JCA Today

Monthly Mensch
Dr Hilton Immerman OAM

Our monthly mensch is communal legend Dr Hilton Immerman OAM.  Hilton served as CEO of Shalom for 30 years coming on board as College Master in 1989 and retiring at the end of 2016.  His contribution over that time has been enormous. 

Some of the highlights for Shalom during his leadership included the introduction, implementation and operation of major communal programs such as the Hebrew University’s Melton Adult Education Program, Limmud-Oz, the Sydney Jewish Writers’ Festival, Network, Hillel, Moishe House, PJ Library, Shalom Baby and the Shalom Gamarada Indigenous Scholarship Program.

Immerman has been widely recognised over his tenure, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to adult education and leadership development, an Honorary Fellowship from the University of NSW for service to the community and the university, and the Ron Castan Humanitarian Award for promoting Indigenous higher ­education. 

At the time of his leaving Hilton was quoted as saying “Working at Shalom has been much more than an occupation and a passion, it’s been a vocation – a ‘calling’.

Thank you Hilton for making such a difference particularly to our next generation.  Kol Hakavod.

Nosh Nook
George's Passover Almond Meringue Torte

Ingredients:

Meringue Nut Layer

• 75 g (1⁄2 cup) roasted almonds
• 4 egg whites
• 250 g (1 1⁄2 cups) icing (confectioners’) sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 30 g (1⁄4 cup) unsweetened
• Dutch cocoa powder

The recipe of George's was orginally published in the Monday Morning Cooking Club - 'Now for Something Sweet'

Filling

• 600 ml (2 1⁄2 scant cups) thickened (whipping) cream
• 75 g (1⁄2 cup) roasted almonds, chopped
• 100 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 135 g (1 cup) raspberries
• 165 g (1 cup) blueberries
• 165 g (1 cup) strawberries, quartered

Method:                                 

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F/Gas 2). Line 2 large baking trays. Trace 3 circles approximately 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter on the baking paper.

2. To make the meringue nut layer, place the roasted almonds in a food processor and pulse until they are ground, and resemble breadcrumbs. Set aside.

3. Using an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then slowly add the icing sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk. Whisk for 10 minutes or until stiff and glossy. Using a spatula, fold in the vinegar, cocoa powder and the ground almonds.

4. Use the spatula to spread the meringue inside the outlines you’ve traced, smoothing out to the edges. Bake for 45 minutes or until the discs are crisp to the touch. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
5. To make the filling, whip the cream in a bowl just until soft peaks form and set aside. In a separate bowl combine the almonds and the chocolate. In a third bowl combine the berries.
6. To assemble the torte, place the first disc of meringue on a serving platter and top with one-third of the cream, one-third of the almond/chocolate mixture and one-third of the berries. Repeat with the remaining discs. Serves about 10

Coming Up In Community

JCA Campaign 2023 Communal  Event 

Putting The Pieces Together

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies 

Communal Yom Hashoah Commemoration

The annual Yom Hashoah Holocaust remembrance events hosted by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies will take place next month.

The theme for this year’s communal commemoration is “Heroism in the Holocaust”, with keynote speaker Thomas Keneally AO, author of Schindler’s Ark, which was adapted into the film Schindler’s List.

As the very person who told the world of Oskar Schindler’s heroism, Keneally will share his remarkable account behind revealing Schindler’s story, and his thoughts on the impact of Schindler’s Ark and Schindler’s List on Holocaust remembrance worldwide.

The commemoration will mark 80 years since the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, featuring representatives from Jewish youth movements, and a tribute to partisan fighters will include the Sydney Jewish Choral Society singing the Partisan Song. There will also be a moving segment honouring the life and experiences of beloved Holocaust survivor, Yvonne Engelman OAM. Register Here!

Maccabi NSW

Join Carni 2024 Leadership Team

Since 1982, Maccabi Junior Carnival (Carni) has been the most prominent celebration of sports, competition, and social activities for young people in our community. Over 3,500 youths from Australia and New Zealand have participated in Carni throughout the past 42 years.

Carni has always been facilitated by the community for the community, and we need your help to uphold its legacy, enable young people to create unforgettable experiences and develop lifelong friendships.

If you want to make a difference and participate in something extraordinary, look no further. Join the Carni committee today! There are numerous ways to get involved, including becoming a Carnival Manager, Team Manager, Committee member, Youth Leader, and more. To register your interest or to find out more, contact
Taryn on 0431 219 749 / [email protected]

Youth HEAR

Youth Holocaust Commemoration - Stories of HOPE

This year the event unpacks the role of hope through the lens of the song ‘Hatikvah’ (The Hope) in Jewish life before, during and after the Holocaust. They will be joined by a wide range of multi-faith representatives, Jewish and non-Jewish friends and strong young adult leaders from across the political spectrum. 

The event will be held on Monday the 17th of April 2023, with doors opening at 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start.

Youth HEAR invites you to join them in honouring those who perished in the Shoah, applauding those who actively fought for the rights of their fellow human and bearing witness to the testimony and resilience of those who survived.

If you would like to join please register HERE 

Sydney Jewish Museum

Feature Exhibition – Reverberations: A Future for Memory

Visit the Sydney Jewish Museum to experience the high-tech exhibition, Reverberations: A future for memory, which shines a spotlight on 43 of the Holocaust survivors who’ve shared their stories at the Museum in recent years. This is not an exhibition focused on the events of the Holocaust – it’s about the people who experienced it – and the painful decision they make each time they choose to relive stories of unimaginable loss for the betterment of humanity. Grab your ticket HERE

Stand Up

Step Up April Intensive 

Running from 17 - 19 April, this Step Up intensive school holiday program is designed to explore social justice and tikkun olam from a Jewish lens.  Register your child HERE  

Project Eden 

This is a pioneering program, providing an opportunity for our Sydney Jewish community to welcome new arrivals who have been identified by the United Nations as being in urgent need of resettlement. This program is about forming relationships, creating bonds and making change. For more info click HERE

Derech Eretz x AUJS trip 

From 2 - 10 July 2023, Stand Up and AUJS will co-deliver a one week Derech Eretz "the way of the land" trip. We invite participants (aged 18-30) to facilitate school holiday programs up in Northern NSW, learn about the cultures and histories of First Nations people and connect with Elders.  Register Here

AUJS

Are You The Next AUJS LDP Madrich/a?

If you're 25+, and looking for an amazing opportunity to travel, network, and help develop the future of the Jewish community, this might just be the role for you!

To apply, please click HERE and fill out the online form.

Download this months calendar

We have gathered together some of the exciting activities and events taking place in our community in the coming month. 

Thank you for your support