The baby naming of Sylvie Chipkin performed by Rabbi Kaiserblueth
With 2025 well underway, we're preparing for the return of many of our most popular programs and the launch of some exciting new ones.
Next week, we will announce our first communal Shabbat dinner for 2025. For the first 48 hours, our members will have exclusive access to tickets before bookings open up to the rest of the community. Keep an eye out for an email from us on Monday morning with the ticket link and the dates for every Shabbat dinner this year, with the opportunity to join a waitlist for each.
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 students in years 8 and 9. Ofakim equips Jewish teens with the necessary knowledge and tools to stand up for themselves and the Jewish community of today and tomorrow. Learn more and apply here. Read all about the impressive first graduating class here.
If your New Year's resolution includes finally learning Hebrew, look no further than our classes right here.
Over the next few weeks, we will reveal more and more of our 2025 offering. We look forward to sharing many magical moments.
This Shabbat, as we anticipate the beginning of the ceasefire and eagerly await the release of the first hostages, we pray for lasting peace, security and freedom for all in the region. We remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.
Friday 31 January – First Kol Nefesh of 2025 Friday 7 February – Shabbat Live returns Saturday 8 February – Children's Shabbat services return
Rabbi Kaiserblueth performed the brit milah of Zac Shakinovsky
Bat Mitzvah of Amelia Ungar
Bat Mitzvah of Zoe Klamer
SHEMOT RABBI RAFI KAISERBLUETH
Parashat Shemot begins with the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and introduces us to Moses, the unlikely hero of the story. In Chapter 2, verse 12, we read: “He turned this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” This pivotal moment marks Moses’ first act of moral courage: standing up for an oppressed individual, even at great personal risk.
Commentators grapple with the meaning behind Moses’ actions. Rashi emphasizes that Moses “saw no man” who was willing to intervene against the injustice. Moses realised that silence in the face of cruelty was pervasive. Ibn Ezra notes that Moses looked carefully to see the consequences of his actions before intervening, suggesting a deliberative moral process rather than a rash act.
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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SHIVA Mona Ghassa SHLOSHIM Elizabeth Segal, Merle Myers, Edith Hausvik, Howard Hoffman, Peter Bower, Dmitri Mitnoveski, Stephen Baruch.
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 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.
Immerse yourself in the soulful Shabbat Melodies of 2024—a heartfelt celebration of the best songs from this year’s Shabbat Live.
SYDNEY SCREENING OF PITA WITH VEGEMITE Sun 2 February, 5.00 pm | Randwick Ritz
Australia, a dream destination for many in Israel, becomes the focus of this poignant film capturing the reflections of nine Israeli Australians six months after the October 7 attacks and the war in Gaza. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Shahar Burla and other contributors.
On 7 October 2023, terrorists tragically killed 62 residents of Kfar Aza, including Ironman athlete Nadav Goldstein-Almog and his daughter Yam. Team Nadav is honouring his legacy by racing in Ironman New Zealand and raising funds for a special project in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Help support this cause by attending a movie night for a screening of 5 September.
