Since this time last week, you turned up in full force for our final Shabbat Live and Kol Nefesh services for 2024, thousands of us and our supporters assembled at Martin Place for the 'Enough is Enough' rally on Sunday (including our President Grant McCorquodale—see a photo from the day here and watch his special message here), and on Tuesday, we were proud to co-present the Waverley Council Chanukah celebration with Emanuel Synagogue member, Mayor Will Nemesh (read his reflections here), along with Central Synagogue and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (pictured above).
As we come to the end of a very challenging year for our community, and with Chanukah just days away, we reflect on all of the beautiful moments we've shared over the last 12 months and echo the words of Rabbi Kaiserblueth in his piece in the Australian Jewish News, A Festival of Light for Modern Times: “This year, as we light the candles and sing Maoz Tzur, let us reflect on Chanukah’s enduring message. May it inspire us to bring light to our communities, renew our commitment to our heritage and find joy in the miracles—big and small—that brighten our lives.”
From Tuesday 24 December, our office will be closed until Thursday 2 January for a short break. While we will be making every effort to check messages periodically, in the unfortunate event of a death in the family, please contact Sydney Chevra Kadisha for burials on 02 9363 2488, and Walter Carter for cremations on 02 9389 3499.
During this time, we will continue to offer our Masorti Shabbat services on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, and we invite you to revisit some of your favourite musical moments from Shabbat Live on emanuelplus here.
Thank you for your presence, participation and support this year—together, we have made 2024 one for the books.
Shabbat shalom and chag Chanukah sameach to all.
Alliance School in Tetouan, Morocco
HIGH PRIORITY: Support the vital work of ARZA Australia, dedicated to safeguarding the progressive values of democracy, social justice, human rights, equality for all, and religious pluralism at the World Zionist Congress in the face of growing opposition, by becoming a member today.
10.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary Bat Mitzvah of Goldie Leibowitz
Baby Naming of Noa Ichou Dukes
Bat Mitzvah of Goldie Leibowitz
VAYESHEV RABBI RAFI KAISERBLUETH
This week begins the final story arc of the Book of Bereshit, Genesis. The characters are the sons of Jacob, the Children of Israel. While they have been mentioned and played small roles earlier, this is now their moment to take the spotlight. Joseph in particular is given the starring role as we read parasha Vayeshev.
The record of Joseph is a bit mixed. All the midrashim associated with Joseph depict him as a famous, well-known, well-loved superstar. Angels tremble when his name is simply spoken. It was because of him that the miracle at the Red Sea would occur. At the same time, our tradition tells us all the sufferings that would befall the people of Israel are the result of Joseph’s conflict with his brothers. Interestingly, Joseph, of all people, is called Tzaddik, a righteous man.
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.
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SHLOSHIM Dmitri Mitnoveski, Stephen Baruch. SHLOSHIM Salome Simon, Steven Shiffer, Thomas Neumann, Agnes Stockler, George Fromberg, Anne Silvers, Alex Goldberg.
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. .
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Learn more and enrol below or call (02) 9363 1809 to discuss your options.
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Beloved Sydney chef Michael Rantissi, renowned for changing the way the city eats with his ever-popular Kepos St Kitchen and now Salma's, makes a special appearance on emanuelplus to share his special recipe for Chanukah churros with Emanuel Synagogue's Programing Director Marina Capponi.
In the Picture | Ralph Heimans AM in Conversation with David Gonski AC Filmed for one night only at Emanuel Synagogue, this exclusive interview between Ralph Heimans AM, one of the world’s most celebrated portrait artists, and his fellow synagogue member, the distinguished David Gonski AC, explores the artistry, inspiration, and storytelling that define Ralph’s exceptional career.
People of the Books | Nadine J Cohen Hosted by Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Join Sydney-based writer Nadine J. Cohen as she explores her dazzling debut novel, Everyone and Everything, in this thought-provoking and humorous conversation. Known for her work across media and literature, Nadine offers a tender and wry look at grief, family, and identity.
People of the Books | Diane Armstrong Award-winning novelist and child Holocaust survivor Diane Armstrong takes centre stage in this compelling instalment of People of the Books. With seven acclaimed works spanning memoirs and novels, Diane’s storytelling reflects resilience, history, and the human spirit. Her newest book, The Wild Date Palm, is a gripping tale of espionage, passion, and sacrifice set in the Middle East during World War I, inspired by an astonishing true story.
Gabriella Mordecai | Kaleidoscope Take a sneak peek at Shabbat Live fixture Gabriella Mordecai’s stunning debut album, A Place I Never Knew, with this heartfelt melody: Kaleidoscope.
