Mallacoota is a sleepy town in Gippsland, Victoria. It is home to about 1,000 people and just one or two Jewish residents.
Berrigan is a country town just north of the Victorian border. It is located in the heart of a rich agricultural area, known for dairy, potatoes, and lots of other produce.
The two towns are very different. Berrigan is landlocked, while Mallacoota boasts stunning beaches and is a great whale watching spot.
This week, these two towns, some 8-hours apart from each other, were brought together. You see, in each of these places lives a Jewish woman. And in Berrigan, the Jewish resident there has been very, very lonely. Having previously lived in Sydney's eastern suburbs, Miriam longs for a community to be part of, and for the familiar Jewish cooking that she enjoyed for so many years.
Meet Sarah, who has lived in Mallacoota for the past 3 decades. She has a background in counselling, and during a recent conversation, she offered Rabbi Menachem Aron to be put in touch and to have a chat with anyone who might need someone to talk to, out in the regional areas.
Well, just yesterday, Sarah and Miriam connected. They hit off right away, and before you could blink, a half hour on the phone had gone by. Miriam was so happy to able to speak and share her story with another regional Jew. And Sarah was able to provide Miriam with some helpful advice.
The two will keep in touch, and the next best thing that Miriam is looking forward to is an in-person visit!
*names of individuals have been changed.
