It's our 86th birthday! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for a trip down memory lane and a message from Rabbi Kamins, who explains the significance of this special milestone. And, over on emanuelplus, Elders of the Community offers an oral history of the early days. Please consider contributing to our End of Financial Year Appeal to support us in the next chapter of our shared story – donate here.
Coming up on Thursday 4 July, we're looking forward to Mission Accomplished, an update from the UPJ following their recent solidarity mission to Israel. The group included our Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein and Emanuel Synagogue board member (and UPJ Co-President) Danny Hochberg, who will share insights and observations from their trip. Admission is free of charge, but pre-registration here is essential.
If you're a numbers person with a great work ethic and impeccable attention to detail, you might just be our new Assistant Accountant. Learn more and apply here.
As we do every Shabbat, this week, we pray for peace to come quickly in the face of the latest escalation and for the healing to follow.
Shabbat shalom.
SUPPORT YOUR SYNAGOGUE WITH A TAX-DEDUCTABLE DONATION
Whether it be through services, listening circles, pastoral care, education, youth initiatives or diverse and wide-ranging cultural programs, we have been so happy to deliver. In order to continue to offer the full Emanuel experience to our growing community, it is imperative to support us—in addition to Israel. We are so grateful to everyone who has already donated so generously—we couldn't do it without you.
Israelis protest against the government, Jerusalem, Monday
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.
COMING UP: Join us for Mission Accomplished on 4 July for an update from UPJ following their recent solidarity mission to Israel – register here.
Show your solidarity and raise awareness to bring the hostages home with a yellow ribbon pin,available on our website here.
On Monday 24 June, join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth for the latest instalment of Conversations About Israel where he will present an update on Israel's internal political landscape. Live on emanuelplus or in person from 10 am.
Combined Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary Aufruf of Maytalle Bruck & Danny Sallak
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Aufruf of Maytalle Bruck & Danny Sallak
BEHA'ALOTECHA: TO RAISE UP THE LIGHT
RABBI JEFFREY B. KAMINS OAM
Though our parasha this week opens with hope and harmony, it concludes with despair and dissolution. The first half of the story begins with instructions “to raise up the lights” of the menorah. This image of light and uplift is followed by other beautiful, harmonious stories of the Israelites, who, just after the celebration of the first anniversary of the exodus from Egypt, prepare for their march to the land of Israel under God’s protection. But suddenly the story shifts, and a totally disparate account is given—stories of excess and complaint. The ungrateful masses complain that manna from heaven is not good enough, they need meat to eat; Aaron and Miriam challenge their brother Moses’ leadership. What has happened to lead to this collapse remains a mystery. 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.
Ron Freeman, Joshua Miller, Alexei Erenbourg.
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.
PEOPLE OF THE BOOKS: NADINE J. COHEN AT EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE Tuesday 23 July| 7.00 pm
After an incredible launch of People of the Books, we're delighted to announce our next guest, fresh off the back of a whirlwind engagement with the Sydney Writers' Festival: Nadine J. Cohen, a Sydney-based writer who will be discussing her acclaimed debut novel, Everyone and Everything.
SHIRAT HA'LEV: A NIGHT OF HEBREW KIRTAN CHANTS AT EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE Sunday 25 August| 6.30 pm
Shirat Ha'lev, a unique spiritual experience, returns on 25 August, with Nadav Kahn and Rabbi George Mordecai, who will perform Hebrew Kirtan—a sacred practice that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary spirituality. Please note rescheduled date.
IN THE CIRCLE WITH RABBI MORDECAI – 7.15 pm, monthly on the last Thursday of every month. Upcoming dates: 27 June, 25 July, 29 August, 26 September, 31 October, 28 November.
KOL NEFESH–6.15 pm, Friday28 June. Service followed by a vegetarian potluck. Dates for 2024: 26 July, 27 September, 1 November and 6 December.
KOL NEFESH INNER WEST – 6.15 pm, Friday 9 August, and 15 November.
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.
JUNE PLAYLIST
Purim Spiel 2024 Written and directed by our very own Rabbi Ninio and Toffee Foltyn, relive the magic of our highest-attended Purim Spiel to date. In one act, with five songs, eight scenes and lots of dancing, Esther makes her way through Estherland to defeat the evil Hashy and save the Jews. Frontline Frum The inspiring story of Orthodox Rabbi Slavin, who leads a team of volunteers at Our Big Kitchen, preparing thousands of weekly meals for Sydney's homeless and hungry.
Goddess Vengeance 'Goddess Vengeance' captures the brave journey of self-discovery by a young queer woman, Hanna, who must confront loneliness and uncertainty wrought by the pandemic.
Pandemic Pen Pal This heartwarming story charts an unlikely friendship between ageing, isolated Holocaust survivor George and Bar Mitzvah boy, David, brought together as pen pals during a lockdown.
DEATH CAFE Saturday 22 June, 10.00 am| Randwick Sustainability Hub
Explore your thoughts and feelings about death, dying and end-of-life in a non-judgemental and compassionate environment.
A COMMUNITY OF CHOIRS Sunday 23 June, 3.00 pm | Chatswood location
The final presentation of this popular concert series, which has featured a variety of Sydney choirs in past years, will take place in 2024, highlighting choirs such as North Shore Temple Emanuel, Emanuel Synagogue, Coro Austral, the seniors' choir Beating Time, and the Jewish Choral Society.
MDA 2024 SOLIDARITY EVENT WITH RUDY ROCHMAN AND HADAS EHRLICH Monday 24 June, 7.00 pm| Location to be announced
Join Magen David Adom's Annual Fundraising Event to support the purchase of armoured ambulances for Israel. Hear inspiring accounts from paramedic Hadas Ehrlich on the bravery of MDA staff during the war and activist Rudy Rochman on combating anti-Semitism.
NAVIGATING AGED CARE OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE Tuesday 25 June, 8.30 pm| Wednesday 26 June, 9.30 am| Eastern Suburbs Location
This expert panel discussion will explore cost-effective aged care options, featuring Rolene Nehama, an Occupational Therapist focused on functional independence; Jessica Kinnear, a seasoned retirement living lawyer; and Rodney Horin, a financial adviser specialising in aged care transitions.
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.
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.
