B’NAI B’RITH PREVIEW

May 2018

MAJOR B’NAI B’RITH EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

MAY:

Tuesday, 1st - Courage to Care Official Opening & Community Viewing of the C2C Exhibition Program Doncaster @ 7:30 pm NEJC, High Street Doncaster.

Keynote speaker: Deborah Glass OBE, Victorian Ombudsman.

Wednesday, 2nd - Wallenberg Bus Trip to Cranbourne Botanical Gardens & the

McClelland Art Gallery. ALL WELCOME ]

Sunday, 6th - BBVic Annual Menorah Awards

Monday, 14th - Fellowship Group Concert.

For information regarding BBVic groups or activities

contact the B’nai B’rith Office on 9576 1116 or council@bbvic.org

B’NAI B’RITH MENORAH AWARDS

2018 marks the 41st year that B’nai B’rith Victoria has presented Menorah Awards to members of the Jewish Community in Victoria.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON: SUNDAY, 6th MAY @

The Awards were founded to recognise the services to the community of volunteers who have given of themselves over long periods of time. Their services are given spontaneously without any thought of acknowledgement or recognition.

Each year the Committee meets and has the difficult task of choosing from the many worthy nominations received. This year we have four exceptional people who have epitomised what B’nai B’rith and the Menorah Awards embody.

B’nai B’rith is the world’s oldest Jewish service organisation and is proud to be associated with this public acknowledgement of dedication to the community.

This year’s recipients are: P/P Jacqui Dinor-Corry, Mrs Timmy Rubin, Mrs Cynthia Pollak & Pres. Karin Zafir

Guest Speaker: Mr Danny Lamm AM, President Zionist Federation of Australia

Topic: “Israel & the Diaspora 2018”

PREVIEW May 2018 Page 2

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

B’nai B’rith and the Gen17 Survey

Recently Faye Haskin-Dubrowin and I attended the launch of the Gen17 survey results on the Jewish Community. This is an important and fascinating document which has already been widely reported in the Jewish News and digital media. Many of us participated in the actual survey (which captured data on 8,621 Jews) and we are of course proud of the role Professor Andrew Markus played in this, as he is a member of Wallenberg Unit. The report estimated that there are 113,000 Jews in Australia, of whom 52,000 (46%) live in Victoria.

The preliminary findings had aspects which are very pertinent to B’nai B’rith. Especially so now, as we are reorganising ourselves to better respond to current population trends and changing priorities in our Jewish community in Victoria. I picked five results from the report and put my views on the implications for us. You may have different views, so write to the Editor of Preview and we’ll try to publish the responses (please keep them brief).

Page No. in report

Survey finding My comment

42 A large majority (70%) of respondents indicate a sense of connection to the community

This is great news. It means that there is a large pool of people that we can potentially work with.

42 Of the 30% who do not have a sense of connection, the most common reason was “secular lifestyle/outlook and a feeling of not fitting in.”

Finding these unconnected people and getting them involved is really hard (just ask Chabad outreach workers). Maybe if we had more data on this group we could decide whether it’s feasible for us to reach them.

10 The age distribution has a relatively high number of people aged in their 50s and 60s – the baby boomers.

Many of these have already entered retirement or semi-retirement. Other community organisations e.g. U3A and bowling clubs have attracted large numbers of them.

44 When asked what needs to be improved in the community, the top 2 answers were: Increase assistance with school fees and reduce religious divisions between Jews.

Our new motto is Jewish Unity. Diversity. Continuity. What can we in BB do to increase Jewish Unity? The Make a Difference Project helps poor students. Should we do more here?

50 78% said charity giving is important. They gave to Jewish causes in Aust. 45%, Israel 19%

Our donations roughly fall into the general community pattern.

This Preview edition contains an obituary to Peter Krafel who used to be a member of Unit Akiba (see page 4). He left a significant donation to the Unit in his Will. This is a wonderful legacy and may be an example that others may wish to consider. If so, give me a ring.

We recently commemorated Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron and celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut on Israel’s 70th birthday. We are blessed to be living in these times.

Benny Monheit

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MELBOURNE

MITZVAH

LODGE

Co-Presidents

Devorah Zmood

Giora Hoffmann

MAY:

Sunday, 6 7:30pm BBVic Annual Menorah Awards

Monday, 7 8.00pm Programming

Wednesday, 9 7.30pm Regular Meeting. Guest speaker Tom Wodak of the Department of Immigration.

Monday, 14 2:30 pm Fellowship Group

Monday, 21 7.30pm Bookclub

Wednesday, 30 8.00pm Mameloshen

Bagel brunch 28th October

‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE’ – Funds raised support Jewish VCE students (from low income

families) at Independent Jewish & State schools.

If you would like to make a donation, please credit our “Making a Difference” account:

BSB: 013 017 Account: 9001 28923 Ref: Your Name. Then email – adsport@bigpond.net.au with your details or send cheque payable to: “B’nai B’rith Making a Difference” c/- B’nai B’rith Victoria, 71 Kooyong Road, Caulfield North 3161.

PRE-PESACH FOOD COLLECTATHON FOR IMPACT FOR WOMEN

BBVic Pres. Dr Benny Monheit presenting to Pres. of Impact for Women Ms Kathy Kaplan OAM

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HATIKVAH UNIT

Co-Presidents

Paula Messer

Orly Dar

HATIKVAH HAPPENINGS

MAY:

Sunday, 6 7:30pm

BBVic Annual Menorah Awards

Sunday, 27 8:00 pm Regular Meeting. “Life in Italy” Judith Bloom

In Memory of Peter Krafel ז״ל

Photographer. B’nai B’rith Philanthropist. 20 May 1946 - 24 July 2016

The late Peter Krafel recently left in his Will a surprising and significantly large donation to B’nai B’rith’s Unit Akiba. Peter belonged to that Unit in the 1980s and 90s, but he was a quiet, single man who did not have a large profile in the Unit. So information about his life is incomplete and took some research to find.

We know that he was born in 1946 in Budapest, Hungary and arrived in Australia aged 3 as a refugee aboard the ship Cyrenia with his parents Alice and Karoly Krafel. His father was a watchmaker who later worked as a jeweller and the family lived together in Fitzwilliam Street in Kew.

Peter was an only child. As a young man he worked as a dispatch clerk, probably at a bank. After his father died in 1961 aged 57, his mother remarried to Basil Silcove. It is Basil’s uncle, a man called Chaim Silcove (who runs Menucha Stone Monuments) who is the only relative alive that we could trace who knew Peter. Chaim remembers Peter as a simple person who liked sport and photography. He owned a good camera with digital zoom lenses and he knew how to use them. Ironically, no one can find a photo of Peter. Peter often spent Shabbat and family occasions with the Silcove family and loved to talk to them about his beloved Hawthorn Football Club.

In Akiba he came to meetings occasionally and chatted with a few of his friends. He offered his home for an Akiba function and was a loyal and quiet B’nai B’rith member. Later in life his health deteriorated and he spent time in various nursing homes, at times heavily sedated. Many lost contact with him then. He died alone in July 2016.

Akiba’s President Rosa Schattner remembers him as a kind-hearted man who obviously cherished the small but important bonds of friendship that B’nai B’rith provided him. Dr Benny Monheit, President of B’nai B’rith Victoria also recalls Peter’s enthusiasm for taking outdoor photos and thanks him for his decision to leave a lasting legacy to the organisation, which will ensure that he will be long remembered.

Compiled by Benny Monheit, Liz James and Philip Woolf

PREVIEW May 2018 Page 5

UNIT AKIBA

Boys and Girls

President

Rosa Schattner

DATES FOR YOUR INTEREST AND ENJOYMENT

MAY:

Sunday, 6 11:00 am

& 7:30 pm

A 2-hour historical “walk through time” in Carlton, in Lygon Street, with lunch to follow

B’nai B’rith Menorah Awards

Wednesday, 9 7:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting at Helen Fisher’s.

Thursday, 17 8:00-9:30pm The Jewish Non-Fiction Book Club. The meeting will review the book “Outwitting History” by Aaron Lansky. Presenter and host: Alice Peer.

Saturday, 26 8:00 pm Theatre Night to see “Strictly Ballroom” at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Tickets can be booked on CLOC Musical Theatre’s website. The show will be preceded by dinner in Acland Street.

Sunday, 27 2:30 pm Activities Planning Meeting

coming up in June:

Saturday, 2 7:00 pm Trivia Night Fundraiser in conjunction with Gesher Unit.

Sunday, 17 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

Executive Committee Meeting AGM and Regular Meeting, followed by a Jewish Cultural Enrichment Program (JCEP) presentation on the life and times of George and Ira Gershwin. Presenters: Andrew Kolb and Alan Kogosowski.

and coming up in July:

Sunday, 15 6:30 pm Installation of 2018-19 Executive Committee.

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RAOUL

WALLENBERG

UNIT Incorporating Units Re’ut &

Shalom Menorah

President

Simone Markus

MAY

Wednesday, 2 9am-5pm Bus Trip to Cranbourne Botanical Gardens and the McClelland Art Gallery. Lunch at Mornington on Market Day. Afternoon tea at Arthur’s Seat. $42 pp.

Sunday, 6 7.30 pm Menorah Awards

Monday, 7 7.30 pm Israel and the Jewish World. Speaker: Ephraim Kaye on the topic of further information on the Yad Vashem Teachers’ project.

Tuesday, 8 12noon

7.30 pm

Programming Meeting.

Executive Meeting.

Tuesday, 15 3:00 pm Schmooze

Sunday, 27 1:00 pm Lunch

coming up in June:

Tuesday, 5 7.30 pm Israel and The Jewish World. Leah Black will present a PowerPoint account of her personal experiences at the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Beersheva.

Tuesday, 12 12noon 7.30 pm

Programming Meeting. Executive Meeting.

Sunday, 24 2:30 pm MARK IN YOUR DIARIES: WALLENBERG FUNDRAISER Movie Afternoon. Movie to be advised. Including afternoon tea. Tickets: $20 pp.

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YITZHAK RABIN

UNIT

Co-President

Les Heimann

Leon Nissen

MAY:

Saturday, 5 8:15 pm “Our Town” a play at Malvern Theatre Company by Thornton Wilder, directed by Peter Newling (Sold out)

Sunday, 6 7:30 pm BBVic Annual Menorah Awards

Monday, 7 7:45 pm Executive Committee Meeting

Sunday, 20 11:00 am Visit to Heronswood Gardens - home of The Diggers Club, showcasing the best flowers and plants for Australian conditions. The gardens change throughout the year and peak in summer with wonderful planting combinations of perennials and heirloom vegetables.

coming up in June:

Sunday, 17

Noon Buxton Contemporary Gallery, The Michael Buxton Collection acquires significant works of art by leading and influential Australian artists who have demonstrated excellence and made a significant contribution to contemporary art practice. Focusing on fewer artists, in depth and across media, the Collection seeks to reflect the development of artists’ practices, and the scope of current visual arts practice in Australia.

coming up in August:

Monday, 20 7:00 pm AGM & Installation Special guest speaker Dr Dvir Abramovich. Topic: “A touch of genius.”

and coming up in November:

Sunday, 25 7:00 pm Joint Meeting with Hatikvah Unit: Life of a paramedic, venue will be advised at a later date.

Proposed Lectures in partnership with other units:

Arrowsmith Program: neuro plasticity applied to help people with learning difficulties

Courage to Care: What do we know about B’nai B’rith’s most important project?

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GESHER UNIT

President:

Karin Zafir

MAY:

Sunday, 6

8am-4:00pm &

7:30 pm

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle. Volunteers needed for 2 hour shifts between 8am and 4pm.

BBVic Annual Menorah Awards at Beth Weizmann. Two B’nai B’rith members will be among the four recipients this year: Karin Zafir and Jacqui Dinor-Corry. See front page for all information.

Saturday, 26

7:00 pm Dinner at Glasshouse Café, Caulfield Racecourse.

coming up in June:

Saturday, 2

7:00 pm Trivia Night in conjunction with Unit Akiba

Sunday, 17 2-5:00 pm Panel on Aged Care Services.

and coming up in July:

Sunday, 1 Installation

Sunday, 22 Debate with Maccabi Toastmasters. Topic: “Honesty is overrated.”

Pic 1: Purim party; Pic 2: Matza Picnic in Cranbourne

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CHAVERIM GROUP

Chairperson:

Antony Adelman

For information regarding functions/events/meeting contact BBVic Office on: 9576 1116 or

council@bbvic.org

B’NAI B’RITH

YOUNG ADULTS

(BBYA)

Co-ordinator:

Taryn Baskin

For information regarding functions/events/meeting contact BBVic Office on: 9576 1116 or

council@bbvic.org

B’NAI B’RITH RAMBLERS

Chair: Vardit Sacks-Davis Email: enquiries@bbramblers.org.au

MAY:

Sunday, 6 Morning SOMW from Sandringham to Mordialloc,

Wednesday, 16 Morning Midweek Walk, Capital City Trail from Southbank along the Yarra, then inland.

Sunday, 27 Morning SOHW led in Mt Dandenong.

Chairman: Dr Dvir Abramovich

If you see an anti-Jewish article or letter in a paper or hear something on radio or television

note the details and ring the B’nai B’rith ADC Office on: 9272 5677.

PREVIEW May 2018 Page 10

B’NAI B’RITH COURAGE TO CARE (VIC) NEWS

Victoria Police: Courage to Care has been awarded a contract to provide a program to trainers of

new recruits to the Victorian Police Force. We applied successfully to run workshops for groups of trainers highlighting bystander behaviour based on the work we have been doing so successfully in schools. This is a very exciting development and indicates the potential to develop alternative models of the Program suitable for the workplace.

Exhibitions: The next major Exhibition will be held at the North Eastern Jewish Centre from Tuesday

May 1st. to Tuesday May 15th. Any members who have not had the opportunity to see our world class

exhibition should arrange through the office to attend during this time. Further, for any members who

are interested to observe the Program in action, please contact Zoi in the office on: 9500 2313 to book a

time when a school group is attending.

Official Opening: The official opening of this Exhibition will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday May 1st. with

Deborah Glass OBE, the Victorian Ombudsman as our Keynote Speaker. She is the daughter of Dr.

Reuben & the late Pauline Glass both of whom were very active in the development of the Courage to

Care exhibition and particularly the associated educational program. RSVP is essential on 9500 2313 or

email to office@couragetocare.org.au

Incursions: An increasing number of schools are requesting incursions where we bring our new

transportable display to a single school for 1 – 3 days. In this way we have provided the Program to a

variety of schools from, on the one hand, small groups of students in specific schools catering for the

needs of students who have had difficulties in the mainstream school system to the entire Year 9 level

of other schools. Ballarat High School where we attended recently over two days has engaged with us

now for the fifth time and have found the impact of the program extremely valuable for their students.

Executive Officer: In view of the fact that no-one has lined up to take on the role of either Chairman or

Vice Chairman and the combined ages of the current holders of these positions reaching close to 160

years, the decision as been taken that there is an urgent need for the appointment of a professional

Executive Officer to take Courage to Care (Vic.) forward. A recruiting agency will be involved in the

search for a suitable appointee for this challenging and exciting position. In order to achieve this,

however, there is an URGENT need for major fundraising to double our current revenue allowing this

appointment to take place. Without this support the very future of Courage to Care in Victoria is at risk.

B’nai B’rith members are asked to consider this and continue to support this flagship project of the

organisation by donating to the tax-deductible Courage to Care (Vic.) Charitable Fund.

Facilitation at Ballarat High School

Incursion at Ballarat High School with Prof. Gilah Leder

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BBVIC’S 1ST COMBINED MEETING FOR 2018

Irene Bud receiving Certificate of Appreciation from BBVic Pres. Dr Benny Monheit with Sol Bud

Guest Speaker Prof. Andrew Markus with Simone Markus & Assoc. Prof. Dr Peter Schattner

Entertainment by Sibling Revelry with Jacqui Dinor-Corry & Frances Stiglec.

Members dancing & singing to the music of Sibling Revelry.

l-r Sima Garfield, Rita Phillips & Cheryl Gelfand

l-r Pres. Karin Zafir, Peter Pulver, Frieda & Dr Jeffrey Shapiro & Monica Petterson.

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~ BBVic Calendar for May 2018 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

C2C Exhibition Doncaster

2 EREV LAG

B’OMER

Wallenberg Bus Trip

3 LAG B’OMER

4

Candle Lighting

5:12 pm

5 Shabbat Ends

6:10 pm

YRU Play

6

Akiba Carlton Walk

Ramblers SOMW

Gesher Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

MENORAH AWARDS

7 C2C Mtg

Melb Mitzvah Prog Mtg

YRU Exec Mtg

Wallenberg Israel & the Jewish World

8 Wallenberg Prog Mtg

Wallenberg Exec Mtg

9 Melb Mitzvah Reg Mtg

Akiba Exec Mtg

10

VBBC Mtg

11

Candle Lighting

5:05 pm

12 Shabbat Ends

6:04 pm

13 MOTHERS’

DAY

YOM YERUSHALAYIM

14 Preview Deadline

Fellowship Concert

15 Wallenberg Schmooze

16 Ramblers Midweek Walk

17 Akiba NF Book Club

18

Candle Lighting

4:59 pm

19 EREV

SHAVUOT

Yom Tov Candle Lighting after

5:58 pm

20 1ST DAY

SHAVUOT

YRU Visit Heronswood Gardens

21 2ND DAY

SHAVUOT

Office Closed

Melb Mitzvah Book Club

22 Preview Collating

23

24

25 Candle Lighting

4:55 pm

26

Shabbat Ends

5:55 pm

Akiba Theatre Night

Gesher Dinner

27

Ramblers SOHW

Wallenberg Lunch

Akiba Activities Planning Mtg

Hatikvah Reg Mtg

28

29

30 Melb Mitzvah Mameloshen

31

Notes:

Fundraisers in June: Mark your Diaries: Saturday, 2 - Akiba/Gesher Trivia Night

Sunday, 24 - Wallenberg Movie Afternoon

Many thanks to this month’s proof readers - Sue Weinstock & Henry Gladwin

Compiled/set up by Frances Stiglec on behalf of B’nai B’rith Victoria Inc. Printed by: Blackfeather, Box Hill. Digital Version by David Rubin

Official Publication of B’nai B’rith Victoria Inc. Tel: 9576 1116 Fax: 9576 0339 Email: council@bbvic.org Website: www.bnaibrith.org.au

Vol. 57 No. 5 May 2018. Price 40 cents. Approved by Australia Post P/P No. 100000993

Members and friends of B'nai B'rith Victoria acknowledge the Boonerwrung group of the Kulin Nation

who are the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet.