While we are all transfixed by the Olympic games—Jewish Australian athletes and Team Israel have made quite a showing already—we are becoming increasingly excited by the imminent visit to Emanuel Synagogue of another legendary Olympian:Nova Peris OAM. You can't afford to miss this one. Book ASAP. We can't wait.
From 4.30 pm this afternoon, join us for ShabbaTot for the little ones—register here—and next Shabbat, the eagerly anticipated Kol Nefesh Inner West returns. If you were at the inaugural edition, you'll know there wasn't a spare spot in sight, so please make sure to register here if you plan of joining us for the service and the potluck that follows.
In a few Shabbats from now, we will eagerly welcome the multi-award-winning journalist Michael Gawenda to a special dinner for young Jews in their 20s and 30s. Learn more and register here. If you happen to fall outside that age bracket but would still like to support the next generation, you might like to sponsor a seat at the table for someone who might be doing it tough right now.
Our image of the week (above) was taken at Sunday's walking tour of Redfern, a joint initiative of Emanuel Synagogue and The Jewish Independent. Guided by proud Wiradjuri woman Donna Ingram, the group learned about the social and political history of Redfern, and its role at the epicentre of Aboriginal activism. Learn more here.
As we mark 300 days since October 7, we pray that the next milestone we recognise is the release of the remaining hostages and the end to this war.
Shabbat shalom.
Israeli swimmer Aviv Barzelay competes during a heat in the women's 100m backstroke
HIGH PRIORITY:This week is designated as Magen David Adom Shabbat in honour of paramedics, medics and volunteers. Donate hereto support the purchase of lifesaving helmets and bulletproof vests for drivers and paramedics working in the line of fire.
On Monday, 5 August,join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth for the latest installment ofConversations About Israel. This week's topic: US Elections: Where do the parties stand on Israel? Live on emanuelplus or in person from 10 am.
Masorti Shabbat Service 6.15 pm | Neuweg Sanctuary
SAT 3 AUGUST Masorti Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Neuweg Sanctuary
Progressive Shabbat Service 10.00 am | Heritage Sanctuary
The Bat Mitzvah of Evie Chardon
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
The Bat Mitzvah of Evie Chardon
MATOT-MASEI RABBI GEORGE MORDECAI
As we approach the end of the book of Numbers, Bamidbar,this week, it is worthwhile for us to reflect upon its main themes and teachings. Bamidbar (“in the desert”), is the fourth book of the Torah and contains some ofits most powerful stories.
Journeying through our annual cycle of reading Torah, we read of the trials and tribulations of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs in the book of Genesis and are captivated and enthralled as we read of the exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the sea of reeds and the receiving of the Ten Commandments at the foot of Mt Sinai. Continue reading
We extend our sincerest 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.
SHIVA
Eva Lowy, Martin Sean Indyk, Lawrence Harwin.
SHLOSHIM Yvonne Hayes, Angela Kaplan, Julia Faludi, Sonia Gold, Sheila Norton, Dawn Rassaby, Theo Whitmont, Melvyn Foux.
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.
We welcome young Jews in their 20s and 30s to an intimate Shabbat dinner with multi-award-winning journalist Michael Gawenda (The Ageas our special guest. Over the course of the evening, Michael will draw on his decades of experience traversing the ever-changing Australian media landscape to offer advice to the next generation about how to navigate professional life—and life in general—as modern Jews in the current climate.
Join us as we welcome the inimitable Nova Peris OAM to Australia's largest synagogue for a deeply insightful and wide ranging discussion with Michaela Kalowski about how Nova's remarkable journey—from Olympian to Federal Parliamentarian and beyond—has informed the work she's doing now. This is your chance to get up close and personal with this living legend. Don't miss it.
IN THE CIRCLE WITH RABBI MORDECAI – 7.15 pm, monthly on the last Thursday of every month. Upcoming dates: 29 August, 26 September, 31 October, 28 November.
KOL NEFESH–6.15 pm, Friday 27 September. Service followed by a vegetarian potluck. Dates for 2024: 1 November and 6 December.
KOL NEFESH INNER WEST – 6.15 pm, Friday 9 August, and 15 November.–register
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.
Live with Thalia-Joan Halperin With the quick wit and dirty humor you’d expect from a veteran of the stand-up stage, you won’t want to miss this hilarious comedy set from Thalia-Joan Halperin, filmed live at Emanuel Synagogue.
Susan Hofbauer on Bronislaw Huberman Join Susan Hofbauer for a captivating retelling of the incredible story of Bronislaw Huberman, the 'Oskar Schindler of musicians,' who heroically saved Europe's finest Jewish musicians from the horrors of the Holocaust.
MAYBE TOMORROW WILL BRING SOMETHING Sunday 25 August, 2.00 pm| Sydney Jewish Museum
Eighty years after the Holocaust in Hungary, the diaries of survivors tell stories of unimaginable loss and heartbreak, of lives upended, families broken, and postwar attempts to rebuild shattered communities. Join host Michelle Levitt from 3G Sydney for a powerful analysis of the diaries, the words they hold, and the lives of their authors.
Michael Leibowitz invites you to the launch of his poetry collection, "Wardrobe of Secrets," at Woollahra Library. The event promises an evening of verse, conversation, and guitar music featuring Mark Tredennick, Steve Meyrick, Rob Britton, and the author himself, along with drinks and nibbles.
JCA, The Choice Foundation, and JewishCare are looking for volunteers to help with a new innovative social program, the ‘New Dimensions Social Club’ designed to support young individuals aged 15-17 and 18-21 who are living with ADHD, Autism Level 1, or who find it challenging to fit in socially.
The UPJ, Progressive Judaism Victoria (PJV), and the Progressive Jewish Cultural Fund (PJCF) are seeking support to establish a perpetual scholarship in memory of Penny Jakobovits. Donations to this fund are tax-deductible through the PJCF and will enable young UPJ members to attend biennial conferences, nurturing future leadership within the community.
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.
