Possibly one of the most unique High Holiday services ever held in Australia took place in 1894 in Coolgardie WA for Rosh Hashana. The services were not held in a synagogue, nor in a home — in fact, not even in a building. The service, in which eleven men participated, just surpassing the bare minimum required, was held in a tent during the time of the WA’s gold rush period.
1894 Rosh Hashanah in Coolgardie Read More »
From Australia’s Jewish Past: The Moses family of Van Diemen’s Land First published in J-Wire August 24, 2021 Samuel Jacob Moses (born 1807) and his wife, Rosetta Blanche Moses (born 1820), arrived in Sydney from London in early November 1840. Within a couple of months, they sailed to Hobart with their three children, arriving there
The Moses family of Van Diemen’s Land Read More »
Ida Cohen was renowned for her commitment to a wide range of charitable and community causes in Tamworth right up until her final years. Not one to ‘stay home and wipe marks off mirrors’, she found lifelong employment in such work.
Ida Cohen – a legend of Tamworth Read More »
Julia Levi, known as the “Grand Woman of Sydney Jewry” gave to every worthy cause and whilst she supported so many institutions, her greatest love was the New South Wales Board of Jewish Education. Even when her husband, Lewis, passed away, Julia continued her philanthropic work and gave over half the income left to her.
Julia Levy – Philanthropist Read More »
Florence Anderson was born in 1871. Her claim to fame was becoming the first female trade union secretary in Victoria, and the only female trade union secretary in Australia.
Florence Anderson – Pioneering Trade Union Secretary Read More »
Maurice “Moses” Abraham Cohen was a noted linguist and a pioneer of Jewish Education in Sydney. He also edited some of Sydney’s pioneer Jewish newspapers and campaigned for the rights of Indigenous Australians.
Maurice Abraham Cohen – Sydney’s First Jewish Educator Read More »
Ballarat-born Rose Shappere, had a serious taste for adventure. The young Jewish nurse resigned her position at Adelaide Hospital, made her way to South farica and attached herself first to a Boer commando unit, and then to the British volunteers, travelling alone throughout the country by rail and steamer to reach the front lines at Ladysmith.
Her persistence paid off, and whilst she saw many nurses being turned away by the British authorities, she was determined to serve and her efforts to do so were rewarded with success.
Rose Shappere – Fearless nurse, Jewish adventuress Read More »
As far back as 1831, the London Beit Din was confronted with issues surrounding granting divorces, when one or other of the parties had been transported to Australia, which did not have a formal Jewish legal body. The first Beit Din, or religious Jewish court, was convened in Australia in 1864, for the sole purpose of effecting a divorce and arranging a gett, for a Jewish couple that wished to legally separate.
Jewish Divorce in the colony Read More »
On May 31 1870 Galician born Solomon Schlossman and his Polish born son-in-law John Davis discovered what would be the 9th largest nugget on the Victorian Goldfields, They named it the Viscount Canterbury.
Finding the Viscount Canterbury Read More »
Theodore Krakouer arrived as Convict No 232 at the Swan River in West Australia. Together with his mate, Elias Lapidus, they were both sentenced to 15 years for stealing clothes and money. Their papers were stamped with “state of mind” as being hopeful.
1851 Where We Learn About Convict No 232 Read More »
