If given the hypothetical choice to be born as the next monarch of a kingdom centuries ago, at the height of their power, or to be born into a middle class family this century, what would you choose? In making this decision it might be helpful to remember that the …

MacKay – Queensland – Whilst traditionally a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah typically features a row of proud grandparents in the congregation doing what is known in Yiddish as kvelling (swelling with pride), instead Dean Waring, was surrounded by his wife and children as he had his barmitzvah.  Dean lives …

Many people can relate to the annoyance of someone who gets a bit overboard in sharing his or her vacation memories and photos?  It almost seems as if the photos replace the purpose of the vacation.  Many would even question the purpose of a visit to Pisa, if is bereft …

A new twist to Rosh Hashana’s round challahs with beigel/bagel bake. [CAIRNS, QLD] — With just a few weeks before the onset of the Jewish New Year the Jewish women of Cairns were tasked with mixing, kneading and making blessings as they learn the Yiddish art of beigel/bagel making, a new twist …

We live in a time when we can have virtually unlimited access to vast resources of information in devices as small as our watches. Astoundingly, we most often harness this capability to play games and look at “memes” and cartoons.  This point struck home when I went to a scheduled …

CAIRNS, QLD. It’s Never too late to celebrate! This past Tuesday, the 10th of July at the Chabad Centre for Jewish life in North QLD (a division of RARA) in Cairns, Grant took on a new label becoming “Bar Mitzvah”ed- a full fledged Jewish adult, albeit, well into his adulthood …

Pleasure or Purpose? How many times have you been fed up with nuisances or hardships in your life?  Just as you think you have control of your life something else comes up and puts a cog in your wheel.  Imagine you could plug into a simulated reality of your choice …

Humility while winning. Have you ever heard a recipient of an award or compliment say they feel “humbled” by the accolade?  Why is it that they associate humility with winning?  If anything, not winning would show humility.  When you win, you feel exalted, proud and excited.  You feel like you …

The Townsville Jewish community celebrated its first ever Bar Mitzvah last Saturday January 6th 2018 – 19 Tevet. The service was held in the Sasoon Chabad RARA House in Townsville and  Barnabas Sarnyai became a Bar Mitzvah – a full fledged Jewish adult. Family and friends came from as far …

This week we are reminded of a person in a power position trying to sexually harass and abuse a young innocent immigrant just trying to work an honest living. When the young hapless victim tries to defend their rights and honour by standing up to the perpetrator, they are suppressed …