{"id":9078,"date":"2025-11-26T11:08:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T00:08:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bnaibrith.org.au\/victoria\/?post_type=news&p=9078"},"modified":"2025-11-26T11:22:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T00:22:15","slug":"menorah-awards-presentation-ceremony-2025","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.bnaibrith.org.au\/victoria\/news\/menorah-awards-presentation-ceremony-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Menorah Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Honouring Light, Courage and Community at the 2025 B\u2019nai B\u2019rith Menorah Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2025 B\u2019nai B\u2019rith Menorah Awards, held on Sunday November 25, brought together more than 200 community members for a moving celebration of volunteerism, resilience and Jewish values in action. The ceremony opened with the lighting of the seven-branched menorah \u2014 the emblem of B\u2019nai B\u2019rith – symbolising Light, Justice, Peace, Benevolence, Friendship, Harmony, and Truth. These ideals set the tone for an evening honouring individuals who bring these principles to life.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s recipients demonstrated an extraordinary breadth of community service:<\/p>\n

Talia Boltin<\/strong>, whose creativity and inclusive leadership have made the Emunah Purim Spiel a source of joy, belonging, and meaningful support for vulnerable families in Israel.<\/p>\n

Fairlie Nassau<\/strong>, whose quiet, steady dedication has uplifted refugee families, strengthened community organisations, and nurtured a spirit of care across generations.<\/p>\n

Evelyn Flitman<\/strong>, whose decades of energetic service across an extraordinary range of causes continue to enrich and empower our community.<\/p>\n

Dassi Erlich, Elly Sapper, and Nicole Meyer<\/strong>, who turned their personal trauma into a courageous, world-changing campaign for justice, law reform, and survivor empowerment.<\/p>\n

In accepting their honours, each recipient spoke with humility about what it meant to be acknowledged by the community. For Dassi, Elly and Nicole<\/strong>, this moment carried particular weight. They shared that receiving a Menorah Award was more than personal recognition – it was a profound affirmation that the community stands with survivors of abuse. Their acknowledgement signalled not only support for their courageous advocacy but also a collective commitment to ensuring that survivors are heard, believed and upheld.<\/p>\n

Guest speaker Kathy Kaplan OAM shared her family\u2019s story with honesty and strength, reflecting on the profound meaning of volunteering and its power to transform both giver and receiver.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the significance of the evening, B\u2019nai B\u2019rith Victoria CEO Ellana Aarons said, \u201cThese honourees remind us that in challenging times, bringing light into the world requires heart, courage, kindness, imagination, and the willingness to act.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event, held on Mitzvah Day, affirmed a timeless truth: small deeds and steadfast dedication can illuminate even the darkest moments.<\/p>\n

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