Schar Mitzva? Or Tamu? Whatever your favourite Jewish pop song is, you might just hear it right here in Australia.
Everyone knows that good food brings Jewish people together. But a better kept secret is that Jewish music has the incredible power to bring people and communities into the same space.
And this December, we're doing just that, right here in Melbourne.
Do you have a favourite Jewish hit?
Did you know that you can buy kosher, gluten-free American donuts at almost every Woolies in the country?
Time to get ready for Chanuka - you'll find them in the freezer section.
What's your favorite regional kosher country grab?
A room full of people from different backgrounds, sharing an evening of warmth, inspiration and connection.
Our recent Legacy of Light evening in Coffs Harbour welcomed a wonderful mix of Jewish and non-Jewish locals for a night of inspiration, conversation and community.
Dan and Perel Goldhirsch shared heartfelt reflections on the life and legacy of Perel’s brother, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered in the Bondi attack. Their message reminded us of the difference each of us can make through kindness, courage and reaching out to another person.
Some of the most meaningful moments happened in the conversations. New friendships began, neighbours got to know one another, and people took the time to listen and share. It was a beautiful expression of the warmth and goodwill within our regional communities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special. Every conversation and new connection is another way to carry that light forward.
Who’s someone who brings light to your community?
Textbooks have been heading out across Australia as we prepare for our upcoming online Jewish study course, titled "Nurturing Relationships"!
Over six weeks, we’ll explore authentic Torah teachings on empathy, listening with care, disagreeing respectfully, seeing the good in others and rebuilding connections through forgiveness. It’s timeless wisdom with practical tools for the relationships that matter most.
For those living in rural and regional Australia, family and close friends can be hundreds or thousands of kilometres away. Those relationships need extra care and intention. In an age of AI, social media and constant distractions, making time to listen, understand and be present for one another matters deeply. And what better way than to learn the Torah perspective on this, in an easy-to-understand and applicable way.
We’re excited to bring together a unique group from across the country to learn Torah, share perspectives and grow together over the next six weeks, building stronger relationships while creating new connections along the way.
Earlier this year, our team visited Darwin to connect with and support the local Jewish community. During the visit, we also had the opportunity to meet with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and other government representatives.
Pictured here outside Parliament House in Darwin, from left to right: Jinson Charls, Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Amanda Gecelter; Sheina Gutnick; Candice Wainstein; Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory; Mushkie Gordon; and Brian O’Gallagher, Member for Karama.
Looking ahead, we're coming up to the Top End again at the end of this week. We're so excited to spend some more time with the local community over a weekend, which will include an inspirational Shabbat together.
If you head down a windy gravel road, 40 minutes out from Coffs Harbour, you will come across a house in the woods, just like a fairytale. And if you venture inside, you will meet the most vibrant, witty and loving centenarian.
Ruth has called the mid-north coast of NSW home for more than 50 years, and during our recent trip there this week, we were fortunate to be able to spend some time with her, and wish her a big Mazal Tov for her upcoming 103rd birthday!
Although a little frail, Ruth is very up to date with everything going on, and even sends a weekly "Shabbat Shalom" text to her close friends and family!
It is such a pleasure and honour to be able to spend some time with this special lady.
Pictured here is Amanda Gecelter from RARA visiting Ruth, with Ruth's dog Shilo making sure to sneak into the shot as well.
Rabbi Menachem Aron, Dan and Perele Goldhirsch and Amanda Gecelter are headed to Coffs Harbour today to connect with the local community and bring some strength and inspiration as we mark 10 months from Bondi.
We're looking forward to making some lasting connections.
A huge thank you to our two incredible repeat volunteers, Shalom Kapuler and Mendel Moully, who last week completed a mega 5-week trip all over Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
They spent time in regional areas, at the memorial at Bondi, and visited various established Jewish communities along the coast. During the trip, they formed some really incredible connections with people looking to connect over the recent Jewish new year and holidays.
Both Shalom and Mendel had previously been here for an earlier RARA trip, and they had such a great time that they came back again for another one.
Thank you for your dedication. Wishing you both continued success with everything up ahead!
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!
Have you been to this stunning spot along Australia's east coast?
Today, Rabbi Menachem Aron made the trip down to Launceston for the afternoon to spend some time with Rabbi Yochanon Gordon. The two rabbis spent the afternoon engaging with some significant stakeholders at Primary Health Tasmania to talk about the needs of rural and regional Jewish people and where support for them is most needed.
Together, we're looking to pave the way to be able to offer supports and assistance where it is most needed across the Island State.
The historic Geelong Synagogue site has been listed for private sale, located at the corner of McKillop and Yarra Streets and featuring two brick buildings adorned with a stucco-rendered design.
Built in 1861, the Shul was active until the 1980s, when it was sold, following a decline in the the local Jewish population. Proceeds from that sale were utilised to fund a number of Jewish community initiatives in Melbourne.
In 1851, a census identified 86 Jews in Geelong. Today, the Geelong Jewish community has been steadily growing, with well more than 50 families calling this regional hub home.
Do you know of any Jewish stories from back in the day in Geelong?
