Ve’etchanan

Candle lighting 5.08pm

Havdalah 6.09pm

In this parasha we hear the Ten Commandments again after first having heard them in Parashat Yitro but with a few key changes.

We were first instructed to remember (zachor) Shabbat, and here we are instructed to observe or keep (shamor) it. We are first told that the reason for marking Shabbat is because God rested on the seventh day, after creating the world in six days, whereas now we are taught that it is because we were slaves in Egypt. 

This might teach us that each of us needs to find the line between celebrating, and protecting the sanctity of, Shabbat in a manner which resonates with us and our families. It might also teach us that we not only recognise God as Creator of the world and walk in Divine ways by resting on the seventh day, but also recognise that we were all created in the image of God and so must show honour and respect to all, by remembering what it meant to us when our inherent human dignity was dismissed and degraded by Pharaoh and his taskmasters. Our task is not only to recognise God as Creator but also to take up our role as custodians of the world in ensuring that it is filled with social justice and empathy for our fellows.

Also, we are initially taught not to covet (tachmod) our neighbour’s house, whereas now we are taught not to covet our neighbour's wife nor desire (tit’aveh) his house. Perhaps the ethical message is being sharpened by the writer; it is not enough to not set in place a nefarious scheme to actually take what is not your own – even in your own heart, you should not feel or think such a thing. We should aspire to ongoing ethical growth and excellence.

Dear Community,

Over the last weeks I have had the great privilege of attending a number of events which celebrate the extraordinary achievements of some of our graduates. 

On Tuesday, I attended the Premier’s VCE Awards where the highest performing students from 2025 were recognised for their excellence. Kiera Edelstein, from the Class of 2025 was honoured for her outstanding achievement in History Revolutions and it was very special to be in attendance with her teacher, Ayal Nathan, who was so instrumental in inspiring her to perform at the highest level. 

Last week, I attended the VCE Top Arts showcase at the Ian Potter Gallery of the National Gallery of Victoria. This exhibition was comprised of the top 40 student works from among the many thousands who completed a VCE art study in 2025. I was thrilled to attend alongside Milo Friedman and his family. Milo’s brilliant, untraditional self portrait displayed his incredible technical skills and unique artistic vision. Milo mentioned his gratitude for his teacher, Leela Fernandez, who pushed him to this achievement.

I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of these students. They have found their areas of passion and their focus, hard work, intelligence and talent have assisted them to be amongst the top of the state cohort.

Over the last several weeks, our Year 9 Nitzan students took on a powerful challenge: using creative expression as a vehicle for social change. The culmination of their hard work was Artivism—a vibrant event held last night celebrating the connection between art, passion, and advocacy.

Working in groups, students tackled contemporary social issues through a variety of artistic mediums: These included designing thought-provoking posters focused on disability awareness alongside renowned political cartoonist Badiucao, writing and performing moving slam poetry mentored by Andi Stewart and creating and preparing an impressive custom menu sold during the event, guided by volunteer parent Beck Smith.

Other groups created a documentary, focused on the challenges of living with autism, choreographed and performed an expressive dance and designed and painted a bold, vibrant mural.

The event included brilliant live musical performances by Year 9 Nana students, creating a moving atmosphere.

Driven by a desire to turn art into action, the cohort chose Flying Fox as their charity partner for the event. All profits raised from the event will be donated directly to Flying Fox to support their life-changing work empowering young people living with disabilities.

Many thanks to Nitzan Co-ordinator Gordon Dorin, Year 9 Co-ordinator Brad Smith and everyone who mentored the students throughout this meaningful process.

See a collection of photos here from last night's event.

Year 12 Biology students recently visited the University of Melbourne BioSciences Department to deepen their understanding of the Unit 4 curriculum through a series of engaging, hands-on workshops. Students investigated key concepts from Area of Study 1 (Immunity) and Area of Study 2

(Evolution), applying classroom theory to authentic scientific activities led by university staff. The experience provided valuable insight into contemporary biological research while reinforcing essential VCE concepts, including immune responses, flu pathogen detection, evidence for fruit fly

evolution and evolutionary mechanisms. Students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work in a university laboratory environment, developing practical skills, scientific thinking and an appreciation of the pathways available in the biological sciences. The excursion was an inspiring and memorable extension of their VCE Biology studies.

Ten students from Years 9-12 participated in a Jewish learning seminar this week on Tisha B'Av facilitated by Nechama Goldman Barash from the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Students learned both about the significance of the day through studying Jewish texts, along with reading Rabbinic responsa from the time of the Shoah. Year 11 student Ezra F said: "The seminar was an eye-opening experience. It was fascinating learning with Nechama who knows so much. It made me reflect on the importance of Tisha B'Av and its historical and religious context." Year 12 student Ellie C added: "It was really good to take part in a serious Jewish educational experience, outside the classroom, on such an important day."

In honour of Tisha B’Av, Gan Rimon and Gan Seorah gathered for a special mat time focused on community and kindness.

To bring the concept of unity to life, having discussed (in an age appropriate way), the destruction of the First and Second Temples and the huge sense of loss, string was used as a visual metaphor in a special activity. They stood in a circle, holding the yarn and shared words of kindness. As the yarn connected them all, it created a powerful visual of strength through unity, showing them how strong and supported we are when we stay connected.

Congratulations to Kiera Edelstein, Class of 2025, who received a Premier’s Award in acknowledgement of her outstanding result in VCE History Revolutions, which she completed last year. We are grateful to her teacher Ayal Nathan who mentored her through this VCE subject.  Kiera, accompanied by Marc Light and Ayal Nathan attended the prestigious ceremony earlier this week, where Victoria’s top-performing VCE students were recognised for their outstanding academic results.

"I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me"

So declares Beatrice to Benedick in Act One of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.  

But, can we believe her?

Hosted by Emcee, Lily Litinsky, the Year 11 English students were audience to a student-led Masterclass to launch Unit 2 with a performance from their first text, Much Ado About Nothing. The student actors: Evie, Ari, Wilkie, Dov, Aydll, Lucy, Timna, Ash, Ethan W, and Elijah brought requisite enthusiasm, charm and humour to their roles, demonstrating that the play's themes of love and trust, honour and reputation may be just as fraught in the Early Modern period as today.  

To all of the performers: Bravo! 

Australian Story (ABC) featured a documentary Sky's the Limit, with a Jewish group of friends who support a Muslim refugee family. 

Current and past KDS parents Karen Silberberg, Dave Clarke, Jennifer Balint and Nicole Schlesinger were involved in this episode of Australian Story. 

For more information on this incredible story, please visit this link

More than a dozen children participated in the eighteenth session of "Storytime with Savta", listening to stories, playing games, playing "air guitar" and other musical instruments, acting, and making sheep with arts and crafts materials -- all in Hebrew.

This is an opportunity for all families -- whether Hebrew-speaking or not, whether from King David or not yet KDS students -- to immerse themselves in Hebrew culture. 

Thank you to our Savta, Hani Ron, our Hebrew Learning Area Leader 6-12 for facilitating these sessions.

Our next session will take place "acharei hachagim" (after the High Holy Days) - on Sunday, 18 October.

Students were privileged to hear from Nechama Goldman Barash of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (my alma mater) in Jerusalem, who facilitated a session on Parashat Devarim. She compared the account of the spies in Sefer Bamidbar (the Book of Numbers, Parashat Shelach) with Moshe's retelling in this week's parashah, and explored the differences between how Moshe (Moses) sent the spies and how Yehoshua (Joshua) did so a generation later.

This marked our 49th Parsha and Pizza Club session. Our jubilee 50th session will take place on 13 August with another guest facilitator, Aviva Lauer, also from Pardes.

Ilan Bloch

Director of Jewish Life and Learning

Lev Zahav : Heart of Gold, is a warm winter Shabbaton in the beautiful Bendigo Goldfields.
This special weekend is an opportunity to step away from the rush of everyday life and come together for a relaxing and rejuvenating Shabbat full of friendship, laughter, discovery, and community connection.
Set among Bendigo’s beautiful historic buildings, gardens, and landscape, the Shabbaton celebrates the treasures of Jewish life: belonging, conversation, joy, and the simple gift of being together.
The theme Lev Zahav — Heart of Gold honours both the history of the Goldfields and the living heart of gold of our Progressive Jewish community today. Across the weekend, we will gather, rest, learn, sing, eat, reflect, and reconnect.

In this three-part series, Rabbi Schiff will dive deep into the structure, mechanics and choices when it comes to electing an Israeli Government.
Series of 3 Sessions (at TBI 7.30pm, Thursday evenings):
23 July: A Nation without a Constitution: The Structure of the Israeli Government (concluded)
30 July: Electing a new Knesset: The Mechanics of how Voting works and how a new Government is formed
6 August: The Issues at Stake: What will be on the Minds of Israeli Voters as they head to the Polls in 2026?
Register Here: tbi.shulcloud.com/event/rds-ballotsandpower

Melbourne Jewish Book Week 2026 brings together an extraordinary gathering of Australian and international writers across four days of interviews, panels, poetry, performance, and a schools incursion program. 
This year’s theme, Connections, threads through every session: untold family histories, genre fiction from romance to satire, standing up for truth in a post truth era, the AI conundrum, and the full spectrum of Jewish literary life today.
Browse the program and book sessions at mjbw.com.au/

From 12-19 January 2027 join us for the biggest Jewish teen sporting event of the year! 
Now is the time to lock in your spot and save!
Save $100 off your registration when you register during the Early Bird period (ending 31 August 2026). 
Gather your teammates, get excited, and start the countdown to Sydney 2027! 
Attached is more information. Learn more about Carni and register via the link: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/mcarnival/home

ARZA invites the community to a event examining antizionism.
6.30pm, Wednesday 12 August 2026
A  dynamic [panel including Dr Ran Porat, a Historian and expert in ideological conflict, Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann, a linguist and Melinda Jones, a Human Rights Lawyer.
For more information & to book: events.humanitix.com/arza-mel

The Progressive Chevra Kadisha, part of Bet Olam (Progressive Jewish Burial Society) offers care and dignity to members of the Jewish Community who have died.
Tahara, the ritual washing and dressing of the deceased is an ancient tradition, endowing these last moments with sacred ritual and meaning. 
Volunteers are wanted to join the team, both male and female, to assist with this holy work.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact Marek on 0403 018 930.

Alana Valentine’s Watermark is our inaugural Years 8-10 Play.
It is set in the Northern Territory town of Katherine. The play chronicles the events of January 26, 1998, the day a devastating flood swept through the town. The impact on the community was profound:
The flood left visible and emotional scars; businesses struggled to reopen, homes were destroyed, and the trauma of sudden displacement ran deep. The smell of damp, mud, and mould lingered in people’s memories long after the water receded. The flood wasn’t just a natural disaster; it was a rupture in the life of a community that would take years to heal.
DATE: Sunday 9 August and Monday 10 August 2026