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Don’t forget to check our website at www.hobartsynagogue.org
5
THESE ARE THE NAMES
"These Are the Names"
by Rabbi John Levi (Miegunyah Press) RRP $79.95
Jews have been part of Australia's life ever since the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour on 26
January 1788. There were 14 Jews on that small flotilla. Those early years were tough. Two
Jewish convicts married each other and ended up on Norfolk Island. One became the mistress,
and later the wife of a naval officer.
"These Are the Names" is a biographical dictionary of all the Jews who were in Australia before
1850 and the discovery of gold. Lakemba's Sheikh Taj el Hilalli has poured scorn on a country
founded by convicts. Rabbi Levi's book tells the story of courage and creativity by these early
arrivals. He has also been very careful to write a history book that is not "HISstory". This is about
the men and women (and children) both rich and poor who shaped our Commonwealth.
It is the product of many years research. Rabbi John Levi has delved into all the archives,
newspapers and records held in the Hobart Shule and in Murray Street.
Rabbi Levi has revealed that 114 free Jewish male settlers and 59 free Jewish female settlers
arrived in Van Diemen's Land between 1804 and 1850. During this same early colonial period 218
Jewish male convicts and 15 female Jewish convicts arrived.
The synagogues in Hobart and Launceston were built by these early arrivals and we owe them a
great debt of gratitude. Their individual stories are all told in "These Are the Names". There are
1550 biographies in all. The first edition is sold out! A new (and revised) edition is preparation
and should be published later in the year.
Rabbi John Levi
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN AUSTRALIA (NCJWA) –
TASMANIA SECTION
NCJWA Tasmania held a video and afternoon tea function on Sunday 20 August at the
home of Debbie and Russell Garrick. Sixteen people attended and enjoyed the light-hearted
movie 'Crossing Delancey' followed by afternoon tea. Those present expressed keen
interest in having more movie sessions.
A second video function was held on Sunday 26 November at the home of Patsy and Norm
Zadik. Seventeen people attended and enjoyed two Jewish-themed movies ‘Keeping the
Faith’ and ‘Frisco Kid’. The day included a delicious lunch after the first movie and then
afternoon tea after the second movie.
Both events raised a total of $205 which was sent to NCJWA head office to be used for one
of its Israeli charities.
Debbie Garrick
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