Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation

Please watch and listen to the YouTube clip below until the end - it has some classic Chaim moments!

Alas, Chaimka! My teacher, my student and my friend! These are some of my most cherished memories of Chaim Alter ben Yosef Leib עה"ש, a name that reverberates in the recesses of my memory.

The Chaimka I knew was one who traversed the hallways of the Shule. I can still picture clearly and vividly, Chaim Alter walking into Shule behind Eli, day after day, and making his way to his place to daven. Chaimka would walk in with a joyous face championing life experience. When he entered the Shule, I felt his presence in a dual sense. I felt his personal presence of just being present in Shule and his historical presence, a man from the previous generation setting an example for the next generation. I remember, and this causes me to laugh, when Victor’s little grandson engaged Chaimka in a conversation. When I saw this and perceived the matter from a birds-eye perspective, I thought to myself, we have a young little boy just starting out and beginning to experience life conversing with a stalwart of life experience. For me, it was a picture of the little inquisitive mind ‘challenging’ the powerful, experienced mind. It was a moment of time that represented the antithesis of Judaism –the passing of the baton. This is the Chaimka I knew.

Chaimka would always greet me and say, “Good Morning/Shabbos Levi” and add in a few words of Yiddish. I can still hear the sound of his voice and feel his handshake. Then, there was the time when I noticed that Chaimka’s head Tefillin was sitting on his forehead. I helped him adjust it so that it sat in the correct position. These experiences have left an impression on me as I know that they embody the Chaimka I knew – a yiddisher yid.

It is these memories that come to the forefront of my mind when I lament on Chaimka. Chaimka, it was a pleasure and an honour!

Ivor Kosowitz with Rabbi Brown at a chance meeting at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem in January 2009

N.S.H.C. honoured in Federal Parliament

The following is a transcript of a speech in Federal parliament by Luke Simpkins MP, Federal Member for Cowan.

I rise today to speak in support of the International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008. This bill gives force of law to the updated tax protocol with South Africa, signed in March this year. The bill amends the existing treaty to ensure that taxpayers of one country operating in the other country do not experience tax discrimination. Of course, this bill is very important to the 12,000 to 13,000 South African immigrants that come here each year, permanently or temporarily. Overwhelmingly they stay, and for good reasons. I understand that around 75,000 South Africans permanently relocated to Australia between 1995 and 2005. This reflects the Howard government’s commitment to reducing the skills shortage. I also understand that the number of South Africans migrating to Australia last year rose by 10 per cent but still fell short of the 35 per cent increase from the highs established in 2002 and 2003. Last year, 4,293 South Africans successfully applied for permanent residency in Australia, compared to 3,895 the previous year. In 2002, the number soared to 6,538. For two years prior to that, the number topped 6,000. These numbers include 1,395 primary applicants for visas and almost 3,000 members of their families and dependants.

During 2006-07, South Africa was the sixth place for country of origin, with almost 4,000 South Africans migrating to Australia during this period. Australia has recently increased the numbers of places allocated for skilled migrants by 31,000 for the 2008-09 financial year to a total of 133,500 places. This represents a 30 per cent increase from the previous year’s intake. South Africans represent only a small fraction of Australia’s overall migration numbers, however. South Africans make up less than five per cent of the total of new migrants coming under the skilled migration program. By contrast, 25 per cent come from the UK, 16 per cent from India and 15 per cent from China. Clearly, by the interest shown in migration to this country, there is a great affinity between South Africans and Australia. I, for one, welcome the contribution made by South Africans to the great state of Western Australia and particularly within my electorate of Cowan.

I would like to take the opportunity to focus on a particular group of South African people who have migrated to Australia and made their homes in and around the suburb of Noranda in the south-east of Cowan. This bill will be of benefit to them. I refer to the members of the Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation. Twenty-one years ago a group of Jewish South Africans determined that they no longer wished to live under the apartheid regime in South Africa. As we all know, Jewish people have suffered through the ages because of their beliefs and faith. The state of Israel has been effectively under siege and the target of terrorism for every year of its modern period since 1948. Given the persecution, it is little wonder that Jewish people are rightly sensitive to such regimes as existed at that time in South Africa.

It was, however, Australia that benefited from their departure, and Perth in particular. There are about 250 families that are members of the Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation, with around 220 being originally from South Africa. In looking over the congregation’s website, the historical link to South Africa is abundantly clear. There is even a list of congregation members and where they had their bar mitzvahs, the majority being in South African synagogues. As I said, the majority came to Perth 21 years ago with nothing. They could not take their assets with them and so they started in Australia with nothing. Like every person from South Africa that I have met, they are grateful to be here and are all now Australians. In recent years, more South Africans have come to Perth and joined the congregation. This later group have welcomed the move to Australia, like so many other South Africans, because they have escaped the crime and violence that afflicts that country so tragically.

When the majority arrived 21 years ago, for the first five years they had no rabbi, yet they still gathered to worship and they generated great community strength. They were also well supported by the City of Bayswater, which rezoned land to allow the construction of Noranda Shul in Garside Court, within my electorate. Spiritually, the Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation is now principally looked after by Rabbi Larry Brown. I was at his inauguration on 13 July this year. Apart from Rabbi Brown, the congregation also has amongst its membership Rabbi Chaim Davidowitz and Rabbi Shalom Coleman. Both these Rabbis have served the congregation for many years. I would like to comment on the positive leadership of Rabbi Coleman. Although he was born in England, he did serve as a rabbi in South Africa. In preparing for this debate, I had a long look at the Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation’s website. I saw on the website a picture of Rabbi Coleman from the Bloemfontein Synagogue’s golden jubilee in 1953. He was at that time the chief minister. Therefore, although Rabbi Coleman was born in England he forms an important part of the South African heritage for the Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation.

I also remember when Rabbi Coleman thanked the former Minister for Foreign Affairs after a visit before the election last year. As I recall, Rabbi Coleman spoke about the support provided by Mr Downer and the coalition government for Israel and Jewish people. Apart from the traditional strong and unequivocal support for Israel and Jewish people in Australia always provided by the coalition, last year there was also direct support provided by the former government. This was in the form of a National Community Crime Prevention Program grant of $43,000 to assist in the security arrangements at Noranda Shul. I was informed yesterday that work on a security wall is progressing as we speak.

Apart from spiritual guidance, leadership at the Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation is also provided by the president, Mr Ivan Cohen. He is ably assisted by his vice-presidents, Mr Shalom Hadassin and Charles Fridlender. Although the members of the congregation make great contributions to the Perth community, I would like to just pick out Mr Charles Fridlender as an example of such a contribution to the economy of Perth. Mr Fridlender runs Wavtech, a company that won a Telstra Business Ideas grant in 2001 and a Water Industry Award in 2002. Mr Charles Fridlender is the employer of a number of local people and he contributes towards industry and business in the Osmond Park area, which is outside of my electorate. He has certainly been hardworking and a great advocate. He is a person who has greatly contributed to the economy of Perth and Western Australia.

Before closing, I would also like to mention another South African, who is not actually a member of the Hebrew congregation and is not Jewish. Mr Michael Sutherland was recently elected as the new state member for Mount Lawley. Mr Sutherland brings a wealth of experience from his time as Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Perth. I welcome his entry into state parliament and the work that he will do. He is a great advocate for South Africans and people of South African origin. In summing up, I know that for all South Africans and for people of South African origin, this bill will be of great benefit. It will allow them more certainty in the future for their business dealings and I know that it will be welcomed by all people of South African origin and South Africans who operate in Western Australia. I commend the bill and the efforts of South African people within Cowan and within Perth.

Have you visited our library lately? We have many sefarim and books on a wide range of Jewish topics. Congregants are encouraged to borrow and enjoy the facilities. There is only one thing that is asked. Please return the books. Recently we have counted 40 books missing, including some complete sets that have disappeared. If anyone has library books at home that they have finished with, please could they be returned so that others may enjoy….

Due to high demand and the success of the Discovery Programme, audio CDs of the sessions are available for borrowing from the office. The disks are only available for overnight borrowing, and must be returned the following day. Using the disks is restricted to private usage only. Only registered participants or congregants may avail themselves of this service.

Disk #5: Transmission of the Written and Oral Tradition. Authenticity of the Torah and TOSHBA.

Should anyone require the session notes and source materials, these will also be available for borrowing.

If you have any news and nachas to share with the NSHC community, please advise the office.

Gavin Sher - Barmitzvah

Alex Chapeikin - Batmitzvah

Nicole Hirshowitz - Batmitzvah

Jarred Kristal - Barmitzvah

Year 2 Siddur Party at NSHC

Every Thursday night (from February 7 2008) Bachurim, students from Yeshivat Torah Mitzion in Perth, will join us at NSHC for a leil mishmar, a learning night for women, men, boys and girls.

The evening will start with chavrutah learning in groups, delving into a variety of topical subjects at 6pm. Mincha and Maariv will follow at 7pm.

To conclude the formal learning programme we will have a joint Shiur Klalli, general shiur from 7:30 – 8 pm.

Traditionally at the time of Yartziet, family members gather to say Tehillim, Psalms and learn Torah topics, in order to elevate the soul of their beloved. If there is anyone who would like to dedicate an evening session of learning in the memory of a beloved when all present will dedicate their learning in their memory, one please contact the Rabbi at the shule office.

To return to this shul page after hearing the clip, please close your Windows Media Player

Shabbat afternoon is the perfect time to meet up with friends and family. And the perfect place is in the comfort of the Max and Sarah Goldman Library over a drink and a friendly informative discussion. At 6pm on Shabbat afternoon many of us meet with the Rabbi to discuss and explore the weekly parasha as well as contemporary issues. No prior knowledge of the parasha or of Hebrew reading is necessary. Come along and experience Shabbat Menucha, Shabbat delights. Followed by mincha and Seudah Shlishit, the third Shabbat meal……….

Watch out for this……In the next few weeks Rabbi Brown, himself a keen historian, will be commencing a series of Shiurim on Jewish History. These shiurim have been presented in Melbourne over many years and attracted a large audience. Details will be posted very soon.

Rabbi Brown has been the Rabbinic Administrator of the Conversion Programme for the Melbourne Beth Din since 2004. During that period he developed a world class curriculum for the teaching of candidates. In the near future Rabbi Brown would like to present aspects of this programme for congregants who wish to learn the basics of Judaism as well as for those who would like to revise the many different aspects of Jewish Laws and ritual. Topics include; our belief structure, practical Kashrut, Shabbat observance, life cycle events, festivals in depth, Taharat Hamispacha, etc.

An example of a barmitzvah presentation certificate in a siddur (to Ivor Kosowitz from the Vredehoek Shul)

Sholem Moshe (Lemmy) Hadassin	Bereishis	Parkview Greenside, Johannesburg
Hylton Rodkin	Bereishis	Sydenham Highlands North, Johannesburg
Ivan Cohen	Noach / Rosh Chodesh	The Great Synagogue, Pretoria
Colin Leeb	Noach	Sydenham Highlands North, Johannesburg
Phil David	Noach	Temple David, Mt Lawley WA
Reuben Donn	Lech Lecha	Jeppe, Johannesburg
Danny Oblowitz	Lech Lecha	The Great Synagogue, Gardens, Cape Town
Malcolm Sandman	Lech Lecha	Princes Road Synagogue, Liverpool, England
Tony Hochberg	Chayei Sarah	Wellington Shul, New Zealand
Alan Osrin	Chayei Sarah	Yeshiva Glenhazel, Johannesburg
Tony Dworcan	Vayeitzei	Yeoville, Johannesburg
Ernest Erling	Vayeishev - Shabbat Chanukah	Hirschfeld, Germany
Abe Shulman	Vayeishev	Pretoria Shul
Irwin Tollman	Vayeishev	Cyrildene, Johannesburg
Len Atlas	Vayeishev	Wynberg Shul, Cape Town
Kevin Mayer	Vayeishev	Bet Sherene Shul, Herzlia Pituach, Israel
Avishai Brown	Mikeitz Shabbat Chanukah	Mizrachi Synagogue, Balaclava, Melbourne
Leslie Pinn	Vayechi	The Great Synagogue, Gardens, Cape Town
Allan Ausbruch	Shemos	Vereeniging Synagogue
Neville Friedman	Va'eira	George Shul
Victor Shchligel	Bo	Ramat Remez, Haifa, Israel
Leonard Goldstein	Bo	Parkview Greenside, Johannesburg
Selwyn Dolgoy	Bo	Warmbaths Synagogue
Rabbi Larry Brown	Beshalach	Salisbury, Rhodesia
Elchanan Brown	Beshalach	Torah Centre, Caulfield, Melbourne
Isaac Hochberg	Beshalach	Wellington, New Zealand
Ron Gordon	Mishpatim Shekalim	Linksfield, Johannesburg
Elmer Ellison	Shekalim	Salisbury St Synagogue, Salisbury, Rhodesia
Jeff Malin	Terumah	Sydenham Highlands North, Johannesburg
Jeff Jacobson	Ki Sisa	Temple Shalom, Highlands North, Johannesburg
Sean Slotar	Vayakhel	Temple Beth Al, Melrose, Johannesburg
Frank Friedman	Vayikra Hachodesh	Sydenham Highlands North, Johannesburg
Chaim Berman	Tzav Parah	Brakpan Shul
Steve Koblenz	Shabbat Chol Hamoed Pesach	Salisbury, Rhodesia
Trevor Wainstein	Shemini	Sydenham Highlands North, Johannesburg
Barney Wasserman	Tazria	Bloemfontein Shul
Colin Touyz	Tazria	East London Shul
Ivor Kosowitz	Tazria - Metzora	Vredehoek, Cape Town
Hymie Touyz	Kedoshim	East London Shul
Charles Fridlender	Kedoshim	Schoonder Street, Cape Town
Alan Hershowitz	Behar - Bechukosai	Springs Shul
Richard van Proctor	Emor	North Shore Synagogue, Sydney
Jeff Sandler	Bechukosai	Randfontein Synagogue
Paul Hirshowitz	Bamidbar	Kensington, Johannesburg
George Lazarus	Bamidbar	Temple Shalom, Highlands North, Johannesburg
Brian Hurwitz	Nasso	Kensington, Johannesburg
Alon Treves	Nasso	Sandton Shul
Darren Kirstein	Beha'aloscha	Sandton Shul
Barry Levin	Shelach
Irwin Stein	Korach	Parkview Greenside, Johannesburg
Leon Levy	Pinchas	Green & Sea Point H.C., Marais Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Eli Rabinowitz	Va'eschanan	Waverley, Johannesburg
Gavin Kristal	Va'eschanan	The Great Synagogue, Durban
Jeremy Green	Eikev	Oudtshoorn Shul
Sam Weiner	Re'eh	Yeoville, Johannesburg
Rabbi Chaim Davidowitz	Shoftim	Emmerentia, Johannesburg
David Mayer	Shoftim	Bet Sherene Shul, Herzlia Pituach, Israel
Hilton Kirstein	Ki Seitzei	Temple Israel, Johannesburg
Steven Pearson	Ki Seitzei	Glenhazel, Johannesburg
Russel Touyz	Ki Seitzei	P.H.C., Perth (N.S.H.C. being rebuilt)
Jerome Swersky	Ki Savo	The Great Synagogue, Gardens, Cape Town
David Goldblatt	Nitzavim	Claremont, Cape Town
Max Lurie	Nitzavim Vayeilech	Hillel College, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Lawrence Meyer	Nitzavim Vayeilech	Windhoek, South West Africa

Dean Rabinowitz	Noach
Jason Hadassin	Va'eira
Neil Rabinowitz	Chayei Sarah
Richard Vilensky	Chayei Sarah
Abe Shulman	Vayeitzei 2ND BARMITZVAH
Ashley Hadassin	Mikeitz / Chanukah
Jordan Osrin	Mikeitz
Gary Friedman	Vayechi
Greg Collison	Vayechi
Simon & Mark Kosowitz	Shemos
Gilad Davidowitz	Beshalach
David Slotar	Yisro
Daniel Green	Mishpatim
Benjamin Swersky	Mishpatim
Danny Friedman	Pekudei
Lee Hadassin	Vayikra
Daniel Hershowitz	Vayikra
Stephen Mintz	Vayikra
Jonathan Fridlender	Bamidbar
Emanuel Zimmerman	Bamidbar
Steven Vilensky	Shelach
Doron Livshitz	Va'eschanan
Joshua Ellison	Eikev
Craig Hershowitz	Shoftim

WELCOME TO THE

Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation
PERTH, AUSTRALIA

N.S.H.C. honoured in Federal Parliament

Gavin Sher - Barmitzvah

Alex Chapeikin - Batmitzvah

Nicole Hirshowitz - Batmitzvah

Jarred Kristal - Barmitzvah

Year 2 Siddur Party at NSHC

WELCOME TO THE

Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation PERTH, AUSTRALIA

N.S.H.C. honoured in Federal Parliament

Gavin Sher - Barmitzvah

Alex Chapeikin - Batmitzvah

Nicole Hirshowitz - Batmitzvah

Jarred Kristal - Barmitzvah

Year 2 Siddur Party at NSHC

Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation
PERTH, AUSTRALIA