Bikini show
The program was divided between a Convention, which offered a broad range of social activities, and a Conference which focused on exploring some of the many issues surrounding single life. Both parts of the program were concerned with celebrating single life and instilling a positive aspect to singleness whilst at the same time acknowledging its shortfalls.
The Conference was fortunate in securing the services of four outstanding presenters. Dr. Marshall delivered the opening address and considered a range of questions such as "Are there 'cycles' through which people in single life move?" and "What do single people need to know about the challenges of moving into a new partnership?"
Wendy Taylor continued the exploration of issues facing single people by examining the need to build up self esteem and self understanding. In her view learning "about ourselves, the choices we make and learning how to survive in and out of relationships comes from drawing on personal insights and making healthy adjustments on the way". Dr. Halasz considered the issues from the perspective of "Future relationships with a Holocaust past". In his view, single people face many barriers to celebrating their singleness. The "fixation points" can, however, be overcome by achieving flexibility which becomes possible when we begin to think. The effects of the Holocaust, aptly symbolised in the notion of the second generation as memorial candles, needs to be taken into account and, ultimately, community, family and individual validation breaks down the barriers to celebration.
Eva Gross, chair of the Conference, supplied the concluding remarks and drew together some of the common understandings gained from the presentations. The Convention was the culmination of many hours of hard work and dedication by the Committee which was drawn from the Focus 35+ membership. A wide range of activities was ably organised by the Committee which ranged from ice breaking activities to folkloric music, a cabaret dinner dance and a guided walk through sites of Jewish interest in East Melbourne. In the final instance, the success of the Convention was in a large part due to the enthusiasm and goodwill of the singles who attended. They, and the organisers, deserve to be acknowledged for daring to be counted amongst the singles who were prepared to take a risk and to publicly reassert their rightful status as singles, with or without partners, within the mainstream Jewish community.
