End of year message from Jewish Lives Trustees

Jewish Lives comes to the end of 2022 with a sense of energy, anticipating a big year in 2023.  As we look back on 2022 we register many highs and a deep low.

That lowest point was undoubtedly the short, sudden illness and death of our dear Roger Moses, the creative driving force that has put Jewish Lives on the road to occupying a valuable place in the Jewish and wider community of New Zealand.

It gives us, as Trustees, comfort to know that Roger would have been deeply gratified to see progress on several fronts, specifically our work on archival material, our recent expansion into podcasts, and our progress on the Jewish Heritage Walk.

We express our appreciation to Roger’s family – Barbara, Rachel and Juliet; to the multi-skilled Val Graham; and to all those who contribute to Jewish Lives through sharing their stories and donating towards our work.

We look forward to the coming year and bringing more projects to fruition, in pursuit of our objectives of strengthening our community and increasing wider understanding of it.

We wish you all Chag Hanukkah Sameach and a healthy, productive 2023.

David Shieff (Chair), Dame Lesley Max, David Robinson, Dr Sheree Trotter, Trustees

Jewish Lives Podcast: Episode 2 – The Meaning of Hanukkah

What is the story behind the 2,000+ year old celebration? Why do Jewish people eat latkes and doughnuts? In what way is the message of Hanukkah relevant in New Zealand?

Join Rabbi Moshe Rube, David Robinson and Dr Sheree Trotter in a discussion about Hanukkah.

Conserving Auckland’s 19th Century Jewish Heritage

We present Sarah Oliver’s fourth essay in a four part series, undertaken as part of the University of Auckland’s Summer Scholarship.

Sarah writes: If the nineteenth-century Synagogue in Princes Street acts to remind us of the long history of Auckland’s Jewish community in the city, what then could other heritage sites tell Auckland of other cultural groups? Built heritage is so important for sparking discussions and investigations into Auckland’s past, especially for exploring the community identity of cultural minority groups.

My annual craving for latkes is back!

Finally, Sapeer Mayron’s wonderful article on Latke’s describes the many ways in which they can be enjoyed.