Chavi Israel, at The Blogs

Apr 17, 2024, 2:15 PM

Shabsi & His Holy Tefillin of Buchenwald

The Holy Tefillin of Buchenwald. (courtesy)

We all have stories – every one of us, especially those who survived the Holocaust. Sitting in Mrs Esther Barber’s home on a Monday afternoon, it is school holidays after all, eating corn thins with cheese and vegemite, I am transported to a time before...

Oct 25, 2023, 12:50 PM

Over it (in some ways)

Standing at an organised peaceful Israel rally in Sydney, Australia, holding an 'I stand with Israel' poster.

I came home from my meal, Shemini Atzeret day, and my husband told me something major was going on in Israel. I didn’t think much about it because, unfortunately, let’s be real – there is sadly always something going on in Israel. When I went to...

Apr 2, 2023, 3:35 PM

Chabad?

My grandfather, Dr Yitzchak Block A"h, receiving 'Lekach,' (honey cake) from the Lubavitcher Rebbe right before Yom Kippur.

Today is Yud Aleph Nissan (The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s birthday). A few days ago, I wrote up a blog post that is quite apropos. There are lots of thoughts and feelings, yet this is MY opinion (not fact). A few weeks ago, when my friends and...

Jul 31, 2022, 9:57 AM

The Headache Series – Part 1

Ever since I can remember, since I was a little girl, the word headache was far too frequent in my house. You see, my mother suffered from severe migraines. I vividly remember her crying from pain as the doctor would come and give her a...

May 31, 2022, 6:28 AM

Back to the Basics

They say that common sense is not so common; unfortunate, yet true. This week my friends and I decided to go for lunch at a Kosher establishment. Yes, I was hungry. Yes, I was told that the food would take 30 minutes. Yes, I was...

Mar 22, 2022, 12:37 PM

The power of a Jewish child

I am a teacher at a Modern Orthodox school. Most of the children I teach are traditional and cultural Jews but do not necessarily keep Shabbat or Kosher. They say that teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs. That is entirely true, thanks to...

Jan 27, 2022, 1:33 PM

What does it mean to be happy?

My sister Chana & I laughing together during my recent trip to Melbourne. (courtesy)

Without a doubt, this is one of the most thought-provoking and intimidating questions of life. Not long ago, a friend asked me out of the blue, “Chavi, are you happy?” I was taken aback; I was not expecting such a question in our seemingly nonchalant...

Nov 11, 2021, 1:53 AM

Fitting the mould

Hi, my fellow readers. For those who don’t know me, my name is Chavi Israel (nee Block). I was born in Melbourne, Australia, to two international parents, my dad, Canadian/American, my mum European/English. Being a first-generation Australian was not super uncommon in my circles; you...

Nov 1, 2021, 12:27 PM

I don’t feel inspired to write

When I first came out with my blog, the excitement and thrill was palpable. I got such great feedback and felt super pumped about writing. I wrote my second piece, something that I thought would be relatable and thought-provoking, and the readers’ responses echoed just...

Sep 14, 2021, 1:03 PM

I am a victim of Social Media – are you?

As I’m lying here, basking in the warm sand of Bronte beach, watching the waves crash, reading a good book and drinking a fresh cold-pressed juice – my desire is, let me post this on Instagram. When describing myself, I would not characterise myself as...

About Me

Born and raised in the heart of Melbourne's Jewish Community, Chavi now resides in Sydney (Bondi) with her husband Ezry and works as a Jewish Studies Educator at Moriah College. Chavi has completed her Masters in Secondary teaching with an undergraduate degree, majoring in History and Philosophy. Chavi is passionate about the Chassidic masters and the mystical teachings of the Torah.

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