Teddy puts on a show
IT was a grand affair at Jewish House’s 30th anniversary gala dinner last Monday night.
More than 500 people, including NSW Premier Mike Baird and Family and Community Services Minister Gabrielle Upton, filled the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth to raise money for the organisation’s Project 2500 scheme, which aims to help 2500 homeless people in Sydney’s inner-city and eastern suburbs over the next three years.
Legendary Kiwi baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes kept the crowd entertained with familiar songs which included If I Were a Rich Man, while radio show host Alan Jones emceed the event.
In a message of congratulations, Prime Minister Tony Abbott paid tribute to Jewish House for “being a home of compassion, care and understanding”.
“For 30 years, this house in Flood Street [Bondi] has provided a lifeline to Sydneysiders enduring hardship. Its services have helped countless individuals and families to get back on their feet.
“Organisations like Jewish House make a real difference to the lives of so many,” Abbott said.
Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel honoured his team, saying: “No CEO can perform their function without great support around them. I am so fortunate to have an incredible board at Jewish House who is there to guide and support me and the excellent staff and volunteers who are loyal and committed to the cause.”
He also paid tribute to Jewish House co-founder Anthony Clifford, who travelled from Los Angeles to attend the dinner.
“He is a both visionary and a compassionate man and without that vision and compassion, Jewish House would not exist.” He added, “Our co-presidents, Gary Cohen and Roger Clifford, are both very special. They work tirelessly to promote our motto of ‘people helping people’ and bring energy and drive to promote Jewish House into the future.”
In addition to helping the homeless, Rabbi Kastel noted that in the last year Jewish House’s hospital visitation team made around 3000 visits to Jewish patients, “whether it’s a mezuzah at Prince of Wales Private Hospital or challah and grape juice at the Sydney Clinic”.
Citing goals for the new year, Rabbi Kastel said Jewish House would employ a new clinical director to oversee and expand its clinical services, partner with interstate organisations, develop a temporary accommodation project with NSW government and run an educational lecture series.
EVAN ZLATKIS
Teddy Tahu Rhodes performing at the Jewish House gala dinner. Photo: Nadine Saacks
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