Tuesday was an incredible day for our community, starting on a high with the appointment of Emanuel Synagogue member Jillian Segal AO as the nation's first anti-Semitism envoy, and ending even higher with our unifying, fortifying and energising sold-out evening with Josh Frydenberg. We were very proud to present this impactful event with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and with the support of the Zionist Council of NSW. Keep an eye on emanuelplus, where we will be releasing highlights from Josh's conversation with Debbie Whitmont, and watch a special message from Josh here.
This morning, we're excited to announce our next big event: Nova Peris OAM Live at Emanuel Synagogue. Join us on Thursday 15 August for an insightful examination of the current climate from one of our community's greatest allies. Tickets go on sale at 8.00 am—book early so you don't miss out.
Once you've secured your tickets to Nova Peris, check out all the NAIDOC Week events around town over the weekend here and show your support for our country's First Nations people, a community whose values are very much aligned with ours.
On Monday 15 July at 10.00 am, we're looking forward to a special edition of Conversations About Israel: Mission Accomplished, an important update from the Union for Progressive Judaism following their recent solidarity mission to Israel. Register here.
Finally, scroll down to the Around Town section for details of a wonderful initiative coming to Emanuel Synagogue from Monday. Week of Goodness explores volunteering, studying, giving charity, praying, singing, and more, activities that will help repair and bring more light into the world.
This Shabbat, we pray that our community can come even closer together and find understanding and compassion for one another as we navigate the way forward.
Shabbat shalom.
Moshinsky (centre) made aliyah with Hanoar HaOved Vehalomed
SPECIAL PROGRAM: On Monday, 15 July, join Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein for this special edition of Conversations About Israel where UPJ will present an update following the recent solidarity mission to Israel: Mission Accomplished. Live on emanuelplus or in person from 10 am. Please register here.
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.
Combined Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Neuweg Sanctuary
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
CHUKAT RABBI JACQUELINE NINIO
This week in parashat Chukat we read of the deaths of siblings Aaron and Miriam and the decree that Moses too will die before reaching the Promised Land. When we consider these three siblings we often spend time on the brothers: Moses, the great leader, the prophet of God and Aaron, the High Priest, the one who facilitated the connection between the people and their spirit. And then we have Miriam, all too often overlooked and forgotten. It is sometimes easy to hear the voices shouting out from the mountain, the ones who are dressed in robes of titles, offices, importance, and to ignore the less prominent ones. The ones which don’t get the media attention, who are not surrounded with accolades, these are sometimes the most important voices of all. These are the voices of Miriam and this Shabbat as we remember her death, we also can turn to her life and consider her legacy, what she has to teach us by the way she lived.
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
Sheila Norton, Dawn Rassaby, Theo Whitmont. PASSED AWAY IN THE LAST 30 DAYS
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.
WITH RABBI ZWARENSTEIN AND SPECIAL GUEST LTC PETER LERNER Friday 19 July | 6.15 pm
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner will join Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein in hosting this topical, insightful communal Shabbat dinner following services on Friday, 19 July.
TAMAR YOUNG ADULT PICNIC Saturday 20 July | 1.15 pm
Join us for a delightful Shabbat picnic in the beautiful Sydney Botanical Gardens. 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.
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ISRAEL: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Monday 15 July | 10.00 am
Join Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein from 10.00am for this special edition of Conversations About Israel where UPJ will present an update following the recent solidarity mission to Israel. Online and in person.
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.
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR GENEALOGICAL JOURNEY Sunday 14 July, 1.30 pm| Sydney Jewish Museum
Are you keen to explore your family history but not sure where to start? The Australian Jewish Historical Society invites you to learn some tried and tested techniques to get started on your genealogical journey.
The families of all the hostages have been doing everything possible to help save their loved ones, but they have yet to see the desired results. "Week of Goodness" explores volunteering, studying, giving charity, praying, singing, and more, activities that will help repair and bring more light into the world.
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.
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.