Reaching the Mainland

With cousin Pat(Melbourne)

Melbourne City

Melbourne City -river Yara

With Uncle David


Final View of Hobart Synagogue on way to airport

We are now in this fabulous city of Melbourne following a great last shabbat in Hobart. Hobart's fine synagogue was built with the help of ex Jewish convicts sent out to Australia in the 1800's.It is now maintained by a small group of less than 40 Jews & is shared by both Progressive & Orthodox groups. We were hosted by a wonderful Chabad family who, single- handed, look after all visitors. Meanwhile, we now see that Melbourne is a far more interesting city than we had imagined and we are very glad that we arranged to spend an extra few days here. Firstly, both Marilyn & I have met family that until now were just names on the family tree. From my Uncle David I have heard stories about my Dad during WW2 & also about the establishment of the Israeli Air Force, as well as experiences of surviving in France during the War from his wife. We have been staying with our friends, Ann & Harry Grynberg,( who were 7 years in Haifa in the 70's & 80's) & spent shavuot with them and their family, hearing shiurim & visiting different shules in Cauldsfield. We can now understand why Melbourne is considered the Jerusalem of Australia as we have seen there is a very strong community of all ages here led by young dynamic rabbis (several from England) . In addition, I had the privilege of attending a masonic installation, which was fascinating & also gave me an opportunity to speak publicly about the Mount Carmel Lodge in Haifa and the positive work of freemasons across different communities in Israel.