Michele Molnar
“Whenever the women would get into the kitchen to cook molokhia they would always have to put their hair in shower caps because they used so much garlic”
I was born in the Belgium Congo, Central Africa in 1964.
I arrived in Sydney in 1968.
Importance of family
I’m really passionate about Friday nights about the Shabbat. I’m passionate in giving my children and my family memories of Friday night. I really believe that that's what keeps our family together. It is not compulsory for the children, however, they all want to attend.
Coming from Egypt, our foods were full of spice
Coming from Egypt, our foods were very mediterranean, Middle Eastern. They were full of spices. The desserts were always sugary and syrupy and sweet. I remember eating a lot of rice and beans. We didn’t eat very much meat but my grandmothers and my mother were very, very good cooks. My memories, my favourite foods. They used to make what's called, molokhia. The molokhia the best way to describe it is like spinach soup … made with this green vegetable and a lot of garlic. Whenever the women would get into the kitchen to cook molokhia they would always have to put their hair in shower caps because they used so much garlic in the soup that it went into their pores and into their hair.
Key Migration Wave - Sephardic Jewry
Sephardic Jewry, Middle Eastern Jews from Egypt, Iraq, as well as Jews who moved to India, Singapore, and other Asian countries, migrated to Australia after World War II. In the 1950’s several thousand Sephardic Jewry from the Arab world, especially Egypt, sought refuge in Australia as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Listen to Michele's Eat, Pray, Naches stories
Find full transcript here
Migration
Both Michele's parents were born in Egypt and came separately to Australia. They met at Bondi Beach and started their new life together before travelling to Zaire for work where Michele was born.
Eat
Egyptian, Sephardic foods Michele grew up with were very mediterranean/middle eastern, full of spices and sweet, syrupy desserts. Michele's mother and grandmother were very good cooks so she is writing down all her mother's recipes so that they are not lost.
Pray
Michele, not as observant as her parents still celebrates Jewish festivals and is really passionate about Shabbat and giving her family memories of Friday night and believes that this is what keeps her family together.
Naches
Michele believes naches is to give and to her giving is about giving to the children. She is proud of the time that she spends with those who require a bit more attention, to make sure that the next generation are okay.