~RECENTLY COMPLETED IN 2012~
Australia & NZ Kosher Cruise
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE:
Join Kosherica, the Glatt Kosher Cruise Leader on the elegant Holland America line as we explore the land down under. Revel in the cosmopolitan attractions of Sydney where hstory, opera, opals and koalas are ever present. Then venture to New Zealand, where nothing can prepare you for its majesty. New vistas mesmerize at each turn - towering peaks, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins. The experience is only enhanced by 5 Star Glatt Kosher cuisine and exemplary Kosherica customer service.
Australia & NZ Kosher Cruise
aboard the Holland America: ms Oosterdam
December 19 - January 2, 2013 (14 Nights - Kosher Cruise)
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE:
RABBI YEHORAM ULMAN
(see below)
Itinerary
DAY |
PORT |
ARRIVE |
DEPART |
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Wed., Dec. 19 | Sydney | Departs | 6:30 pm |
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Thurs., Dec. 20 | At Sea | ||
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Fri., Dec. 21 | At Sea | ||
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Sat., Dec. 22 | Milford Sound, New Zealand Cruising Fiordland Natl | 7:00 am | 8:00 am |
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Sun., Dec. 23 | Port Chalmers (Dunedin), NZ | 8:00 am | 6:00 pm |
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Mon., Dec. 24 | Akaroa, New Zealand | 7:00 am | 7:00 pm |
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Tues., Dec. 25 | At Sea | ||
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Wed., Dec. 26 | Wellington, New Zealand | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
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Thurs., Dec. 27 | Napier, New Zealand | 7:00 am | 2:00 pm |
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Fri., Dec. 28 | Tauranga (Rotorua) New Zealand | 8:00 am | 8:00 pm |
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Sat., Dec. 29 | Auckland, New Zealand | 7:00 am | 5:00 pm |
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Sun., Dec. 30 | Waitangi (Bay of Islands), NZ | 7:00 am | 4:00 pm |
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Mon., Dec. 31 | At Sea | ||
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Tues., Jan. 1 | At Sea | ||
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Wed., Jan. 2 | Sydney | 6:00 am | Arrives |
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Join Kosherica, the Glatt Kosher Cruise Leader on the elegant Holland America line as we explore the land down under. Revel in the cosmopolitan attractions of Sydney where hstory, opera, opals and koalas are ever present. Then venture to New Zealand, where nothing can prepare you for its majesty. New vistas mesmerize at each turn - towering peaks, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins. The experience is only enhanced by 5 Star Glatt Kosher cuisine and exemplary Kosherica customer service.
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C R U I S E S H I P I N F O R M A T I O N
ms Oosterdam
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Officially christened in 2003 by Her Dutch Royal Highness, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, the ms Oosterdam is the second in our series of Vista-class ships. As such she embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system that maximizes maneuverability.
Symbolic of Holland America Line's more than 135-year history of circumnavigating the globe, the centerpiece of the ms Oosterdam is a magnificent Waterford crystal globe, prominently displayed in a three-story atrium. First-time cruisers aboard this ship will quickly recognize the traditional touches that make Holland America cruisers regulars: a warm palette of colors accentuating an extensive use of crystal, marble, inlaid woods and brass, lovely flower arrangements, priceless artwork and antiques and a full wraparound teak promenade deck with padded deck chairs.
Join us aboard the ms Oosterdam for a Mexican Riviera cruise, an exploration of the West Coast and Pacific Northwest region, an Alaskan cruise to the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay or in 2010 a European cruise vacation.
Gross Tonnage: 82,000 grt.(One registered ton equals 100 cubic feet)
Length: 936 feet
Beam: 105.8 feet
Maximum speed: 24 knots (service at 22 knots)
Ship's Registry: The Netherlands
Passenger capacity: 1,848
Crew: 800
Dedicated: July 2003 by HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands
RABBI YEHORAM ULMAN
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman has served as a Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of a large community in Sydney Australia since 1986. He and his wife Shternie had been sent there as emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Rabbi Ulman heads an organization called FREE (Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe) which is responsible in connecting thousands of immigrants from the former Soviet Union to their Jewish roots.
Rabbi Ulman also serves as a Dayan on the Sydney Beis Din and is the immediate Past President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW.
Rabbi Ulman has received simcha for Rabbonus (Yore Yore) as well as Dayonus (Yodin Yodin) from world renowned authorities including Rabbi Pinchos Hirschprung zt'l and yblch't Rabbi Zalman Nehemia Goldberg shlit'a.
In his capacity as a Dayan, Rabbi Ulman regularly gives unique lectures and talks for Rabbonim, Yeshiva and Kollel students, as well as lay people, on the many diverse shayles and halachic matters that he deals with. These include topics such as geyrus (conversion), gitten (divorces), mamzeirus and possible solutions, halachic requirement in IVF and other fertility issues and many other subjects which are both topical and scholarly.
Rabbi Ulman has been consulted by Australia's Attorney-General for his views on suggested changes to the Family Law Act and by the Australian Cabinet for halachic outlook on stem cell research.
For Yiddish lovers Rabbi Ulman often delivers talks and Shiurim in fluent Yiddish.
Major Cruise Questions
What is included in the price of my cruise?
Virtually everything, with the exception of certain items of a personal nature, for which there is a fair and reasonable charge. Your cruise fare includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, standard meals, services and onboard entertainment.What's not included
Items that are of a personal nature, for which there is a fair and reasonable charge. Not included in the cruise fare are items that are of a personal nature including gratuities, shore excursions, airfare, telephone calls, faxes, spa treatments, salon services, photographs, laundry and valet service as well as wine, liquor and other beverages.Will I need a passport or visa?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and for complying with Customs and Immigration requirements. Guests with out proper travel documents will not be allowed to board the vessel. If for some reason you must leave the ship mid-cruise, you will be denied re-entry into the U.S. unless you possess a valid U.S. passport and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation. Costa Cruise Lines encourages all guests to obtain passports as soon as possible to avoid backlogs. For more information, please visit the U.S State department website at www.travel.state.gov.Cruising Tips
Air Travel
Passports will be required for any air travel from the Caribbean as of January 23, 2007. ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport.Cruise Travel
As early as January 1st, 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.Mediterranean and North Europe Cruises:
United States and Canadian citizens must have valid passports and necessary Visas. The expiration date of your passport must not occur within 6 months of the scheduled return date of travel. Naturalized U.S. citizens are advised to carry their naturalization papers. Aliens who are residents of the U.S. must carry their Alien Registration Card and passport. All others must have valid passports and necessary visas.Please check current visa requirements with the appropriate embassies or consulates.
What clothing should I pack?
Most of the time, you'll feel comfortable in casual resort wear including light cotton clothing. Sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and hats are also appropriate for Northern Europe. Tennis shoes or low-heeled walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ports of call. While most shore excursions do not have dress codes, some tours specifically prohibit shorts and sleeveless shirts, and require ladies to wear knee-length skirts or slacks.There is usually two formal galas to which ladies will wish to wear long gowns or cocktail-length dresses; gentlemen may choose either tuxedos or dark suits. Number of formal nights may vary depending on cruise length and itinerary. On other evenings, resort attire is the norm.
What is the climate like?
Temperatures in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean (April through October) average 14 - 31 degrees Celsius; 57 - 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, they may vary.Temperatures in Caribbean: (November - April) average 72-85 degrees. Of course, they may vary.
Temperatures in South America: (December - March) average 71-84 degrees. Of course, they may vary.
Can I phone home?
Ship-to-shore telephone service is available 24 hours a day while the ship is at sea or in port from your stateroom. You'll find a telephone and dialing instructions in your stateroom.If you need to be reached by people at home, have them call or fax the ship directly; or they can contact you via email through your own Internet Service Provider which you can then access via the Internet Café.
Is internet service available?
You can send and receive emails through your own service provider in the Internet Café for a nominal charge.How do I plan my on-shore activities?
Naturally, you are free to explore many of the ports of call on your own, however, Costa has arranged a variety of shore excursion for you convenience. Each excursion is carefully researched by our Shore Excursion Staff to ensure your experience ashore is as enriching and enjoyable as your stay aboard. You may pre-book your excursions online by visiting www.costacruises.com and selecting . Personalize Your Cruise. . You will need to enter your booking number and your name as it appears on your reservation. The excursion selected will be debited to you onboard account . Or, if you prefer, you may purchase the shore excursion onboard at the Shore Excursion Desk. Shore Excursions are subject to availability and not available on all ships and sail dates.What about laundry and dry cleaning services?
Complete valet services including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning, can be arranged through your stateroom steward/stewardess and billed to your shipboard account.Travel Documents
You are responsible for obtaining all travel documents as well as compliance with Customs and Immigration requirements. You will be required to comply with all government imposed security measures, which may change without notice.
Visa Requirements:
All passengers are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and for complying with Customs and Immigration requirements.
Please check current VISA requirements with the appropriate embassies or consulates prior to departing on your cruise vacation. Kosherica is providing this application for your convenience.
Kosherica is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided herein. Please contact www.visahq.com with any questions.
Guests without proper travel documents will not be allowed to board the vessel. If for some reason you must leave the ship mid-cruise, you will be denied re-entry into the U.S. unless you possess a valid U.S. passport and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation. Kosherica encourages all guests to obtain passports as soon as possible to avoid backlogs. For more information, please visit the U.S State department website at www.travel.state.gov.
AUSTRALIAN JEWISH HISTORY
The history of the Jews in Australia dates back to 1788, when a number of Jews were among the convicts brought to the country aboard the First Fleet to establish the first European settlement on the continent, on the site of present-day Sydney. Today, an estimated 120,000 Jews live in Australia. The majority are Ashkenazi Jews, many of them refugees and Holocaust survivors who arrived during and after World War II. There is also a significantSephardic Jewish population.
The Great Synagogue, located on Elizabeth Street, opposite Hyde Park, was consecrated in 1878. In 1895, the first Jewish newspaper, called the Hebrew Standard of Australasia, was published in Sydney, and is the forerunner of the Australian Jewish News. There is a large community of Jews in the Sydney suburb of Bondi.
Tasmania, being the second oldest settlement in Australia, is most likely the second Jewish settlement in Australia. The oldest surviving synagogue is the Egyptian Revival Hobart Synagogue in Hobartwas consecrated on 4 July 1845. The largest numbers of Jews in Tasmania was recorded in 1848, when the census recorded 435 Jews in Tasmania.
Jews also began to assemble in Victoria in the 1840s. The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, Melbourne, formed in 1841, and the first synagogue building opened in 1847, at 472 Bourke Street, with aseating capacity of 100. With the arrival of large numbers of immigrants in the 1850s, the need for a larger synagogue was felt. Construction of a larger 600 seat synagogue at South Yarra commenced in March 1855. This was followed by St Kilda, Geelong, Bendigo, and Ballarat (1853). By the 1850s, during the time of the Victorian Gold Rush, Melbourne had become the largest Jewish settlement in the country. The East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation split from the Bourke St congregation in 1857. A religious court (Beth Din) was set up in Melbourne in 1866. The St Kilda Hebrew Congregation was formed in 1871, with the first services held in St Kilda Town Hall and the building of a permanent building in Charnwood Road commencing in 1872.
Until the 1930s, all synagogues in Australia were nominally Orthodox, with most acknowledging leadership of the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom. To this day the vast majority of synagogues in Australia are Orthodox. However, there is a wide range of Orthodox congregations, including Mizrachi, Chabad and Adass Israel congregations. There are also Sephardi congregations.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS IN NEW ZEALAND
The history of the Jews in New Zealand has its origins in Jewish traders who arrived during the 1830s. Before New Zealand became a British Colony in 1840, the Jewish population consisted of fewer than 30 people, including noted early settler Joel Samuel Polack. After 1840, the flood of mostly English and Scottish emigrants, many subsidized by the government and private societies, included Abraham Hort, Jr, and two brothers, Solomon and Benjamin Levy, cabinet makers who were among the first recorded Jewish settlers in the new English colony.
By the late 1840s, New Zealand Jews who had first come and gone to the 1840s gold strikes in Australia were now lured from New Zealand by the California Gold Rush. This 1849-1850 exodus of early New Zealand Jewish settlers included Benjamin Levy, Abraham Hort, Jr. and Joel Samuel Pollack.
In addition to this first wave of Jewish immigration from the United Kingdom in the 19th century; the three other main sources of Jewish immigration to New Zealand were European refugees from the 1930s and 1940s; families who emigrated from Britain in the 1950s; and recent immigrants from South Africa, Israel, and the former Soviet Union. Prominent New Zealand Jews include nineteenth century Premier Julius Vogel and at least five Auckland mayors, including Dove-Myer Robinson. The current Prime Minister, John Key of the National Party who succeeded Helen Clark on 19 November 2008 is of part Ashkenazi Jewish descent, although he does not practice Judaism. Francis Bell, who briefly served as Prime Minister between 14 May and 30 May 1925, was a descendant of both Nathaniel Levin and Abraham Hort, although, as noted, most of the family, Bell included, were now practising Christians.
Although the early hope of a strictly Orthodox religious Jewish settlement waned with rapid intermarriage and assimilation, New Zealand's small Jewish population remained free to practice their religion, and interest in British Jewish roots is strong among the Australian and New Zealand descendants of the early emigrants.
The Dunedin Synagogue is believed to be the world's southernmost permanent synagogue.
Currently, the Jewish population is estimated at around 7,000 out of the total New Zealand population of 4.2 million. The majority of New Zealand Jews reside in Auckland and Wellington, though there is also a strong Jewish community in Dunedin, many of them descended from Lebanese settlers in the late nineteenth century.
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