Dear Community,

This week we commemorated three years since the October 7 massacre of Simchat Torah 2023. The fallout from that fateful day continues to cast a shadow over the lives of Jews across the whole world.

We remain shellshocked by the brutality of the Hamas attack and continue to be moved by the testimony of the survivors. The murderous attacks on revellers at the Nova Music festival, Kibbutznikim gathered in their own homes, and the wanton violence inflicted on children, the aged, men and women marked the worst loss of Jewish life on any day since the Shoah.

While we were all uplifted by the return of those hostages who survived, it was with indignation that we learnt of the sexual, physical and psychological violence inflicted upon them. The appalling inhumanity that allowed for the deliberate murder of babies and toddlers will not be forgotten - so many Jews will forever have the fate of the Bibas family seared in their brains.

October 7 also marked the start of the Gaza War that inflicted so much suffering to so many - Jews and Palestinians alike. It has been heartbreaking to see images of those who have lost so much. 

The context of this war was quickly forgotten and Jews worldwide immediately had to experience the demonisation and delegitimisation of Israel and sustained attacks on our zionist identities. We have never felt so misrepresented and misunderstood.

This followed with the alienation of Jews from places of cultural safety.  Academia, the arts and progressive organisations all became places of hostility. 

We saw a steady rise in antisemitism which began with slogans, petitions, protests, boycotts and led to firebombings, graffiti and then the murderous terrorism of Bondi on December 14 last year.

B'reishit

Candle-lighting 7.13pm

Havdalah 8.12pm

“Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9) God asks Cain, after he murdered his brother. We can imagine God doing this as when a parent asks a child “Do you know who made the mess in the living room?!” or a passerby asking someone looking under the bonnet of their car with steam rising up, “Having a bit of car trouble are you, mate?!” God is not asking to find out the facts of the matter, but rather to give Cain an opportunity to speak up. 

But Cain squanders the opportunity, failing God’s test, and responds, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Cain is one of four human beings responsible for the world around him but he is unable to demonstrate responsibility for his very own brother. Even though God had commanded man to “master” the earth and “rule” over its animals (Genesis 1:28), Cain does not rise to the challenge and realise that what he really needs to master is his own evil inclination. “And God said to Cain, “Why are you distressed, And why is your face fallen? Surely, if you do right, There is uplift. But if you do not do right Sin couches at the door; Its urge is toward you, Yet you can be its master.” (Genesis 4:6-7)

"General Sir John Monash’s original state funeral on 11 October 1931 brought Melbourne to a standstill, with an estimated 250,000–300,000 mourners lining the procession route. After lying in state at Parliament House, his coffin travelled on a gun carriage past the unfinished Shrine of Remembrance, which he had helped establish. He was buried beside his wife Hannah at Brighton General Cemetery, with full military honours and a traditional Jewish service. Despite his distinguished career, he requested a simple inscription on his headstone: “John Monash”.

Year 11 students, Carmen B, Abby B, Sam B and Ezra F, were invited to hand out brochures and assist. For Jaydyn D (Year 12), the day was momentous as he had written about General Sir John Monash in Year 8 and was able to place a gem stone on General Sir John Monash's grave. For me personally, it was special as my great grandfather's brothers served under General Monash and were the beneficiaries of his innovations and battle tactics which were implemented to achieve the mission but save soldiers from casualties. 

Special guests included Politicians, Council Representatives, community organisers, service men and women and Lighthorse and WWI reenactment people of a Catapault Party who accompanied all to lay gemstones on the grave. The grandchildren of General Sir John Monash and  General Sir Henry George Chauvel were the first to lay stones. 

See some photos here from the Memorial

The children in Gan Chitah have been blasting off into an exciting space adventure!

Channeling their creativity and imagination, they crafted unique rocket ships and flying saucers using a variety of materials and designs.

Through captivating stories about planets, rockets, and astronauts, the children expanded their vocabulary and deepened their knowledge of outer space. They brought their learning to life through imaginative play as we blasted off together in our energizing "Zoom, Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon" action game!

Please enjoy some photos here 

On Tuesday, selected Year 10 students participated in an on-line mifgash (encounter) with students from Milken Community School in Los Angeles. Students discussed their lives as Jewish young adults in their respective cities. This activity strengthened students' understanding and embrace of Jewish peoplehood. As a Jewish day school we are not only connected with our homeland Israel but also with other Jewish communities throughout the world. 

Thank you to Learning Area Leader Jewish Studies 6-12 Corinne Apelbaum for coordinating this important activity.

Mathematics Extension students in Years 3,4 & 5 were acknowledged for their effort and engagement in The Australian Mathematics Challenge. In preparation, students expanded their repertoire of problem-solving strategies, strengthened their creative thinking skills and developed their ability to apply critical thought to unfamiliar mathematical problems.

Throughout the Challenge, students tackled questions presented within a range of scenarios, drawing on their mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills to develop solutions. Students embraced the opportunity, demonstrating a productive mathematical mindset through their persistence and curiosity.

Congratulations to all Mathematics Extension students on their very fine achievement.

On Monday, the official memorial day for October 7 according to the Hebrew calendar, students from Years 6 - 12 came together to pay their respects and honour those who were slain and fell.

Student committee members led prayers, gave speeches and read poems they had written, watched videos, and listened to Lanetzach Tisha'er (You Will Forever Remain) and Hasadeh Me'achorei Beiti (The Field Behind My Home), performed flawlessly by the Nana Band.

We thank the students who took the lead in facilitating this important commemoration assembly for Magid Campus students.  

Please click here for photos from the Commemoration.

Enjoy some yummy pizza, connect with other families and learn more about TBI's B’nei Mitzvah Program!
This is the perfect opportunity to see if our B’nei Mitzvah Program can shape your child’s Jewish journey. 
Details:
6-7pm, Tuesday 20 October
KDS families can access a reduced fee for their bar or bat mitzvah at TBI through our membership partnership. Find out more!
Register here

The annual Creative Arts Expo will be held on Tuesday 20 October at 7pm. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.
This evening showcases our current Visual and Performing Arts students' work from Years 6-12. Attendees will have the opportunity to view Visual Communication and Design and Media projects by our talented students. On display will also be a selection of Visual Art from Years 6 students through to VCE.

We invite children aged 3-5 years old, and their families, to join us for Storytime with Savta, where stories are read b'Ivrit (in Hebrew). 
DATE: Sunday 18 October
TIME: 10.30am
LOCATION: Library at our Dandenong Rd Campus, 373 Dandenong Road, Armadale
Register here.

Presented by JCAS, Season of Lights Family Festival is being held on Sunday 6 December 2026.
TIME: 11AM-2PM
VENUE: Posh Opp Shoppe, 484 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick
Includes exciting kids entertainment.
Everyone welcome.  Come and support a great cause!
See attached for more detail.

Temple Beth Israel and The King David School warmly invite our community to a special evening celebrating the release of
Josh Frydenberg’s new memoir
A Grateful Son
4.00pm - 5.30pm
Sunday 1 November

Below are linksto upcoming Jewish Museum programs:
Artist on Artist: Joel Adler & Harry Nankin, 11 October 2026, Sunday 3—4.30pm
Paris End & Chinatown Walk, 18 October 2026, Sunday 10.15am (10.30am start) – 12.30pm
JMA X JIFF Special: The Heroes of the Louvre, 21 October 2026, Wednesday 8.00pm, Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick
In Conversation: Josh Frydenberg & Gideon Kline, 29 October 2026, Thursday 7.30 - 9.00 am

For a Shabbat of meditation, renewal and peace jpoin Kedem for Service for the Soul.
DATE: Saturday 17 October
TIME: 10 am
Register with Rosi to attend at a home or for the Zoom link: rosi.kedem@outlook.com
See attached for more detail.

Families are invited to attend a parent education session on Adolescents, Body image and Eating - what to watch for, how to help.
DATE: Monday 26 October
TIME: 7PM
VENUE: Magid Campus, 519 Orrong Road
There will be an opportunity to gain valuable insights from a specialist in this area, Nicki Lefkovits (BA (Hons) MPsych MAPS).