Eat, Pray, Naches…. in Waverley
Waverley Council invites people to share their post-war immigration stories for its Jewish community stories project – Eat, Pray, Naches.
The aim is to gather second and third generation post-war immigration stories to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich history of Jewish immigrants and their descendants in Waverley, NSW.
Leon Goltsman and Miriam Guttman-Jones
Betty Schonfeld (second on the right) at the Central Synagogue 1962 for her Bat Mitzvah
A digital record will be created as an online resource for future generations and educational purposes. Local schools will be invited to engage with learning resources when the project is complete.
Waverley’s three Jewish Councillors, Deputy Mayor Tony Kay, Miriam Guttman- Jones and Leon Goltsman, support the project.
Jewish immigrants have come to Waverley from all over the world, bringing the strength of their heritage and connection to traditional Judaism for more than 50 years and Jewish residents now make up 17 per cent of Waverley’s population.
Miriam Guttman-Jones and Leon Goltsman talked to J-Wire.
Immigrants themselves, both have strong memories of growing up in the area and its importance in their lives. Meeting friends at “the steps” (little
Benjamin Schonfeld in his Mixed Business Store in Waverley.
Jerusalem) on Bondi Beach, a sweet treat from The Gelato Bar, going to the Hakoah Club and attending Bondi Beach Public School are just a few of their recollections.
Guttman-Jones says “My parents were Polish survivors who came here with a dream, a vision and the determination to forge a new life”.
When she realised that her contemporaries’ memories would soon start to disappear, she was propelled into supporting the project before it was too late. Goltsman arrived from Russia in the 1970s before Waverley became gentrified. Both councillors agree the area has changed a lot.
The project’s main objectives are to record stories that recognise the integral contribution the post-war Jewish immigrant population of Waverley has had in shaping the general community.
By capturing and showcasing the essence and histories of local Jewish residents, the Council will develop an electronic resource that presents these stories to the public.
“Jewish immigration brought so much cultural change to the area and helped establish its identity – it’s really important to document this part of our local history.
“Jews may be a small group but we have had a big impact” says Goltsman.
To share your experience of growing up in Waverley call 02 9386 7778 or
Email: [email protected]
Entries close on April 17 2015.
