By Nomi Kaltmann
I recently got back from New York City. Sure, it was nice to escape the cold and wet misery of Melbourne in the winter and enjoy some sunshine, and I enjoyed the cream cheese bagels, but since my return I have a burning confession that I’ve been mulling over: I still think Melbourne is a better place to raise a Jewish family.
Sure, New York may have millions of Jewish residents, and a suite of organisations that include storied cultural institutions such as the 92Y or YIVO, and a range of kosher products that Melbourne could never compete with.
Glick’s bakery in Balaclava is often busy on a Friday afternoon as patrons buy challah for the Sabbath.Credit: Simon O’Dwyer
Yet Melbourne, with our population of approximately 60,000 Jews, in my humble opinion is just as vibrant if not more so.
You may be rolling your eyes, but hear me out! Within the enclaves of Caulfield, Elsternwick and East St Kilda there are more than 100 synagogues, a dozen kosher restaurants and the full gamut of Jews, from secular Yiddish-speaking to the most ultra-Orthodox and everything in between.
One thing about Melbourne, which is not present in many other Jewish communities around the world, is the sheer closeness with which we all live, work and pray. In New York, you have vibrant enclaves, like the Satmar Chassidim in Williamsburg, the Modern Orthodox bastion on the Upper West Side, and the Chabad Chassidim in Crown Heights.
Yet they don’t live together and grow up together as we do. On any Saturday, a quick perusal of Greenmeadows Park, the central park in East St Kilda, will show the most vibrant, mixed cohort of Jewish people all gathered, enjoying the space together.
Katz´s world-famous Jewish deli and diner on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.Credit: Alamy
I shop at stores owned by ultra-Orthodox Jews, our families are friends and I feel close to my neighbours who span the entire gamut of Jewish life.
Despite its comparatively tiny population, Melbourne has a vibrancy of Jewish life: from several Jewish libraries, a vibrant Yiddish culture, a Jewish Book Week and Film Festival, to Hatzolah, the Jewish paramedic service that provides first aid and works closely with Ambulance Victoria.
So, while New York is fun – and there is nothing like the Big Apple – I’ve never felt a longing to move there.
Perhaps it’s too big and too cavernous for a humble Melbourne gal, or perhaps right here in my city I’m not missing a single thing (OK, I lie, maybe some nice kosher artisan cheeses wouldn’t go astray).
So forgive me my confession, but I’m off to enjoy the vibrancy of Caulfield.
Nomi Kaltmann is an Orthodox rabbi.