Tamar, Emanuel's vibrant community of Jews in their 20s and early 30s, gathered near Sydney for Australia and New Zealand’s inaugural Tamar Retreat.
In the aftermath of the most recent attack early Tuesday morning on the preschool near Maroubra Synagogue, Rabbi Kamins spoke on the ABCabout the rise in antisemitism. Later that evening, Rabbi Zwarenstein and Rabbi Kamins attended the communal solidarity service at Maroubra Synagogue. Their rabbi, Rabbi Simon Goldstein, made two important comments important to share with all based on last week’s and this week’s parasha. The first, ever since Egypt, we become stronger together whenever we feel under threat. The second, referencing the burning bush is that we also see the infinite light of creation and remain committed to shining that light, especially when times seem dark. As we return to our academic year, we will be having even more ways of shining that light for our community.
On that note, we’re excited to share the return of Jew-Natal, our program for parents who are expecting or thinking of growing their family, whether through birth, adoption or surrogacy, returns this year. From Sun 2 February, 3-5 pm, with Rabbi Kaiserblueth. Learn more and register here.
Applications are now open for Ofakim, our unique leadership program for Year 8-9 students, equipping Jewish teens to lead today and tomorrow. Apply here by Tuesday 18 February, learn more, or read all about the impressive first graduating class here.
If your New Year's resolution includes finally learning Hebrew, look no further than our beginners classes right here, but hurry, enrollments close Tuesday 4 February 2025.
We’re also thrilled to welcome everyone back to shul with Kabbalat Shabbat Kol Nefesh on 31 January, Shabbat Live on 7 February, Children’s Services on 8 February, and Conversations About Israel resuming on Monday 3 February.
This Monday marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. We pray that darkness never again descends on our people or our planet, and with the tender beginning of the release of hostages and a ceasefire, we further pray that all we be home soon and there will be lasting peace, security and freedom for all in the region. We remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.
Shabbat Shalom
Emily Damari (right) embraces her mother, Mandy, after her return from Hamas captivity, January 19, 2025
9.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary Progressive Shabbat Service
10.00 am | Heritage Sanctuary
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COMING UP
Friday 31 January – First Kol Nefesh of 2025 Friday 7 February – Shabbat Live returns Saturday 8 February – Children's Shabbat services return
Bar Mitzvah of Jesse Same
Bar Mitzvah of Oscar Glikin
VA'ERA: THE PRESENCE OF GOD RABBI JEFFREY KAMINS OAM
In the opening weeks of reading from the book of Shemot, we come across Judaism’s three major ways of understanding how God works in our lives. The first two appear in last week’s parashah, the third in this week’s. First, Judaism defines God as the creator of all existence of which we are part; second, Judaism reasons that as aspects of the infinite, we can communicate on a certain level with it, and thirdly, we have responsibilities within this life. Traditionally, these three aspects of God are known as the one who Creates, Reveals and Redeems, and they have been adopted by Christianity and Islam as well.
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 Mona Ghassa, Fiona Lamont, Elizabeth Segal, Merle Myers, Edith Hausvik, Howard Hoffman.
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.
We invite you to arrange a call up to the Torah in memory of your loved one by completing the form at the link provided in the reminder email.
Applications are now open for the 2025 edition of Ofakim, a Jewish youth leadership program for Year 8 and 9 students. Ofakim equips teens with leadership skills, Jewish literacy, and practical tools to create social change, engage in dialogue, and lead with purpose. Over the course of the year, participants will attend workshops, overnight seminars, and gain valuable experiences that will prepare them to be leaders today. Spots are limited, so apply by February 18 to secure your child's place.
Emanuel Woollahra Preschool is a pluralistic community open to all, providing an inclusive environment enriched with Jewish heritage for preschool children. Activities include Hebrew language learning, celebrations of Jewish festivals, Shabbat, and Israeli dancing throughout the year.
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 contactinfo@emanuel.org.au if you need help getting started. .
Beloved Sydney chef Michael Rantissi, renowned for changing the way the city eats with his ever-popular Kepos St Kitchen and now Salma's, makes a special appearance on emanuelplus to share his special recipe for Chanukah churros with Emanuel Synagogue's Programing Director Marina Capponi.
In the Picture | Ralph Heimans AM in Conversation with David Gonski AC Filmed for one night only at Emanuel Synagogue, this exclusive interview between Ralph Heimans AM, one of the world’s most celebrated portrait artists, and his fellow synagogue member, the distinguished David Gonski AC, explores the artistry, inspiration, and storytelling that define Ralph’s exceptional career.
2024 marked 80 years since the destruction of the Jewish communities of Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands, a poignant chapter in Greek Jewish history marked by both tragedy and heroism. Join us for a commemorative live reading of Torn Apart By War, Vic Alhadeff’s powerful play inspired by his father’s harrowing Holocaust journey from Rhodes.
People of the Books | Nadine J Cohen Hosted by Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Join Sydney-based writer Nadine J. Cohen as she explores her dazzling debut novel, Everyone and Everything, in this thought-provoking and humorous conversation. Known for her work across media and literature, Nadine offers a tender and wry look at grief, family, and identity.
People of the Books | Diane Armstrong Award-winning novelist and child Holocaust survivor Diane Armstrong takes centre stage in this compelling instalment of People of the Books. With seven acclaimed works spanning memoirs and novels, Diane’s storytelling reflects resilience, history, and the human spirit. Her newest book, The Wild Date Palm, is a gripping tale of espionage, passion, and sacrifice set in the Middle East during World War I, inspired by an astonishing true story.
Gabriella Mordecai | Kaleidoscope Take a sneak peek at Shabbat Live fixture Gabriella Mordecai’s stunning debut album, A Place I Never Knew, with this heartfelt melody: Kaleidoscope.
Celebrate Dayenu’s 25th anniversary with inspiring speakers, including Rabbi Jaqueline Ninio OAM, Vic Alhadeff OAM, Dawn Cohen, and Holocaust survivor Wanda Kluke OAM. Enjoy refreshments, a performance by Fifi Glambox, and an exhibition of historical press articles.
Hear from dynamic international Israel advocate Jonathan Conricus and meet brave, injured veterans Amitay and Boris to help raise funds for wounded veterans, victims of terror, and their families.
AMIDAH A SILENT PRAYER Thu 27 March, 7.30 pm | Goethe-Institute Sydney
Join an evening of deeply emotional music, as Anna Hirst Friedman shares her song cycle Amidah – A Silent Prayer, a reflection on trauma, loss, and hope from her personal journey through the Israel-Gaza conflict. The evening will include other 2024 works, such as Undulating Forces and The Eyes of a Child in Times of War, along with a screening on antisemitism in Australia. The night will conclude with a Q&A with Anna and her Tenor.
