Boomers and Beyond

Film Club

The Boomers Film Group is an Interest Group initiative started in 2016 under the auspices of NSTE, It aims to bring together members interested in viewing a nominated movie advertised in e-Hatikvah to register and subsequently to partcipate in a forum to debrief the movie through shared views and informed discussion.

Historicallly, during Covid, the Boomers Film Group was held via the Temple's commercial Zoom facility hosted by Rabbi Nicole and Rabbi Moshe. This gave confined Covid viewers the flexibiity of watching the film in their own time and then come together as a Boomers group at a specified date and time for
debriefing and discussion. Prior to Covid the Temple VJ hall was used to show the movie followed by a Guest Speaker who would critique the film and respond to a brief Q&A session. Refreshments were then served giving participants the opportunity to mingle.

Currently the Boomers Film Group continues to invite viewing of selected movies alternating between Zoom Viewing or in-person attendance at the VJ Hall.

Since its inception, the Film Group, run by a small committee of dedicated movie enthusiasts, has been a great success, curently attracting a loyal following of interested members between 25 and 50 participants. We endeavour to hold functions every 6 - 8 weeks. Our “Boomers” join us from as far as Brisbane and the Central Coast.

Expert Discussion Leaders invited to debrief Boomers Film Group functions have included: Harvey Cooper, retired Judge; Mike Kelly, former MHR and Colonel in the ADF; Konrad Kwiet, historian and Holocaust scholar; Henry Brodaty, Professor of Aging and Mental Health.

The main criteria used by the committee to nominate the Movie is primarily to offer viewers a quality film worthy of raising issues and promoting discussion. Where available, quality films with Jewish themes are selected.

The source for selecting movies include films available to viewers on SBS on Demand, ABC iview or Netflix. NSTE is required to hold a licence for the films selected for screening, and as such, the choice of films shown is restricted to movies from Film Houses covered by our licence. Some of the films we have
shown include: Blazing Saddles; Cabaret; Above and Beyond; As Good as it Gets; Children of Glory; The Harmonists.

The Boomers & Beyond Film Group meets once every two months, usually at 5:00pm on Sunday evenings. 

Chosen by the Film Group Sub-Committee, we view films that generally have a Jewish theme and are introduced by knowledgeable congregant members. A light supper and discussion session follows each film.  

If you would like to join our group, please call the NSTE Office on 9419 7011 and they will ensure that you are included in our mailing list. 
Keep an eye on this page for updates. 

Book Club

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month unless it clashes with a Jewish Holiday.  A different member of the the group chooses the book each month, then we all read, review and discuss it at the meetings.

The books come from either the Chatswood Library, Stanton Library or Turramurra Library book club kits. There are usually 10 books in each kit, so unless members wish to read online, we are restricted to a small membership. We can have up to 12 -14 members.

We were one of the first Boomers groups and still have 3 original members with us. We have lively discussions both in the meeting and at lunch afterwards when we go to local cafes.

Contact Helen Bersten (02) 9417 4469 for further information. 

Do you enjoy reading an eclectic mixture of books? 

Do you like social interaction with friendly, like-minded people? 

How about meeting new people, and sharing in stimulating and enjoyable conversations? 

If your answer is "yes" to any of the above, then why not come along to our next monthly book club meeting at NSTE? 

No fees involved - and everyone is welcome. 

Following our meeting, we all head somewhere nearby for a relaxing lunch.

Contact Helen Bersten (02) 9417 4469 for further information. 

Walking Group

The Boomers' Walking group has been active since 2016, when the newly formed Boomers' Committee organised various interest groups aimed at those who may have recently retired and had spare time to meet up with like-minded NSTE members.  

The Boomers' Walking group meet on the 4th Thursday (or Tuesday) morning of the month, at different venues, and usually the walks are 3-6kms. These walks are advertised in our weekly e-Hatikvah newsletter. 

Our walks have included areas such as Balmoral Beach, across Sydney Harbour Bridge to The Rocks, QVB to Pyrmont, Cammeray to Naremburn, Manly Heads, Cremorne to Mosman Wharf, Rose Bay and Centennial Park.

Anyone is welcome to join us, however there is a proviso of being independent of walking aids as we traverse unsealed paths and tracks in some areas. 

The walks are relatively easy and typically three to four kilometres long. They are planned so that the group finishes at a suitable location for refreshments! 

Walkers are encouraged to bring a hat, sunnies (if appropriate) and their own supply of water. 

Bookings essential. 

For more information, email info@nste.org.au. 

Reminder: These walks are designed for fit Seniors, who can manage on both track and sealed pathways, with no walking aids. If you are likely to be slow or need help, it is your responsibility to bring a friend who can accompany you if you fall behind the group.