Lunch with Umberto

A Little Lunch Music is a long-running series created by the accomplished Australian pianist Kathryn Selby in 2007. Read more

Israeli Election 2022: Winners and Losers

Despite near parity between the two opposing political camps in terms of votes cast (2,360,757 to the right-wing religious alliance and 2,330,464 votes for the “anti-Netanyahu block”) the Netanyahu-led bloc of Likud, Religious Zionism, Shas and United Torah Judaism achieved 64 seats and a clear majority. Read more

From Australia’s Jewish past: Louis Pulver –  Heaven-born instructor of youth

Louis was the son of Isaac and Rosetta, who met and married in London in 1840. Read more

Bibi’s victory, Biden administration blues

Let’s set aside speculation as to why President Joe Biden has yet to congratulate Israel’s former and soon-to-be prime minister, Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu, on his victory in the Nov. 1 Knesset elections. Read more

The United Ukrainian Ballet company’s Swan Lake: reviewed by Alan Slade

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Ukrainian soloists Stanislav Olshanski and Alexander Tutunique were performing in Amsterdam with the famous former principal dancer in the Dutch National Ballet, Igone de Jongh. Read more

The Hunt: A Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus thriller

Faye Kellerman’s book reviewed by Rabbi Jeffrey Cohen. Read more

Feintooner

This week’s cartoon: Phoney Congratulations Read more

Why do Orthodox synagogues not permit mixed seating?

Read more

On the other hand

They say that the climate is changing, and we must prepare for future catastrophes. Read more

Israel joins the West’s culture wars

With the result of its election this week, Israel has joined other Western countries in a notable current trend: A revolt by the public against the political establishment. Read more

Pope John 23rd

Of all the religious non-Jews of my lifetime that I admire, John 23^rd ( Pope from 1958-1963) tops my list. Read more

Meltdown

Definition: “A sudden loss of control over one’s feelings or behaviour.” Read more

Netanyahu victory paves way for Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine

Bibi Netanyahu’s triumphal return as Israel’s next Prime Minister affords him the opportunity to fulfil one of his major election promises: Ending the 100-years old unresolved Arab-Jewish conflict. Read more

Ron Weiser: Initial observations before the final Israeli election results are in

1 – Benjamin Netanyahu has made a stunning career-saving return to the prime ministership. Read more

Shabbat Lech Lecha: Moral ambiguity

Women play an important part in the narrative of Genesis. Read more

Verdi’s Attila: another masterpiece – reviewed by Victor Grynberg

Giuseppe Verdi, in the judgement of many, was the greatest ever composer of operas. Read more

Next 48 hours will determine if Netanyahu becomes prime minister

Israel’s initial election exit poll results are in, and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains the most dominant force in Israeli politics by a significant margin. Read more

Elon Musk must restore free speech on Twitter

He’s finally done it, and organizations that claim to speak for the Jewish community, as well as others, are worried. Read more

Feintooner

This week’s cartoon: PhoeBibi Rises Read more

Can God change his mind?

Ask the rabbi. Read more

From Australia’s Jewish Past: Known as Australia’s first “muckraker’’

Maurice was born in Marggrabowa East Prussia (Poland) to Israel and Bella Brodzky on 25 November 1847. Read more

Explainer: The significance of the Israel-Lebanon Maritime Agreement and its benefits for regional and international security

I’ve been approached by numerous members of the public in and around New Zealand for further information on the recently announced Israel-Lebanon Maritime Agreement. Read more

Urinetown: The Musical – Melbourne review by Alex First

A 20-year drought has led to the blatant exploitation of the underprivileged. Read more

What the Kanye West scandal can teach the UN

The Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, offered a telling quip during a debate last week at the international body concerning the latest report of its Commission of Inquiry into Israel and its apparently irredeemable offences against international law. Read more

DanceX Part III, at Arts Centre Melbourne: reviewed by Alex First

A proud, potent and poignant piece of artistry that combines dance, song, monologue and athleticism with projections is the highlight of DanceX Part III. Read more

Rabble Rousers

The conflict in the Middle East over the Mandate Territories has festered now for a hundred years. Read more

‘Pinot Chamot’ provide warm welcome, respite for IDF soldiers

In the middle of the night, a group of commandoes from the IDF’s elite Duvdevan Unit arrived at the community of Mitzpeh Yericho, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. They were hungry and tired after a long day of service. Read more

On the other hand

If you haven’t visited Israel recently, you will be amazed at the enormous infrastructure work which is taking place, especially with highways and train transportation. Read more

Tortured logic: Analysts dismiss Ukraine’s attempt to blame Israel for Russia-Iran alliance

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday accused Israel of bringing about an alliance between Russia and Iran, a claim experts JNS spoke with termed “bizarre.” Read more

Israel and the importance of COP 27 to the Middle East and the Pacific

2022 is the year when it became clear to us all that we are in the midst of a powerful climate crisis that is only getting worse. Read more

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