I Wanna Dance with Somebody (M): A movie review by Alex First
December 27, 2022 by Alex First
The tumultuous life of the world’s most awarded female vocalist is put under the spotlight in I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Read more
Pilgrimage to Joseph’s Tomb an increasingly perilous journey
December 27, 2022 by Josh Hasten - JNS
Since the current wave of Arab terrorism began in March, worshippers and the IDF soldiers guarding them have come under gunfire during the monthly organised pilgrimages to the Jewish holy site of Joseph’s Tomb in the city of Shechem, aka Nablus, in Samaria. Read more
On the other hand
December 26, 2022 by Michael Kuttner
This Chanukah has proven to be one of the most dangerous and deadliest on record in Israel. Read more
Triangle of Sadness (M): a movie review by Alex First
December 26, 2022 by Alex First
A black comedy focusing on beauty, influencers, ostentatiousness, excess, pretension and power, Triangle of Sadness unfolds in three parts. Read more
The Banshees of Inisherin (M): a movie review by Alex First
December 26, 2022 by Alex First
What does it take to ruin a friendship? Read more
Why is there more decorative art in churches than in synagogues?
December 26, 2022 by Rabbi Raymond Apple
Ask the rabbi. Read more
Security Council should adopt Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine
December 26, 2022 by David Singer
The United Nations Security Council needs to urgently consider adopting the Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine solution – following the warning delivered on 19 December by Tor Wennesland – UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process. Read more
Feintooner
December 26, 2022 by Feintooner
This week’s cartoon: Catch me if you can. Read more
Double passes for The Fabelmans to be won
December 26, 2022 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans is written by Spielberg and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Caroline, or Change), who has earned Oscar® nominations for his screenplays for Spielberg’s Lincoln and Munich. Read more
The European Union’s subversion of Israel
December 23, 2022 by Melanie Phillips - JNS.org
Liberal Jews in both the Diaspora and Israel have been hyperventilating over the “extremist” ministers in the incoming government headed by Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu. Read more
An ill wind blows
December 23, 2022 by Michael Kuttner
An old proverb accurately foretells: “it’s an ill wind that blows no one any good.” Read more
A bumpy road ahead
December 22, 2022 by Ron Weiser
It doesn’t always turn out as planned. Read more
L’Chaim – to Life: Nitsana’s David taking on the social media Goliaths
December 22, 2022 by Features Desk
Maurice Klein speaks with Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Israeli attorney, human rights activist, and the founder of Shurat HaDin Israeli Law Centre, about the fight against terror and incitement of hatred on social media. Read more
Beat this: Henry Greener talks with David Kirsner
December 22, 2022 by Henry Greener-The Shtick
Drummer/DJ David Kirsner makes an impact wherever he performs, spins the decks, or organises the event, to make people happy and involved. Read more
Feintooner
December 20, 2022 by Feintooner
This week’s cartoon: Very Cross Words Read more
From Australia’s Jewish Past: Moses Morris Moss – wine and liquor business identity and model citizen
December 20, 2022 by Features Desk
Moses was born in 1819 in London and arrived in Australia in 1840, setting up home in Launceston, where he opened a business as a general merchant. Read more
On the other hand
December 20, 2022 by Michael Kuttner
Last week we visited our youngest son in Kiryat Tivon, which is 15 km southeast of Haifa. Read more
Bibi forced to move early on Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine plan
December 18, 2022 by David Singer
Bibi Netanyahu’s time for confirmation as Israel’s next Prime Minister runs out on 21 December after six weeks of the tail wagging the dog – parties with few Knesset members using their small but strategic numbers to try to extract concessions from Netanyahu for their support – that Netanyahu has obviously been resisting. Read more
How the White House attempt to counter Jew-hatred undermines itself
December 16, 2022 by Melanie Phillips - JNS.org
The Biden administration has announced the establishment of an interagency group that will coordinate U.S. government efforts “to counter antisemitism.” Read more
Everyone knows ‘Ma’oz Tzur,’ except they don’t
The lights are kindled, the shamash is returned to its place, and the family breaks into song: It is a rousing, march-like melody that is the aural equivalent of the menorah’s light—energy, joy and hope in the depth of winter, a promise of rebirth…writes Sarah Ogince. Read more
BDS versus modern art
December 16, 2022 by Ben Cohen
“BDS appears here as contemporary art’s foil. BDS undermines contemporaneity’s claims of autonomy and emancipatory effects, fixes its meanings in ways that might make artists bristle, and leaves it only with refusal: either refuse to be a perpetrator or refuse the request made by Palestinian civil society. At this juncture, the latter option should already be unthinkable.” Read more
Chanukah then and now
December 16, 2022 by J-Wire
If we were to go back two thousand one hundred and ninety years ago, to the time of Antiochus IV and the Maccabee Revolt, we would find a state of the world and Jewish affairs in many ways similar to today. Read more
Moulin Rouge! The Musical: A Sydney theatre review by Alex First
December 16, 2022 by Alex First
Polished performances, magnificent mashups, elegant and evocative sets, colourful and creative costumes, and charismatic choreography are the highlights of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. A striking spectacle. Read more
Lumen accipe et imperti
December 16, 2022 by Michael Kuttner
This Latin motto of my old college, literally translated as “receive the light and pass it on”, is very relevant as we get ready to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Read more
Henry Greener chats with Rabbi Effie Block
December 16, 2022 by Henry Greener-The Shtick
Rabbi Effy Block talks to Henry about the Chanukah events he will be co-ordinating under the auspices of Melbourne’s Elwood Shule and Chabad StKilda. Read more
L’Chaim to Life: Sock boy Benjy Orwin Podcast
December 15, 2022 by Features Desk
Maurice Klein speaks with Benjy Orwin, who at eight years old, decided he wanted to make a difference and help people in need. Read more
Avatar: The Way of Water (M): a movie review by Alex First
December 15, 2022 by Alex First
Avatar’s magnificent journey continues with awe-inspired distinction in The Way of Water. Read more
The Iranian regime is intensifying its violence against protesters
The wave of protests and social upheaval that erupted in Iran following 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death at the hands of Iran’s morality police, who had detained her for “improperly” wearing her hijab, has not died down…writes Ioannis E. Kotoulas. Read more
Handel’s Messiah: a choral concert reviewed by Victor Grynberg
December 14, 2022 by Victor Grynberg
Since I attended the opening of the Sydney Opera House 50 years ago, I have attended perhaps more than 1500 performances there. Read more
Teaching Terror to Tots
Palestinian Media Watch recently published a report on Fatah’s Waed children’s magazine, covering every issue published over the last eight years. Read more







