Download Report

November—December 2014
Registered by Australia Post: PP 255003/01519
Editor Sandy Matrai
Email: Matrai@coasydney.org
NEWSLETTER
COA’s Krygier Centre
25 Rowe Street, Woollahra, 2025 NSW
Tel: 9389 0035 AH: 0413 731 717 Fax: 9369 3535
Email: coa@coasydney.org Web:www.coasydney.org
HEALTH, SELF EXPRESSION AND THE JOY OF CREATIVITY
It has long been known that being creative is lifeenhancing and nourishing for the spirit.
During the September school holidays our regular
Monday art class sprouted a youth group!
Now we know the benefits go beyond the spiritual:
recent studies have demonstrated that even when all
the other variables are the same, older adults who
participate in art programs have fewer doctor visits
use less medication, experience a lower rate of
depression, and fewer risk factors for entering a
nursing home.
The class was
Working on a
project using
the art of
Gustav Klimt as
inspiration,
and the works
they produced
are spectacular
featuring Klimt’s
signature use gold and silver leaf.
The experience of being part of an art or craft session
has many benefits to the individual:
Recreation—Creating artwork is a pleasurable way to
spend leisure time.
Self-expression— The act of creating is a powerful
way to share our lives with others.
Socialisation—Art is a way of introducing ourselves
to others. Friendships grow during cooperative
projects, or just from working side by side and
discussing each other's creations.
On the first day of the school holidays one of our
regular participants brought her grandkids along
and they settled in on their own table straight away,
using paints, glue and gold leaf to produce their
own artworks. It made for such a lovely experience,.
Intellectual stimulation— Communication through
art media exercises the brain and promotes memory
health.
Emotional well-being—Participation in the arts has
been shown to decrease stress and depression. It also
promotes enhanced self-esteem.
Our Monday morning art class is a vibrant and
lively group. To join contact us on 9389 0035.
We encourage all
our members to
bring grandchildren
along to COA
during their school
holidays to join
in the activities,
classes and groups
we have on offer.
Please join us on Tuesday 16th December 2014 at 12 noon
NCJW Fanny Reading Hall, 111 Queen St, Woollahra
Enjoy a great social day out with your friends
Live Music, Catered Lunch, Raffles, Dancing
Booking Essential. Your booking form is enclosed. Members $35, Non Members $40.
Page 1
LUACH / HOLIDAYS NOV-DEC 2014
Chanukah
Erev
Day 1
Day 8
KRYGIER CENTRE HAPPENINGS
Rosh Hashanah
Tuesday
December 16
Wednesday December 17
Wednesday December 24
Xmas Day
Thursday
Public Holiday - COA closed
December 25
Boxing Day
Friday
Public Holiday - COA closed
December 26
Sydney Acrobatic School presents
Jamakaze
An amazing performance mix
of yoga and acrobatics
There are many culinary
traditions for Rosh Hashanah but
the most well known is dipping
apple slices into honey to express
our hope for a sweet new year.
For those who visit us at COA’s
Krygier Centre we shared this
custom together a few days
before Rosh Hashanah. Uncle
Velvel Lederman made this
special celebration come to life,
singing a variety of songs in
English, Yiddish and Hebrew, and
blowing the “Big” Shofar for us.
In Our Succah
One of the
mitzvoth of this
special time is to
share food and
drink in the Succah
and every year we
offer nibbles and
a small glass of
wine, as well as
the opportunity to
make brachot over
the Lulav and Etrog
Wednesday
5th November
12:45-1:45
Only $3 Per Person
Bring your grandkids to
this very special event
Coming Up @ COA
Wednesday 5 November : “Jamakaze”
See advert above for details. $3 per person
Monday 10 November : Mount Sinai Students
will entertain us with dance and song. Free
Wednesday 19 November : Yiddish Day
See advert on opposite page for details. Free
Monday 5 November : Concert from Meera Belle
See advert on opposite page for details. Free
Monday 1 December : “Magnificent Japan”
Armchair Traveller by Michael Freeland. Free
Wednesday 10 December : Tony Mazell Sings
favourite songs from the past. Free
Monday 15 December : Pam Stein Storyteller
Chanukah and other stories. Free
Wednesday 31 December : End of Year Party!!
with Andy Ginsburg and Dawn Shapiro. $3 per person
Please see pages 4 and 5 for detailed program
Page 2
This year we made sure all
those members visiting
COA on Mondays enjoyed
celebrating these mitzvoth
with the generous help of
Rivki Shuhat of JEMS who
was supported by her
mother in law, a student
of JEMS and Rivki’s two
youngest children.
Not only did they
help with Lulav and
Etrog, they came with
costumes, danced
and sang. Thank you
to all those who
made our Succot so
special for COA’s
members and friends.
LEON SYMON - A PROFILE BY RUTH ROSEN
Since its inception COA has always been about
people helping people, seniors helping other seniors
to live a full life, connected to community and getting
services which help them stay in their own homes for
as long as possible.
Our primary service to the community is arranging
home delivered kosher meals, delivered by a
dedicated band of volunteers. For many years Leon
Symon was one of those stalwart volunteers,
delivering to our members rain, hail or shine, and
bringing more than just a meal.
home in Bondi
where they
brought up
their three
sons Julian,
Michael and
Philip.
Always a keen sportsman, Leon played cricket for
Sydney Judeans for 20 years. He started with Maccabi
Club and he also umpired for Grade cricket, becoming
a valued member of the NSW Cricket Umpires
Association. He is also a life member of NAJEX.
COA volunteer Leon Symon has been a man of many
parts. He was born in Paddington in 1931, growing up Leon’s beloved Betty passed away in April 1994; not
long after, Leon met Renee and they married in 1997.
Bondi Junction and Coogee. He attended Waverley
Since she passed away in 2004, Leon found a new
Public School and later Cleveland Street High.
partner in Sonia. They have been together for 8 years
At age 15, Leon’s working life began in retail,
and they love to travel. As Leon is now semi-retired,
principally in Anthony Hordern’s and Ernie Lenn’s
travel is high on their agenda.
Disposal store in George Street in the City. He joined
Leon came to COA after the loss of Renee and offered
the Army Reserve in 1948 for five and a half years.
to help in any capacity. He started with delivery of
With all this experience, Leon opened his own
Disposal Store right behind the Great Synagogue, and Kosher Meals, but he also provided huge assistance in
obtaining funds for our cool-room, vital to the
this was the start of Leon the businessman.
operation of the Kosher Meals service.
He later purchased Christies Umbrella store, and this
Leon enjoyed driving and meeting new people and
led Leon to another interesting business, making
appreciated the time spent with COA. In return, COA
military uniforms and designing medals for Papua
New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (now Vanuatu). has greatly appreciated and values Leon’s dedication
to the COA on behalf of our frail and frail aged. His
Leon met his wife to be Betty in 1953 and they
retirement has created a gap in the ranks of COA
married at the Great Synagogue. They made their
volunteers that will be difficult to fill.
Internationally Renowned Songstress
Meera Belle
Please join us
for an exceptional
free concert from
“the Ruby Voice”
Meera Belle
as she presents
The Magic of
Doris Day
Monday 24th
November at 12:45
Page 3
Wednesday 19th November
Lunch of “Yiddishe Favourites” at 12:00
Entertainment from 12:30 featuring
Len Mahemoff
MC and Talk: Yiddish Music
With Shirley Politzer on Piano
Esther Buncel
Talk: 3 Famous Yiddish Writers
Special Yiddish Language Screenings
Seinfeld Episode
A scene from Casablanca
Page 4
COA
MONDAY
MONTH AT A GLANCE
Lunch @ 12 TUESDAY
Afternoon Tea @ 1:45
NOVEMBER 2014
WEDNESDAY
Lunch @ 12 THURSDAY
Afternoon Tea @ 1:45
FRIDAY
2
10-4 Table Tennis
Book by Friday
One more candle every night
To remember the miracle of the oil
To symbolise the precious frailty of the human condition
To share our light with the world
3
Coffee Club/Art/Games
10-11
11-4:30 Table Tennis
11-11:45 Torah Shiur
11:30-12 Exercises
12:45 Movie Presentation:
Highly acclaimed Isreali film with
English subtitles “The Other Son”
4
10
10-11
11-4:30
11-11:45
11:30-12
11-11:45
12:45
11
Coffee Club/Art/Games
Table Tennis
Torah Shiur
Exercises
Torah Shiur
Mount Sinai College
Dancers and Singers
17
Coffee Club/Art/Games
10-11
11-4:30 Table Tennis
11-11:45 Torah Shiur
11:30-12 Exercises
12:45 The Lively 1920’s
with Pete’s Pocket Orchestra
24
10-11
11-4:30
11-11:45
11:30-12
12:45
Coffee Club/Art/Games
Table Tennis
Torah Shiur
Exercises
Meera Belle presents
“The Magic of Doris Day”
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
18
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
6pm Volunteer Thank You
25
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
SUNDAY Table Tennis
Book by Friday 12 noon
5
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:30-12 Exercise
12:45 Nick Djumin brings us
Lively Favourites on violin
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
6
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
7
10-1 Rummy
9
10-4 Table Tennis
Tiles
Book by Friday
10-1 Bridge $5 1:30-4 Chess Club
Instruction for 1:00-4:00 MOVIE $5
beginners
Oklahoma! — A Rogers
6pm
and Hammerstein musical
Bondi Shule
spectacular
12
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:30-12 Exercise
12:45 “Beautiful Memories”
with Ross Hamilton
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
13
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
14
10-1 Rummy
YIDDISH DAY!!
19
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:30-12 Exercise
12:00 Special Yiddish Lunch
12:30 Music, Talks, Yiddish
Language Video (advert on pg3)
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
20
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
21
10-1 Rummy
26
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:30-12 Exercise
12:45 Lively Favourites 20’s-50’s
with Ron & Ros
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
27
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
16
10-4
Tiles
10-1 Bridge $5
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
Instruction for
beginners
23
10-4
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
10-1 Bridge $5 1:30-4 Chess Club
Instruction for 1:00-4:00 MOVIE $5
beginners
The American President
26
Featuring Michael Douglas
Tiles
and Annette Benning
28
10-1 Rummy
Tiles
10-1 Bridge $5
Instruction for
beginners
30
10-4
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
Page 5
COA
MONDAY
MONTH AT A GLANCE
Lunch @ 12 TUESDAY
Afternoon Tea @ 1:45
1
Coffee Club/Art/Games
10-11
10-4:30 Table Tennis
11-11:45 Torah Shiur
11:30-12 Exercises
12:45 Armchair Traveller: Michael
Freeland shares his travels to
“Magnificent Japan”
2
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
8
10-11
10-4:30
11:30-12
12:45
9
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
Coffee Club/Art/Games
Table Tennis
Exercises
Bingo & Bagels
15
Coffee Club/Art/Games
10-11
10-4:30 Table Tennis
11:30-12 Exercises
12:45
Pam Stein brings us
Chanukah and Other Stories
16 First Night Chanukah
22
Coffee Club/Art/Games
10-11
10-4:30 Table Tennis
11-11:45 Torah Shiur
11:30-12 Exercises
12:45 Chanukiah with Rabbi Ingram
and
Chanukah Music with Miri Orden
23
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
29
Coffee Club/Art/Games
10-11
10-4:30 Table Tennis
11-11:45 Torah Shiur
11:30-12 Exercises
12:45 Armchair Traveller: Sandy
Matrai shares her photos from
“Timeless Kakadu”
30
9:45-1:30 Bus Outing $3
10-1:30 Table Tennis
10-1 Bridge
2-4 Knitting Group
DECEMBER 2014
WEDNESDAY
Lunch @ 12 THURSDAY
Afternoon Tea @ 1:45
3
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:33-12 Exercise
12:45 European Musical Tour
With the fabulous Mercedes
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
4
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
10
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:33-12 Exercise
12:45 Great Songs of the Past
with Tony Mazell
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
11
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
17
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
COA’s Annual
Yiddish Club
11
Chanukah Luncheon 11:33-12 Exercise
12:45 The wonderful Ladies Choir
Concert
from the North Shore Shul
At NCJW. Book your seat or
The Singing Treatts
make up a table of friends
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
2-3
Dominic Sepe
French / Tai Chi $3
31
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Yiddish Club
11
11:33-12 Exercise
12:45 End of Year Party!!
Featuring Andy Ginsburg and
Dawn Schapiro $3 per person
French / Tai Chi $3
2-3
SUNDAY Table Tennis
Book by Friday 12 noon
5
10-1 Rummy
7
10-4
Tiles
10-1 Bridge $5
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
Instruction for
beginners
6pm
Bondi Shule
12
10-1 Rummy
Tiles
10-1 Bridge $5
Instruction for
beginners
14
10-4
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
1:30-4 Chess Club
1:00-4:00 MOVIE $5
The Red Shoes—Ballet,
love and jealousy in this
well loved cinema classic
18
11-12 Exercise
12:30-5 Table Tennis
2-3 Current Affairs
Discussion group
24
25
10-11 Coffee Club/ Board Games
Xmas Day
Yiddish Club
11
Public Holiday
11:33-12 Exercise
COA Closed
12:45 Chanukiah with Rabbi Ingram
and talented Italian Singer Pianist
FRIDAY
19
10-1 Rummy
21
10-4
Tiles
10-1 Bridge $5
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
Instruction for
beginners
26
Boxing Day
Public Holiday
COA Closed
28
10-4
Table Tennis
Book by Friday
1:30-4 Chess Club
1:00-4:00 OPERETTA $5
The Court Jester—
Starring the inimitable
Danny Kaye
TABLEY ABESHOUSE - IN MEMORIUM
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of humour. In her own words
of one of our stalwart volunteers—Tabley Abeshouse. from 1999 “It’s being so
cheerful that keeps me going”.
Tabley was one of our longest serving volunteers and
As a volunteer Tabley
was working with us well into her late 80’s. She was
was generous, caring and
paired with driver Simon Judah and together these
indefatigable.
two very tall people would fold themselves into a tiny
We have a great love and
car and travel around the Eastern suburbs delivering
respect for Tabley and her
meals to our members.
many years of work with us.
These two never missed a shift! When Simon stopped
Although she has not been a
driving, Tabley continued her volunteer role in the
volunteer with us for some time we will not forget her
kosher meals office helping with clerical work.
passionate commitment to the community and to our
Tabley had an amazing attitude, and a delicious sense
organisation.
OUR FIRST MEAL IN THE COA’S CAFÉ
On the first day of spring we enjoyed our
first lunch in the Café. It was so pleasant
to be out in the sunshine. Rabbi Ingram
was with us for his Monday morning
Shiur and helped us by leading a rousing
Shehechiyanu!
Since its unofficial opening we have been
taking every opportunity to enjoy the Café,
gathering there for lunch, games, coffee
and our daily stretching. Kol Ha’Kavod to
our president George Freund for his hard
work creating this lovely out-door space
for all our members to enjoy.
OUR CEO JULIA’S HOLIDAY : PART 1 - THE JEWISH GHETTO IN VENICE
From September to October I
took a month to visit relatives
and tour around Europe. Part
of the trip was spent in
Venice, where I visited to the
very first Jewish ghetto.
numerous bridges and surrounded by canals.
When Napoleon arrived in 1797 the ghetto was
disbanded and Jews were allowed to live freely
anywhere in Venice.
There are now approximately 400 Jews living in
Venice, located in the old ghetto area are two
As a port city, Venice was host
Synagogues (Ashkenazi and Sephardi), a kosher
to many Jewish traders since
restaurant named
the earliest days of the city.
Gam Gam and a
However, in 1516 the Jews of
Jewish Home for
Venice were forced into the
the Aged
world’s very first ghetto. The
(pictured here).
area was formerly a foundry
that produced cannons, and
Unfortunately I
“geto” is the name for a
couldn’t enjoy a
foundry in the old Venetian
meal in the
dialect.
restaurant as it
was closed the
The ghetto is situated on its own island in Venice,
which is really a series of man made islands joined by day I visited.
Page 6
FOR YOUR BODY AND YOUR PEACE OF MIND
WHAT M AKES A KOSHER CHANUKIAH??
Regular exercise can help you stay independent as
you age, promotes faster recovery from illness,
reduced risk of chronic disease and management of
conditions such as osteoarthritis. Before you design an
exercise routine consider the following points.
The Chanukiah is a Menorah which is used exclusively
at Chanukah, and therefore differs just a little from
the average Menorah.
Choose activities you find interesting and
manageable. You are more likely to stick to an
exercise routine if it’s fun.
Check with your doctor before you start a new
exercise routine. Some activities may not be
appropriate if you have been sedentary for a long
time or suffer from a chronic illness.
Make exercise a social event. Do your exercise in a
public spot like a park or beach and invite friends to
join you, or sign up for a class so you can meet new
people while getting fit.
Improve your flexibility. Try yoga, stretching classes,
lawn bowls or dancing.
The basic element of the Chanukiah is that it has
spaces for nine candles (rather than the usual seven),
that is eight candle holders in a row, and one more
set higher or lower than the rest for the Shamash
(attendant) candle.
The eight candle holders should ideally be in a
straight line, even if the line is at an angle, so that the
Shamash stands out clearly.
The Chanukiah should also be “beautiful”. So yes,
you can go for a traditional silver candelabra style
Chanukiah, something more modern, or something
whimsical, or you can enjoy making a Chanukiah
yourself which the family can decorate together.
Wishing you all a delightful “festival of lights”.
Look after your
bones. Weight-bearing
exercise reduces your
risk of bone loss and
osteoporosis.
Improve your heart
and lung fitness. As a
general rule, aim for
activity that means you
breathe hard but are
not left feeling
breathless.
Reduce your risk of
falls. Include some
balance and coordination exercises in your weekly
exercise routine. Good options include tai chi,
balancing on one leg and heel to toe stands.
Build exercise into your daily routine. Walk to the
shops or bus, spend more time in the garden or offer
to walk a neighbour’s dog.
Don’t forget to include COA when you plan your
exercise routine. We offer a Tai Chi class on
Wednesday, a Gentle Stretching class on Thursday,
Chair based stretching exercises on Monday and
Wednesday before lunch, and Table Tennis 6 days a
week by appointment. For enquiries on any of our
groups, or to book Table Tennis for yourself or a
group of friends, call COA on 9389 0035
Page 7
Change Your Life in 2015
Join COA’s
Volunteer Outreach Team
We are seeking friendly, caring, outgoing people
to join the volunteer teams providing:
Kosher Meals Delivery
Phone a Friend weekly telephone monitoring
Tea for 2 visitors at home
Hospital Visiting for members who are ill
Candle Lighting for Jewish Residents at Non
-denominational nursing homes
 Shopping Program for those with mobility
issues





Call us today to find out how you can get involved
with your community—9389 0035
RACHEL’S BUCKET LIST BY RACHEL LAZAROV
Being blind and a
double amputee
puts limits on the
things I can do, but
not many. One early
morning in May, I
had a wish come
true. I had always
wanted to go jet skiing at Bondi Beach. Say what you
want, call me crazy, that’s what I wanted to do.
Robbie, my friend, rang me the day before and asked
me, “Are we really doing it?”. I had a few doubts about
if I could physically do it. I was unsure if I should try it.
I had so many questions, but I trusted him and knew I
was in good hands. After all we did the city to surf
together and Robby understands my need to try
everything. So I thought for a second and said “Hell
Yes”. Next day I found myself on Bondi Beach with my
wheelchair and five good looking lifeguards.
From my wheelchair I transferred to the beach
wheelchair, then they pushed me across the sand to
the water. Robbie took my hand and showed me the
jet ski which was pretty high. Before I knew I was lifted
onto the jet ski and was very comfortable between
Jesse, the driver, and Robbie behind me. Sandwiched
between two good looking guys. What else could you
wish for?!
Jesse said, “Hold me tight ” and off we went. I didn’t
Genie Joke
A lady rubbed a bottle and a genie popped out.
“You have one wish” said the genie.
“Hey” countered the lady “I thought I get three
wishes?” “Not from me” said the genie “I’m not that
powerful.”
“OK” responded the lady taking out a map, “I am
making a wish for peace between Israel and… .”
The Genie interrupted “Look, hey, I’m really sorry, but
I‘m not that powerful.”
“OK” said the lady, “instead I’ll have a cool, good
looking, caring man, who loves children, and
shopping and cooking and...“ The genie interrupted
“Alright….. let me see that map again.”
know what to expect. First we started slowly then I
heard Jesse say, “Here comes the wave”. I was
screaming and laughing at the same time. The salty
water on my face reminded me that it had been 12
years since I’d been in the water. Tears were rolling
down my cheek and Robbie asked if I was OK. I cry
when I’m happy. It confuses people. “I’m very much
OK”. I replied. I was just so very emotional and exited.
Next thing I heard Robbie say we were in Bronte. so I
said “it wasn’t rough enough.” So Jesse said “Hold on
I’ll give you rough”. He spun us around and I found
myself on top of a wave and I felt more water on me.
I felt so confident that I told Jesse to leave me here so
I could swim a bit and Jesse said “this is the ocean not
a swimming pool”. So when I got back they took me
off the jet ski and let me swim in the waves and that
was difficult. I forgot to shut my mouth and I drank
some salt water. He was right, it’s not a swimming
pool.
When I got back into my wheelchair Sheron, my
caring friend, took me to the change room. I thought
what can I do to let them know how much they had
touched my life. So Robbie suggested a milkshake.
We got some milkshakes and celebrated together.
Jesse said that it was a pleasure to take me.
I think, don’t let your disability stop you from fulfilling
your dreams. Anything is possible, if you believe, you
can do it. With the love & help of friends it is possible.
In a Medical Emergency Call
HATZOLAH
9371 2222
Shabbat Services at Krygier Centre
First Friday of the Month from 6pm
Run by Rabbi Mendel Kastel
Next Services: September 5th
October 24th as part of “the Shabbat Project”
Everyone Welcome
COA is Funded by:
Department of Social Services (DSS and HACC); Claims Conference; Local Councils and Generous Individuals
COA is a Member of: Jewish Communal Appeal’s Family of Organisations, Jewish Board of Deputies, NSW Meals on Wheels Association of NSW, Carers
NSW Inc, Ethnic Communities Council NSW and Volunteering NSW
COA Partners with: B’nai B’rith, Jewish House, Hatzolah, Jewish Care