This time last week, the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns MP, visited us on campus (see photos here) to show support for our community. Not long after we said goodby to the assembled press, we welcomed Lior who had arrived for the final rehearsal before his big show in our Heritage Sanctuary.
The next day, Lior, Nomad String Quartet and Lara Goodridge (see photos here) gave us a show we won't soon forget. Lior's music moved us to tears and his anecdotes between songs had us in stitches. What a joy and a privelege to have hosted this landmark event.
The next morning we rode the wave right into Mitzvah Day (see photos here) for an epic edition that attracted dozens of volunteers of all ages and generated hundreds of packages for those in need. A huge heartfelt thank you to all.
The enriching cultural experiences continued with the last People of the Books for 2024 with Diane Armstrong on Tuesday and a special screening of Sabbath Queen at JIFF, co-presented with our friends NIF.
In case that didn't keep us busy enough, this week, we announced a new partnership with highly regarded will-writing platform Safewill to offer you a complimentary will until 17 November. Learn more here and below.
This time next week, we will be firmly in December, which marks the end of ShabbaTot for the year—register here to join us on Friday 6 December—and make a note in your diary that 2024's final Kol Nefesh and Shabbat Live services will take place on Friday 13 December.
Last week, we announced the departure of our dear Andrina Grynberg, and today is officially her last day in the Emanuel Synagogue team. We will miss her terribly around the office, but she will remain a fixture in our community, and we will be blessed to welcome her on campus as a dedicated patron of our programs. Keep an eye on our social channels today for a special video message from Andrina herself.
This Shabbat, we mark the birthday of Ofer Kalderon, the hostage whose photo you've seen in the front row of our sanctuaries for the last year, and offer an extra prayer for his release and that of his fellow captives. May we be celebrating a peaceful end to the war very soon.
Shabbat shalom.
CLAIM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY,
OBLIGATION-FREE WILL UNTIL 17 DEC
Emanuel Synagogue has partnered with Australia's leading will-writing platform, Safewill, to offer you complimentary bespoke wills (normally $160). Between now and Tuesday 17 December 2024, Safewill's straightforward and legally-binding solution will allow you to secure your legacy with peace of mind. It’s quick—taking less than 20 minutes—and all wills are reviewed by trusted Australian lawyers.
Your decision to plan ahead safeguards your loved ones' futures and supports the vital work of our clergy. You will be empowering us to deliver experiences of the calibre that is synonymous with Emanuel Synagogue and ensure that we can continue to prioritise education, pastoral care, community engagement, enriching cultural programs, accessible online offerings, and maintaining our campus.
You don't have to make a bequest to Emanuel Synagogue to qualify for the free will-writing offer, but when you name Emanuel Synagogue as a beneficiary of your estate, you are making a commitment to our community and providing essential support for the congregation beyond your lifetime, ensuring our shared values and beliefs are preserved for posterity.
If you have questions relating to the Safewill program, or bequests to Emanuel Synagogue in general, please send Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein an email at szwarenstein@emanuel.org.au or via mobile on 02 9389 6444.
Raise awareness of hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available on here.
On Monday, December 2, join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth for the latest installation Conversations About Israel. This week's topic: Resolution 181: 77 years on, what was actually decided? Join us on emanuelplus here or in person from 10 am.
29TH OF CHESHVAN
Torah: Genesis 25:19-28:9 Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18-42 | Shabbat Machar Chodesh Candle Lighting (Friday): 7.31 pm Havdalah (Saturday): 8.09 pm
9.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary Aufruf of Chad Pashut & Courtney Colborne Aufruf of Rebecca Zipser & Michael Nebenzahl
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Center
Pictured: Rebecca Jacobs, David Frew, and Rabbi Ninio celebrate the birth of Raphael Jacobs-Frew and welcome him into the covenant.
Aufruf of Chad Pashut and Courtney Colborne
Aufruf of Rebecca Zipser and Michael Nebenzahl
TOLDOT RABBI SAM ZWARENSTEIN
“Hakol, kol Ya'akov, v'hayadayim, yadei Eisav” (The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are Esau's hands) – Genesis 27:22.
These are the infamous words uttered by Isaac, as he prepares to bestow the blessing of the birthright on his eldest son, Esau. However, we also know that it is Jacob who is before Isaac, not Esau. Esau sold his brother the birthright in exchange for lentil stew earlier in the parashah as he sought to address his immediate needs, and Jacob (with his mother, Rebecca, assisting him) has come to claim that birthright.
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.
_________________________
SHIVA George Fromberg, Alex Goldberg, Anne Silvers. PASSED AWAY IN THE PAST 30 DAYS Jacob (John) Slomovits, Harold William (Bill) Koerber, Jane Simons (Zines), Orietta Sinani, Fryda Mann, Joanne Baskin, David Rockman, Mary Diaz-Martinez, John Gold, Zvi Avraham Kostrinski, Fraser McEwing, Alfred Stricker, Noah Izcovich, Leonard Ivan Lipman.
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 .
Emanuel Woollahra Preschool is accepting enrollments 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 .
RELIVE THE MAGIC OF
THE HIGH HOLY DAYS
Thousands joined us on campus for services, and thanks to the magic of emanuelplus, thousands more joined us in real-time online. Claim your front-row seat to experience the beautiful music, poetry, and prayer—no matter which corner of the world you find yourself in.
HONORING JEWISH REFUGEES FROM ARAB LANDS AND IRAN Sun 1 December, 7.00 pm | Eastern Suburbs venue
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and the Sydney Jewish Museum invite the community to the annual commemoration of "Honouring Jewish Refugees from Arab Lands and Iran." This event highlights a vital part of Jewish history, celebrating the stories and contributions of Sephardi and Mizrahi communities within the Jewish diaspora .
SUPPORT JEWISH INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING Deadline: Friday December 13
Kate Vinen, the multi-award-winning filmmaker behind the documentary that features Emanuel Synagogue, The Caretakers (streaming here on emanuelplus ), is set to make her next work and you have the opportunity to help her vision come to life. Set in the dramatic ocean-side Eastern suburbs of Sydney, Flow follows Harper, who wrestles with her identity after losing her ability to have children. Read more about the project and make a tax-deductible donation to the Australian Cultural Fund page below.
JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 27 October – 5 December | The Ritz, Randwick
The Jewish International Film Festival is the home of the most comprehensive range of Israeli and Jewish-themed films in Australia and New Zealand, presenting an extraordinary line-up of films that reflect the diversity, complexity, and richness of Jewish culture. On now until December.
B'nai B'rith has been knitting woolen beanies to provide warmth and comfort to IDF soldiers, but shipping costs remain prohibitive. They are seeking travelers heading to Israel in the coming weeks or months who may be able to assist by bringing beanies as part of their luggage or excess baggage. All expenses will be covered. For more information, please get inquire below .
