This Shabbat finds us revelling in the success of Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio's unforgettable silver jubilee on Sunday 8 September, where our beautiful congregation and leaders and friends from the wider community celebrated a quarter-century of this incomparable leader at Emanuel Synagogue. If you missed the speeches, the singing and the dancing, you can catch up—or relive the magic—on emanuelplus here. And if you're one of the many people who reached out to make a donation to support Rabbi Ninio's important work, you can do so here. And, if you didn't get a chance to sign the guest book, find it near the lift for the next fortnight. See the photo albumhere.
This evening, we're heading north to North Shore Temple Emanuel for a special edition of Kol Nefesh. Register here and join us.
This Sunday, we can look forward to the highly anticipated Remembering Rhodes: Torn Apart by War—80 years since the Holocaust in Greece. Some of Sydney's most beloved Jewish actors will perform a dramatisation of Vic Alhadeff's heartbraking play, The Consul-General of Greece and several other dignitaries will be in attendance and we will be treated to live music and Greek sweets. Last tickets are on sale here.
High Holy Days will arrive in no time; find the full HHD program here. Emanuel Synagogue members have been sent the link to secure their tickets—and many have done so. If you didn't receive yours, please contact us to ensure your membership is current: phone 9389 6444 or email info@emanuel.org.au. We are excited to be sharing this most sacred time together. During this season of tzedakah, righteous giving, we invite you to donate generously to our annual Kol Nidrei Appeal. Every contribution counts—thank you for your continued support.
In just under two weeks, we can't wait to welcome Buckingham Palace's preferred portrait artist—and Emanuel Synagogue member—Ralph Heimans in conversation with David Gonski on Wednesday 25 September for In the Picture. Join us for what is sure to be an engaging and wide-ranging discussion and an exhibition of some of Ralph's most iconic works. Book here.
This Shabbat, we pray for an end to daily tragedies and the return of the hostages quickly and safely. We remind you that you’re not alone through this devasting time. Join our services, participate in our programs and reach out to our rabbis—email pastoralcare@emanuel.org.au to be connected.
Shabbat shalom.
We invite you to join us in our beautiful synagogue for a transformative spiritual experience. Whether you are a long-standing member or new to our community, our High Holy Day services offer a meaningful opportunity to connect with Jewish traditions, engage in heartfelt prayer, and come together as a community.
According to Jewish tradition, this is the season of tzedakah, righteous giving. We are grateful to each of you who supports us through your membership, your presence, your engagement, and by contributing to our Kol Nidrei Appeal with your tax-deductible gift to the Emanuel Synagogue Foundation. Your donation goes a long way to empowering our clergy to continue in their important mission.
Show your solidarity with Israel and raise awareness of hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available on our website here.
On Monday, 16 September, join Rabbi George Mordecai for the latest installment ofConversations About Israel. Live on emanuelplusor in person from 10 am. This week's topic: Settlers (Part 1),
Kol Nefesh North Shore– register here 6.15 pm | North Shore Temple Emanuel
SAT 14 SEPTEMBER Masorti Shabbat Service 9.00 am | The Neuweg
Progressive Shabbat Service 10.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary
Bar Mitzvah of Harry Nathanson
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Bar Mitzvah of Harry Nathanson
KI TETZE RABBI RAFI KAISERBLUETH
This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tetze, is considered to be one of the most important as it contains a large number of mitzvot. The laws articulated in this portion vary from inheritance rights for the first born and returning a lost object to sending away the mother bird before taking away her young. Perhaps one of the most controversial and problematic commandments in the Torah is found at the end of the parsha concerning the behaviour of the Amalekites.
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. This week, we mourn the tragic loss of the six hostages whose bodies were discovered at the weekend.
SHIVA
Gerda Hauser, Gerald Rosen.
SHLOSHIM
Beatrice Jacobs, Louisa Joseph, Harold Black, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Master Sgt Ori Danino, Elaine Thompson, Michael Dale McMillan, Peter Emanuel, Alfredo Rispler, Baby Weiner, Wolfie Pizem OAM, Olga Horak OAM, Carol Grolman.
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.
REMEMBERING RHODES: TORN APART BY WAR
PLAY READING + LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Sunday 15 September | 5.00 pm
This year marks 80 years since the destruction of the Jewish communities of Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands. We honor this history with a reading of Torn Apart by War, a poignant play by Vic Alhadeff OAM, inspired by his father's journey from Rhodes. The talented Joanna Weinberg, Geoff Sirmai, Tony Sloman, and Liz Hovey will bring this story to life and the evening will conclude with Greek treats and a special musical performance by Rabbi George Mordecai. This event is supported by the Consulate General of Greece and the Rhodes Jewish Museum.
IN THE PICTURE: RALPH HEIMANS AM IN CONVERSATIONWITH DAVID GONSKI AC Wednesday 25 September | 6.15 pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Ralph Heimans AM, one of the world's most sought-after portrait artists known for his meticulously realised paintings. Ralph's subjects include HM Queen Mary of Denmark, King Charles III, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Sir Ben Kingsley, Justice Michael Kirby and Margaret Atwood. Following a deep and insightful conversation between Ralph and his fellow Emanuel Synagogue member, David Gonski, we are excited to reveal a special curation of Ralph's most iconic works, which will be on display in our hall.
Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins sounds the shofar at Emanuel Woollahra Preschool
ENROLMENTS OPEN FOR 2025
Emanuel Woollahra Preschool is accepting enrolments for 2025 and Emanuel Synagogue members save 5% on fees. Learn more and sign up today to give your precious little ones the best possible start to their education.
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.
Join ARIA-winning artist LIOR for an exclusive viewing of his captivating performance at Emanuel Synagogue in 2022.
The Emanuel Choir | High Holy Days As we approach the High Holy Days, enjoy a beautiful collection from our Emanuel Synagogue choir, featuring both classic and new melodies to inspire.
Guided by Emanuel’s own Rabbi Triguboff, immerse yourself in a themed meditation on Angels and Teshuvah (Repentance), offering a deep, reflective, and uniquely Jewish meditation experience.
JEWISH CARE: AGED CARE INFO SESSIONS Thursdays from 10.00 am| Jewish Care Woollarha
In these trying times, finding peace within ourselves is more important than ever. Join Maccabi All Abilities and Maccabi LIFE for a healing session of Yoga with Daniella from Yogarama, a space to rejuvenate your soul and embrace tranquility. Let's come together to find strength and serenity through yoga
In these difficult economic times, many people are finding themselves in need of support and food. In the breezeway, by the lift, we will be collecting non-perishable food items. Whenever you are in synagogue, if you remember to bring something to place in the basket, we can live the deepest teachings of Judaism about caring for others and supporting people in need.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: ASYLUM SEEKERS CENTRE
We're looking for more volunteers to service our monthly lunches for the Asylum Seeker Centre (ASC) in Newtown. This involves preparing, serving and cleaning up after the lunches. Contact info@emanuel.org.au to get involved.
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WANTED: READING SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
We invite people who have as little as one hour a week to spare during school terms, to join this group in making a difference to the lives of young children. No formal skills are required; training and support will be provided. Email socialjustice@emanuel.org.au to participate.