay leaders of their calibre who are so dedicated to ensuring the ongoing success of our wonderful College. I thank them for their support and guidance and wish them much hatzlacha for their leadership in the years to come. May our school enjoy continued success. Senior Management My thanks to my Senior Management colleagues, without whom we would not be able to achieve the extraordinary success we have. Theirs is not an easy job: they are often called on to produce “miracles” under very difficult circumstances. To: Rabbi Chaim Cowen Renee Dabscheck

David Fisher Pnina Landau

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Esther Meltzer Charlene Orwin

Yianna Pullen Daniel Solomon

thank you for your loyalty, dedication, integrity and passion. I have benefitted from your experience, wisdom and collective advice and support. I know that Leibler Yavneh College is the school it is in large part because of the commitment you give it. May you and the College continue to do “extraordinary things” as you steer the College into the next exciting chapter in its unfolding story.

Social & Cultural Report Shira Wenig This year Mizrachi has established and allocated funds for social and cultural activities, to promote community spirit, provide opportunities for cross-community cohesion and actively mark important events throughout the year. My thanks go to the Mizrachi committee for recognising this need and allocating funds to support it, to Avital Seifman for her eye-catching flyers for PR, and to Rae, Sally Ann and Jim for all their help with each initiative. The following areas have been addressed: Weekly Kiddush A weekly kiddush for Bet Yehuda was instituted from the beginning of March, bringing the main shul in line with the other minyanim which already have a weekly kiddush. This takes place in the Goldberger Hall every Shabbat following tefillah and has been very well received, providing an opportunity for members to socialise and welcome new people. Several kiddushim have been sponsored by members wishing to mark personal events. Daniel Parasol and Alex Mihalovich are assisting with this. Social & cultural events – adults • Chanukah function – this was held outdoors at Yavneh on Sunday afternoon 8th day Chanukah

for all ages, featuring an inter-minyan soccer tournament, BBQ dinner and sports and arts & crafts for kids, attended by about 200 people.

• Rosh Chodesh Adar Shabbat lunch – a cross-community event on 19 March, featuring guest speakers Rabbi Yechiel Wasserman (visiting from Israel) who spoke on the topic “The State of Israel at 68: The Challenge and the Promise” and Rabbi James Kennard with the topic “Anti-Semitism in 2016: Should we be Nervous”. A 3 course lunch was catered by To Catch A Chef. This was attended by about 90 people and was very well received. More community Shabbat meals are planned in the future, particularly to coincide with visiting guest speakers.

Future events currently being planned: • Yom Hashoah commemoration where Mr Milan Bierenkrant will share his experiences • Pre Shavuot wine & cheese tasting • Yom Yerushalayim function following tefillah at the home of Sonia Slonim

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Social & cultural events – children • Rosh Hashana program – a program for Grade 1-4 children was held on the 2 days of Rosh

Hashana, catering to the age group who are too old to attend the crèche but too young to daven independently in shul. The program was run by Bnei Akiva senior chanichim with the coordination of Racheli Elbaum and featured a tochnit, shofar blowing and kiddush, attended by about 40 children over the 2 days.

• Simchat Torah dinner – as usual this was held in the late afternoon leading in to Simchat Torah, attended by about 100 children. A child-friendly dinner was provided in packed boxes, allowing parents to sit with their children rather than navigating a buffet. During dinner the children were entertained with a play performed by the Hesder boys and Sherut girls. This was followed by hakafot in the main shul, led by Rav Danny.

Children’s Shabbat morning program From shortly before Rosh Hashana there was a hiatus in the provision of Shabbat morning children’s programs, with the previous successful programs coming to a close. New programs started at the beginning of April, enriching our children’s Shabbat morning experience and enabling more families to attend shul. There are 2 new programs taking place every Shabbat: • Gan Shabbat – for babies and children aged 0-4, this takes place in a kindergarten and is ably

run by parents Tzippi Lowinger (also an experienced early childhood educator) and Adam Schaffer. The program includes tefillah, songs, stories and kiddush and has been hugely popular with children and parents. Thanks to the Yavneh ELC for allowing the use of the kindergarten room.

• Shabbat B’Yachad – for primary aged children Prep-Yr 6, divided into 2 age-based groups, this takes place in the Bnei Akiva Maon, with a program written by parents and run by Bnei Akiva senior chanichim. The program includes tefillah, a parsha-related tochnit and kiddush.

Special thanks to Tzippi and Adam as well as the Shabbat B’Yachad madrichim – Amira Waller, Amit Slonim, Eliana Mihalovich, Ellie Moskow, Yael Gosling, Gabrielle Levy and Rotem Sherwinter – who are all volunteers giving generously of their time to educate our children. Customised siddurim were designed and printed specifically for these programs, with child-friendly content and format appropriate to each group. Thank you to DL Gold for her work designing the siddurim. Hospitality The already existing hospitality service, run by Karen Franks, has been facilitated by creation of a whatsapp group including members of various ages across the community who are willing to open their homes to visitors or people living in the community in need of Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. It is wonderful to see people being so inviting and generous.

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2015 2014

Contributions to profit: $ $

Abeles Liberman Pre school - Income 2,162,763 1,775,885

Abeles Liberman Pre school - Expenses 2,061,267 2,050,701

Abeles Liberman Pre school - Contribution Schedule A 101,496 (274,816)

Leopold & Isabella Abrahamovits Primary school - Income 6,099,268 6,101,196

Leopold & Isabella Abrahamovits Primary school - Expenses 3,547,048 3,573,636

Leopold & Isabella Abrahamovits Primary school - Contribution Schedule B 2,552,220 2,527,560

A.S. Leibler Secondary school - Income 5,778,714 6,132,743

A.S. Leibler Secondary school - Expenses 4,679,205 4,542,810

A.S. Leibler Secondary school - Contribution Schedule C 1,099,509 1,589,933

College administration & support - Income 884,343 719,199

College administration & support - Expenses 5,076,488 5,243,441

College administration & support - Contribution Schedule D (4,192,145) (4,524,242)

College Contribution (438,920) (681,565)

Synagogues - Income 1,154,994 1,073,946

Synagogues - Expenses 1,333,538 1,402,033

Synagogues - Contribution Schedule E (178,544) (328,087)

Kashrut - Income 2,334,904 2,203,754

Kashrut - Expenses 1,948,013 1,836,202

Kashrut - Contribution Schedule F 386,891 367,552

Beit Midrash - Income 309,688 343,214

Beit Midrash - Expenses 385,124 412,517

Beit Midrash - Contribution Schedule G (75,436) (69,303)

Surplus/(deficit) before interest and donations (306,009) (711,403)

Interest - Income 342 34,549

Interest - Borrowing costs 257,782 343,969

Interest Expense (257,440) (309,420)

Surplus (Deficit) before donations (563,449) (1,020,823)

Donations 2 1,873,258 1,239,071

Operating surplus/(deficit) 1,309,809 218,248

Retained surplus at the start of the financial year 19,807,506 19,589,258

Retained surplus at the end of the financial year 23 21,117,315 19,807,506

The Consolidated Income Statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements

set out on pages 5 to 11 and the schedules on pages 12 to 21

MIZRACHI ORGANISATION

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

Page 1

2015 2014

$ $

Consolidated Income Summary

Rendering of services 15,278,869 14,811,971

Donations and charitable contributions 2,060,459 1,500,649

Government Grants 3,258,604 3,276,388

Interest earned 342 34,549

Total Income Page 12 20,598,274 19,623,557

Consolidated Expense Summary

Rendering of services 4,515,660 4,819,637

Finance costs 373,025 450,358

Employment costs 14,399,780 14,135,314

Total Expenses Page 13 19,288,465 19,405,309

Consolidated Operating Surplus1,309,809 218,248

The Consolidated Statement of Income and Expenses Summary is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements



CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT SUMMARY


Page 2

Note 2015 2014

$ $

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash at bank and on hand 25a 807,690 915,199

Mizrachi pledges 3 51,847 38,163

Kosher Australia debtors 4 593,083 484,532

Charity Fund debtors 5 610 2,265

Leibler Yavneh College debtors 6 3,265,120 3,344,306

Council For Jewish Education in Schools - pledges 8 150,566 179,307

Mizrachi Yavneh appeal pledges 7 334,000 321,266

Pre payments & sundry debtors 224,613 110,401

5,427,529 5,395,439

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Mizrachi Yavneh appeal pledges 7 265,125 297,496

Land and buildings 9 38,591,501 38,482,191

Furniture and equipment 10 747,379 756,797

39,604,005 39,536,484

TOTAL ASSETS 45,031,534 44,931,923

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable 572,815 656,155

Other payables 16 655,029 1,277,847

Deposits held 121,863 103,088

Provisions 18 1,239,931 1,350,028

2,589,638 3,387,118

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Secured loans 11 5,295,000 5,750,000

Other liabilities 17 250,001 236,405

Provisions 19 438,774 410,083

5,983,775 6,396,488

TOTAL LIABILITIES 8,573,413 9,783,606

NET ASSETS 36,458,121 35,148,317

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

Reserves 23 15,340,806 15,340,806

Retained surplus 23 21,117,315 19,807,511

ACCUMULATED FUNDS36,458,121 35,148,317

The Consolidated Balance Sheet is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


Page 3

Note 2015 2014

$ $

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Receipts from debtors, government grants & other cash receipts 20,509,474 19,770,481

Payments to suppliers and employees (19,496,859) (18,503,343)

Interest paid (373,025) (450,358)

Net cash provided by operating activities 25b 639,590 816,780

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Interest in property

Interest received 342 34,549

Purchases of property plant and equipment (292,441) (1,035,947)

Net Cash used in investing activities (292,099) (1,001,398)

Cash Flows From Financing activities

Borrowings (455,000) (350,000)

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities (455,000) (350,000)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held (107,509) (534,617)

Cash at the beginning of the financial year 915,199 1,449,816

Cash at the end of the financial year 25a 807,690 915,199

The Consolidated Cash Flow Statement is to be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial

Statements set out on pages 5 to 11 and the schedules on pages 12 to 21


CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT


Page 4

1

(a) Significant accounting policies, judgments, estimates, and assumptions

(b) Basis of preparation

association is not a reporting entity. The entity is a not for profit entity for financial reporting purposes under

Australian Accounting Standards.

stated, current valuations of non-current assets.

have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report.

AASB 101 Preparation of Financial Statements

AASB 107 Cash Flow Statements

AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

AASB 1031 Materiality

AASB 1048 Interpretation and Application of Standards

AASB 1054 Australian Additional Disclosures

(c) Principles Of Consolidation

(d) Property, furniture and equipment

All items of furniture and equipment are carried at the lower of cost less accumulated depreciation and recoverable amount.


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resultant financial information

if the provision affects both current and future periods.

of the following entities

(i) Mizrachi is represented by The Mizrachi Charitable Account, Naftali Herc Beit Midrash,

The Committee members have determined that this Organisation is not a reporting entity and have elected to provide

this financial report, which is a special financial report which has been prepared in order to meet the reporting

requirements of the Organisation.

satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring the substance of the underlying transaction

This financial report is a special purpose financial report prepared in order to satisfy the financial reporting requirements

of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 . The Responsible Entities have determined that the

Elsternwick Jewish Community.

(ii) Leibler Yavneh College is represented by Abeles Liberman Pre School, Leopold & Isabella Abrahamovits

The Beit Yehuda Synagogue, The Beit Haroeh Synagogue, The Bogrei Bnei Akiva Synagogue, and The

estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods

The financial report , except for the cash flow information , have been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical

Mizrachi consists of a Private Trustee Company and related trusts which are controlled entities.

costs unless otherwise stated in the notes and does not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically

The consolidated financial statements of the Mizrachi Organisation have been prepared to give a financial overview

and other events is reported. Management is required to make judgments, estimates

and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, incomes and

expenses. The estimates and the associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other various

factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making

the judgments. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are

reviewed on an on-going basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the

The following significant accounting policies,which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated,

The accounting policies that have been adopted in the preparation of this report are as follows:

Primary School, A. S. Leibler Secondary School, Yavneh College School Building Fund, Yavneh College

in these financial statements, except in relation to the College contribution to the Beit Midrash program.

In the 2012 financial year, Land & Buildings at note 9 and note 22 were revalued based upon an independent valuation dated 18th March 2013

from First Valuation Group using "Land Value Only".

Depreciation is calculated on the diminishing value basis to write off the net cost of items of furniture and

equipment over their expected useful lives. Assets are depreciated from the date that they are ready for use

or first put in use. The rates of depreciation applied vary from 5% per annum to 60% per annum.

School Library Fund, Leibler Yavneh Scholarship Fund and the Mizrachi-Council For Jewish Education In Schools.

Leibler Yavneh College consists of a Private Trustee Company and related trusts which are controlled entities.

(iii) The Yavneh Foundation Ltd

(iv) The Mizrachi Charity Fund Ltd

(v) Kosher Australia Pty Ltd, (Formerly known as Melbourne Kashrut Pty Ltd)

All inter-group balances and unrealized profits from transactions between the above entities have been eliminated

Page 5

(e) Building Fund, Foundation, Synagogue and Council For Jewish Education Pledges

(f) Leibler Yavneh College Debtors and Kosher Australia Debtors

(g) Provision For Employee Entitlements

(h) Cash

(i) Goods and Services Tax (GST)

(j) Revenue Recognition

(k) Income tax

The Mizrachi Organisation is exempt from income Tax.

(l) Borrowings

All borrowing costs are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowings are measured at cost.

(m) Payables

Payables are brought to account on receipt of invoice from the supplier.

(n) Deposits Held

Deposits are brought to account on receipt of money.

(o) Economic Dependence

The economic entity continues to be dependent for its ongoing viability on donations and bequests.

There is an inherent uncertainty with this type of income and the Organisation is undertaking a review

of its operations to reduce its dependence on this type of income.

2015 2014

$ $

2 Donations

Pledges - School Building Fund/ College Foundation 761,076 636,359

Pledges - Special projects 562,963 555,689

Bequests 547,596 10,000

Permanent seat dedications - 36,000

School Library Fund donations 1,623 1,023

1,873,258 1,239,071

is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense.

Receivables and payables in the consolidated Balance Sheet are shown inclusive of GST.




written down to its recoverable amount.

except in relation to pledges received on a conditional basis.

of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST

recognised as income upon the making of a pledge. Government grants and other income are recognised

and the revenue can be measured reliably.

Tuition fees and Kashrut Income are recognised as income when invoiced. Donations and offerings are

Synagogues have been recognised in the results for the year on the basis of the receipt of pledges,

Pledges to the Mizrachi Yavneh School Building Fund, The Council For Jewish Education and the

when receivable to the extent that there are no future costs related to the grant.

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity

Each unsatisfied pledge is reviewed regularly in order to assess recoverability. If a circumstance is determined

that may adversely effect the recoverability a provision is created to reflect an impaired value of the asset

If any such indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the asset is

written down to its recoverable amount.

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash includes cash on hand and at bank.

as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by

employees up to the reporting date.

The amount shown as school debtors in the balance sheet represents the total value of outstanding

If any such indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the asset is

Income, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount

Liability in respect of long service leave is calculated as at 31 December 2015. Long service leave is measured

A provision for annual leave has been recognised based on current industrial awards or contract arrangements.

fees. A provision for doubtful debts has been determined after a review of outstanding balances.

Each unsatisfied debtor is reviewed regularly in order to assess recoverability. If a circumstance is determined

that may adversely effect the recoverability a provision is created to reflect an impaired value of the asset

Page 6

2015 2014

$ $

3 Mizrachi Pledges

Mizrachi pledges outstanding 61,367 41,813

Provision for doubtful debts (9,520) (3,650)

51,847 38,163

4 Kosher Australia Debtors

Kashrut debtors outstanding 682,643 539,920


593,083 484,532

5 Charity Fund Debtors

Charity fund debtors outstanding 610 2,265

610 2,265

6 Leibler Yavneh College Debtors

School debtors outstanding 7,981,024 8,181,258

Provision for doubtful debts (4,715,904) (4,836,952)

3,265,120 3,344,306

7 Mizrachi Yavneh Building Appeal Pledges including the Leibler Yavneh College Foundation Ltd

Current appeal pledges outstanding 540,186 538,452


334,000 321,266

Non current appeal pledges outstanding 295,125 316,496


265,125 297,496

8 Council For Jewish Education In Schools

Pledges Outstanding For Educational purposes 211,666 236,957


150,566 179,307

9 Land & Buildings

Balance at beginning of the year 38,482,191 37,503,874

Additions and improvements 109,310 978,317

Balance at the end of the year 38,591,501 38,482,191




Page 7

2015 2014

$ $

10 Furniture and Equipment

Leibler Yavneh College - at cost 3,035,875 2,868,835

Accumulated depreciation (2,454,951) (2,276,349)

580,924 592,486

Mizrachi Organisation - at cost 670,099 654,008

Accumulated depreciation (503,644) (489,697)

166,455 164,311

Net Book Value at end of the year 747,379 756,797

Cost


Additions and improvements 183,131 57,632


Depreciation


Depreciation 192,550 240,317


Net Book Value at end of the year747,379 756,797

11 Secured Loans

National Australia Bank - Commercial Bill Facility drawn 3,500,000 3,500,000

National Australia Bank - Business Market Loan 1,795,000 2,250,000

5,295,000 5,750,000

6,250,000 6,650,000

12 Places of Domicile and operation

13 Related Party Disclosures

not remunerated for their contribution to the management of the Organisation.

14 Contingent Liabilities - Other

15 Capital Government Grants

The Organisation is in receipt of the following categories of Capital Government Grants

Capital Income - Construction & Capital refurbishment Programs - 44,881



those related to the payment of tuition fees in the normal course and donations where applicable.

Office bearers are elected and appointed in accordance with the constitutions of the entities and are

81 Balaclava Road, Caulfield and 2 Nagle Avenue, Elsternwick

All of the entities are domiciled in Victoria, Australia. The principal place of operations are

The entities are administered by a committee and council and a list of these office bearers appears within

The security is held by the National Australia Bank Ltd in the form of registered

mortgages held over the properties known as 2 Nagle Avenue Elsternwick, 28 St.

James Parade, Elsternwick. and 2 Fosbery Avenue Caulfield. The bank holds a

registered mortgage debenture charge over Yavneh College Nominees Pty Ltd and

Mizrachi Nominees Pty Ltd. The extent to which borrowing is presently approved is

The Organisation is not aware of any potential claims. Accordingly, no provision has been made in these financial statements.

this annual report. No material transactions took place between the entities and the office bearers, except


Page 8

2015 2014

$ $

16 Other Payables

Superannuation SGC liability 441,190 412,464

PAYG tax withheld 40,817 190,380

Wages accrual - 311,253

Contingent Liability - Government grants not yet spent 40,000 -

Sundry payables 133,022 363,750

655,029 1,277,847

17 Other Liabilities

Equipment Loan 31,335 -

Rabbi Abaranok Scholarship Trust 218,666 236,405

250,001 236,405

18 Provisions - Current Liabilities

Provision for annual leave 465,883 516,631

Provision for long service leave 774,048 833,397

1,239,931 1,350,028

19 Provisions - Non-Current Liabilities

Provision for long service leave 438,774 410,083

438,774 410,083

20 Auditors Remuneration

Fees associated to the audit of annual accounts

Accrual in respect of the current year 34,000 32,500

34,000 32,500

21 Key Management Personnel

Remuneration 1,850,683 1,909,561

Superannuation 172,015 181,408

Total Compensation 2,022,698 2,090,969


Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing

and controlling the activities of the entity. For the Mizrachi Organisation Key Management personnel

includes honorary officers who receive no payment for their services. Set out below is the total

compensation for the key management personnel who are employed by the Mizrachi Organisation,

including Leibler Yavneh College.



Page 9

2015 2014

$ $

22 Property Revaluations

Property is disclosed at valuation dated 18 March 2013.

23 Changes in equity

Reserve

Asset revaluation reserve 15,340,806 15,340,806

Balance at start of period 15,340,806 15,340,806

Valuation gain

Balance at end of period 15,340,806 15,340,806

The asset revaluation reserve records revaluations of non-current assets.

Any distribution of the reserve is subject to the governing rules of the

Organisation.

Retained surplus

Balance at start of period 19,807,506 19,589,258

Operating surplus for the period 1,309,809 218,248

Balance at end of period 21,117,315 19,807,506

24 Financial Instruments

(a) Significant Accounting policies

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted,

including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the

basis on which revenues and expenses are recognised, in respect of

each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are

disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements.

(b) Interest rate risk

The consolidated entity's exposure to interest rate risk as at the

reporting date was in respect of Commercial bills. $3.5M has been fixed

at 6% until 31 January 2016. $2.750M has been left at variable interest

rates.

5,295,000 5,750,000

(C) Credit Risk

(D) Fair Value

(E) Liquidity

The group maintains sufficient cash resources for expenditure and

payment of liabilities on the assumption that all income sources do not

materially decline and net collection rates are as anticipated.

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counter party will default on its contractual

obligations resulting in financial loss to the consolidated entity. The carrying amount

of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any provisions,

represents the consolidated entity's exposure to credit risk.

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the

financial report represents their respective fair values, determined in accordance with

the accounting policies disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements.




Page 10

2015 2014

$ $

25 Cash Flow Information

25a Reconciliation Of Cash

Cash at end of financial year as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows

is reconciled to the related items in the balance sheet as follows:

Cash at bank and on hand 807,690 915,199

25b Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

To Operating Profit

Operating profit 1,309,809 218,248

Interest received (342) (34,549)

Non Cash Flows In Operating Profit


Amounts provided for doubtful debts (77,556) (1,276,979)

Other amounts provided (81,406) 152,284

Changes In Assets & Liabilities

(Increase)/decrease in debtors 39,612 1,737,670

Increase/(decrease) in deposits held 18,775 (148,917)

Decrease/(increase) In prepayments & sundry debtors (114,212) (42,188)

(Increase)/decrease in pledges 44,923 (88,113)

Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and other payables (706,158) 78,500

Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities 13,596 (19,494)

Cash Flows from Operations 639,590 816,780

26 Council for Jewish Education in Schools Grants

During the year under review $866,000 ($952,000 in 2014) was

transferred from the Organisation's Council for Jewish Education in

Schools bank account to the main operating account to fund the

operational deficit in the Jewish Education component of the College.




Page 11

2015 2014

$ $

Income

College tuition Fees inc. Creche (net) 10,150,923 10,118,536

College related Government Grants 3,258,604 3,276,388

Other College Related income 1,515,561 1,334,099

Total College Related Income 14,925,088 14,729,023

Synagogue Seat income 614,965 589,303

Synagogue offerings 175,072 182,287

Charitable (Tzedoka) contributions 187,201 261,578

Synagogue income other 177,756 40,778

Total Synagogue Income 1,154,994 1,073,946

Kashrut income 2,334,904 2,203,754

Beit Midrash Income 309,688 343,214

Appeal & Bequest Income 1,873,258 1,239,071

Interest earned 342 34,549

4,518,192 3,820,588

Total Consolidated Operating Income 20,598,274 19,623,557


CONSOLIDATED ORGANISATIONAL SUMMARY

INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

Page 12

2015 2014

$ $

Expense

Salaries 11,457,392 11,230,091

Allocated Finance Support 532,712 532,665

Allocated Executive Directorate Support and Rabbinate 503,986 586,963

Long Service Leave 285,990 147,844

Provision for Sick/Relief Pay 302,435 361,064

Superannuation SGC 1,183,235 1,173,942

Work Cover 134,030 102,745

Advertising 22,383 29,989

Audit & Accounting 34,000 32,500

Bad debts 43,625 42,024

Bank Charges & Fees (Incl credit cards) 115,243 106,389

Bnei Akiva Support costs 56,494 82,688

Charitable contributions and Donations 160,475 206,106

Consulting & Affiliation Fees 104,946 88,365

Contract Cleaning & Caretaking 537,160 517,189

Debt Collection & Legal Fees 4,185 9,521


Plaques & Honorariums 9,388 6,853

Electricity, Gas & Power 105,134 102,769

General Expenses 60,292 88,637

Insurance 75,742 60,230

Interest 257,782 343,969

Kidushim & refreshments 72,418 62,984

Meals 17,593 15,386

Housekeeper 5,314 2,195

Motor Vehicle Expenses 9,778 2,995

Outsourced IT Support 90,351 89,322

Postage 27,236 75,605

Printing & Stationery & Brochures 247,166 270,900

Promotional Events/Guest Speakers 43,208 64,472

Rates & Charges 30,103 29,458

Repairs upkeep and maintenances office equipment 243,077 263,225

Repairs & maintenances Buildings & Grounds 38,117 46,886

Security 260,228 267,372

Staff Refreshments 52,684 54,359

Staff Recruitment & Relocation 107,463 104,488

Subscriptions 176,672 129,233

Telephone & Fax. 63,163 75,620

Taxis, Transport 85,411 92,402

Tuck Shop Costs of goods to be sold 88,399 85,723

Youth Program 6,943 15,119

Excursions & Camps 251,018 255,427

Books purchased for resale/Religious Books and Items 18,965 16,060

Presentations & Concerts and Fund raisers 154,929 154,545

Beit Midrash Program Contribution 100,000 100,000

Special Education 67,485 57,962

Program Delivery consumable costs 851,565 980,711

Total Expense 19,288,465 19,405,309

Net operating surplus/(deficit) 1,309,809 218,248


CONSOLIDATED ORGANISATIONAL SUMMARY


Page 13

Schedule A

2015 2014

$ $

Income

Tuition fees (inc. Creche) 2,238,762 1,927,837

Multiple Enrolment discounts (86,449) (104,030)

Scholarships and Remissions (inc. bad debts) (85,252) (156,370)

Staff Discount (20,736) (5,919)

Advance payment Discounts (6,191) (7,699)

2,040,134 1,653,819

Government grants 104,051 76,069

Sundry income including excursion incomes 18,200 12,600

Other Revenues 378 33,397

Total Income 2,162,763 1,775,885

Expense

Salaries 1,537,791 1,457,723



Superannuation SGC 150,015 142,856

Work Cover 19,867 12,429



Security 65,962 78,955


Subscriptions 0 1,170



Total expenditure 2,061,267 2,050,701

Contribution to surplus/(deficit) 101,496 (274,816)


ABELES LIBERMAN PRE SCHOOL


Page 14

Schedule B

2015 2014

$ $

Income

Tuition Revenues Gross 6,048,158 6,096,887


Scholarships and Remissions (inc. bad debts) (1,806,803) (1,703,112)



4,067,652 4,181,111

Government grants 1,752,224 1,650,329

Book sales 45,383 40,559

Excursion incomes 234,009 229,197

2,031,616 1,920,085

Total Income 6,099,268 6,101,196

Expenses

Salaries 2,731,939 2,684,041




Work Cover 38,156 26,148



Books purchased for resale/Religious Books and Items 18,965 12,609




Contribution to surplus/(deficit) 2,552,220 2,527,560


LEOPOLD & ISABELLA ABRAHAMOVITS PRIMARY SCHOOL


Page 15

Schedule C

2015 2014

$ $

Income

Tuition Revenues Gross 6,540,488 6,571,372


Scholarships and Remissions (inc. bad debts) (2,391,124) (2,135,207)



4,043,137 4,283,606

Government grants 1,402,329 1,529,990

Book sales 1,731 1,743

Excursions & camps 332,157 315,914

Other Revenues (640) 1,490

1,735,577 1,849,137

Total Income 5,778,714 6,132,743

Expense

Salaries 3,456,969 3,394,727




Work Cover 45,835 31,175



Books purchased for resale/Religious Books and Items 0 3,166


Beit Midrash Program Contribution 100,000 100,000



Contribution to surplus/(deficit) 1,099,509 1,589,933


A. S. LEIBLER SECONDARY SCHOOL


Page 16

Schedule D

2015 2014

$ $

Income

Chaplaincy program - 20,000

Jewish care/Special Needs 60,550 37,600

Parent Related Payments 108,120 124,799

Insurance & other expense recoveries 8,908 36,022

Other revenues 567,268 363,919

Tuck Shop Sales 139,497 136,859

Total income 884,343 719,199

Expense

Salaries 2,199,702 2,214,420






Audit & Accounting 34,000 32,500

Bad debts 3,583 25,389



Debt Collection & Legal Fees 4,185 9,521


Plaques & Honorariums 8,808 5,525



Insurance 51,734 47,022

Motor Vehicle Expenses 7,576 2,727


Postage 26,967 69,507


Promotional Events/Guest Speakers 43,208 64,472



Security 152,280 147,628





Tuck Shop Costs of goods to be sold 88,399 85,723


Special Education 67,485 57,962



Contribution to surplus/(deficit) (4,192,145) (4,524,242)


COLLEGE STUDENT SERVICES, ADMINISTRATION, FUNDRAISING, TUCKSHOP, UNIFORMS AND SUPPORT


Page 17

Schedule E

2015 2014

$ $

Income

Seat rental 614,965 589,303

Offerings 175,072 182,287

Charitable (Tzedoka) Contributions Schedule H 187,201 261,578

Other Revenues 177,756 40,778

Total Income 1,154,994 1,073,946

Expense



Long Service Leave 56,958 -


Work Cover 2,217 2,424


Bad debts 5,870 3,102


Bnei Akiva Support costs 56,494 82,688

Charitable distributions Schedule H 160,475 206,106



Plaques & Honorariums 580 1,328



Insurance 18,485 8,785

Kidushim & refreshments 72,418 62,984


Postage 191 2,862




Repairs & maintenances Buildings & Grounds 38,117 46,886

Security 41,986 40,789





Taxis, Transport 731 125

Youth Program 6,943 15,119

Books purchased for resale/Religious Books and Items 0 285


Contribution to surplus/(deficit) (178,544) (328,087)

SYNAGOGUES - ALL MINYANIM



Page 18

Schedule F

2015 2014

$ $

Income


Licensing 619,410 602,992

Investigations - (KI) 430,882 419,184

Travel & other reimbursements - (KT) 159,696 149,607

Memberships 63,833 51,476

Supervisor's Salary Reimbursements 1,012,345 930,527

Total Income 2,334,904 2,203,754

Expense

Salaries 1,408,632 1,331,262





Work Cover 27,179 29,721


Bad debts 34,172 13,533







Motor Vehicle Expenses 2,202 268

Postage 78 3,236



Repairs upkeep and maintenances office equipment 5,104 845

Staff Refreshments 0 15




Total Expenditure 1,948,013 1,836,202

Contribution to surplus/(deficit) 386,891 367,552


KASHRUT


Page 19

Schedule G

2015 2014

$ $

Income

Sponsorship 209,442 234,870

Books 346 1,053

College Contribution for school program 100,000 100,000

Other revenue (100) 7,291

Total Income 309,688 343,214

Expenditure

Salaries 122,359 147,918




Work Cover 776 848




Meals 17,593 15,386

Housekeeper 5,314 2,195


Repairs upkeep and maintenances office equipment 479 935






Total Expenditures 385,124 412,517

Contribution to surplus/(deficit) (75,436) (69,303)


BEIT MIDRASH


Page 20

Schedule H

2015 2014

$ $

Mizrachi Charitable Account

Distributions of these funds are made as interest free loans, as financial

relief for needy people on an anonymous basis, or as grants to aid in

cases of financial need.

Bank opening balance 8,558 8,212

Repayments of loans 1,691 3,764

Receipts Schedule E 2,740 67,951

12,989 79,927

Loans advanced

Funds Distributed Schedule E 7,145 71,369

Bank closing balance 5,844 8,558

Mizrachi Charity Fund Ltd

The Mizrachi Charity Fund Ltd, (ABN 38 082 701 746) is endorsed by

the Australian Taxation Office as a deductible gift recipient.

Distributions are made in accordance with the Income tax &

Assessment Act. These funds are distributed only upon application by

individuals to provide basic living necessities.

Bank opening balance 217,846 174,070

Repayments of loans 2,016

Interest 4,297 4,804

Receipts Schedule E 184,461 193,627

406,604 374,517

Loans advanced 967

Funds Distributed Schedule E 169,873 156,671

Bank closing balance 235,764 217,846

CHARITABLE WELFARE ACTIVITIES

`


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for the Twelve months ended 31st December, 2015 and exhibit a true and fair view of the Organisation as at that date, and there are reasonable grounds

Mr. Mark Franks Mr. Ian Waller

Honorary Treasurer President

Yavneh College Mizrachi Organisation

Dated this 2nd Day Of May 2016

I, Mark Franks Treasurer of the Mizrachi Organisation and Leibler Yavneh College, do hereby state on behalf of the Organisation that in our opinion

the accompanying Financial Statements set out on pages 1 to 21 are drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the results of the Organisation


TREASURERS REPORT


to believe that the Organisation will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

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