While Marrickville Council's attempt to boycott Israel had the potential to foment inter-ethnic tension in our hitherto multicultural community, for us it turned out to be a blessing in disguise!
In just one year we've organised:
Jewish culture & Hebrew classes for primary kids
Monthly during school term. The kids and their wonderful teacher meet in a local hall for their lesson on a Saturday afternoon, whilst parents and younger kids hang out and chat in the park. The picnic contingent also includes parents whose kids are not yet ready for the class......but will be in a few years time.
In between lessons, we've had a Lag B'omer celebration complete with bonfire and "bow & arrow" competitions, a Shavuot picnic with cheesecake and fruits, and are soon to gather for a shabbat dinner.
Community singing
Monthly get-together to sing old and new Jewish and Israeli favourites
JAFA at the Cafe
Fortnightly discussion over dinner at a popular Inner West Cafe on topics of relevance to us as they arise in the news
Marrickville Multifaith Roundtable
The Jewish community now has representation on the Marrickville Multifaith Roundtable. MMR is currently running an art project: Spirit Life Marrickville to celebrate cultural diversity through the visual arts and poetry, and invites "local residents, community groups, schools and artists to create art works that engage the wider community in a conversation to promote mutual understanding and respect". Check out the Spirit Life Marrickville website for details of the exhibition and how to enter.
Spool 'n' Spiel
Regular film night, including Israeli Academy Award Winner, A time of favor, Alain Delon in Mr Klein, Dustin Hoffman in The apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, the Soulkeeper about Jung's relationship with a patient Sabina Speilrein, Tackling Peace local doco about the AFL's Israeli-Palestinean peace team , Mel Brookes' classic remake, To be or not to be
The Opinion-Makers Series
We hosted visiting overseas opinion makers, including David Landau, Sulaiman Khatib, Daniel Sokatch
If you would like to participate in any of these
