"Today's Jewish community in Victoria has been described as 'a volatile conglomeration of marvelous extremes'. This book traces its development through 150 years, from the founding of the Port Phillip settlement until the present day. It sets out to highlight the major trends in the evolution of this remarkable community while recording the contribution Victorian Jewry has made to the wider society.

In telling the colourful story on an important part of Victoria's history, Hilary Rubinstein has given us an account of how one community has met the challenge of building and maintaining its identity while undergoing dramatic change in a society which itself changed considerably, particularly since the end of the Second World War.

But in these pages is more than the chronicle of a group. This is above all the story of people, with a fascinating cast of characters. The pioneering Michael Cashmore in the earliest days of Melbourne; Helena Rubinstein, setting out on the path which led to a worldwide commercial empire; Sir John Monash, the great citizen-soldier, Sir Isaac Isaacs, our first Australian born Governor-General; these and many more pass before the reader" - from the front flap.

Includes index. Bibliography: p. 260-268.