Morid HaGeshem

Clouds gather on the Sturt Highway, between Narrandera and Hay, preparing for a rare rain storm. (ABC News: Mary Lloyd)

Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem
"He causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall"

Before the start of the silent Musaf Amidah on Shmini Atzeret, the beadle bangs on a table and announces to the congregation that they will begin reciting "Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem". [Source]

And a few days later.... thank G-d, the rain has finally begun to fall in drought affected areas of Australia.  

Up to a month's worth of rain in a few days... the heaviest rainfall in years.  

Wake Up Call

A large family of my favourite bird - the kookaburra - have taken up residence in a tree very close to my home.  Every morning and evening I am treated to their laughing sounds. It's said that when you hear the kookaburras during the day, rain is on the way.

If you have never heard a kookaburra - native to Australia and New Guinea only - here is just one kookaburra laughing.... now multiply that sound by six....

And for Leah.... here is Joe's photo of a junior kookaburra eating mince meat.

Yesterday's Massive Storms

I love storms and yesterday's was incredible. 

Was it just a coincidence that yesterday was also the first legal same sex marriage in Australia?

More photos of the storms here.

Massive storm clouds over Bondi Beach - Photo: Jessica Hromas

Cyclone Debbie's Destruction

Cyclone Debbie has caused billions of dollars of damage to our beautiful Whitsunday Islands, and the fallout from it is now affecting the entire eastern side of Australia  - there is a 2,000 km line of flooding from the north to the south as the system makes it way down.  Unprecedented flood levels are being seen.

Cyclone Debbie

Bearing down on north Queensland in Australia is Cyclone Debbie which had intensified into a hurricane and is now hopefully classed as a Category 4 but possibly Category 5.   Thousands have been evacuated from the area.   The largest storm to hit Australia since Yasi in 2011.

Cyclone Debbie Descends

Netanyahu at the Central Synagogue, Sydney

Yesterday's visit by Benjamin Netanyahu to Sydney's Central Synagogue reminded me of a family reunion.  There is an obviously mutual admiration between Netanyahu and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, and the audience at the shul yesterday was enraptured by the presence of both of them. There were standing ovations, yiddish words being tossed about by Mr Turnbull and jokes made about the Central Synagogue being Turnbull's ''local shul''.  See video below.

Rabbi Levi Wolff presented a photo of Bibi with the Lubavitcher Rebbe dating from 1984 when he was Israel's Ambassador at the United Nations. Netanyahu then explained the photo to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull - "This is the Grand Rebbe of Chabad and He told me "you are going to a place of deep darkness and lies, and if you will light one candle of truth, you will dispel the darkness.''

Australian PM Blasts UN over Israel

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has strongly condemned the UN, accusing it of a prejudiced attack against Israel over a Security Council resolution that accused the Israeli ­government of violating inter­national law with its settlement activity.

On the eve of a historic visit by Benjamin Netanyahu, who ­arrives in Sydney today as the first sitting Israeli leader to visit Australia, the Prime Minister also charged those who promoted or supported a boycott campaign with a deplorable attempt to ­­­de-legitimise the Jewish state.

In an exclusive commentary article published in The Australian today, Mr Turnbull denounces the UN for what he claims is bias, citing 20 resolutions ­between 2014 and 2015 that are critical of Israel when only a ­single resolution had been issued on the Syrian war.

Read the article here.

Also see Israeli Prime Minister lands in Sydney amid controversy

Australia Welcomes Bibi

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull meets with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to visit Australia when he arrives for a four-day state visit on Wednesday morning.

Statement from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull:

"I am looking forward, with Lucy, to welcoming the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his wife, Mrs Sara Netanyahu, to Australia.

"This is a historic visit - the first by an Israeli Prime Minister - and it demonstrates the strength of our relationship and its importance to both countries.

"The friendship between Israel and Australia dates back to the establishment of Israel in 1948. It is anchored in our shared values, commitment to democracy and mutual interest in a rules-based international system and an open, global economy. "Later this year we will jointly commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba, a foundation stone of the relationship. "The Prime Minister’s visit is an opportunity to not only reflect on our shared past, but to invigorate and further deepen the relationship for the benefit of our people. We will discuss expanding cooperation in cyber-security, innovation and science, agritech, energy and resources, and the environment.

"During the visit, our countries will sign an agreement on Technological Innovation and Research and Development, providing a framework for our scientists, engineers and businesses to create the jobs and industries of the future. We will also sign an agreement on Air Services, expanding our commercial and people-to-people links.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu will spend 22-25 February in Australia. They will be accompanied by a delegation of business leaders from Israel. I look forward to working with them to further strengthen ties between our countries."

Source: The Australian Jewish News

A Message from Thalia a''h

Yesterday, Thalia Hakin a''h was laid to rest in a moving ceremony.  10 year old Thalia was killed by a maniac who randomly ploughed his car into a crowd of people in central Melbourne last week.

The funeral was held yesterday and you can read about that here, but that is not the point of this blog post.

Two years ago, Thalia wrote a letter for a class assignment, which has now been published.  

She wrote:  ''Now the world is dark but soon to be bright for us......and Hashem...... Moshiach will come.''

Australian PM and the Last Night of Chanukah

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

The Central Synagogue in Sydney was privileged to host the Prime Minister and his wife Lucy this Friday evening just before Shabbat.

Here is a transcript of Rabbi Levi Wolff's introduction to the Prime Minister.

''Happy Chanukah! What a special moment! What a special guest to have with us on this last Shabbat of 2016! The Honorable Malcolm Turnbull Prime Minister of Australia together with his dear wife Lucy.

Earlier today I received a phone call from the Prime Minister, he related, that he was thinking lots about our community during this turbulent week for Israel and the Jewish people.

Ladies and gentleman, how truly heartwarming, this was a week where Israel found itself isolated by foes and allies alike. And yet there was one voice of morality and justice that refused to be silenced - it vibrated loud and clear across the world – and that was the voice of Australia, under the leadership of our Prime Minister The honorable Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julia Bishop.

Mr Prime Minister, Israel and the Jewish community have a true friend in you, Israel and the Jewish world see you as a true leader who stands up for justice, for truth even when it’s not popular to do so! The miracle of Chanukah which commemorates the power of one little jug of oil, the victory of the few over the many. When our forefathers kindled the menorah and celebrated Chanukah 165 BCE they were not standing on occupied territory, and the people of Israel are not standing on occupied territory now!

Mr Prime Minister, today we say to you the words found in our ancient Bible. When G-d gave the promised land to the people of Israel, He said “Va’avorcha Mi’varchecha” and “I will bless those who bless you [Israel]” Mr Prime Minister, for what you do and for what you have done… May G-d bless you! May G-d bless your government! And May G-d bless your family!

May The Al-mighty bless this wonderful country of Australia and our Holy land of Israel! We are honored to ask the Prime Minister of Australia to share a few words with the congregation.''

Australia Proud to Support Israel

Australia has broken ranks with the United States and New Zealand over Israel, indicating that it would most likely have opposed the UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In a statement released on Thursday, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia was not currently a member of the Security Council and was not eligible to vote on the resolution.

However, she said, "in voting at the UN, the Coalition government has consistently not supported one-sided resolutions targeting Israel".

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Aftermath

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!

''My Country'' - Dorothea Mackeller c. 1904

Australia is used to floods.  ''Droughts and flooding rains'' are nothing new to Australians. But this time, the entire east coast was deluged, from the northern tip of Queensland down to the southern island of Tasmania - that's about 3860 kilometres.  As you can see from the picture, the United Kingdom has been inserted to give you some idea of the size of Australia.

The deluge of rain, combined with the king tides [Rosh Chodesh inspired king tides, I believe] have destroyed many beach-side properties, including the 106 year old Coogee Surf Club.  

Part of the famous beach walk from Bondi to Bronte has collapsed.

Beach walk: Bondi to Bronte; June 6 2016

The giant king tides washed away people's backyards as well as an entire apartment block.  

Rivers and creeks have burst their banks, and dams are overflowing.  Aerial footage shows flooding in Sydney's south-west.

Now the rain has stopped, the clean up begins.  Australians are very good at cleaning up, they are used to it.   But.....   this time it seems different, it's the entire east coast, and properties worth millions of dollars are now worthless.  

Australia's Prime Minister - A True Friend

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is a true friend of the Jewish people, and of Israel.  In this just-released video, you can see his visit to The Central Synagogue in Sydney in honour of Chanukah.

Stormy

Storms over the weekend here. Photo shows Bondi Beach one hour ago.  Shabbat Shalom to all.

The Bolt Report - Gaza

Australian Andrew Bolt tells it like it is.

 

Extreme Weather

Severe weather that hit Israel and the region over the weekend is set to continue this week. Torrential rain has blocked roads in Jerusalem and flights to Tel Aviv have been re-routed, with sandstorms expected in Israel's southern regions. Hail and snow are also forecast. Story: Israel battered by Storms



Australia: National heat record expected
Weather analysis to be released today is expected to show Australia is sweltering through its hottest days in history.

Massive Superstorm : Just the beginning

Australia: A damaging storm has turned "day into night'' in Brisbane, as lightning and winds brought down powerlines and left more than 6000 homes and businesses without electricity. Meanwhile, another severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for other parts of the state. Story: News.com

Melbourne Quake

THE biggest earthquake for more than a century has hit Victoria tonight with millions feeling it when it struck just before 9pm (AEST), lasting up to 20 seconds in some areas.
Story: News.com

Australia joins list of countries warning against Israeli strike on Iran

More and more Western countries are joining a growing list of countries who are applying heavy international pressure on Israel to prevent it from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. The latest voice is that of the new Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr.

Several days ago, Carr phoned his Israeli college Avigdor Lieberman. This was the first telephone call between the two. Aside from the niceties of the first formal phone call, Carr took advantage of the conversation in order to warn Lieberman that an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities will have serious consequences.

Carr revealed the contents of the conversation during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “Our position is very clear – we counsel Israel against taking military action apart from any other consideration. It is not in the interest of Israel - I said that to the Israeli Foreign Minister when I spoke to him last week,” Carr said. Despite insisting he was concerned over an Israeli strike, Carr said a military operation was still only a “hypothetical solution.”

Source and more: Haaretz

Korea to Aim Missile at Australia, Obama Threatens Strong Response

• North Korea to test new rocket on April 15 [the 8th day of Pesach]
• Likely to have bigger payload, power
• US warns "aimed toward Australia"

A senior United States official says a long-range missile which North Korea plans to test next month will for the first time be aimed towards South-East Asia and Australia.

See: North Korea to aim missile test at Australia

SEOUL: North Korea will face a "strong response" if it launches a long-range rocket next month despite international calls to desist, a special adviser to US President Barack Obama said on Friday.

"If they go ahead anyway, we will want to work with our allies and partners for a strong response," Gary Samore, arms control coordinator at the National Security Council, told South Korea's Yonhap news agency in an interview.

The North's planned launch sometime between April 12 and 16 will be a key topic on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit in Seoul next week.

See: US warns of 'strong response' if North Korea launches rocket