This week started with a meeting of the presidents of 11 of Sydney's biggest congregations at Central Synagogue (pictured) following the heartbreaking attack on Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Emanuel Synagogue was represented by our president, Grant McCorquodale. Sadly, less than 24 hrs later, Grant and our clergy would be representing our community in the press—see a snapshot in Window on Woollahra below—as the whole country turned its gaze on our previously peaceful neighbourhood, which was rocked for a second time in as many weeks by an antisemitic act.
In the aftermath, we were quickly reminded that we are not alone and we have the support of many outside of the Jewish community. We are so grateful to NSW Police, Woollahra Council, and the Federal, State and local politicians who acted swiftly and pledged to protect us and stamp out antisemitism. Our heartfelt thanks go to the countless neighbours and local residents who reached out in support and with offers to help in any way possible (see a sample here). We know we are not alone and, this is just one chapter in our story.
We look forward to a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.
Speaking of bright, we must take a moment to celebrate our music curator and Shabbat Live fixture, Benjamin Adler, who was named Young Adult Volunteer of the Year at JNF's Jewish Changemakers Awards ceremony for his work on the landmark Shir festival and his work at Emanuel Synagogue and the wider community. Congratulations, Ben.
Shabbat Live (returns 7 February), Kol Nefesh (returns 31 January), and the children's services (return 7 February) will go on hiatus after this weekend. We hope you can join us in person or online via our streaming platform emanuelplus.
On the other side of the weekend, Rabbi Kamins will present the final Conversations About Israel for the year on Monday 16 December from 10.00 am. Scroll down for the topic. Returns 3 February.
While you're setting reminders, don't forget to claim your complimentary will until Tuesday 17 December, thanks to an initiative of the Emanuel Synagogue Foundation and Safewill, Australia's leading online will-writing platform. Learn more below and get started here.
This Shabbat, as we light our candles, we keep Israel and the hostages firmly in our prayers and add our local community for which we pray for a return to peace, harmony and safety.
Shabbat shalom.
Pictured: Rabbi Kaiserblueth in the Neuweg Sanctuary via Sydney Morning Herald
Read some of the messages of support from the wider community here
Watch Rabbi Ninio's mportant message to our community here
Read Emanuel Synagogue Member and Waverley Council Mayor Will Nemesh's Statement in the Daily Telegraph
Follow Emanuel Synagogue on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest
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If you have been affected by recent events and would like to speak to our clergy, please email pastoralcare@emanuel.org.au and keep the details of the following support services close at hand.
JewishCare – 1300 133 660 Jewish House – 02 9386 0770 NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Directory of festive season supportfor Woollahra residents.
FIVE DAYS LEFT TO CLAIM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY, OBLIGATION-FREE WILL
Safewill's straightforward and legally-binding solution allows you to secure your legacy with peace of mind. It’s quick—20 minutes or less, from start to finish—and all wills are reviewed by trusted Australian lawyers.
Thanks to a partnership bewteen the Emanuel Synagogue Foundation and Safewill, you can claim your free will here, until Tuesday 17 December.
You're not obliged to make a bequest to Emanuel Synagogue to qualify for the free will-writing offer, but when you name Emanuel Synagogue as a beneficiary of your estate, you are making a commitment to our community and providing essential support for the congregation beyond your lifetime, ensuring our shared values and beliefs are preserved well into the future for generations to come.
If you have questions relating to the Safewill program, or bequests to Emanuel Synagogue in general, please send Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein on 02 9389 6444, or atszwarenstein@emanuel.org.au.
Pictured: Entrance to the ritual area in the Manot Cave in northern Israel.
HIGH PRIORITY: Support the vital work of ARZA Australia, dedicated to safeguarding the progressive values of democracy, social justice, human rights, equality for all, and religious pluralism at the World Zionist Congress in the face of growing opposition, by becoming a member today.
Raise awareness of hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available here.
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MONDAY 16 DECEMBER CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ISRAEL FINAL SESSION FOR 2025
This coming Monday, we are delighted to welcome back Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins OAM for the year's final instalment of Conversations About Israel. This week's topic: Reflecting on the year in Israel and the Middle East and its ramifications for Jewish communities worldwide.
Kol Nefesh & Pot Luck Dinner 6.15 pm | Location on arrival
Masorti Shabbat Service
9.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Pictured: Rabbis Ninio and Mordecai with Gabriella at the wedding of Art & Judy
The baby naming of Winifred Blake Meisner
VAYISHLACH RABBI GEORGE MORDECAI
In this week’s parsha, we see the continuation of the Jacob saga. Jacob is very important to us. Israel is the name he is given at the beginning of this parsha as he struggles all night with a malach, angel or messenger. The state of Israel is named after this epic encounter.
Jacob is a very complex character; he steals his brother’s birthright and has to run from his family’s home in Canaan to his uncle Laban’s home. There he spends many years working for Laban, he marries both Leah and Rachel and after a certain time begins the journey back to Canaan. As he is about cross the Yabok River at the entrance to Canaan, he was troubled, full of fear and anxiety.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those in our community who are mourning the death of their loved ones and we grieve the loss of so many lives in the current war in the land of Israel.
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SHLOSHIM Steven Shiffer, Thomas Neumann, Salome Simon. SHLOSHIM Agnes Stockler, Alex Goldberg, Anne Silvers, George Fromberg, Jacob (John) Slomovits, Harold William (Bill) Koerber, Jane Simons (Zines), Orietta Sinani, Fryda Mann.
YAHRZEIT On the anniversary of the death of a loved one, Yahrzeit (annual remembrance) is observed by their relatives. Every year, in the lead up to this day, we will contact you to advise that your loved one's name will be read on the Shabbat before the Yahrzeit. .
Enrolments for 2025 are filling up fast at Emanuel Woollahra Preschool. Secure your child’s place today and give give your precious little ones the best possible start to their education.
AGES 2 to 3 – Waitlist only AGES 3 to 4 –Final spots AGES 4 to 5 – Final spots
Emanuel Synagogue members receive an exclusive 5% discount on fees.
Learn more and enrol below or call (02) 9363 1809 to discuss your options.
Emanuel Synagogue members have free access to our streaming platform, emanuelplus . Please contact info@emanuel.org.au or call us on (02) 9389 6444 if you need help getting started .
Filmed at the glorious B'nai Jeshurun Synagogue in New York City, this performance features our very own Rabbi George Mordecai as he shares a sacred melody passed down through generations of his family and others who journeyed from Iraq to India, Southeast Asia, and ultimately to Australia.
Her Excellency Mrs Wassane Zailachi Last year, Emanuel Synagogue had the honour of welcoming Her Excellency Mrs. Wassane Zailachi, Ambassador of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. During this insightful conversation, Her Excellency shared her extensive diplomatic experience and rich cultural heritage, exploring the unique history and vibrant legacy of Judaism in Morocco.
This unique audio-visual feature delves into musical and physical interpretations of the well-known Sephardic Jewish song Por La Tu Puerta Yo Pasí. Created by Dr. Nela Trifković, artistic director of the music ensemble SARAY Iluminado, the piece is brought to life in collaboration with dancer Israel Aloni.
GABRIELLA MORDECAI: A PLACE I NEVER KNEW
Shabbat Live fixture Gabriella Mordecai has released her stunning debut album, A Place I Never Knew. This heartfelt collection takes listeners on a journey through a rich tapestry of musical genres, blending soulful melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. Whether you're looking for inspiration or simply beautiful music to accompany your day, this album is a must-listen.
"BUT WHERE DO I BEGIN?" GETTING STARTED ON YOUR GENEALOGICAL JOURNEY
For those interested in exploring their family history but unsure where to begin, this workshop offers the perfect starting point. Jewish genealogy can often be complex and confusing, but participants will learn tried-and-tested techniques to embark on their genealogical journey.
