On the other hand
April 22, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
It took forty years for the Israelites to make the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Read more
Deal of the century
April 19, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
As Jews worldwide gather to commemorate their ancestors’ deliverance from bondage it is only appropriate that we contemplate exactly what it is we are remembering. Read more
On the other hand
April 13, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
The elections may be over but the hard work of establishing a viable coalition has only just begun. Read more
Judgment Day – Yom Ha’din
April 12, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
From the High Holyday liturgy: “who shall be exalted and who shall be brought low.” Read more
Shalom Chaver
April 7, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Just over a year ago we had the pleasure of hosting Rabbi John Levi, Emeritus Rabbi of TempleBeth Israel in Melbourne, at our home in Efrat…writes Michael Kuttner. Read more
On the other hand
April 7, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Whether we have more of the same or forge ahead on new paths is in the hands of the voters every few years. Read more
Lucky dip on election day
April 5, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
When we were growing up in Wellington many years ago (a bygone era – never to return) the highlight of the Jewish community’s social calendar and Zionist fundraising was the annual Jewish National Fund garden party. Read more
On the other hand
March 31, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Our neighbours in Gaza spend all their time trying to devise new ways to cause murder and mayhem. Read more
Al Chet – for the sins we may have committed
March 29, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Although as individuals it is unlikely we have transgressed every one of them we nevertheless accept collective responsibility for the possibility that as a community we may have. Read more
On the other hand
March 23, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
With election day rapidly approaching Israelis are faced with the dilemma of which party to cast their ballot for. Read more
Return of the Amalekites
March 22, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Every year on the Shabbat prior to Purim, Jews wherever they may live, gather together to remember how the ancient Amalekites treacherously attacked the weakest and most vulnerable Israelites as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. Read more
On the other hand
March 17, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Purim is just around the corner which means that parents and children are busy trying to decide which fancy dress costume they will masquerade in. Read more
Ian Lawrence z”l
March 12, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
The funeral this week in Jerusalem of Ian Lawrence, a former Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, marked the closing chapter in a long and interesting family history. Read more
On the other hand
March 9, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Israel’s space capsule is orbiting in space and hopefully is still on course for a moon landing on 11 April. Read more
On the other hand
March 3, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Purim is fast approaching which means that children and adults alike have some hard decisions to make as to which fancy dress costume they will cavort around in this year. Read more
Multi choice mayhem
March 1, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Registration for Israel’s election has closed and voters now have the task of making an informed choice from a bewildering array of no less than a record forty-six political parties. Read more
On the other hand
February 23, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
In a week when election political shenanigans reached a new low, it is a welcome relief to bask in the latest positive achievements making Israel a leader in many fields. Read more
Global warning
February 22, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
There is a great debate going on as to whether the world’s climate is changing and if so what or who is responsible. Read more
On the other hand
February 16, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
The UNHRC prepares to issue its infamous blacklist of Israeli companies and businesses. Read more
Turn off the taps
February 15, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
What is the first thing you do when you discover that water intended for your household’s use is being diverted because of a malfunction in the pipes leading to your home? Read more
On the other hand
February 9, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Political party primaries are in full swing with aspiring politicians vying for a top spot on their respective party lists. Read more
Always in the news
February 8, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Since time immemorial Jews have always been in the news. Read more
On the other hand
February 2, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Israel’s myriad assortments of political parties are busy launching their manifestos in anticipation of elections in April. Promises of a future era of paradise flow like the winter rains. Read more
Call me Harry
February 1, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Towards the end of last year, I attended a diplomatic conference in Jerusalem where attendees from the diplomatic corps, media and students of international affairs were present. Read more
On the other hand
January 27, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
We have just celebrated Tu B’Shevat – the Jewish festival devoted to planting trees and ecological awareness. Right on cue, the first buds are appearing and some trees are already blossoming. Read more
Abbas, Malaysia and the UN – perfect partners
January 25, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
It is said that marriages are made in heaven. However, when it comes to Abbas, Malaysia and the United Nations we can confidently claim that their partnerships were forged in hell. Read more
On the other hand
January 21, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Islamic jihadists are busy exporting terror to all parts of the world. Meanwhile, Israel works non stop to make the world a better place…writes Michael Kuttner. Read more
Will we ever learn?
January 18, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
It seems that no matter how many times we are faced with life-threatening situations many people never seem to draw the logical conclusions….writes Michael Kuttner. Read more
On the other hand
January 13, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
The five-year drought has officially ended. This winter’s bountiful rainfall so far has started to replenish a depleted Kinneret although there is still a long way to go before it will be fully restored to acceptable levels…writes Michael Kuttner. Read more
Is anyone listening?
January 11, 2019 by Michael Kuttner
Quote of the week: “you cannot change what you refuse to confront.”…writes Michael Kuttner. Read more







