Next Event:
Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney: The story of a visual heritage
By Dr Jana Vytrhlik
18 May 2025 at 1:30pm
The author, Prague-born Jana Vytrhlik is a Jewish art and architecture historian and Judaica specialist with a PhD in Art History from the University of Sydney. Jana worked in the Jewish Museum in Prague, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and is presently leading a curatorial review of the A.M. Rosenblum Jewish Museum at The Great Synagogue, Sydney.
The contents and sources of Jana’s comprehensive and up-to-date research have produced a beautifully illustrated book. After the talk the author will sign copies which will be available for purchase.
All AJHS member and friends are welcome to attend the talk, followed by afternoon tea.
Australian Jewish Historical Society (ACT)
The Australian Jewish Historical Society (ACT), meets throughout the year for lectures, talks and excursions related to various areas of local, national and international Jewish historical interest. Our members learn about Jewish history and have the opportunity to contribute to that knowledge.
We look forward to welcoming you and your friends to another year of thought-provoking events. Each year MEMBERS will receive two issues of the AJHS Journal, the quarterly Newsletter, and voting rights at our ACT Annual General Meeting.
MEMBERS have access to areas of ajhs.com.au which include past issues of the Society’s Journal and special publications, databases, personal papers, photographs, military records, newspapers and ephemera dating back to the First Fleet in 1788.
NOTE: A generous aspect of membership to AJHS (ACT) members is that the $35 (Journal hard copy) / $25 (Journal electronic) subscription includes all members of one family unit. This entitles the family to one issue only each time the journal is published (twice each year).
Membership
We welcome your membership to the AJHS member this year and your support of the ACT Branch of the AJHS.
To apply for membership, please complete the online form below. If you have difficulties or require further information please email act.admin@actjc.org.au.
For further information please call the ACTJC on 02 6295 1052.
2025 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Prof. Kim Rubenstein
Prof. Kim Rubenstein’s talk Sir Isaac Isaacs’ ‘legacy’: reflections for Jewish Australians in the 2020s focused on Isaacs’ writings on citizenship which reflected on his Jewish identity, his perspective on national membership, its impact on the development of citizenship in Australia, and as a prism to reflecting on the many ways one can be a Jewish Australian in a world in which Jewish nationalism is contested.
2024 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Rabbi Dr Ben Elton
Rabbi Elton, Senior Rabbi at The Great Synagogue, Sydney delivered an illustrated talk on The History, Architecture and Refurbishment of The Great Synagogue. He outlined the development of the plan by architect Thomas Rowe, and discussed the Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine motifs on view in the synagogue. Current plans to relocate the bimah and raise the pulpit were described.
May
Jews in Suits: Men’s Dress in Vienna 1890-1938
Delivered by Dr Jonathan Kaplan-Wasjelbaum
Dr Jonathan Kaplan-Wasjelbaum, Senior Educator and Manager of Research at the Sydney Jewish Museum examined the dress politics of the Jewish men who adopted the modern suit in Vienna. He used a range of written and visual sources to examine the intersection between dress, acculturation and Jewish identity.
July
Last Post ceremony for Flight Sargeant Alexander Bennett
Within the walls of the Commemorative Courtyard of the AWM, a Last Post ceremony was held for Flt Sargeant Alexander Bennett, a Jewish serviceman who died in a flying battle over Poland in Aug. 1944. As no relatives attended, wreathes were laid by President of ACTJC, Athol Morris, and AJHS ACT President Adele Rosalky. Members of the ACTJC community attended this moving ceremony. The story of Bennett’s short life was shared, followed by the Last Post.
September
Ruby Rich and 40th anniversary of founding of AJHS ACT
AJHS committee member, Cohava Rubenstein-Sturgess gave an illustrated talk on the life of Jewish feminist Ruby Rich and the interplay of her feminist/Jewish connections.
The talk was followed by a special afternoon tea to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the ACT branch of the Australian Jewish historical Society.
2023 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Joanna Gilmour
Joanna Gilmour, Curator Collections & Research at the National Portrait Gallery delivered an illustrated talk on the life and works of the artist, Judy Cassab AO CBE, two-time Archibald Prize winner, and Holocaust survivor. A classroom at the National Jewish Memorial Centre is named in honour of Judy Cassab.
May
The Jews of India and 'Synagogues of India'
Delivered by Angelica Jacob, President of IJAANZ and Prof. J.A. Waronker
Angelica Jacob, President of the Sydney Chapter of the Indian Jewish Association of Australia & New Zealand, spoke about the history of the five communities of Jews of India who flourished without persecution for more than 1,800 years. India’s Jewish population made significant contributions to life in art, literature, science, engineering, the armed forces and Government services. Prof. Jay Waronker followed via Zoom, describing the repertoire of Indian synagogues which he has painted, now on display in the ACTJC art gallery.
July
Operation Entebbe
Behind the Scenes
Delivered by Major Rami Sherman
In a co-sponsored event with the ACT Zionist Council, Major Rami Sherman gave an evocative account of when an Air-France ‘plane was hijacked and rerouted to Entebbe, Uganda in 1976. At the time, Rami was the operations officer of Unit 269 of the IDF under the command of Yoni Netanyahu z”l who lost his life in the operation.
September
Nazi collaborator Bronius Sredersas's story
Delivered by Emeritus Prof. Konrad Kwiet
Prof. Kwiet, resident historian at the Sydney Jewish Museum, discussed how he used documentation to research the background of Nazi collaborator of Wollongong Art Gallery benefactor Bronius Sredersas. He outlined the challenge of reconstructing history on the basis of fragmented documents, and indicated that there are gaps in this history that may never be filled.
2022 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Adjunct Professor George Newhouse, co-founder of the National Justice Project
George reviewed the relationship between the First Nations and Jewish community through the lens of the waves of Jewish migration to this land. He questioned whether Jews and First Nations people have had or still have, a close and constructive relationship, except for a period pre and post WWII where their interests aligned. He suggested actions to improve the relationship to avoid tensions between the two communities.
Here is a link to listen to a recording of George's talk on the ABC's Speaking Out program
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/speakingout/george-newhouse/13769848
April
Tell Your Story – Triumph over Adversity
Delivered by Dr Agnes Boskovitz and Michael Rosenberg
Agnes Boskovitz describe the moving story of her mother Anna's journey from Hungary experiencing a world war, two defeats, civil war, persecution, a fascist government, communist dictatorship, dislocation and suffering, yet ended up having a good life in Australia.
Michael Rosenberg told how his father Harry, aged 16, evaded the Nazi invasion of Poland, was deported to the frozen wastes of Siberia, but eventually migrated to Australia, settling in Canberra to become a highly respected scientist at the John Curtin Medical School, and our community's first volunteer Cheder principal.
June
Launch of Time Travellers time capsule
Children, parents and friends witnessed the awarding of certificates and cupcakes to some of the 58 children who had contributed art and written work to the AJHS ACT sponsored time capsule, to be opened for the 100th anniversary of the ACT Jewish Community in 2051. The capsule was created for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ACTJC in 1951, and the 50th anniversary of the opening of the National Jewish Memorial Centre in 1971 (delayed by the Covid pandemic).
August
Antisemitism on Campus – Attacks from all sides
Delivered by Dr Will Allington
Dr Will Allington, a graduate of the Department of Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture, University of Sydney, explored both right and left-wing antisemitic activities on campus, their history, how effective they are, and how they can be countered. This surge of antisemitism over the past decade is not isolated to Australia, but is part of broader international trends and is influenced by the long, global history of antisemitism.
2021 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Dr Brian Wimborne
Brian's lecture, Jewish Settlements: Dreams and Realities, described the plans to settle Jews escaping from the Holocaust to Australia and other locations around the world, most of which were no more than unfulfilled hopes. These dreams did not end until the re-establishment of Israel.
Video of Brian's presentation:
March
The 'White City' – Modernism in 1930s Tel Aviv
Presented by Michael Hauptman
Michael gave an illustrated talk, discussing the socio-political influences on the architecture on 1930s Tel Aviv inspired by the Bauhaus and Le Corbusier, and some key aspects of its distinctive local interpretation. The collection of over 4,000 buildings is listed by UNESCO as perhaps the largest well-preserved grouping of 1930s International Style buildings.
July
Jewish Heritage from the Middle East & North Africa
Presented by Ronit Gabriel
In a co-sponsored event with the ACT Zionist Council, Ronit, former Cultural Attache at the Israeli Embassy, spoke on the rich Jewish heritage from the Middle East and North Africa dating back 2,500 years, in part based on her own family history.
December
Three Score Years & Ten: Reflections on 70 Years in the ACT Jewish Community
Presented by Adele Rosalky,
AJHS ACT President
To mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the National Jewish Memorial Centre and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ACT Jewish Community, Adele presented an illustrated talk based on her personal reflections over 70 years. The talk was followed by the launch of the booklet, The ACT Jewish Community: 70 years of Highlights & History authored by Adele Rosalky and Sylvia Deutsch OAM.
Video of Adele's presentation: https://vimeo.com/684459626
2020 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Michael Komesaroff
As outlined in his book 'Reds Under the Bed', Michael discussed the records which were kept on his family by ASIO, which was unable to differentiate between dissent and disloyalty. As well as describing why ASIO was interested in the Jewish organization it had under surveillance, he also discussed why early last century Jews were attracted to the Left, and why and when this was no longer so.
February Last Post Ceremony for Private Maurice Lewis Aarons
As no family members were in attendance, wreathes were laid by ACTJC President Veronica Leydman and AJHS President Adele Rosalky at the Australian War Memorial in honour of Private Aarons who was KIA at Gallipoli in 1915. Private Aarons is listed on the Australian Jewish War Memorial at the National Jewish Memorial Centre, Forrest.
August
People of the Book
Delivered by Rabbi Elhanan Miller, ACT Jewish Community
Rabbi Miller outlined his initiative People of the Book, which is a bid to educate Muslim and Arab audiences about Judaism. What started as a series of cartoons dealing with religious issues has now grown into an active channel providing weekly lectures on ritual and faith, as well as interviews with Arabic speaking Jews and Israeli Arabs. He continues to respond to questions and comments since taking up his position in Canberra.
November
Dr Elena Govor, author of Russian Anzacs in Australian History and Falling Stars: The story of Anzacs from Ukraine
Dr Govor, spoke about many of the 150 Jewish Russian soldiers who fought for Australia in the First World War. Some were well-known, others invisible. Telling their stories helps us understand our multifaceted history and to fight stereotypes associated with Jews. Read and view her talk here:
2019 Past Events & Speakers
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Angus Trumble, recently retired Director, National Portrait Gallery of Australia.
Angus' lecture, The Rothschild Bank, the Montefiores and the Victorian Gold Rush, outlined the discovery and contents of documents and correspondence found in the basement of the London Rothschild Bank which connects the two families to every aspect of the gold rush in colonial Victoria.
March
Records Continuity: Preserving Today's for Tomorrow's Community
Delivered by Sabrina Elias, Senior Archivist, AJHS.
Sabrina discussed the importance of retaining records in Jewish communities, illustrating her work with examples she has undertaken. Sabrina also delivered a valuable workshop for the benefit of AJHS(ACT) and others with material stored in the ACTJC archive.
August
delivered by Alpha Cheng, son of Curtis Cheng who was gunned down by a teenager radicalized by ISIS ideology.
In his talk entitled 'Çarrying the Light', Alpha spoke about his training in Holocaust studies at Yad Vashem, his work with Courage to Care, his advocacy on discrimination and inclusiveness in Australia, and his hopes for the future.
September
The Dead Still Cry Out delivered by Dr Helen Lewis.
Helen's illustrated talk was based on her award winning book about her father's experiences as a combat cameraman during WWII. Mike Lewis' records of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen and Nazi atrocities provide powerful evidence against Holocaust denial.
2018 Past Events & Speakers
February
Excursion to Old Linton and Yass Jewish Cemetery
Yass, NSW
Old Linton is the gracious colonial home built in 1857 by the ex-convict turned successful and respected businessman Moses Moses. The tour was led by the current owner Stephe Jitts. The group then visited the nearby Yass cemetery where Rabbi Shimon Eddi consecrated the small Jewish cemetery and recited memorial prayers over the graves. He also explained the history and significance of the consecration of land for Jewish burials.
February
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Dr Avril Alba, consulting lead curator for the Sydney Jewish Museum’s Holocaust exhibition
Avril spoke on the topic Transmitting the survivor’s Voice: Redeveloping the Sydney Jewish Museum, which focused on the process of exhibition development, and connections to Australia and human rights.
August
Tell Your Story
Delivered by Leonie Webb (AJHS (ACT) Vice-President) and Dr Merrilyn Sernack
At a winter afternoon event two long standing members of the ACTJC each recounted illustrated stories of a member of their family.
Leonie told the moving story of her aunt Elizabeth Friedman (1909-2001). Elizabeth survived two brutal years in concentration camps, eventually arriving in Australia to live out a long and happy life.
Merrilyn told the story of her father Sidney Sernack (1918-2016) who served as an army officer if WWII, and afterwards worked in the fashion industry in Sydney for the next five decades bringing the bikini and Mary Quant labels to Australia.
November
Lessons in Leadership – the life of Sir John Monash
Delivered by Mr Rolfe Hartley, former President of Engineers Australia and volunteer guide at the Australian War Memorial
Coinciding with the week of the centennial Remembrance Day, and following the centenary of the knighthood of General Sir John Monash, Rolfe presented a ‘warts and all’ discussion of Monash the engineer, the soldier, and the man…..a complex man, an outsider who had failures and human weaknesses but who is regarded by most historians as the greatest general of WWI and an extraordinary Australian.
2017 Past Events & Speakers
March
Earle Hoffman Memorial Lecture in Australian History
Delivered by Adele Rosalky, President AJHS(ACT)
Adele gave an illustrated talk entitled A Jewish cultural landscape in the Goulburn area which presented Goulburn’s prominence in Australian Jewish history, the 1861 census showing that Goulburn was the third largest Jewish community in Australia at the time outside of Sydney and Melbourne. The talk focuses on the ‘Jewish synagogue’ located on the Lansdowne Park estate and the Jewish cemetery in Long St.
May
Combating antisemitism in the school playground: an Australian case study
Delivered by Dr Suzanne Rutland, Emerita Professor, Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies at The University of Sydney
Suzanne analysed the problem of anti-Semitic bullying in contemporary Australian state schools through interviews conducted in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
July
Jewish and Israeli identities in contemporary Israel
Delivered by Dr Michael Abrahams-Sprod, Roth Lecturer from the Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies at The University of Sydney
Michael charted the complex evolution of a uniquely Israeli identity, exploring issues of religious observance, role of the IDF, secular-religious divide, relations between Israeli and diaspora Jews, the absorption process of new immigrants, and other issues and challenges.
December
Last Post ceremony for Sergeant Morris Solomon
Australian War Memorial
ACT branch member Judith Eisner and members of her family laid wreaths beside the Pool of Reflection in a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in honour of her uncle, Sergeant Morris Solomon, who died in a flying accident in 1942, aged 23 years. Many members of the ACT Jewish Community and AJHS (ACT) attended this moving ceremony.
Thu, 1 May 2025 3 Iyyar 5785