This Shabbat morning finds us eagerly anticipating tonight's sold-out Shabbat dinner, hosted by Rabbi Sam Zwarensten, with special guest Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner. We know lots of you were sad to miss out, but fear not—we are busily planning the next series of exciting Shabbat dinners and we are looking forward to revealing the details very soon. Stay tuned.
Following services tomorrow morning, we invite our young adults to join us for a picnic at Centennial Park. Register here for more details. Parents of under 30s, please pass this on to your kids.
On the other side of this weekend, bookworms will reunite as we welcome award-winning writer Nadine J. Cohen for the second edition of People of the Books with Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio. Expect a thoughtful, insightful and probably hilarious deep dive into Nadine's highly acclaimed debut novel, Everyone and Everything. Do not miss this.
Earlier this week, we welcomed to Conversations About Israel some representatives from the group that participated in the UPJ's recent Israel Solidarity Mission. The team (pictured) included our very own Rabbi Zwarenstein and board member Danny Hochberg and the session was recorded and is streaming now on emanuelplus.
Selling fast is our evening with the inimitable Nova Peris OAM OLY. Join us on Thursday 15 August for an insightful examination of the current climate from one of our community's greatest allies. Book ASAP or risk missing out.
This Shabbat, we pray for unity, solidarity and connection among our community. May a peaceful end to this war arrive soon.
Shabbat shalom.
Members of Israel’s Olympic team 1972
HIGH PRIORITY:Support the vital work of ARZA Australia and Mercaz Masorti, organisations dedicated to safeguarding our progressive values at the World Zionist Congress in Israel, by becoming a member today.
Show your solidarity and raise awareness to bring home the hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available on our website here.
On Monday, 22 July, join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth and special guest Yair Miller, former President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and CEO of Keren Hayesod-UIA Australia, for Conversations About Israel. Live on emanuelplus or in person from 10 am.
SOLD OUT // Communal Shabbat Dinner: Rabbi Zwarenstein and LTC Peter Lerner 7.30 pm | Heritage Hall
SAT 20 JULY
Combined Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary Aufruf of Dan Hareb & Janine D'Cunha
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Tamar Young Adult Picnic –Register here 1.15 pm | Royal Botanic Gardens
Aufruf of Dan Hareb and Janine D'Cunha
BALAK RABBI RAFI KAISERBLUETH The parasha of Balak is a captivating narrative in the Torah that chronicles the encounter between Balak, the Moabite king, and Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet. Balak, fearing the Israelites' growing power, seeks to curse them. However, despite his intentions, Balaam ends up blessing the Israelites instead. This story, while ancient, holds profound lessons for contemporary Australian Jews, particularly in its exploration of fear, prejudice, and the power of blessings over curses. 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
Sonia Gold, Julia Faludi PASSED AWAY IN THE LAST 30 DAYS
Melvyn Foux, Sheila Norton, Dawn Rassaby, Ludmila Shneidman, Theo Whitmont
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.
Join us as we welcome the inimitable Nova Peris OAM to Australia's largest synagogue for a deeply insightful discussion that will traverse topical issues for our community, including her allegiance to the Jewish people, her views on Israel and the path towards social cohesion.
TAMAR YOUNG ADULT PICNIC Saturday 20 July | 1.15 pm
Join us for a delightful Shabbat picnic at the beautiful Centennial Park. Whether you're looking to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, enjoy card games and sheshbesh, want to throw a frisbee or kick a ball, or simply want to celebrate Shabbat in the outdoors, this event is for you.
PEOPLE OF THE BOOKS: NADINE J. COHEN Tuesday 23 July| 7.00 pm
We're delighted to host our next People of the Books guest, Nadine J. Cohen, a Sydney-based writer who will be discussing her acclaimed debut novel, Everyone and Everything. Tickets selling fast—hurry.
LEARN HEBREW: TERM 3 REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN 22 July - 23 September | Wednesdays 5.00 pm
Discover the beauty of Hebrew and enrich your spiritual journey with our comprehensive Hebrew program. In our beginners' Term 3 class, you'll master the letters, vowels, and basic grammar, laying a strong foundation for deeper understanding. For those ready to advance, our intermediate class offers fluency in reading and the art of Torah chanting.
IN THE CIRCLE WITH RABBI MORDECAI – 7.15 pm, monthly on the last Thursday of every month. Upcoming dates: 25 July, 29 August, 26 September, 31 October, 28 November.
KOL NEFESH–6.15 pm, Friday26 July. Service followed by a vegetarian potluck. Dates for 2024: 27 September, 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.
JULY PLAYLIST
Elders of the Community Journey through the captivating history of Emanuel Synagogue with a series of interviews from our community elders, tracing back to its humble beginnings in 1939, to the vibrant present day.
In the first episode of this ongoing series, join Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio as she explores Julia Levitina's stunning debut novel, "The Girl from Moscow," unraveling the heart-stopping Cold War drama and the inspiration behind it. Don't miss this captivating and insightful discussion.
Stories that Stir Stories that Stir and Emanuel Synagogue have come together to present six captivating storytellers, taking the stage to share their raw and personal stories, each linked to the theme of FAITH in all its shapes and forms. From moments that will make you laugh to tales that will bring tears to your eyes, this showcase promises to offer a new perspective on the world around us.
THE REPRESENTATION OF THE JEW IN ENGLISH LITERATURE Tuesday 23 July, 10.00 am| Location to be announced
This course will examine how Jews have been portrayed in English literature by non-Jewish writers. Texts from major literary figures (from Chaucer and Shakespeare to recent times) will be examined and video footage will be viewed.
Thursday 25 July, 11.00 am| Location to be announced
Unleash your creativity with fellow art enthusiasts at B'nai B'rith’s upcoming mixed media art class, featuring a fun and relaxing environment where you can explore various techniques or work on personal projects.
In response to community need, Jewish Care Sydney is offering a weekly group specifically designed for women who have experienced domestic abuse and need a safe and confidential space to seek support.
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.
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.
