JOFA Australia

30/11/2025

Naomi Dascal’s essay sits with the grief, relief and tenderness that come when someone you love lives for years inside dementia.

She traces the small rituals of care, the lost language, the twinkle that remained, and the mystery of how love survives when memory and recognition fall away.

Written with support from JOFA Australia and TJI, the piece explores caregiving, connection and the sacred endurance of love.

30/11/2025

Another gorgeous essay has come out of the JOFA Australia writing retreat! This time a personal essay by Naomi Dascal in Plus61J Media:

A heartfelt essay on the enduring love of a grandmother with dementia, exploring the power of love that transcends the confines of a deteriorating brain.

28/11/2025

Leah Groner, another one of JOFA Australia’s writing retreat participants in the The Australian Jewish News today, with a piece she worked on at the retreat!

25/11/2025

If you are in New York on Sunday 7 December, come to the JOFA conference!

09/10/2025

Published in The Australian Jewish News today, another one of JOFA’s writing retreat participants, Leah Groner:

'While this year, I received the Torah on my bedroom floor, somehow, in the pain and the quiet, it felt more real than ever.'

28/08/2025

Thrilled to share the latest opinion piece from the JOFA Australia and Plus61J Media opinion editorial writing program, written by Corinne from the Bega Valley:

“Growing up in Melbourne's Holocaust survivor community, as kids we groaned at another Holocaust lecture or film. Today, I understand why it was necessary.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that in a regional town like Narooma, showing a film about the massacre of Israelis at the Nova Dance Festival would be a cause for protest. I felt distressed and sickened at the community's lack of desire to learn, to be confronted.
Jews have carried intergenerational trauma for thousands of years, and it is in me now, in this quiet valley. I feel isolated from the community I love…”

Link here:

A Bega Valley resident reflects on Jewish identity in the Bega Valley

21/08/2025

Yay! Another JOFA Australia women’s writing retreat participant Rina Jacobs in the The Australian Jewish News today!

21/08/2025

Part two of the JOFA Australia and The Jewish Independent Plus61J Media opinion editorial writing course with women from Melbourne, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia!

18/08/2025

Once thriving and secure, Jewish life in Australia has faced rising antisemitism and growing concerns for safety since October 7.

Rabbanit Nomi Kaltmann, President of JOFA Australia, shares her personal family ties, reflects on the changing landscape, and highlights JOFA’s work empowering Jewish women in leadership, education, and culture.

Watch her discussion on UnHoly with Jonathan Freedland and Yonit Levi (from 57:34 onwards):
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F2anQPufbg&t=3501s

18/08/2025

13/08/2025

Amazing start to the JOFA Australia and Plus61J Media opinion editorial writing course taught by JOFA President with women from Melbourne, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia!

07/08/2025

Last day to sign up!!

Just a few more spots left!!

Book quickly: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/events/opinion-editorial-writing-course?utm_campaign=tji_content&utm_content=1751284516&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook%2Clinkedin%2Ctwitter