I have in the past, spoken of the deep connection that exists between our "lucky country" of residence, Australia, and our country of origin and ultimate destiny, Israel.

The two salient points are as follows:
 
A) It was the Zion Mule Corps, precursor to the Hagana and later Tzahal, that landed with the Anzacs at Gallipoli on April 25th 1915, the event that was to forge Australia's identity as a proud and independent nation. And it was soldiers of the Zion Mule Corps, no less than the heroic Simpson and his Donkey, who sacrificed their lives to rescue their wounded Australian comrades in arms.
 
B) It was the Anzacs, soldiers of the Light Horse Brigade, who upon their return from Gallipoli, charged and conquered Be'er Sheva on October 31st, 1917. This, the last successful cavalry charge in history, led to the issuing of the Balfour Declaration several days later, and ultimately to the establishment of the modern State of Israel.

From the above it can clearly be seen that Australia and Israel each played a crucial role in the formation and the identity of the other.

Although this has neither been sufficiently acknowledged nor publicized - it serves as a powerful underpinning of the strong and unique bond that exists between our two nations, a bond that has been reinforced by successive Australian governments.

In spite of the unrelenting threats to its very existence from the very day of its proclamation sixty-six years ago, Israel has emerged as the greatest success story of nation building in history. Today it is an economic power-house, a world leader in technology, bio-technology and agricultural innovation, and of course, a centre of Torah learning, with more students and greater scholarship than at any time since the destruction of our Holy Temple.

As proud Australian Jews with a deep connection to Israel, both as Australians and as Jews, we toast the State of Israel as she approaches her 66th Birthday. And most importantly, we give thanks to Almighty G-d for His abundant Kindness and continued Guidance, Providence and Protection.

May He now lead us towards the ultimate destiny of all humankind - and immediately herald in the long-awaited Era of our righteous Moshiach.

On behalf of the Rebbetzen, and all the team at South Head, I wish you all Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM

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The Perils of Perfectionism
After Kiddush Shabbat Shiur

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Find out why half measures can be good enough! 

Join us in the Herbert Hall straight after the Kiddush.

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Underground Chabad Network
Rabbi Moshe Lerer

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In the Soviet Union, I was very closely watched — in my hotel room I found a microphone as big as a quarter hidden in the lamp. I had been warned not to talk in the room about anything important — just
about the weather or sports, but not about politics, and not in Yiddish or Hebrew.

Click the pic or here to read the full story.

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Shavuot Dinner & Night of Learning
Save the Date - Tuesday evening May 3rd

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Enjoy a fully catered, delicious gourmet dinner prepared by our outstanding Ladies Guild in our uniquely "heimishe" atmosphere.

Stayed tuned for full info and details of the Tikkun Leil Shavuot which will follow the dinner - watch this space! 

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Brookie Reports

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What a GREAT time we had at South Head's Children's Miniature Seder! 4 separate Seders were held for all the various age groups of children, with a total of 250 children in attendance!

The children drank 4 cups of wine, ate lots of Shmurah Matzah, received their own Haggadot and Seder plates, watched an exciting Pesach performance and played some very fun Pesach games!

A big thank you to all those who helped to make Pesach at South Head very enjoyable: Tali Miller, Shani Boskila, Devorah Milecki, Nofar Boskila, Sara Wahlhaus, Dasi Kaplan, Gittel Dyce, Yael Mekler, Matan Kofsky, Gidon Tuch, Rebbetzin Henya Milecki. And of course thank you to everyone for joining us at our Children's Miniature Seder!

PLEASE NOTE: Childrens' Services are in recess this Shabbos and we all look forward to seeing you next week May 2/3.

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Make a date to join us for the new Term of Mummy & Me starting on May 8th.Call Brookie for info & bookings on 0404 055 643

 

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Looking for something fun for your toddler! Check out RobinsNestTV - an online, interactive, music and movement class for Jewish children!

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Communal Events

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The reading of the names of Shoah Victims - Sydney Jewish Museum, April 27th from 1.30pm

 

Yad Vashem’s chief historian Dr David Silberklang will present the keynote address at the Jewish Board of Deputies' main communal functions on Sunday April 27 at Masada College at 7.00pm and Monday April 28 at Moriah College from 7.30pm. 

Included in the program is an excerpt from the children’s opera Brundibar, first performed in the Terezin camp, with musical direction by Dr Joseph Toltz.

Click here or the pic for full info 

 

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