With the approach of two of the most important “secular” days in the Israeli calendar, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, I have been reflecting as usual on what Israel means to me personally and to we, as a Zionist Community in the Diaspora.
After almost a year absence, the Hebrew Cafe was re-initiated on 26 June by Hagshama Melbourne and the Israel Aliyah Centre, in partnership with Masa.
The event, which took place in the new kosher cafe/restaurant Milk n’ Honey, on Glenhuntly Road in Caulfield South, was attended by 35 young adults of a variety of ages. Continue reading
Jewish Educators’ Conference“Perspectives in Contemporary Jewish Education” |
Preparations Underway for ZFA Jewish Educators’ Conference
Scion of a family of scholars, Rav Lau, nephew of Israel’s former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, will also present several workshop sessions at the conference and will address the AGM of the Association of Principals of Jewish Day Schools, to be held during the course of the conference. A host of local presenters from Victoria and interstate, together with leading overseas Jewish educators from Israel and South Africa, will offer individual workshop sessions to an estimated 340 educators during the two-day conference. Participants will include teachers, department heads and principals from Australia’s Jewish day schools and other Jewish educational institutions, as well as community and youth leaders.
The other keynote address will be delivered by Mount Scopus Memorial College Principal Rabbi James Kennard. Presentations at the conference, the theme of which is “Perspectives in Contemporary Jewish Education,” will include the use of technology in the teaching of Hebrew and Jewish Studies, Israel education, Jewish History, Israel advocacy and culture, sacred texts, early childhood education, midrash and halachah, informal Jewish education and a host of other areas relevant to Jewish teaching.
“Almost 9,000 students are currently enrolled in Australia’s Jewish day schools, and several thousand others enjoy supplemental Jewish education”, said Michael Cohen, who is the educational coordinator of the conference. “Given the size of the Jewish community in this country, these numbers are exceptional”, he said, adding that the ZFA biennial conferences afford wonderful opportunities for enriched professional learning – for teachers to learn from each other, and to network. “Teachers are aware that the ZFA’s primary focus at these conferences is on teaching and learning”, said Cohen. “These are not conferences at which academics are afforded the opportunity to present research papers. The stress is on pedagogy – teaching practice – in both formal and informal educational settings. And our children are the beneficiaries.” Back to Jewish Educators’ Conference main page. |
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In order to continue to remain unscathed from the Global Financial Crisis, Israel’s government is encouraging investment in East Asia and plans to work with Australia on joint investments, according to Shalom Simhon, Israel’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour.
Simhon held an hour-long briefing for leading community members associated with the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and the Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) 26 February in Melbourne.
“Israel sees in Australia a true friend,” Simhon said. “I believe that trade and technology represent the best part of our relationship. We plan on holding meetings with leading Australian officials, and I hope this will open new doors for Israel to further expand our goals. As I’ve grown to understand the Australian Jewish community, it is among the warmest in the world; the warm attitude of the community has translated to a warm attitude in the government.”
Israel’s two-way trade with China is about US$7.5 billion, and that figure is expected to rise above US$10 billion within 4 years, according to Simhon. Chinese culture and language is being introduced as part of some schools’ curriculum, and the government has a 100 million NIS program to work with companies to integrate into the Chinese market.
“The Prime Minister believes our emphasis needs to be on China, and the Prime Minister believes Israel can act as a bridge between China and the United States,” Simhon said.
Israel has a low unemployment rate – 5.5 percent, the lowest in 30 years – but high prices for housing and childcare, as well as increased standard of living costs such as food, have put a strain on young families in the middle class. Simhon said that the government is addressing these issues.
Commenting on a particular focus of employment policy, Simhon said:
“Only 24 percent of Arab women and 35 percent of Ultra-Orthodox men are employed; these are also the sectors that are likely to have larger families, and this creates enormous stress on the family and society as a whole. They are a large potential workforce that is not put into the employment market, and we need to make sure that we utilise them…
“From my knowledge of the parties we’re serving with, the Orthodox parties understand we need to enact change for their benefit, because these figures of unemployment are not good for their community as well.”
The ZFA and the ZCV were appreciative that Simhon participated in the briefing.
“The connections between Australia and Israel are kept strong by frequent high-level contacts with the government of Israel, and it is a particular pleasure to be able to hear from ministers who make visits with the Jewish community an integral part of their talks with the Australian government,” said Sam Tatarka, ZCV President and ZFA Vice President, in welcoming Simhon.
Simhon outlined his busy schedule during his visit to Australia, aimed at joint trade adventures with Australia and strengthening the already strong relations.
In thanking Simhon for his insights, Ian Samuel, ZFA Chairman of Hasbara, said: “We are very grateful for the work that you do to ensure that the balance of trade between Australia and Israel is at such a high level.”
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Haim Aronovitz, South African-born educational director of the Senior Educators’ Program at the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the Hebrew University and director of Israel Seminars of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Institute will also attend the conference as a guest of the ZFA, and will present a keynote address. 
The conference will also provide a smorgasbord for Hebrew teachers, as well as for teachers who integrate the teaching of Hebrew with Jewish Studies. The Israel-based progenitors of the Ulpan-Or program will be attending the conference, while local specialists will present sessions on the TaLAM and Neta programs. The ZFA has invited seasoned early childhood educator Margalit Kavenstock, Israeli educator currently conducting teacher training programs in Mexico, to run sessions on the Chalav u’Dvash and Chaverim B’Ivrit programs, and on early childhood education.