Jewish Care: enriching lives for 170 years
Jewish Care Victoria celebrated its 170-year anniversary by previewing a new hardcover book paying tribute to the history of the organisation.
Dr John Serry
The preview took place at a cocktail evening last week attended by 150 guests at Quat Quatta Receptions in Ripponlea .
The beautiful book of portraits, entitled ‘170 Years- Enriching Lives of the Jewish Community’, is being photographed by Woodrow Wilson and designed by Maxime Tarbouriech. Planned for release mid-2019, the book will feature portraits of over 70 inspiring and captivating people, past and present, who represent the Jewish Care community.
Public nominations were sought to help select nominees, and with over 200 public nominations received, a collection of highly respected current and past leaders of the organisation assisted with the difficult task of capturing the spirit of Jewish Care in images.
“In highlighting the individuals who have contributed to Jewish Care’s culture and success, we portray the diversity and unity of our community,” said Jewish Care President Mike Debinski of the new book.
Guests at Jewish Care’s anniversary celebration were treated to a preview of 15 portraits of individuals featured in the book as well as the opportunity to view interesting artefacts from Jewish Care’s history.
The evening was launched by a special anniversary message introduced by Jewish Care CEO Bill Appleby and featuring congratulatory messages from a range of people who have been connected to Jewish Care and its predecessor organisations, including Alan Schwartz, Melissa Davis, Val Granat, Michael Dubs, Geoffrey Green, Phillip Mayers, Delysia Pahoff and Darren Kovacs.
Four guest speakers also shared stories of their longstanding relationships with Jewish Care in a range of roles, including Dr John Serry, Melissa Davis, Barbara Belfer, and Dorothy Kovacs.
“I have watched Jewish Care develop and grow over the last 17 years into this unique and magnificent organisation that touches the hearts of many and enriches the lives of thousands every year,” said Melissa Davis, Chair of the Annual Appeal Committee and Co-Chair of the Generations of Women Committee. “We are so lucky to have Jewish Care; no other religious or cultural community has anything like it, and it is run by management and a board that is professional, authentic and genuine, with an eye on the future needs of the community.”
