PHC Annual Report 2017

121 st Annual Report 

2017 / 5777

Perth Hebrew Congregation Inc – 121st Annual Report 2017 

PRESIDENT 

Mr Julian Sher 

VICE PRESIDENT 

HON TREASURER 

HON SECRETARY 

COMMITTEE 

CHIEF RABBI 

TRUSTEES 

AUDITOR 

HON ARCHITECT 

HON SOLICITOR 

Mr Michael Sebbag 

Mr Denzil Twyman 

Mr Mark Cartoon 

Mr Sharon Ben-Pelech 

Mr Simon Glass (until April 2017) 

Mr Malcolm Lemer 

Mr Adam Levine 

Mr Paul Mendelow 

Ms Diana Mendelsohn 

Ms Danijela Kambaskovic-Schwartz 

Rabbi Dovid Freilich OAM 

BA(Hons) London MA Sydney 

Mr Albert Saddik 

Mr Michael Odes QC 

Dr Norm Hoffman OAM 

Mr Martin Silver 

B.Comm ACA CPA 

Mr John Silbert 

Mr Eagul Faigen LLB,FAICD 

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Index 

President’s Report 

Page 

Rabbi’s Report 

Page 

Youth Education & Engagement Leader’s Report 

Page 

Perth Hebrew School Report 

Page 

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Centre Report 

Page 

Kashrut Authority of Western Australia (KAWA) Report 

Page 

The Leila Hoffman Perth Torah Education Centre Library Report 

Page 

Events & Simchas 

Page 

Board Meeting Attendance Summary 

Page 

Financial Reports: Profit & Loss All Divisions 

Page 

Financial Reports: Profit & Loss 

Page 

Financial Reports: Balance Sheet 

Page 

Financial Reports: Notes 

Page 

Independent Audit Report 

Page 

Board Statement 

Page 

Office Bearers 

Page 

Minutes of AGM 2016 

Page 

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President’s Report 

This is my last president’s report. Before the new president 

and board take office, I express my thanks to the membership 

of PHC for allowing me the privilege to serve the congregation 

for the last four years. I could not have managed this task 

without the support of my board colleagues, the PHC 

professional staff led by Jian Gabriel and our inspirational and 

dedicated Chief Rabbi. On the whole, I have enjoyed the experience thoroughly. 

This year has been dominated by generational change and the challenges imposed by the 

difficult economic conditions which have affected the community generally, our 

membership and our Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Centre parents. We have met 

these challenges by adopting a conservative budget compelling us to live within our 

means. The financial statements report a loss. They show that we have drawn on our 

cash reserves over the past year. This is due to a number of factors mainly lower than 

budgeted profit in the Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning; higher than anticipated member 

resignations (although our net membership numbers have remained stable); penalty 

insurance premium loading; losses in the Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service 

provided to the Jewish community over the past three years and the costs associated 

with the selection and recruitment process for Chief Rabbi succession. 

We are fortunate to have established an infrastructure which stands us in good stead to 

deal with the current financial pressures. These include a well-qualified professional 

staff, the acquisition of online financial and communication systems and a structure to 

find a successor to our wonderful Chief Rabbi. 

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Since my last report, PHC’s key focus has been on rabbinical succession. Until a successor 

is appointed, life at PHC will continue much as before. Over the last year or so, as a result 

of a grant from the Federal Government, PHC was able to replace its boundary security 

arrangements consisting of a fence, gates, cameras and security barriers. For this, we 

express our particular thanks to the Minister for Justice, the Member for Stirling, the 

Honourable Michael Keenan, MHR and the former State Member for Mount Lawley, the 

Honourable Michael Sutherland. We appreciate their continuing support for our 

community. After the March State general election, we said farewell to Michael 

Sutherland as our local member and welcomed our new local member, Simon Millman 

MLA. We also hosted a Masonic Service of Thanksgiving and acknowledged the 

contribution over many years of our Rebbetzin, Professor Aviva Freilich, by the placement 

of a commemorative plaque in the foyer. 

During the year our Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Centre (RLH ELC) and day care 

facilities experienced change with the recruitment of outstanding professional staff under 

the leadership of the Centre Director, Leonie Yates. I am pleased to say that as a result of 

these positive changes, despite the economic gloom, the financial picture for the RLH ELC 

and PHC is improving. 

PHC faces the challenges that all Anglo-Jewish communities face globally. This makes the 

appointment of the right successor to our current Chief Rabbi a matter of critical 

importance. This year, as in all previous years since the founding of the PHC, our 

congregation has born the expenses of operating critical communal infrastructure. My 

thanks go to those individuals who have supported – and in some cases funded – the 

refurbishment of our beautiful mikvah facility. I thank Dr Norm Hoffman for his 

continuing leadership of the Kosher Authority of Western Australia (KAWA) and our 

“minyannaires” who attend our daily services – come rain or shine. 

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In conclusion, I thank our Vice-President Michael Sebbag whose hard work and 

dedication is crucial to the success of our operations and also our tireless Treasurer, 

Denzil Twyman and members of the Executive Committee who have supported me in my 

role with their wisdom and sage advice. Finally, I thank my wife Noreen, without whose 

loyalty and encouragement, my presidency would have been impossible. 

Julian Sher 

President 

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Rabbi’s Report 

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED………. SIGNING OUT! 

My vision for our shule as expressed in an article entitled, 

“Perth Hebrew Congregation – Beyond 2000” published in 

the Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal in Honour of 

the Centenary of our shule in 1992. 

When I was approached to consider accepting the position as Rabbi of the Perth Hebrew 

Congregation in November 1987 I was both honoured and awed with the thought of having the 

spiritual responsibility for not only an active and very beautiful synagogue, but for a whole Jewish 

community. For the Perth Hebrew Congregation, I learned, was the instigator of many 

educational and religious institutions of the community, and as such I presumed my role as Rabbi 

would embrace the many facets of communal life. 

The Executive, consisting of, Albert Saddik, Professor Max Walters, Dr John Rosenthal and Dr 

Keith Shilkin, who engaged me at that time, reinforced this role by advising me that my 

responsibilities would be spiritual leader and religious representative of Western Australian 

Jewry. My Rabbinate would embrace any style which I feel would be effective for West Australian 

Jewry. This whet my appetite for I saw in this challenge a sense of personal fulfilment as well as 

the potential to put into practice all that I as a Rabbi visualised a community should be. Having 

been a Rabbi in Sydney at Maroubra Synagogue for some 14 years, a synagogue which will always 

have a special place in my heart, I would with a sense of hindsight use my experience to plan 

what I felt, and still feel, would be effective for the community in Perth. To achieve the goals 

which I intended working, I needed a united Orthodox community. To this end I felt that one of 

my first tasks was to bring some form of reconciliation between my Perth Hebrew Congregation 

and the newly formed Northern Suburbs Congregation. Not to deprive the Northern Suburbs 

Congregation of their autonomy, but to work side by side as a united force for that advancement 

of mainstream Orthodox Judaism. This I like to feel, in no small way, has been achieved over the 

past couple of years, despite the disapproval of some. 

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There has been in recent times, the establishment of a Chabad House in Perth. My experience in 

Sydney as a Rabbi had alerted me to the fact that rarely do the Chabad movement work in with 

the organised community, but tend to duplicate activities and keep for themselves the freedom 

to do what they desire within the community without be fettered by the restraints of communal 

organisation. Although I give the utmost respect to any Jewish movement that works with 

dedication to the cause of strengthening Torah Judaism, my belief is that without structure in a 

community it can only cause divisiveness, confusion and a waste of resources. 

Perth Hebrew Congregation has always been perceived as an Anglo-Jewish style congregation 

with its strict adherence to its formality and direction as laid down by the Chief Rabbinate of the 

British Commonwealth. It is this style which in recent times has proven ineffective in England. 

Young people seem to find no spiritual satisfaction in this style of Orthodoxy, and have either 

abandoned it for the left or for the right. It is my belief that the “shtibel” style of service with its 

warm, fervour, informality and ability to involve all, rather than just being a mere spectacle is the 

formula to attract young people back to the synagogue and their roots. These suggestions come 

from a Rabbi who has trained in the very institution, Jews College of London, that promotes the 

Anglo-Jewish tradition of Orthodoxy. But even Jews College today realises that the old style of 

performing chazzan and preaching Rabbi is no longer effective in contemporary Judaism. A Rabbi 

today, must be more of a teacher then a preacher. The fire and brimstone Rabbi of old may have 

been very entertaining and made the pulpit Rabbi somebody to be feared, but its effect or lack of 

it, can be gauged by the tremendous assimilation and attrition from the ranks of the Jewish 

community. What I believe is required for today is the Rabbi to assert himself more as a teacher. 

The pulpit should be used to teach and not preach. This synagogue must be a place of learning 

and enlightenment. Our Rabbis told us that if one elevated learning to the status of prayer, this is 

to be applauded. 

This means that learning and teaching has just as much effect as prayer itself. The shule, in my 

rabbinate must be just that, a shule meaning a school. It is for this reason that the library has 

been developed, and the shiurim for all age groups, expanded. Geographically our shule is not in 

the area where young Jewish couples live. It is difficult for me to, on the one hand, teach about 

the laws of Shabbat and its observance, and at the same time reconcile this with 

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attracting the young couples who live such a distance from the synagogue, to come and prayer 

with us on a Shabbat. It is for this reason that their attachment to the PHC should be developed 

more as a sense of weekly involvement in not only the full spectrum of weekday services, but in 

the educational activities offered by the congregation. It is vital that we retain a young 

membership of the congregation for its future development. I will be doing my utmost to ensure 

the PHC does not become the second Maurice Zeffert Home. It is encouraging to see that as 

young couples become more established, they tend to move from the Northern suburb areas 

towards city and in particular, to Dianella, Mt Lawley/Menora. 

One of the first suggestions I made when I came to the PHC, was that we have under our aegis, a 

full-time day care centre. This for many practical reasons did not eventuate, the idea is still very 

much on the agenda. At which location such a day care centre will exist is still under discussion, 

whether it be at the PHC or around the Noranda area where many Jewish young couples live. 

Having such an institution under the aegis of the PHC would give us a feeder for future survival, 

for such a day care centre would cater for the mainstream Orthodoxy which the PHC represents. 

It is my fervent hope to strengthen the halachic structure of the community so aptly put in place 

by my predecessors. The Perth Beth Din and the Kashrut Authority of Western Australia must 

continue to aim to be professionally run and cater for the whole community. My illustrious 

processor Rabbi Dr S Coleman laid the foundation for this vital halachic institution from which the 

community now benefits. It is important that the PHC ensures, as it has over the past 100 years, 

that these structures for the smooth running of the halachic needs of the community be always in 

place. As Rabbi, every effort in this direction is a major priority. It is extremely hard to satisfy 

those who are content with the patronage of the existing kosher facilities and at the same time 

please those who believe that as we expand as a community so should the facilities expand 

accordingly. I believe that within reason there must be more venues and more caterers to choose 

in the field of kashrut. Our attitudes must grow together with the community’s growth. That is 

not to say that we should allow open slather and let anybody who wants to cater hop on the band 

wagon; it must be intelligibly controlled so there is a choice and at the same time caterers must 

be able to remain viable. 

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There is only a limited amount of resources from which to draw, both in personal and monetary 

terms, and therefore we must be practical in how kashrut is supervised in Western Australia. 

Sometimes I must look at the leniencies allowed by the halachah to ensure workable Kashrut in 

our community but always within the framework of halachah. 

Another attitude which might have been prevalent when the community was smaller, but which 

must change with the community’s exciting growth, is in the education sphere of our young. 

There is an attitude that if our young do not go to Carmel School it is regarded as disloyal to the 

Jewish Day School movement to try and facilitate them as far as their Jewish educational 

requirements are concerned. I vehemently disagree with this attitude and find it archaic in the 

extreme. All other institutions and all the efforts we put into the community and our children 

should have one goal in mind, and that is to guide them to become committed Jewish men and 

women of the future whether this is achieved through the Carmel School or the Perth Hebrew 

School makes no difference. I see, particularly now, that for one reason or another that more 

Jewish children are going to state and private schools rather than Carmel School, and I see a need 

to strengthen the Perth Hebrew School to cater for the spiritual needs of these young people. To 

abandon our responsibility to these young people would be unacceptable. 

The Rabbinate of the PHC has always been the spiritual represented of the Orthodox Jewish 

community in the wider community and this must continue. The excellent work done in this 

sphere by my predecessors Rabbis Freedman, Rubin-Zacks and Coleman must continue with 

strength. Because the community has grown so much my Rabbinate has, by circumstances, been 

more insular. There are now more Jewish people to administer to, which does not leave time for 

PR work. Apart from this, my Rabbinate began at a time of relative structural disarray in the 

community, and as such my first few years was spent in trying to re-establish some organisation 

within the community. This, combined with making every effort to unify the community, left little 

time or energy for interaction with either clergy of other denominations of civic leaders. The time 

is now approaching where the Rabbinate of PHC must re-establish itself as the unofficial chief 

Rabbinate of Western Australia. 

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I perceive PHC continuing as the halachic epicentre of the Perth Jewish community. It is, and I 

would like to feel it always will be the home of the Perth Beth Din as well as the Perth Mikvah. 

These institutions will, I feel, continue to flourish as the community expands. I am looking 

forward to the time when the mikvah in particular, will be used so often that it might be 

necessary to employ a full-time director. As long as other institutions, both religious and 

otherwise, in the community have the same goals as myself and the PHC maintaining unity and 

structure, then it will matter little under whose banner these halachic institutions remain because 

communal organisation will be the prime consideration. 

PHC, by history, experience and 100 years of service to the community, deserves the loyalty and 

recognition of all other institutions which by the good work of the PHC in preserving the Jewish 

community of Perth, they are now established. An example of the progress that can be 

maintained by unity and organisation is the hospital chaplaincy which now exists in Perth, run by 

the office of the PHC, yet embracing the Northern Suburbs Congregation and Chabad House. 

This, I hope, will continue to prosper, and is already the envy of communities in the Eastern states 

as evidenced by an article in the Melbourne Jewish Times recently acclaiming this concept. 

I see PHC remaining the focal point to which new congregations that may develop in the future in 

Western Australia and turn for guidance and support. 

I am a Rabbi, not a prophet, but every effort will be made through the programs, to direct PHC – 

Beyond 2000 – in the direction of communal education, involvement of the young and new in 

PHC programs. The strengthening of the halachic framework of the community, the maintenance 

of the PHC as the mother congregation of Perth Jewry, and as such the spiritual public relations 

centre, and above all a warm, welcoming and friendly venue. All this will be done in the spirit of 

community, co-operation and organisation with all other organisations of the community for I 

perceive Perth Jewry to be like a portrait – each colour blending in harmony but at the same time 

each individual part playing its part to the full in maintaining the beauty of the picture – PHC over 

100 years has laid its claim to a large section of the portrait. 

Dovid Freilich - 1992 

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Almost 30 years since starting my rabbinate at the PHC in 1988, has this mission been 

accomplished? 

Have I realised the vision of a united Orthodox community? Partially achieved. At the time when 

I expressed my vision there was only Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation and Chabad to 

embrace. Since that time the community has become a little more diversified. Perth is no longer 

a one shule town and on the whole all Orthodox congregations work together in the halachic 

framework of Jewish life in Western Australia. 

Have I achieved informality rather than pomposity at PHC? I think that has been very well 

achieved, although a big shule, our shule has a very heimish (homely) atmosphere. 

Has the pulpit been used to teach and not to preach? In my opinion, definitely yes – achieved! 

Is our shule a place of learning and Jewish education? Definitely yes! Over the years there have 

been numerous programs, some regular and some not so regular but hardly a day goes by when 

there is not some program of learning in our synagogue. 

Is there a full-time day care centre (which many people opposed when I mooted it)? Yes, and in a 

way, it has maintained the shule in many respects as well as making it vibrant and alive during the 

whole week. When I first arrived here I would sit in my office and you could hear a pin drop. I 

very often found more noise in the cemetery during funerals. 

As far as the halachic structure in the community (through the Perth Hebrew Congregation) is 

concerned, is the Mikvah, the Kashrut Authority, the Beth Din, the Chevra Kadisha etc 

professionally administered by our shule? Very much so! It must be remembered that when I 

started almost 30 years ago PHC was the only shule and therefore I had the task to organise a 

halachic infrastructure that included all congregations which has been very successfully achieved. 

At the end of the article I also make mention of the fact that Perth Hebrew Congregation should 

always be maintained as the, ‘cathedral’ congregation of Perth in that it is the main 

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representative of the Orthodox Jewish community in Western Australia, whether it be an 

interfaith or governmental representation. My illustrious predecessors were very much involved 

in this important responsibility and I feel I have ensured that PHC still is at the forefront of this 

very important role. 

Have I maintained the communal chaplaincy be through the aegis of PHC? This has also been 

successfully upheld. 

All in all, most of the vision that I had for PHC’s role beyond 2000 has been successfully achieved. 

However, two important desires for our congregation have not. Not because I didn’t try but 

because the community fragmented. Shule is also a place of social interaction. In order to attract 

congregants of a particular age group or a particular shule commitment one needs a core of such 

people within the shule to attract others. As a result of a campaign by Carmel School a number of 

years ago entitled 10,000 by 2000 representations were made in South Africa to attract new 

Jewish immigrants to Western Australia. Many of these new arrivals, young and Jewishly 

committed were not encouraged to become part of PHC. In fact, I have been told by some the 

contrary was advised. The line given to them was that PHC only catered for the less committed. 

This, although totally untrue, prevented a number of valuable new members attending our shule. 

I dare say if they had been allowed to make their choice without first being directed, we would 

have had a nucleus of these valuable assets in our midst and they would have attracted others. 

This would have helped our shule immeasurably as it would have also added to the spiritual 

progress of those members of PHC who were not yet so ritually observant. It would have shown 

them that their more observant co-religionists care about them. This is probably the bane of my 

rabbinate over the past 30 years. It has left PHC bereft of a very important core that would have 

fostered its growth. I hope and pray that these young observant families at least give my 

successor a chance to show them what the PHC is truly made of! Unfortunately, when I write in 

my article, ‘Perth Hebrew Congregation Beyond 2000’ that it was my fervent hope that it did not 

become the equivalent of the Maurice Zeffert Home, I did not figure on what I just wrote 

happening. 

15


The other regret that I have, as it has not been achieved, is in regard to the Perth Hebrew School. 

If it was a matter of so many attending Carmel School that there was no need for the Hebrew 

School then I would be delighted. But sadly, this is not the case. It was going well 

under the directorship of Simon Lawrence but since then sadly for whatever reason it has waned 

to practically nothing. Whether this is due to apathy or some fault with the Hebrew School itself 

is mere speculation but it is regrettable that this vital goal has not been achieved in later years. 

Again, it is my vehement hope that my successor will find the personnel to revive it into a 

dynamic educational facility for those not attending Carmel School. Perth Hebrew School is the 

oldest Jewish educational facility in our community and many in our community have gained from 

it. 

This is my last report to the PHC. I now look forward to reading, as a congregant of PHC, 

wonderful optimistic reports by my rabbinic successor as to the congregation’s progress. I have 

done my best and have enjoyed my tenure as rabbi of the congregation. It is now time to devote 

my post rabbinic years to other creative ventures which I hope my fellow congregants will also 

enjoy. Aviva and I thank each and every one of you for your warmth and support. It has been an 

absolute honour and privilege to serve as your rabbi and rabbanit. I give my full blessings, 

support and encouragement to my rabbinic successor whom I have also been given the privilege 

of playing some part in choosing. 

As we read the Torah every year, the same portions and the same words so my 

thanks every year are practically like our weekly Torah recital. But whereas the weekly sidra does 

not change at all my yearly thank-yous do change a little. So, if you have heard what is now to 

follow before don’t think that you are going meshuga. 

I am not being falsely humble when I say that I have done nothing for the shule! I have just tried 

to fulfil my Divine calling. The story is told that when Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk was 

appointed to head the community of Minsk, an invitation was sent out to the community singing 

the great praises of Rabbi Menachem Mendel. At the first opportunity to address the members 

of the community Rabbi Menachem Mendel said, “how fortunate I will be after 120 years when I 

arrive at the world to come, I will be able to produce the invitation you sent which 

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is full of praise and all types of fancy titles. I will be able to bring evidence that the people of 

Minsk think that I am a tzaddik (a righteous person.) However, they will ask me in the world to 

come, “Mendel, do you agree with what is written here? – then I won’t be able to say anything in 

my defence!” 

Looking back at the praise given me over past reports by past presidents of the congregation and 

what was written when I first started as Chief Rabbi of PHC, I certainly have wonderful references 

to take, PG, to the next world with me but like Rabbi Menachem Mendel I really don’t know how I 

will be able to validate them! In this respect there is a small, but significant group of our 

congregants who I believe are the battery which keeps the shule alive and well – who are 

tzaddikim in their own way. Some of you would not have heard of these members, they are not 

on any honour boards, nor do they make a big song and dance of their involvement in the shule. 

But without them there wouldn’t be daily services at our shule, nor shiurim (educational 

programs) and our members would be unable to find a minyan at their shule to say kaddish for 

their loved ones on the yahrzeits - they are our minyanaires and multi-minyanaires. If they were 

in my office now as I am dictating this they would tell me off as they do not want accolades. 

However, I have been brought up to show and express gratitude to those who contribute 

positively to our lives. Therefore I want to express a very warm yashar koach to the following 

minyanaires and multi-minyanaires; Rabbi Coleman, Joe Willner, Kim Bebbington, Denzil Twyman, 

Alan Brook, Yona 

Millner, Gabi Terry, 

Adam Levine, Michael 

Sebbag, Barry Walters, 

Michael Wainstein, 

Michael Kooperman, 

Roger Raphaely, Ron 

Hauber, Percy Schwartz, 

Raoul Raiter, Hillel 

Paiker, Philip Saddik, 

Sas Saddick, Valerie 

Niazov, 

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Leon Levy, Adam Smith, Bernard Bettane, Izzy Kilof, Charles Kur, Geoff Kaye, Michael Odes, Peter 

Byala, Craig Shainfeld, Mervyn Rothstein, Jeremy Shor, David Rhine, David Ganon, Eric Edelman, 

Neville Weiner, Rodney Cantor, Daniel Gunzburg, Michael Stanley, Mark Cartoon, Marc Harries, 

Eli Zohar, William Jones, Kevin Blitz, Phil Rappaport, Greg Margo, Wilfred Hirschfield, Syd Gootkin, 

Adam, Jeff Immerman, Barry Levin, George Lazarus, David Fuchs, Alex Topelberg, Anthony 

Gordon, Warren Kruger, Raffy Mowszowski and Steven Pearson and anyone else who has 

attended during the course of the year. 

I have served the congregation now for some 29 years going on 30 and am immensely proud to 

have done so. All spiritual leaders, if they are spiritual, will consider the future of their 

communities. As I write this as last year, we have just read the section of the Torah where Moses 

(and I am certainly not implying that I am Moses!) feels that the end of his spiritual leadership is 

approaching and he starts to look for a successor. Our congregation for the last number of 

months has been involved in doing just this. Moses, it seems, had the audacity to tell G-d what 

qualifications his successor should have. 

G-d did not regard this as a chutzpah 

(cheek) at all! Moses knew his 

congregation, even more than G-d 

because he had served them at grassroots 

level for some forty years. This 

gave Moses an even clearer idea of 

what was required for them than even 

G-d himself. In the same way, our shule 

board and selection committee know 

that we must have for our congregation 

a successor who not only is totally 

dedicated to the congregation but one 

who also has a broad outlook on life; 

must not be a person who concentrates 

on minutiae but looks at the bigger 

picture. If PHC is to remain the 

representative of Orthodox Judaism in 

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WA, its future Rabbi must, in short, follow the same traditions as Rabbi Freedman, Rabbi Rubin- 

Zacks and Rabbi Coleman in the past. All these men excelled in promoting Jewish values which 

were respected by the wider community as well as the Jewish community. 

I sincerely thank Arik Singer who since his arrival here from Israel, has shown such dedication to 

the spiritual development of our younger members. This generation after all is the future of our 

congregation! I thank Jian Gabriel, my wife Aviva and Sue Terry for their valuable input into the 

2017 Momentum Women’s group. It is an exciting development to the life of our community. 

I wish to express my debt of gratitude to so many who help make our congregation the stable 

congregation that it is. I make particular mention again this year of the following people whose 

dedication remains constant and consistent. 

Our president, and I am honoured to say my friend, Julian Sher is so devoted to our congregation. 

He gives of his time generously and is continually thinking about planning the future development 

of our shule. I feel privileged and honoured to be Rabbi under his presidency. Baruch Hashem he 

handles his responsibility of the presidency of the PHC with such dignity and wisdom. I also thank 

Julian’s wife Noreen for sharing him with the shule and for 

being such a support to Julian in this mitzvah. As the PHC constitution dictates, as Julian has 

served four years as president he must now relinquish it to also hand on to a successor. Thank 

you, Julian, for your input to PHC, and you can now enjoy your period as previous past president. 

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Again, I must express my great thanks to Michael Sebbag, Vice President of our synagogue. 

Michael, his wife Natalie and their sons, David, Joshua and Adam are truly dedicated to our shule. 

I thank Michael not only for the time and effort he puts into the Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning 

Centre, but into all the activities of the shule generally. I can truly say that Michael’s dedication 

to the Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Centre has in no small way contributed to its success. 

Our Executive and Board continue to be devoted to their kehillah, some being able to give more 

time and some less due to personal commitments but whatever help they do give is very much 

appreciated by us all. 

Thanks to our treasurer, Denzil Twyman - my great appreciation for taking on this role for our 

shule and in administering it so carefully and responsibly. 

Baruch Hashem, there are nine past presidents as regular attendees of our shule. Albert Saddik, 

Brian Nathanson, Dr Norm Hoffman, Dr Barry Walters, Professor Max Walters, Michael Odes QC, 

Kevin Blitz, Professor Sonny Gubbay and Dan Mossenson. I thank them all for their continued 

friendship. It is of great assistance and comfort to me to know that they are there and are 

testimony to the stability of our congregation. Obviously, the presidency of PHC assures you of 

longevity! Must be due to the blessings given to them by their Rabbi! 

Sydney Berinson continues (P-G to 120!) to be of tremendous strength to the shule in his 

organisational abilities and reliability. There is no doubting his devotion to the PHC where his 

family have always been stalwarts. His instruction of bar mitzvah boys is also of tremendous help 

to the community. Syd’s knowledge of the families in our community is of great assistance in my 

Rabbinic pastoral responsibilities. 

Emeritus Chief Rabbi Shalom Coleman, although 98 years old (please G-d till 120!) continues to be 

an inspiration and role model to all of us in the kehillah. He attends and contributes to all the 

weekday minyanim (as the Talmud states, this is the formula for longevity and Baruch 

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Hashem Rabbi Coleman is living proof if it). His wisdom and experience are of great benefit to 

my Rabbinate and I very much appreciate it. Our shule is fortunate to have the emeritus chief 

Rabbi and the present incumbent working as a team for the good of the shule. This is a true 

blessing. Rabbi Coleman’s Wednesday morning Talmud shiur is one of the educational weekly 

highlights in the Perth Jewish community. 

Lenny Zeilinger’s knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of kashrus are of great 

advantage to our whole community. Lenny is the director of supervision for kashrus in Western 

Australia and adds to it a lot of professionalism and prestige. 

My gratitude also goes to Josh Freedman, Simon Lawrence, Ronnie Lawrence, Dean Wainstein, Eli 

Karotkin, Adam Levine, Joe Willner, Eli Bernstein, Warren Kruger, Gabi Terry, Peter Byala, Jonny 

Eintracht and Michael Kooperman for assisting our shule in the conduct of services and in leining 

for us. And thanks go to Jonty Pearson who every Friday night hands out the shule Shabbat 

newsletter to the congregants. 

Again, I want to express my gratitude to my son-in-law Adam Levine who truly is a wonderful 

asset to the shule. Despite his busy schedule as a lawyer he participates in conducting shule 

services, and is both a board member of the shule and president of the Perth Hebrew School. 

21


He is also our representative on COSA (Council of Synagogues of Australasia). Thank you, Adam 

for your total dedication to the shule. 

Dave Cohen is a friend and extremely enthusiastic and dedicated member of our shule. I thank 

Dave once again for organising the children’s monthly birthday blessings for our shule which has 

been active for many years now, thanks to Dave’s on-going commitment to it. 

Law Week function at the PHC, 

12 May 2017 

The following debts of gratitude are to those whose zeal, enthusiasm and contribution to the 

shule goes unabated. Baruch Hashem, I am fortunate to have extremely proficient, professional 

and unruffled personnel in the office. My Rabbinic office administrator, Nikki Ross, who as I 

mentioned last year adds a ray of sunshine to the Rabbinic office and makes all those who visit 

the office want to come again due to her warm and cheerful disposition and hospitable 

demeanour. I call Nikki my ‘boss’ as without her my day would be far less planned and orderly. 

I thank her wholeheartedly for everything she does for me. I thank our operations manager, Jian 

Gabriel, for her assistance and competence in matters of shule administration. She has also been 

a champion of the Momentum Women’s Group and this continues to go from strength to 

strength. Jian’s professionalism and watchful eye over the shule is a great advantage to it. Nadine 

Shainfeld is also a wonderful asset to our gift and bookshop and makes a pleasurable experience 

to anyone coming into the shop. She is warm and friendly and always remains cool and collected 

in dealing with sometimes difficult customers. 

My thanks to the PHC Choir, led by Michael Wainstein. It has enhanced our services at Perth 

Synagogue over the past few years. Sadly, the choir has become somewhat depleted and I 

22


appeal to the members of our community who feel that they can contribute to the choir, to 

please come forward and do so. Michael is now choir master for the Perth Male Jewish Male 

Choir and the Perth Male Jewish Choirs performs fairly regularly in our shule. I also wish to thank 

Marcia Fisher who last year gave her time and expertise in helping train a young men’s choir for 

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and this year has committed to do the same. Her contribution to 

this last year ensured a very spiritually uplifting participation in the service of our much younger 

members. 

A shule is not just a place of gathering for prayer and learning. A beis knesses (a house of 

gathering) is also for social gatherings. The kitchen and the food are a vital part of shule life – 

some would feel it is the most vital service of all the services! Here I must thank, who I refer to as 

the three angels of the shule, these young ladies came forward voluntarily and in an honorary 

capacity, and give of themselves during the week and on Shabbat morning to ensure that our 

congregation is treated to an exceptional Kiddush at the end of our Shabbat service. The three 

ladies I am referring to are, in alphabetical order, because all three of them are exceptional, 

Carmen Lane, Simone Saddik and Jennifer Saker. This year we have been lucky to have many 

Kiddush volunteers, namely Jo Wheatley, Danijela Schwartz, Tamara Cartoon, Jian Gabriel, Jesse 

Gabriel, Astrid Harries, Dawn Ott, Aimee Ott, Shelley Twyman, Julie Kerbel, Judith Lawrence, Toby 

White, Sara Lemer, Sharna Miller, Michelle Avichzer, Judith Hirschfield, Karen Fuchs, Pnina Levine, 

Kirsten Freeman, Julia Odes and Gaby Reubenson. We all thank them for their efforts in helping 

the congregation be a true a beis haknesses. May Hashem grant them abundant reward for all 

they have done. 

23


My grateful thanks go to Dr Norm Hoffman OAM, who still carries the torch of that tremendous 

commitment to the shule by maintaining the Leila Hoffman Perth Torah Education Centre Library. 

Norm is lay chairman of KAWA (Kashrut Authority of Western Australia). Through Norm’s 

professional and responsible approach, KAWA has become a respected kashrut authority, not 

only in our own community, but throughout Australasia and beyond. Norm is now handing over 

that torch of these activities now to younger members of the community who, PG, have greatly 

benefited from Norm’s total dedication and sense of responsibility. I thank Ronald Hauber for 

agreeing to take Norm’s place in maintaining and running the Leila Hoffman Torah Education 

Centre Library housed in the PHC beit midrash. 

Once again, I thank my rebbetzin, Aviva, my thanks would never be enough. Again I add, as I have 

in other reports that there is a discussion in the Talmud as to how much praise we should give 

Hashem. One opinion is that it is better not to give praise at all because praise for Him is 

limitless. L’havdil I can say the same about my precious wife. She has always been absolutely 

supportive of my Rabbinate in her very humble and unassuming manner. Without her I can truly 

say I could not have served you as your Rabbi. I n the words of Rabbi Akiva, which he uttered to 

his 24,000 students in connection with his wife, “If it were not for this lady, I could not have been 

your Rabbi!” Without her wisdom and guidance and checking my letters and statements my 

tenure as your Rabbi would probably not have lasted the first year as I would have put my foot in 

it quite a number of times! I pray that Hashem continues to grant us both the zechus (merit) to 

witness our children, Pnina, Sarah, Osher and Dvorah, our sons-in-law Adam, David and Oren and 

grandchildren Jacob, Leah, Rafael, Gabriella, Aaron, Dina, Saul, Raizy, Ezra, Reuven and Ella 

continue to make their contribution to Klal Yisrael and humanity. 

As I said last year, a Rabbi once told one of his congregants, “If I had three more like you, I would 

be a happy man.” “What are you talking about?” the man responds, “I always criticise you. Why 

would you be happy if you had three more like me?” “Because I have fifty more like you!” 

I am truly blessed in that I can honestly say that I would deem it a privilege and honour to have 

many, many more of the type of wonderful, friendly, good-hearted, generous and warm 

members that comprise Perth Hebrew Congregation. I humbly thank you for the privilege of 

24


being your Rabbi. May Hashem grant us all good health, contentment and nachas in the year that 

lies ahead and may our congregation grow even stronger thorough all our involvement so that 

PHC can play its part in ensuring the continuity of our people and please G-d through our prayers 

and efforts bring shalom to Klal Yisrael and the world in general. 

I end off with a quote from Rabbi Yosef Yozl Horowitz of Novardhok who used to say, “if you 

come to the train station and find that the train has left, don’t say that you were late for the 

previous train, but that you are early for the next one!” Everything is in G-d’s hands – it’s never 

too late to become more involved in the shule. You have not missed the train! Just make sure 

you are early for the next one! 

I once again offer profound gratitude to Hashem for his manifold blessings which he has 

bestowed on me and the whole kehillah. 

With manifold blessings and warm friendship. 

DOVID FREILICH 

Farewell to Rabbi Freilich by the Council of Christians and Jews, 19 June 2017 

25


Youth Education & Engagement Leader’s Report 

It is with much satisfaction that I look back and reflect on this 

past year at PHC. Although there is still a long journey ahead of 

us, as you will see from this report, we have seen much growth 

and development in the youth department. With the help and 

support of many people, we have succeeded in developing the building blocks that were 

established last year and in addition have been able to implement several new initiatives. 

WEEKLY & MONTHLY PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES 

Shabbat Children’s Program 

Our weekly Shabbat kids program has continued to remain strong throughout the year. 

The addition of several new Yr 11 & 12 madrichim who have volunteered their time in 

taking groups, has added a lot to our program. On average between 20-25 kids 

participate every Shabbat, ranging in age from Kindy to Year 10. The activities are 

comprised of fun games, learning a little bit about the Parsha and enjoying a tasty 

kiddush. 

A big thank you and a Yeshar Koach goes out to our veteran Madrich Eli Karotkin and to 

the other madrichim who include, Taegan Joffe, Adam Kerbel, Riley Twyman, Rachel 

Hertzman, Grace Ehrenfeld, Amy-lee Assness, Tal Levin, Kaila Wainstein & Amy Shainfeld. 

Horim VeYeladim (Parent/Child) Parsha Learning Program 

26


Our weekly Horim Ve'yeladim program has continued strongly and is a real highlight of 

kids and youth programs at the PHC. It is such an awesome sight to see parents (and even 

some grandparents) sitting and learning with their children about the weekly Parsha in 

Shule after Kiddush. Those kids participating get to enjoy weekly treats and very much 

look forward to the 'Prize Night' that takes place twice a year. 

Horim VeYeladim Prize Night, July 2017 

Pizza & Parsha 

Our monthly 'Pizza & Parsha' evenings have 

gone from strength to strength. In addition 

to seeing steady numbers throughout the 

year (ranging between 10-15 Yr 10-12's), we 

introduced a separate evening for Yr 8's and 

9's which has taken off as well. 

The evening is designed for teens to 'hangout' 

in our Youth Merkaz, learn a bit about the Parsha and enjoy great home-style pizza. 

Chaggim 

27


Once again, one of the main highlights of the PHC Youth calendar has been activities run 

just prior to and during the main Jewish festivals, some of which included: 

• Youth minyan on the High Holy Days 

• Sukkot Tisch for uni students – attended by over 

25 Youth Leaders 

• Purim – We coordinated the first-ever communal 

Purim Fair which was attended by hundreds of 

community members from all Shules 

• Pesach – we hosted a family Matzah Picnic at 

Whiteman Park which was enjoyed by many 

young families 

• Lag Ba'Omer Bonfire & Kumsitz – We hosted a 

joint Carmel and PHC Youth event attracting over 

70 teens 

• Shavuot communal dinner and a Tikkun Leil 

Program for both adults and kids which was 

Teen BBQ in the Sukkah – Oct 2017 attended by 102 participants 

Matzah Picnic at Whiteman Park – April 2017 

28


BAR & BAT MITZVAH PROGRAMS 

Bat Mitzvah Program 

Coming up to the second full year of the new and revised Bat Mitzvah program - we have 

continued to see some great results. Participants are strongly connecting to their Jewish 

roots and finding ways of expressing their own Jewish identity. 

The program itself is comprised of two components: bi-weekly group sessions which run 

over an entire semester and individual one-on-one lessons. The main aim of the group 

sessions is to help develop the girls’ Jewish identity and to help them find personal 

relevance and significance in celebrating their Bat Mitzvah. Topics covered include Belief, 

Modesty, Jewish Heroes, Lighting of Shabbat Candles and Jewish Prayer. The individual 

lessons are designed to teach the girls fundamental aspects about their respective 

Parshiyot and in the process help them to develop a Dvar Torah that is presented to the 

PHC Kehilla on the Shabbat of their Simcha. 

Bar Mitzvah Lessons 

Our staff continue to provide weekly one-on-one lessons in preparation for their big day. 

Students are taught the skills in learning their Maftir and Haftorah sections as well as the 

appropriate Berachot associated with their call up and for future participation in Shule 

services. Boys are also taught other segments of the Tefilla service that is traditionally 

recited by pre and post Bar Mitzvah boys during Shabbat services such as Anim Zemirot 

and Yigdal. 

In addition to preparing the boys for the above mentioned duties, lessons are also 

devoted to teaching the students about fundamental Jewish philosophies and practices 

central to Jewish living. Topics include Belief in God, Tziztit, Tefillin and the Significance 

of Mitzvot and of Becoming Bar Mitzvah. 

29


PERTH HEBREW SCHOOL 

Throughout this past year, our school has continued to run 

classes for the general public in both Jewish Studies and 

Hebrew language. Students ranging in ages from Kindy to Yr 7, 

with varying levels of learning have enjoyed the small and 

intimate classes and the personal attention that they have received from our teachers. 

Classes focus on reading and writing in Ivrit and on several fundamental Torah values and 

Jewish practices such as Shabbat, Chaggim, Chessed and Tefillah. Thank you to Rena 

Hesselson and Jonny Eintracht for ensuring that the children are engaged and enjoy the 

learning. 

We look forward to continuing to work with our students, helping them to develop their 

Jewish identity and base knowledge in Hebrew and Yahadut. 

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Rabbi Freilich for his ongoing 

guidance and support in all of our programs and initiatives; and to Julian Sher and the 

Board for their continued support and leadership that they have provided throughout the 

year. 

With Blessings 

Arik Singer 

Youth Director & Engagement Leader 

30


Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Centre 

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning (RLH EL) was established in 1999 

by the Perth Hebrew Congregation Inc. 

We are a proud to be the only Jewish Early Learning Centre in Perth, where Torah values 

and Jewish religious, social and cultural practices underpin everything that we do. 

Our goal is to teach children to be kind and respectful to themselves, to others, to their 

belongings and their environment. We believe that with these skills, children will learn to 

be active participants in the community and ultimately be good people who succeed in 

life. 

Discover. Explore. Adventure into Excellence 

is the ethos that defines what we are about, what we strive for, 

proactively work toward and who we are. 

Our mission is to provide an engaging, fun and 

emergent curriculum, underpinned by Jewish 

values. Our passion for, and commitment to, 

the Jewish culture and community is integral to 

who we are and what we do. 

We are proud: 

• To provide and facilitate modern 

Jewish education in an holistic 

manner that aligns with global 

best practice 

• To have three qualified Early 

Childhood Teachers leading each of our age groups 

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• That our staffing exceeds the adult to child ratio and that we have a 

committed team of professional and dedicated educators 

• That we have a multi-cultural centre that celebrates individuality and 

respect for diversity - we speak over 10 languages fluently 

• To be the only Jewish Early Learning Centre in Western Australia and are 

unique in our approach to education and care 

• That after 18 years we remain true to our not-for-profit and community 

based profiles 

• Of our commitment to, our partnership with and participation in the Perth 

Jewish community 

Early Leaning Centre 

Extensive renovations were done to 

our Early Learning Centre in 2017 to 

improve the learning environment for 

our children and provide learning 

spaces where children can be active 

participants in their learning. We are 

exceptionally proud of our unique 

Centre and the nurturing environment 

that we provide. 

We continually exceed the standard and provide smaller adult to child ratios, 

exceptionally trained and experienced educators and are true to our word of providing an 

emergent and holistically planned curriculum underpinned by Jewish values. 

In line with our commitment to continual improvement, this year we implemented online 

portfolios for each child and daily reflections showcasing what learning and interactions 

have occurred during the day. 

32


We have implemented an online enrolment platform through My Family Lounge. The 

platform allows parents and carers to join our waitlist, apply for days and manage 

enrolments through a live and interactive online enrolment form. 

Our focus of ensuring that the best interests of all children are catered for holistically, is 

fundamental to everything that we do. At RLH we place great emphasis on 

inclusion. Enhancing outcomes for children defines our inclusion goal. We have four key 

pillars that form RLH’s strategy for addressing our long-term inclusion goal. The pillars 

include a targeted approach, advocacy, developing awareness and building partnerships 

to support our goal. Active working relationships with Child Australia and Communicare 

assist us to achieve these outcomes. 

We are grateful for the active, strong, supportive and 

enthusiastic Parent Committee. The Committee is 

committed to progress, support and development, 

acting as an invaluable representative of the parent 

body in partnership with management. 

Professional Development 

The Early Learning Centre continues to be committed to ongoing professional 

development and growth with a focus on play based and open-ended learning. Our 

educators regularly attend professional development courses and conferences in WA and 

interstate. This year we provided two additional days of professional development and 

team building exercises, focussing on self-regulation, documenting learning and working 

together as a team. We believe it is important to ensure our educators have the tools, 

knowledge and resources to provide the very best education, love and care to our 

children. 

33


Our educators are supported in their professional development by having access to 

ChildHR. This platform provides educators with the information and tools to undertake 

their roles and ensures they are aware of their duties and ultimately of our values. 

Security 

Our Early Learning Centre is unique in the fact that we have state of the art security, 

actively monitored by CSG. Child safety is our priority and ensures peace of mind for 

parents and carers. Our continual commitment to quality education, care and child safety 

underpins our commitment to ensure that each child is safe, cared for and loved by our 

experienced and loyal educators. 

General Functions 

We are fortunate to celebrate many milestones, functions and festivals at RLH. Our 

weekly Shabbat ceremonies continue to be very popular, offering parents and 

grandparents the opportunity to join in. Chaggim (Jewish festivals) provide beautiful 

opportunities for cross-curricular learning and festivity as a whole group. We regularly 

hold events to ensure parents are an integral part of their child’s learning and 

development, including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, family friendly incursions, 

Jewish holiday events and our end of year function. Our end of year function for 2016 

was held at Sci-tech and was a huge success, enjoyed by children, families and educators. 

Many children talked about the event for days and 

weeks afterwards - it was a great experience for all. 

We value our loyal team of educators and are 

appreciative to each person for their commitment and 

dedication in providing high quality education and exceptional care. We thank our 

dedicated staff and management, the PHC Board of Management and staff, the RLH 

Parent Committee, and of course the parents and children of Ruth Landau Harp Early 

Learning for their continual support and partnership in realising our vision in early 

learning. 

34


We look forward to another year of exploration, discovery and adventure into 

excellence. 

Wishing all our families and Perth Jewish community a sweet and happy New Year. 

Shana Tova! 

Leonie Yates 

Director 

35


Kashrut Authority of Western Australia 

(KAWA) Report 

KAWA continues to provide comprehensive kashrut services for the 

Perth Jewish community. These services include licensing and supervision 

for local caterers and food producers, as well as home kashering and advice 

concerning locally available kosher food products. As a matter of policy, the charges for these 

services are kept as low as possible. A summary of the services provided this year is given below: 

1. There are currently 35 Licensees supervised by KAWA. 

For 6 licensees the supervision is daily or continual. 

For 24 licensees the supervision is quarterly. 

For 5 licensees the supervision is periodic/seasonal or annual. 

2 There were 52 homes that were koshered last year. There were in excess of 3,200 

queries during the last year (including email, SMS, WhatsApp, and phone calls). 

3 There were 25 major and 19 minor functions during the last year. 

4 Other tasks completed include: 

• Toivelling 

• Kashering Bnei &Habo camps and Carmel School camps 

• Kashering for NCJW and communal kashering of pots & pans for Pesach 

• Kashering at Shalom House 

• Supervision of fish processing at fish shops at Pesach & Rosh Hashana 

• Working with the hospitals regarding patient meals 

• Investigation of new products 

The affairs of KAWA are handled by two committees: the Rabbinic Committee chaired by Rabbi 

Freilich, and the Management Committee chaired by Dr Norm Hoffman. Of particular significance 

is the fact that no committee member receives any remuneration from KAWA. 

Once again special recognition must be given to the work of Mr Lenny Zeilinger. As the coordinator 

of shomrim, he is responsible for ensuring that kosher supervision is provided 

whenever needed. He continues to be active in working with local food producers to increase the 

number of kosher products available to Perth consumers. 

Rabbi D Y A Freilich OAM 

Chairman 

KAWA Rabbinic Committee 

Dr N Hoffman OAM 

Chairman 

KAWA Administrative Committee 

36


The Leila Hoffman Perth Torah Education Centre Library Report 

The Library continues to provide both a lending and an information service to Jewish and 

non-Jewish people of Perth. 

The most significant change in relation to the Library is that from July 2017 the Librarian 

will be Mr Ron Hauber. 

Ron can be contacted by e-mail: roni.hauber@gmail.com or by phone 0416 065 983. 

The library will be open for borrowers on Tuesdays evenings 8 to 8.30pm. 

The prime function of the library is to serve as a source of related reading for the shiurim 

offered at PHC. The collection also includes a special section for those who have limited 

knowledge of Judaism, but want to learn more about it. 

There has been modest growth in the Library due to donations and books added at the 

request of borrowers. 

Last year the Junior Readers section of the library was transferred to the Youth Building 

which is used by the Perth Hebrew School. During this year there has been a range of 

users. Again, those attending the Shavuot night of Torah learning, Tikun L’el Shavuot, 

used the Library throughout the night. 

Thanks to past and present PHC office staff for their help and support. Special thanks to 

Lilian Kessly who helps to look after the Library on those Friday mornings when the 

library is open. Thanks also to Rabbi Freilich for his continued support. 

Norm Hoffman 

Former Librarian 

37


Events and Simchas 2016 / 2017 

Weddings 

The following weddings of members/member families of this Congregation were celebrated 

during the year and we wish the couples much happiness in their new lives together: 

• Stella Reuben and Leon Schneider 

• Laurie Sager and Andy Fuchs 

• Tamara Miletic and Mark Cartoon 

• Tamar Willner and Anthony Karro 

• Danielle Atlas and Sajiv Dissanaike 

• Alanah Bernstein and Aaron Schwartz 

• Joanne Wheatley and Greg Margo 

Bar Mitzvahs 

The following boys celebrated their Bar Mitzvah during the year and we wish them every success 

in the future: 

• Yona Millner • Noam Harries 

• Ryan Silbert • Noah Silbert 

• Ethan Leibowitz • Aiden Marcov 

• Liam Demb • Oliver Kaye 

• Zac Segal • Dan Shuhandler 

• Joshua Duman • Ariel Nelson 

• Harry Whyte • Adam Shainfeld 

• Seth Charsinsky • Brandon Botha 

• Noah Braunstein • Dan Bebbington 

• Marcus Silbert 

Bat Mitzvahs 

The following girls and their families celebrated their Bat Mitzvah during the year and we wish 

them every success in the future: 

• Anabel Whyte • Dani Cinamon 

• Lara Havas • Olivia Cohen 

• Bianca Bennett • Ella Voros 

38


Board Meeting Attendance Summary 

The Board attendance list covers the period from the first meeting after Rosh Hashanah 

(November 2016) up to and including August 2017. There were seven regular board meetings in 

this period. 

President Julian Sher 5 

Vice-President Michael Sebbag 6 

Hon Treasurer Denzil Twyman 7 

Hon Secretary Mark Cartoon 7 

Board Member Sharon Ben-Pelech 4 

Board Member Simon Glass 1 (Resigned) 

Board Member Malcolm Lemer 7 

Board Member Adam Levine 4 

Board Member Paul Mendelow 6 

Board Member Diana Mendelsohn 4 

Board Member 

Ms Danijela Kambaskovic- 

Schwartz 

5 

39


Financial Reports 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration for the year ended 31 May 2017 

Auditor’s Independence declaration to the Board of Management of the Perth Hebrew 

Congregation Inc 

In relation to our audit of the financial report of the PERTH HEBREW CONGREGATION 

INCORPORATED for the year ended 31 May 2017, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there 

have been no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Australian 

professional accounting bodies. 

Signature: 

MARTIN A SILVER 

Electronic Signature 

MARTIN A SILVER CA 

Registered Company Auditor Number 14159 

P O Box 572 MOUNT LAWLEY WA 6929 

Date: 14 August 2017 

40


Independent Auditor’s Report for the year ended 31 May 2017 

To the Members of the Perth Hebrew Congregation Inc 

We have audited the financial report of PERTH HEBREW CONGREGATION INCORPORATED (“the 

Association”) being a special purpose financial report which comprises the Balance Sheet at 31 

May 2016, Profit & Loss Statement the year ended on that date, Profit & Loss All Divisions for the 

year ended on that date, Notes to the Financial Statements and Board of Management’s 

declaration. 

Board of Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Report 

The Board of Management of the Association is responsible for the fair presentation of the 

financial report and has determined that the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the 

financial statements, which form part of the financial report are appropriate to meet the needs of 

the members of the Association. The Board of Management’s responsibility also includes 

establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of 

the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, 

selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are 

reasonable in the circumstances. 

Auditor’s Responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. No opinion 

is expressed as to whether the accounting policies used, as described in Note 1, are appropriate 

to meet the needs of the members and the Board of Management of the Association. We 

conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards and the Associations 

Incorporation Act 2015. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical 

requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 

assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. 

41


Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of the 

Perth Hebrew Congregation Inc 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 

disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, 

including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether 

due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control 

relevant to the Association’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order 

to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose 

of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Association’s internal control. An audit also 

includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 

accounting estimates made by the Board of Management, as well as evaluating the overall 

presentation of the financial report. The financial report has been prepared for distribution to 

members of the Association for the purpose of fulfilling the Board of Management’s financial 

reporting obligations under the Act and the Association’s Constitution. We disclaim any 

assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report or on the financial report to which it 

relates to any person other than the members of the Association or for any purpose other than 

that for which it was prepared. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 

basis for our opinion. 

Independence 

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements under section 

307C of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Qualification 

The Board of Management has determined that it is not practicable to establish controls over 

monies received from sources of voluntary revenue prior to entry into the financial records. 

Accordingly, as evidence available regarding revenue from these sources is limited, our audit 

procedures with respect to monies received from the sources of voluntary revenue had to be 

restricted to the amounts recorded in the financial records. We are therefore unable to express 

an opinion whether the sources of voluntary revenue obtained are complete. 

42


Board Statement 

PERTH HEBREW CONGREGATION INCORPORATED 

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF 

THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2017 

STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 

In the opinion of the Board of Management the accompanying Financial Statement as set out on 

the following pages: 

Present fairly the financial position of the Perth Hebrew Congregation Incorporated as at 31 May 

2017 and the results of the congregation for the year ended on that date. 

Have been prepared and presented in accordance with the applicable Australian Accounting 

Records. 

President 

Hon Treasurer 

Dated 14 th day of August 2017 

43


Statement of Profit or Loss and other Comprehensive Income 

For the 12 months ended 31 May 2017 

May-17 

May-16 

Income 

Administration Fees 19,200 19,100 

Bookshop Income 25,140 7,166 

Childcare 1,397,535 1,593,854 

Donations/Offerings received 87,414 96,921 

Dues 735,878 712,280 

Interest Received 6,900 12,116 

KAWA 86,350 77,399 

P Seeligson Trust Grant 20,000 20,000 

Rent Received 137,887 121,881 

School Care 88,339 74,196 

Secure Schools Grant Income 183,163 100,000 

Sundry Income 39,994 54,245 

Total Income 2,827,799 2,889,159 

Less Operating Expenses 

Accounting 4,975 27,304 

Advertising and Publicity 52,801 19,327 

Archiving Expense 3,310 - 

Bad Debts 30,522 - 

Bank Charges 5,759 14,413 

Computer Expenses 18,584 17,105 

Depreciation 67,689 68,002 

Electricity and Gas 31,570 32,547 

Foreign Currency Gains and Losses 2,057 2,659 

General Expenses 105,516 109,959 

Grants and Donations 4,584 3,660 

Insurance 147,992 102,991 

Maintenance 52,278 20,731 

Motor Vehicle Expenses 8,859 11,897 

Printing and Stationery 47,462 53,537 

Rabbinic Expenses 191,650 177,117 

Religious and Festival Requisites 121,597 143,522 

Rent 138,864 120,430 

Salaries and Secretarial 1,774,953 1,752,623 

Security 46,364 41,296 

Superannuation 143,270 135,699 

Telecommunications 24,201 31,691 

Total Operating Expenses 3,024,856 2,886,509 

Net Profit - 197,057 2,650 

44


Statement of Financial Position 

As at 31 May 2017 

Notes May-17 May-16 

Assets 

Bank 

Cash on hand and deposit accounts 2 209,629 694,083 

Total Bank 209,629 694,083 

Current Assets 

Debtors 3 125,214 142,349 

Stock Bookshop 47,903 43,812 

Total Current Assets 173,117 186,161 

Fixed Assets 

Boundary Fence 4 387,831 190,574 

Computer Equipment 5 11,263 6,623 

Fittings and Equipment 6 552,591 494,904 

Kosher Food Centre 7 203,473 203,525 

Land and Buildings 8 508,440 477,343 

Motor Vehicles 9 29,681 37,636 

Total Fixed Assets 1,693,278 1,410,606 

Total Assets 2,076,024 2,290,850 

Liabilities 

Accounts Payable 151,571 130,302 

Accruals 18,373 48,809 

Provision for leave pay 37,200 70,800 

Non-Current Liabilities 

Provision for Long Service 35,000 10,000 

Provision for service and Maintenance 132,059 132,060 

Total Non-Current Liabilities 167,059 142,060 

Total Liabilities 374,203 391,972 

Net Assets 1,701,821 1,898,878 

Equity 

Current Year Earnings - 197,057 2,650 

Retained Earnings 1,898,878 1,896,228 

Total Equity 1,701,821 1,898,878 

45


Statement of Cash Flows 

As at 31 May 2017 

Notes May-17 May-16 

Cash Flows from operating activities 

Receipts from operations 3,017,883 3,087,786 

Payments to suppliers and employees - 3,210,465 - 3,146,516 

Net cash generated by/(used in ) operating activities 11 - 192,582 - 58,730 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment - 298,772 - 71,081 

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment - - 

Interest received 6,900 12,116 

Net cash generated by/(used in) investing activities - 291,872 - 58,965 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Net cash generated by financing activities - - 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - 484,454 - 117,695 

Cash and Cash equivalents at the beginning of the 

financial year 

694,083 811,778 

Cash and Cash equivalents at the end of the financial 

year 

209,629 694,083 

46


Cost Centre Summary 

1 June 2016 to 31 May 2017 

2017 2016 

Bookshop Turnover 80,760 

Cost of Sales 55,811 

Gross Profit 24,949 

Expenses 28,106 

Net Profit - 3,157 

83,092 

74,951 

8,141 

41,414 

- 

33,273 

Ruth Landau Harp Turnover 1,491,108 

Expenses 1,678,482 


1,680,608 

1,609,709 

70,899 

KAWA Turnover 86,351 

Expenses 88,322 


77,399 

75,493 

1,906 

PHC Turnover 1,225,626 



1,152,352 

1,284,619 

- 

132,267 

Total SHULE Turnover 2,827,799 



3,093,621 

3,090,971 

2,650 

47


Notes to the Financial Statements 

1 Statement of Accounting Policies 

This financial report is a special purpose financial report prepared in order to satisfy the financial 

reporting requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act (WA) 1987 and Division 60 of the 

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 as well as for distribution to members 

in accordance with the constitution. 

As a non-reporting entity, the financial statements are prepared in accordance with the recognition 

and measurement requirements of the Accounting Standards and in accordance with the disclosure 

requirements of those accounting standards that apply to non-reporting entities. 

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and 

assumptions that affect the application of polices and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income 

and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and 

other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which form the 

basis of making the judgements. 

a) Income Tax 

The association is exempt from income tax under the provisions of section 50-5 of the income Tax 

assessment Act 1997. 

b) Employee Benefits 

Provision is made for the associations liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by 

employees to the end of the reporting period. Employee benefits have been measured at the amounts 

expected to be paid when the liability is settled. 

c) Provisions 

Provisions are recognised when the association has a legal and constructive obligation, as a result of 

past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow 

can be reliably measured. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to 

settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period. 

d) Cash and Cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short 

term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. 

e) Revenue and other income 

Grant revenue is recognised in the income statement when the entity obtains control of the grant and 

it is probable that the economic benefits gained from the grant will flow to the entity and the amount of 

the grant can be measured reliably. 

If conditions are attached to the grant which must be satisfied before it is eligible to receive the 

contribution, the recognition of the grant as revenue will be deferred until those conditions are 

satisfied. 

When grant revenue is received whereby the entity incurs an obligation to deliver economic value 

directly back to the contributor, this is considered a reciprocal transaction and the grant revenue is 

recognised in the statement of financial position as a liability until the service has been delivered to 

the contributor, otherwise the grant is recognised as income on receipt. 

Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues. 

Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the 

customers. 

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST) 

f) Goods and Services Tax (GST) 

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount 

of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office 

g) Comparative figures 

When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to confirm to 

changes in presentation of the current year. 

Fixed assets are depreciated at rates to write off the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives. 

Principle depreciation rates are synagogue and manse furniture and fittings 20‐30% reducing 

balance; Motor vehicles 22.5% reducing balance; Shed 20% reducing balance. 

i) Stock valuation. 

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. 

48


2 Cash on hand and deposit accounts 2017 2016 

Deposit Accounts 209,379 584,083 

Secure Schools Grant Account 110,000 

Cash on Hand 250 0 

209,629 694,083 

3 Debtors 

Gross 125,214 142,349 

0 0 

125,214 142,349 

4 Boundary Fence 

Cost 416,992 229,271 

Accumulated Depreciation 29,161 38,697 

Written down value at 31 May 2017 387,831 190,574 

5 Computer Equipment 

Cost 16,152 7,791 



6 Synagogue and Manse Fittings and Equipment 

Cost 1,168,454 1,069,894 



7 Kosher Food Centre Investment 

Cost 226,247 226,247 



8 Land and Buildings 

Costs: 

Synagogue 435,852 435,852 

Mikveh 61,614 22,954 

Manse Freedman Road 29,921 29,921 

527,387 488,727 



9 Motor Vehicles 

Cost 47,146 97,246 



10 Bequests 

A contingent asset exists in relation to monies bequeathed to 

PHC. Bequeathed monies are recognised in the year in 

which the funds are transferred to PHC. No bequeathed 

monies have transferred to PHC in FY17 (FY16: Nil)” 

- - 

49


11 Reconciliation to cash flows from operations 

2017 2016 

Net surplus/(loss) for the period -197,057 2,650 

Non-operating cash flows in net profit 

Interest received -6,900 -12,116 

depreciation and amortisation 16,099 68,002 

Change in assets and liabilities 

(increase)/decrease in receivables 17,135 15,270 

(increase)/decrease in bookshop stock -4,091 16,234 

increase/(decrease) in payables 21,269 -28,362 

increase/(decrease) in accruals -30,436 -47,667 

increase/(decrease) in provisions -8,601 -72,741 

Net cash provided by operating activities -192,582 -58,730 

50


Office Bearers 

YEAR PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY 

1892-1893 Mr B Fienberg 

1894-1895 Mr M Samuel 

1895-1896 

Mr M Samuel 

Mr E P Solomon 

Mr S Harris 

1897 Mr Nathan Harris Mr S H Cantor Mr F H Mendoza 

1898 Mr H B Joseph BA Mr J H Joseph Mr F H Mendoza 

1899 Mr S Herman Mr E S Lazarus 

Mr F H Mendoza 

Mr E Casper 

1900 Mr S Herman Mr E S Lazarus Mr E Casper 

1901 Mr E S Lazarus Mr F W Marks Mr H Casper 

1902 Mr E S Lazarus Mr J Sharp Mr H Casper 

1903 Mr S L Horowitz Mr G Luber Mr E A Green 

1904 Mr S L Horowitz Mr E E Krug Mr E A Green 

1905 Mr E Casper Mr E E Krug Mr E A Green 

1906 Mr E Casper Mr E E Krug Mr E A Green 

1907 Mr S L Horowitz Mr H Kilovitz Mr E A Green 

1908 Mr E Casper Mr G Luber Mr E A Green 

1909 Mr E S Lazarus Mr J Sharp Mr E A Green 

1910 Mr E S Lazarus Mr J Sharp Mr E A Green 

1911 Mr J Sharp Mr J L Glick JP Mr E A Green 

1912 Mr J Sharp Mr J L Glick JP Mr E A Green 

1913 Mr J Sharp Mr C S Nathan Mr E A Green 

1914 Mr J Sharp Mr A J Cantor JP Mr L N Zeffert 

1915 Mr J Sharp Mr G Luber Mr H Casper 

1916 Mr E S Lazarus JP Mr A J Cantor JP Mr H Casper 

1917 Mr E S Lazarus JP Mr A J Cantor JP Mr H Casper 

1918 Mr A J Cantor JP Mr I H Boas, M Sc Mr H Casper 

1919 Mr A J Cantor JP Mr I H Boas, M Sc Mr H Casper 

1920 Mr A J Cantor JP Mr M Gild Mr H Casper 

1921 Mr J Sharp Mr M Gild Mr H Casper 

1922 Mr M Gild Mr T Sharp Mr H Casper 

1923 Mr M Gild 

Mr E Masel JP 

Mr T Sharp 

Mr H Casper 

51



1924 Mr E Masel JP Mr M Breckler Mr H Casper 

1925 Mr M Breckler Mr S Myslis Mr H Casper 

1926 Mr M Breckler Mr M Lewis Mr H Casper 

1927 Mr M Lewis Mr G Luber Mr H Casper 

1928 Mr M Lewis Mr G Luber Mr H Casper 

1929 Mr M Breckler Mr G Luber Mr H Casper 

1930-1935 Mr M Breckler Sir C S Nathan Mr J Sharp Mr H Casper 

1936 Mr M Breckler Sir C S Nathan Mr G Luber Mr H Casper 

1937 Mr M Breckler Mr J Sharp Mr G Luber Mr H Casper 

1938 Mr H W Glick Mr J Sharp Mr T Sharp Mr H Casper 

1939 Mr H W Glick Mr M Breckler Mr T Sharp Mr H Casper 

1940 Mr M Breckler Mr G Luber Mr T Sharp Mr H Casper 

1941-1944 Mr M Breckler Mr G Luber Mr A Raphael JP Mr H Casper 

1945 Mr M Breckler Mr G Luber Mr D D Harris Mr H Casper 

1946-1949 Mr M Breckler Mr S Masel Mr C Breckler Mr H Casper 

1950-1951 Mr S Masel Mr A Troy Mr C Breckler Mr H Casper 

1952-1953 Mr A Troy Mr G Bloomfield Mr C Breckler Mr H Casper 

1954 Mr G Bloomfield Mr A Troy Mr C Breckler Mr E I Pachtman 

1955-1959 Mr G Bloomfield Mr M Breckler Mr A Troy Mr E I Pachtman 

1960 Mr G Bloomfield Mr H Wexlear Mr A Troy Mr E I Pachtman 

1961 Mr H Wexlear Mr A Troy Mr C Breckler Mr E I Pachtman 

1962-1965 Mr H Wexlear Mr G Bloomfield Mr C Breckler Mr E I Pachtman 

1966 Mr G Bloomfield Mr N Shilkin Mr C Breckler Mr E I Pachtman 

1967-1969 Mr G Bloomfield Mr N Shilkin Mr H Cohen Mr E I Pachtman 

1970 Mr G Bloomfield Mr J J Krasnostein Mr H Cohen Mr E I Pachtman 

1971-1973 Mr G Bloomfield Mr J J Krasnostein Mr H Cohen Mr D H Woolf 

1974-1976 Mr J J Krasnostein Dr B C Cohney Mr H Cohen Mr D H Woolf 

1977 Mr J J Krasnostein Dr B C Cohney Mr H Cohen Dr S S Gubbay 

1978 Dr B C Cohney Prof M N I Walters Mr D Woolf Mr R G Tein 

1979-1980 Dr B C Cohney Dr S S Gubbay Mr D Woolf 

Mr R G Tein; 

Dr S S Gubbay 

1980-1981 Dr B C Cohney Mr R E Cohen Mr L M Silbert Dr S S Gubbay 

1981-1984 Mr R E Cohen Mr G R Solomon Mr L M Silbert 

1984-1985 Mr R E Cohen Mr G R Solomon Mr D J Berinson 

1981-1982 

Mr D M Ganon 

1983-1984 

Mr M Machlin 

52



1985-1986 Mr G R Solomon Mr A Saddik 

Mr D J Berinson; 

Mr M Lurie 

1985 Mr M Machlin; 

Mr J Atlas 

1986-1987 Mr A Saddik 

Mr S M Rosenthal; 

Prof M N-I Walters 

Mr M Lurie; 

Dr J Rosenthal 

1986-1987 Mr M Machlin; 

Dr K B Shilkin 

1987-1988 Mr A Saddik Prof M N-I Walters Dr J Rosenthal Dr K B Shilkin 

1988-1989 Mr A Saddik Prof M N-I Walters Dr J Rosenthal Dr K B Shilkin 

1989-1990 Mr M B Nathanson Dr S S Gubbay Mr C Guenzl Mr P Golding 

1990-1991 Mr M B Nathanson Mr P Golding Mr C Guenzl Mr M Machlin 

1991-1992 Mr A Saddik Prof M N-I Walters Mr J Atlas Mr P Golding 



1994-1995 Mr A Saddik Prof M N-I Walters 

Mr W Atlas; 

Mr A H Leibowitz 

Mr S Walters 

1995-1996 Dr B Walters Mr A H Leibowitz Mr D Rhine Mr P Golding 

1996-1997 Dr B Walters Mr A H Leibowitz Mr D Rhine Mr P Golding 

1997-1998 

Dr B Walters 


Dr N Hoffman 


Dr N Hoffman 

Mr M Odes QC 

Mr J Rosenthal 

Mr J Rosenthal 

Dr S Same 

Mr S Walters 

Mr M Salkin 

Mr M Salkin 

1998-1999 Dr N Hoffman Mr M Odes QC Dr S Same Mr M Salkin 

1999-2000 Mr M Odes QC Mr S Lieblich Dr S Same Mr M Salkin 



2002-2003 Mr M Odes QC Mr S Lieblich Mr K Blitz Mr A Melzack 

2003-2004 Mr K Blitz Mr D S Crewe Mr M Freeman Mr E Edelman 

2004-2005 Mr K Blitz Mr D S Crewe Mr B Factor Mr P Smetana 

2005-2006 Mr K Blitz Mr D S Crewe Mr W F Jones Mr P Smetana 

2006-2007 Mr K Blitz Mr D Mossenson Mr M Freeman Mr P Smetana 

2007-2008 

53 

Prof S S Gubbay 

AM 

Mr D Mossenson Mr M Freeman Mr P Smetana 

2008-2009 Mr D Mossenson Prof S S Gubbay AM Mr D Schildkraut Mr P Smetana 

2009-2010 Mr D Mossenson Prof S S Gubbay AM Mr D Schildkraut Mr P Smetana 

2010-2011 Mr D Mossenson Mr M M Sebbag Mr D Schildkraut Mr P Smetana 

2011-2012 Mr D Mossenson Mr M M Sebbag Mr D Schildkraut Mr P Smetana 

2012-2013 Mr M Odes QC Mr M M Sebbag Mr R Louis Mr M Moen 

2013-2014 Mr Julian Sher Mr M M Sebbag Mr R Louis Mr M Moen 

2014-2015 Mr Julian Sher Mr M M Sebbag Mr R Louis Mr G Louis 

2015-2016 Mr Julian Sher Mr M M Sebbag Mr D Twyman Mr G Louis 

2016-2017 Mr Julian Sher Mr M M Sebbag Mr D Twyman Mr M Cartoon


MINUTES OF THE 120 th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

AND PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE PERTH HEBREW CONGREGATION INC 

HELD IN THE PERTH SYNAGOGUE AT 10.00AM ON SUNDAY, 18 September 2016 

Present 

President: Mr Julian Sher (Chair) 

Hon Treasurer: Mr Denzil Twyman 

Members of the Board 

Minute Secretary: Mrs Nikki Ross 

Approximately 15 members of the congregation 

Apologies 

Apologies were received from: 

- Mr Michael Sebbag (Vice-President) 

- Mr Gary Louis (Hon Secretary) 

- Mr Martin Silver (Auditor) 

- Prof Sonny Gubbay 

- Mrs Debbie Silbert 

- Mr Malcolm Lemer 

- Ms Jian Gabriel 

Welcome 

Mr Sher welcomed members to the meeting and declared the meeting open at 10.01 am. 

Confirmation of Minutes of Previous AGM 

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, 16 August 

2015 be approved and adopted by the meeting. Moved: Julian Sher; seconded Adam Levine and 

carried unanimously. 

54


120th Annual Report - Elul 5576 – 2016 and President’s Report 

Mr Sher spoke to his report. 

Mr Sher pointed out that it has been a busy year at PHC. Despite the asbestos crisis at the 

beginning of the year, everything has worked out well under the administration of Jianele Gabriel. 

The past year has been one of consolidation, with the on-line accounts and electronic payment 

systems enabling faster and easier collection of membership dues and debt collection. There has 

been positive feedback in this respect. 

Mr Sher noted that the Jewish Renaissance Women’s Project (JWRP) picked up steam with eight 

women going to Israel as part of the JWRP contingent from Perth. These ladies are following 

through their experience with their community and fundraising projects and 12-month learning 

program in Perth. The Shabbat Project has engendered inspiration and engaged the community 

for a second year. 

Mr Sher expressed his grateful thanks to Arik Singer, whose leadership of the youth has been 

excellent. Arik’s use of the Merkaz as a centre for youth learning and activity has been an 

excellent initiative. It is good to see the Iton newsletter being circulated. The bar and bat 

mitzvah programs are progressing well too. Mr Sher wished Arik every success in the coming 

year. 

Mr Sher said that the coming year will be a year of generational change at PHC. 

Mr Sher reported that the PHC Board are addressing the issue of succession for Rabbi Freilich. He 

thanked the trustees for their time and guidance in this regard. 

Mr Sher acknowledged and thanked Rabbi Freilich for the work that he does and for his 

dedication and commitment to the congregation. He also thanked Rabbanit Aviva Freilich. 

He thanked the Executive and Board of Management for their constant support and inspiration 

over the past year. 

Mr Sher also thanked Jianele Gabriel for being a tower of strength and being a true professional. 

He thanked the PHC staff for all they continue to do to serve the needs of members and the 

community. 

Mr Sher thanked his wife, Noreen, for ‘lending’ him to the shule for another year. 

55


Mr Sher asked if there were any objections or questions from the floor. There being none, Mr 

Sher moved that the Annual Report and his President’s Report be accepted. Mr Mark Cartoon 

seconded the motion. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the President’s Report be accepted. 

Adoption of the Financial Report for the year ended 31 May 2016 

The Treasurer, Mr Denzil Twyman, tabled the 120 th Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 

May 2016. 

Mr Twyman thanked the PHC for the opportunity to serve as treasurer. He extended his thanks 

to the current and past board members and treasurers for their insight and advice over the 

course of the year and thanked the PHC administration team. 

Mr Twyman mentioned that members would have noticed the change to the reporting format for 

this year’s accounts. These changes were recommended by the auditor, to meet anticipated 

compliance reporting requirements of amendments to the Incorporated Associations Act that 

come into effect on 1 July 2016. 

This means that for the 2016 year-end there is no summary divisional comparison to the prior 

year in the new format. Mr Twyman provided copies of this analysis in the old format for those 

wanting to see it. Mr Twyman confirmed that for the next year he will endeavor to provide 

comparative figures on a divisional level as well as detailed explanations in compliance with the 

amendments to the Incorporated Associations Act. 

Mr Twyman reported that the PHC had been faced with an extraordinary year, which included 

reporting changes, the asbestos incident and the downturn in the West Australian economy. 

Regarding income for 2016, the organisation experienced a net profit of $2,650. 

Divisional (cost centre) performance: 

• The Gift & Bookshop showed a reduction in its overall loss of $33,273 in 2016 from a loss 

of $38,126 in 2015. This is attributed mainly to increased sales efforts over the entire 

year and a reduction in staff wages which was achieved by reducing trading time by 8 

hours per week. The PHC Gift & bookshop is an essential service the PHC continues to 

provide to members and to the broader community. It is hoped that the new online store 

will contribute to an increase in revenue. Mr Twyman thanked Nadine Shainfeld for her 

efforts, given reductions in people’s disposable incomes. 

56


• KAWA produced a net profit of $1,906 in 2016 compared to the net deficit of $6,900 in 

2015 which was mainly due to significant bad debts of $5,951 being written off in the 

prior year. KAWA reflected Expenses of $75,493 in 2016 as opposed to $86,031 in 2015. 

We hope that this breakeven situation continues till next year. The Treasurer thanked Mr 

Lenny Zeilinger for his efforts. 

• The Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Centre (RLH) makes a large and important 

contribution to the overall performance of the organisation, with approximately 50% of 

all income and labour expenses being generated by this division/cost centre alone. The 

RLH produced a positive result of $109,613 in 2016 which is down compared to $142,306 

in 2015. The reasons for this are mainly due to a reduction in child numbers due in part 

to the graduation of the largest-ever kindy group (+ - 36 children who graduated at the 

same time). RLH reflected income of $1,628,858 in 2015 and $1,545,277 in 2016, a 

difference of $83,581. Operating costs were reduced by $50,888 from $1,486,552 in 

2015 to $1,435,664 in 2016. This is self-explanatory in that management has ensured that 

costs are reduced in proportion to smaller child numbers. 

• In conjunction with the RLH we must make mention of the Ruth Landau Harp 

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC). Current year deficit rose by $10,613 in 2016, 

from $28,084 in 2015 to $38,715 in 2016. The board is actively monitoring this 

potential revenue stream. 

• The PHC division/cost centre showed an overall increase in its net deficit to $132,267 in 

2016 from $40,150 in 2015. 

• Membership income shows a decrease of only $7,793, membership income was 

$841,792 for 2016 and $849,585 for 2015, this is a fair result. 

The reasons for the deficit of $92,117 are to do mainly with increases in expenditure of an 

extraordinary nature and are as follows: 

- Building compliance and disability access consultant charges of $22,575. These 

costs were incurred to ensure that we comply with current occupational health 

and safety requirements. 

- An increase in the cost of our insurance premiums of $35,160 from insurance 

costs of $67,398 in 2015 to $102,558 in 2016. This is a direct result of previous 

workers compensation claims which resulted in an unprecedented loading to the 

premium. 

- There was an increase in legal costs of $11,004 for 2016 directly due to the 

asbestos incident. 

- Telecommunications costs increased by $11,606 from $17,248 in 2015 to $28,854 

in 2016 this is due to the Shule moving to a more efficient provider of internet 

services and that the Shule’s system was struck down by a virus. 

- Lastly the balance can be mostly attributed the Board’s investment in the future 

of the Shule, through expenditure on youth programs and the like for our soon to 

57


be members of the PHC. Arik Singer deserves our thanks and has done a 

commendable job in this regard, and may he continue to do so. 

With the Shule being over 40 years old repairs and maintenance have had to be carried out too. 

The provision from prior years has been used for this purpose. The cost of all the repairs and 

maintenance written to the provision for the year ended 2016 was $92,941, this included the 

upgrading of the Manse/Merkaz of $14,563, the replacement of electrical water heaters with gas 

heaters for the Mikvah in the amount of $18,029, tree felling of $12,550, painting of $5,600, 

pothole repairs and line marking in the carpark of $9,270, and carpeting $17,020, other electrical, 

air conditioner expenses etc of $15,909. This leaves a balance in the repairs and maintenance 

provision of $132,059 for 2016. 

Unfortunately, during the year, the PHC experienced an asbestos incident. The entire cost of this 

incident of $182,047 was covered by our insurance. The chandelier suspended from the ceiling 

had to be replaced. This entire cost of $8,725 was covered by insurance. 

During the year, the Shule received funding from the Federal Government under the Secure 

Schools Grant of $100,000. This has been used to upgrade the existing boundary fence with 

proper security fencing. The project extends through 2016 and the PHC will receive more funding 

for the replacement and upgrading of the CCTV system, alarm and access control systems. 

Expenditure relating to the upgrades, as well as the write off a portion of the old boundary fence 

will be reflected in fixed assets in the 2017 financial year. 

The labour costs of the PHC as a whole have increased by $259,877 from $1,774,864 in 2015 to 

$2,034,741 in 2016. The reasons for this are that in 2015 there was a write-back to salaries and 

wages of $102,879 this being a result of prior years’ over provision. The difference of $156,998 

can be attributed mainly to the RLH, OSHC and the PHC, and relates to staff wage increases and 

the youth leader’s package. 

The Treasurer thanked Martin Silver for the preparation of the audited financial statements. 

Mr Twyman moved that the 120th Financial Report be accepted. Mr Blitz seconded the motion. 

The Treasurer’s report was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. 

Election of Office Bearers 

Mr Sher stated that there were 8 Board vacancies and 8 nominations. A nomination had not been 

received for Honorary Secretary. This will be dealt with at the next board meeting. Therefore, 

everyone who nominated for a position on the Board had been duly elected. Nominations for the 

Executive were: 

58


• President – Mr Julian Sher 

• Vice-President – Mr Michael Sebbag 

• Hon Treasurer – Mr Denzil Twyman 

• Hon Secretary – No nominations received 

There were eight nominations as ordinary Board members, so the following people were declared 

elected: 

• Mr Sharon Ben Pelech 

• Mr Mark Cartoon 

• Mr Simon Glass 

• Dr Danijela Kambaskovic-Schwartz 

• Mr Malcolm Lemer 

• Mr Adam Levine 

• Mr Paul Mendelow 

• Mrs Diana Mendelsohn 

Mr Sher congratulated all members of the executive and board on being elected. 

Appointment of Trustees 

Mr Sher proposed that the current trustees be re-elected. This was seconded by Mr Sharon Ben 

Pelech. Therefore, Dr Norm Hoffman, Mr Michael Odes QC and Mr Albert Saddik will remain as 

trustees. Mr Sher gave his profound thanks to the trustees. 

Appointment of Honorary Architect 

Mr Sher thanked Mr John Silbert for his service to the community in the capacity as the Honorary 

Architect for the PHC. He assured Mr Silbert that all suggestions and work done by him for the 

Board over the past year will be considered and used to guide future decisions. Mr Sher 

proposed that Mr John Silbert be reappointed as Honorary Architect. This was UNANIMOUSLY 

APPROVED. 

Appointment of Solicitor 

Mr Sher also extended his thanks to Eagul Faigen, and proposed that he be reappointed as 

Honorary Solicitor. This was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. 

Appointment of Auditor 

59


Mr Sher thanked Mr Martin Silver and proposed he be reappointed as Honorary Auditor. This 

was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. 

General Business 

1. Mrs Reva Schwartz asked if there wasn’t a way that the general public could be 

prevented from using the PHC car park as she has noticed that on many occasions 

there is very little parking left. 

Mr Sher responded by saying that the board would look into this matter, but he 

mentioned that it would probably cost a significant amount of money to enforce any 

measures to help keep this under control. He assured Mrs Schwartz that this matter 

would be considered by the board. Mr Glass suggested that a time limit be given to 

vehicles in the car park. Dr Hoffman mentioned that Dianella Plaza parking area has a 

time limit of two hours. 

2. Mr Kevin Blitz asked if it could be considered that the Living in Retirement 

advertisement be placed in a more accessible position on the PHC web-site, 

namely on the home page. He said that many of the older generation who attend 

Living in Retirement talks aren’t computer savvy and find it difficult and time 

consuming to navigate their way to the Community Page. 

Mr Sher replied, saying that he would see if this could be accommodated. 

Mr Blitz also thanks Mr Twyman for all hard work and management of the financials. Mr Sher also 

thanked Mr Twyman. 

End of Meeting 

Mr Sher thanked the members for attending. As there was no further business, the meeting 

closed at 10.28 am. 

60

PHC Annual Report 2017

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