By ZFA Webmaster | Published 4 November 2013

Seminar prepares gap year participants for return to Australia

99 youth movement gap year participants meet in Israel for ZFA/AZYC Sikkum Seminar

November 4, 2013

Now in its sixth year, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC) Seminar brought together 99 gap year participants from the six Australian Zionist youth movements for a closing seminar.

The three day program provides a platform for the participants to review their year in Israel and to discuss their return home, their commitments to their movements and the wider Jewish community.

99 chanichim from Betar, Bnei Akiva, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Ha’tzair, Hineni and Netzer were transported from their programs all over the country to stay at  Moshabe Hasade in the Negev. They have been participating in programs at Kibbutz Lotan, Sde Boker, Be’er Sheva, Kibbutz Givat Oz, Jerusalem, Modi’in, Rishon Letzion and Acco.

Head of Education at the AZYC, Sarah Raymon, said: “This year’s Sikkum Seminar focused comprehensively on life after Shnat. Chanichim were given a chance to explore the future of their Jewish and Zionist expression in the context of their communities back home. After this seminar it is clear to see that the six youth movements have indeed fostered successful and active members of the Australian Jewish community.”

The participants engaged in discussions on a range of topics including the Australian Jewish diaspora community, Zionist expression, Jewish identify in Australia, volunteering and youth taking responsibility.

A highlight of the seminar was a ceremony marking the anniversary of the charge of the Australian Light Horse Brigade in Be’er Sheva in 1917, which was organised by the Be’er Sheva Municipality and the Pratt Foundation at the Park of the Australian Soldier.

Reuben Bolaffi, Head of AZYC, spoke at the ceremony: “By doing our bit to create a better world around us, we strive to do the brave ANZACs proud. Our volunteering efforts in both Australia and Israel aim to benefit both societies individually, as well as together. It is our belief that activism, particularly through informal education, can close social and economic gaps in society, heal intra-societal rifts, and also bring our two distant nations together.”

The participants were joined by Israeli peers to volunteer in local impoverished neighbourhoods, led by “Katef le katef”, which translates to “Shoulder to Shoulder”.

Chantal Borik from Habonim Dror said: “Being in an environment with people whom we started the year and now finishing with them, it is exciting to know we have all developed so much in our year abroad.  I can’t wait to return back to Australia and work with my friends in other movements within the Zionist movement in Australia.”

Reuben Bolaffi, Head of AZYC said: “The closing seminar has been a very important and successful tool in analysing the exciting challenges that the participants will embark upon on their return to Australia. The community can be very proud of the next generation of young leaders that will return to Australia.  These inspiring young leaders are unlike any of their generation and are enthusiastic, passionate and genuinely want to make our community better.”

“The AZYC closing seminar was a wonderful way to put our year into perspective, and whilst the end of Shnat seems daunting right now, it is exciting to know that we are returning to thriving Jewish communities back home. The seminar sparked much thought about our future contributions to the community and about how we, as future leaders of our movements, can work towards common goals despite our differing ideologies”. Said Roni Froumine from Bnei Akiva.

A new tradition was initiated as all of the youth were presented with two small lapel badges of the AZYC and the ZFA, signifying the completion of their year in Israel.

Yigal Sela, ZFA Israel Office Director said: “For the ZFA, the Seminar is a wonderful opportunity for the shnatties to reflect on their year and the impact it had on them personally and will continue to have on their communities on their return. It’s the juncture of a fun-filled, educational year in Israel and a productive, ongoing contribution to the Australian Zionist movement. These energetic young people will lead and shape the community on their return and we commend them for their commitment.”

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 25 October 2013

Hebrew Conference for Primary School Teachers

Sydney conference will include workshops, keynote speaker and even singing!

October 25, 2013

On October 28, a Hebrew Conference for Primary Teachers from across Australia is taking place at Moriah College’s Hamakom in Sydney.

The schedule will include sessions on integrating drama and IT into the Hebrew classroom and Hebrew and Jewish singing for the classroom. Hebrew language workshops will explore cultures of thinking and effective teaching, differentiation, assessment of key learning areas and grammar.

Debbie Conn, Director of Hebrew at Moriah College said: “I am very excited to have been involved in the inaugural Primary Hebrew Conference. It has been a collaborative process between the Heads of Hebrew at Moriah, Emanuel, Mt Sinai and Masada and we have gained a great deal from meeting and planning regularly over the past few months. I am hoping that this Conference will be the first of many to come and that it will address the needs of our teachers.”

The Zionist Federation of Australia is supporting the conference and was able to secure Dr Dvir Abramovich to deliver the keynote address on “The fundamental importance of Hebrew and Hebrew culture for the Jewish community”. Dr Abramovich, the Israel Kipen Senior Lecturer in Hebrew studies, is Director of the Centre for Jewish History and Culture at The University of Melbourne.

Dr Abramovich said: “Hebrew will always be crucial and central to Jewish education and I am proud to speak at this gathering which reaffirms the importance of Hebrew in our schools. I have no doubt that this ground-breaking initiative will be an incredibly enriching educational experience for all participants and will further empower teachers to instil a love for Hebrew learning in their students and lead to innovative curriculums.”

Teachers are encouraged to bring along samples of successful, exciting Hebrew lessons to discuss during the interactive workshops.

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 24 October 2013

National Israeli Culture Competition Winner Announced!

Over 200 entries from across Australia

October 24, 2013

The National Israeli Culture Photography Competition invited participants to submit photos related to Israeli Culture. The popular competition received over 200 entries from across Australia.

The initiative, run by Hagshama Sydney, the young adult department of the Zionist Federation of Australia, inspired young adults from across Australia to examine their own Jewish, Zionist and Australian identities.

“I believe it is our role to provide compelling, attractive events and programs for young people that appeal not only to their social and cultural sensibilities, but also provide a framework for discussing those trends” said Hagshama Director, Dana Amir.

The competition received entries from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth and its Facebook page went viral. Twenty of the photos were displayed at the 2013 ZFA Plenary Conference and at the Farewell to Ambassador Yuval Rotem in Sydney.

The winner was announced on Thursday, October 24. The lucky winner, Elliot Freeman was awarded an iPad mini for his photograph “Capoeira on Tel Aviv Beach”.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen and I sincerely thank everyone involved.” Said Elliot. “I took this photo during my last week of a six-month stay in Israel on AUJS AVIV after I finished school. I was walking at Tel Aviv beach on a Friday afternoon and encountered this amazing scene. For me, it represents the lively, eclectic character of Israeli life.” He added.

The competition judges were Photographer Nadine Saacks and Renzo B. Larriviere, Head Designer at Nadine Saacks Photography.

Saacks praised the winning photograph: “This image encapsulates the criteria of Jewish Youth and Community. The silhouettes in the background are well defined and you can clearly see each person and what they are doing.”

The judges also awarded an honourable mention to “Cold and desolate lookout at Yad Vashem” by Jason Silverstone.

“This competition has been a stunning success” said ZFA Executive Director Ginette Searle. “Using visual images and online media, it has provided a contemporary platform for people to express their relationships with Israel and share them with others. Dana Amir has captured the spirit of the generation in this project.”

The ten finalists are Danna Fain, Oren Elran, David Sokol, Phoebe Port, Elliot Freeman, Jason Silverstone, Tanya Strusberg, Sue Kupferman and 2 photos by Claudia Shmueli. View the winning photos online.

The project was sponsored By ARZA, Emanuel Synagogue, Habayit Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture, Hagshama, The Australian Jewish News, Masa, UPJ, ZFA & ZCNSW.

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia

T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 17 October 2013

National Israeli Culture Photography Competition FINALISTS!

Why do we love Israel so much? So, the answer to this question is all over Facebook…

National Israeli Culture Photography Competition ended on Monday, 30th September 2013, with over 200 entries… The competition has proved an educational, inspirational and meaningful experience for all those involved.

The competition required participants to email photography to do with Israeli Culture, later posted on Facebook for friends and followers to see and adapt to… The National Israeli Culture Photography Competition received over 200 entries in Australia! Among this community’s many meaningful social and educational roles, giving young adults an opportunity to examine their own Jewish, Zionist and Australian identities remains one of the most important and crucial tasks before this organisation. “I believe it is our role to assist in compelling, attractive events and programs for young professionals that appeal not only to their social and cultural sensibilities, but also provide a framework for discussing those trends” Says Hagshama Director – Dana Amir. Therefore, this new competition both draws in many young adults as well as prove an educational, inspirational and meaningful experience for all those involved. The competition required participants to email photography to do with Israeli Culture, later posted on Facebook for friends and followers to see and adapt to.

The Facebook went viral, and photos were shared for the whole world to view, individuals shared their love to Israel. There were entries from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, even a few from the rest of the world, though we had to deny those entries. 20 photos were printed and displayed in the 2013 ZFA plenary, including a slideshow of all entries to all guests. They were also displayed in the Farewell to Ambassador Yuval Rotem in Sydney.

The main Goals:

  • The competition will grant participants an opportunity to relate their own lives and heritage as Australian Jews to the questions of identity, independence, recognition and autonomy for the Jewish/Israeli people.
  • The competition will provide a creative and artistic framework to express these thoughts and conclusions in a way that is not commonly used in more traditional institutions (school, youth movement, adult community activities).
  • The competition will inspire young adults to become involved in the Jewish community by giving them an attractive, worthwhile event/project to spark their interest and in which to invest their time.
  • The competition will culminate in an event that can be attended by participants, their friends and family and the general public and which will include and promote discussions on the topics raised by the competition and works submitted – mainly Israeli Culture.

The prize: an iPad mini.

Our judges: The judges who chose the top 10 finalists are Photographer Nadine Saacks and Head Designer at Nadine Saacks Photography – Renzo B. Larriviere.
Nadine Saacks majored in photography whilst completing her Fine Arts Degree. Now with over 20 years of experience in professional wedding & portrait photography.

Entries closed on the 30th September 2013, and on the 7th October 10 finalists were announced. The winner to be announced on Thursday, 24th October.

The finalists are: Danna Fain, Oren Elran, David Sokol, Phoebe Port, Elliot Freedman, Jason Silverstone, Tanya Strusberg, Sue Kupferman and 2 photos by Claudia Shmueli

View the 10 finalists!! Look out for this week’s Jewish News to see all 10 finalist photos.

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 17 October 2013

Sense of Place

Hagshama Sydney invites you to Art2Muse Gallery in Double Bay who is holding an art exhibition for the acclaimed artist Dana Dion at their gallery in Double Bay, Sydney. The exhibition runs 22 October – 4 November  2013 with an exciting and fun launch on 6pm – 8pm.

Thursday 24 October 2013
Dana’s exhibition is paintings of landscapes inspired by Israel and Australia. Dana’s paintings reflect and direct thoughts about Israel while also connecting the same to Australia. Dana Dion’s paintings consist of landscapes examining different places. The landscapes aim to define or locate a place where she belongs. “I chase the feelings of belonging and look for a reaction to the feeling. The landscapes do not depict a specific place, but rather a memory or recording of the many places I have lived in:  No borders, boundaries or identified area. As an outgoing person, I like my art to be outgoing, to elicit a response and deny the ordinary. Each painting is my way of creating the place I belong and opens a window for interaction and communication.”

Dana Dion was born in Israel, lived in Israel, Kenya, Tanzania, Vancouver Canada, Los Angeles and Atlanta USA, Oxford and London UK and Sydney Australia. After owning and operating three successful fitness businesses in Vancouver, Canada (1980 – 1992), initiating managing and designing the 1st Canadian Ironman Triathlon (1983) and raising three children, Dion settled in Sydney Australia in 2000. She emerged from behind the canvas in 2005, to display her artistic feel and ability for painting and drawing. “I approach my work spontaneously and energetically. It is always a new adventure in form, colour, line, ranging from abstract to figurative. I never know in advance the end result. In a way, I feel like a dancer improvising. I enjoy being on the edge, between being lost and having control of my work. This is the place where I feel grounded and sense of belonging.” She has since exhibited widely around Australia, and been awarded numerous prizes and awards. Hagshama looks forward to seeing you Thursday evening, 24th October 2013, at the launch.

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 7 October 2013

ZFA Israel Programs Hosts Sukkah Sounds Party

Young adults and Israel Programs alumni celebrated together

October 7, 2013

Wine, cheese and good sukkah vibes were abundant at the 2013 Sukkot Sounds Party. The festive function on September 24 welcomed Israel Programs alumni and young adults.

ZFA Israel Programs, in collaboration with “Habayit” Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture, organised the event, held at St Kilda Hebrew Congregation Sukkah.

The function provided a platform for many unaffiliated young adults to meet and connect in a meaningful way.

Guest Arik Pinhasov said: “It was an amazing opportunity to meet new people, enjoy great food and dance to great live music. I am just waiting for the next event!”

The sukkah was decorated with mosaic candles and exotic cushions to create a warm, Israeli atmosphere. A highlight of the evening was a live performance by The Yuval Ashkar Duo, who serenaded the crowd with oud and darbuka music.

This was the first ever Sukkot celebration for recent Kangarusski Birthright participant Jemima Meltser, “It was a beautiful evening spent in a wonderfully decorated sukkah, sharing stories, tasting delicious treats and of course listening to the sounds of Israeli music.”

“Thank you to the wonderful people who created this fantastic event and I hope that it grows even bigger next year!” added Meltser.

Rebecca Davis, ZFA Israel Programs Follow-Up Coordinator said: “The event was intimate and very successful. People arrived in groups of twos and threes but by the end of the night everyone danced, laughed and shared stories with new friends… We are very excited for our Chanukah party”.

For more information about ZFA Israel Programs, including upcoming events and programs, visit the Facebook page or contact Rebecca Davis rdavis@zfa.com.au

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

Posted in Affiliate News, Aussies in Israel, Events, Israel Programs, News, Past Events, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 4 October 2013

ZFA Israel Programs runs Mind, Body, and Soul Series

An alternative form of reflection during the High Holy Days

October 3, 2013

Over the first three Tuesdays of September, young Jewish adults and Israel Programs alumni attended the exciting inaugural Mind, Body, Soul series.

Presented by ZFA Israel Programs as an alternative form of reflection during the high holy days, the series presented three different events for young adults.

The first session, ‘Mind’ presented a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Who is the Jew in You?’ The panel featured Gary Samowitz (CEO of Jewish Aid Australia), Bram Presser (Yidcore’s ex-Punk rocker), Manny Waks (CEO of Tzeddek) and Sasha Klyachkina (ZFA Shlicha for the Russian Speaking Community).

Each panellist shared their own personal Jewish journey and ever-evolving understanding of their Jewish identity. The sentiments were followed by an intimate conversation as audience members shared their own stories and unique backgrounds.

AUJS Birthright alumna Gabriella Oberman said: “The event was great because it presented mixed Jewish voices which appealed to a non-traditional and non-conservative crowd. It was good to have something beyond the mainstream.”

The second session ‘Body” was hugely popular with Avi Yemeni and his team at IDF Training Krav Maga teaching the basics of Krav Maga. The participants were also treated to a real-life experience with laser lights.

Rebecca Davis, Israel Programs Follow-Up Coordinator said: “It was great to see the same people who were so deeply pondering all aspects of the Jewishness in the last session, let loose and release some of their frustrations on the punching bag!”

The final component of the series, ‘Soul’ was a discussion about Kabbalah and Meditation, hosted by Rabbi Daniel Rabin. Held at the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia, young adults lounged on beanbags and enjoyed chocolates as they reflected upon the spiritual side of their Jewish identity.

AUJS Achshav alumna Louise Goldwater said, “It made me think about the different aspects of Judaism and realise that you can’t just be satisfied with the status quo, you should always be searching for something more.”

The series attracted over 60 attendees, and was followed by a very successful Sukkot Party on Tuesday 24 September.

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 25 September 2013

Longing and Belonging

On Tuesday, 24th September, the community joined Hagshama Sydney at Flinders Street Gallery in Surry Hills, to view an exhibition called Double Coding by Jewish Artist – Ban Rak.

In portraying the signifiers of his identity, Rak has produced an accomplished and complex body of work and one that could be seen as a significant contribution from an artist of the diaspora.

Visitors wagged their chins, sipped some wine, and scratched their heads…

One cannot help but be mesmerised by Rak’s window display.

While in a secular sense Rak identifies with Judaism as his cultural group, he is inevitably aligned with the perpetual expression of his traditional cultural conventions.

The 21st century has emerged as a century of enhanced globalisation, forced a reorganisation of new economic models of ruthlessly competitive production and witnessed the establishment of a plethora of media platforms. These evolving characteristics of society have changed how we perceive our own identities and raised questions relative to whether we define ourselves based solely on the common conventions of identity such as ethnicity, nationality and religion. This project Double Coding seeks to address, through a form of personal narrative, this question of perceived identity – a key theme in art for centuries.

Beginning with an exploration of the meaning of cultural belonging—the understanding of shared myths, customs, symbols, and jargon, and their underlying subtext Ben Rak identifies the importance of these shared experiences in a range of cultural contexts. By isolating indexes of both his Jewish heritage and an affiliation with surfing subculture he deliberately positions them within the conventions of media narratives and clichés. Therefore creating an amalgamation of iconic emblems becoming a type of performance in which we all take part, each presenting our own cultural alignments and involving an interaction with the audience, shifting between action and reaction.

The artworks are intended to demonstrate the transition from what used to be considered a fundamental identity, such as an association with an ethnic group, as opposed to a seemingly less authentic identity epitomized by the performance of media clichés, stereotypes, and narratives, an identity that is no longer definable for more than a moment as we progress through our life’s path.

The work is created across a diverse range of media, mostly those based on printmaking techniques. Many of these techniques were initially developed as commercial production processes, implying that consumer influences play a role in the construction of our identity. They toy with the relationship between surface and depth both visually and conceptually, questioning whether our identity is more about exterior than interior.

Gallery is open until 5th October 2013.

For more information, contact Hagshama on 02 9360 6300 or Hagshama@zionistcouncil.com.au

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 25 September 2013

Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes Gandel Philanthropy’s commitment to Jewish continuity

Taglit-Birthright Israel is a visionary program that provides a free 10-day educational tour of Israel for young Jewish adults aged 18-26 who have never previously participated in a peer-group educational trip to Israel. The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is proud to represent the Australian Jewish community as the local partner in this unique project.

The ZFA is thrilled to announce a significant grant from Gandel Philanthropy for the Taglit-Birthright Israel program, which will go towards supporting three groups in the coming year.

As Principal Australian Supporter, the contribution from Gandel Philanthropy will enable 120 young adults – many of whom are currently largely unaffiliated with the Australian Jewish community and have never visited Israel – to experience this life-changing program.

“My family strongly believes in supporting a range of programs that can foster and enhance Jewish continuity and identity, and help develop the future leaders in our community. The evidence shows that Taglit-Birthright Israel program has been a major contributor to strengthening Jewish continuity right around the world and we are very proud to be associated with it,” said Mr John Gandel AO, Chairman of Gandel Philanthropy.

“I hope that we can lead the way in the community and inspire many others to join us and support this innovative program. Together we can help shape and increase the sense of Jewish identity and connectedness for our younger generations right around Australia,” added Mr Gandel.

“Taglit-Birthright Israel is a critically important Israel program for us as a community as it has the direct ability to engage many young Jewish adults with the powerful connection to Israel, Judaism and other young Jews they meet during and after the program,” said ZFA President Philip Chester.

Reflecting on her Taglit-Birthright Israel experience earlier this year, program alum Jemma Podem said, “Taglit has proved to be an experience so rich in its content and something which has impacted on me so greatly. I have not only learned more about my heritage, Israel and its surrounding countries, but a lot about myself.”

Since its inception in 2000, more than 340,000 young Jews from 62 countries around the world took part in the Taglit-Birthright Israel program.

The ZFA works together with several local program organisers to operate Taglit-Birthright Israel. By the end of 2013, more than 3,600 Australians will have participated in this program. In 2013-14, the ZFA will be sending 320 young Jewish adults to Israel on Taglit-Birthright Israel experience.

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By ZFA Webmaster | Published 10 September 2013

ZFA Kangarusski program success continues back in Australia  

Program participants involved in leadership training  

The very first Kangarusski Birthright trip brought 40 Russian-speaking Jewish Australians to Israel for an unforgettable ten day experience.

The pilot program, organised by the Zionist Federation of Australia and supported by Genesis Philanthropy Group, was an overwhelming success.

Participants described a newfound clarity of their Jewish Russian identity. Participant Lisa Saloukhvadze from Adelaide said, “My personal ten day experience has completely changed me as a person… 40 unique Russian-speaking Australian Jews now have a reason to be proud of their rich heritage and ancestry.”

The program’s success has inspired Sasha Klyachkina, shlichah for the Russian speaking Jewish community in Australia, to develop the ‘KangarussKEY to Leadership’ program in Melbourne and Sydney, as part of the ZFA Israel Programs follow up project.

The program aims to create a strong leadership group and to establish a structured annual calendar of events for the Russian Jewish community in Australia.

Sasha stated, “We saw Birthright as the start of this wonderful journey, which continues long after the program in Israel ends.”

Participants in the leadership program will acquire informational Jewish education skills, project building and real hands-on experience in developing a project for the community,” she added.

The program will welcome 18 to 30 year olds from a range of backgrounds, from those born in Australia to Russian parents to Russian speakers and Israeli Russians.

ZFA President Philip Chester said: “It started with a Birthright bus and has developed into a positive leadership program for young Jewish Russian-speaking Australians. Kangarusski exemplifies the benefits of Israel programs in strengthening our community.”

The response for the Melbourne program has been overwhelming with 20 confirmed participants and more waitlisted. There are still a few spaces in the Sydney program.

On the importance of the program in Sydney, Sasha emphasised: “There is a very strong community in Sydney with high motivation to make a difference.”

The Sydney and Melbourne groups will meet for a joint weekend during the seminar series.

 

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