Last weekend, our clergy respresented our congregation at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies' Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commemorations. Rabbi Kamins spoke at the reading of names at Rookwood in the morning (photos here), and joined Rabbi Ninio and Rabbi Kaiserblueth at the memorial service later that day. Above, they are pictured with the family of Cantor Michael Deutsch OAM Z”L. The beloved cantor of Emanuel Synagogue for over 52 years, and an icon of the Jewish community, Cantor Deutsch was a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, who lost over 100 relatives, including his father and sister. On the 80th anniversary of the deportation of the Jews from Hungary, a recording of Cantor Deutsch’s beautiful rendition of El Malei Rachamim was played. A poignant moment that will be etched in our collective memories for years to come. Listen here.
This weekend, we will be observing Yom Hazikaron, honouring the memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. At this year's ceremony, presented by the Zionist Council of NSW, we will also pay tribute to those who fell victim to the terror attacks of October 7th. Please register here to join us on Sunday 12 May at 7.00 pm.
Also this Sunday is Mother's Day, and we have just the ticket to mum's heart: a spot at the launch of our brand-new program, People of the Books. The inaugural event will have a decidedly Russian flavour—music, canapes, drinks and more—as Rabbi Ninio leads author Julia Levitina in a deep discussion about her highly acclaimed debut novel, The Girl from Moscow (read a sample here). We hope you can join us on Tuesday 14 May at 7.00 pm for all the fun. Member discounts available.
Speaking of unique experiences, we are delighted to announce Shirat Ha'lev: A Night of Hebrew Kirtan Chants at Emanuel Synagogue. On Saturday 25 May (Lag B'Omer) musician Nadav Kahn and Emanuel Synagogue's Rabbi George Mordecai will introduce us to Hebrew kirtan—a sacred practice that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary spirituality. Join us as we embrace the beauty of community, the power of music, and the promise of renewal for the week ahead. Learn more and book here.
That same evening, immediately following Shirat Ha'lev, we invite 18-30 year olds to join us for Tamar Lag B'Omer a relaxed gathering around a campfire with snacks, drinks and marshmallows to roast. Alcoholic drinks are BYO. Learn more and register here.
Then, at the end of that week, on Friday 17 May, come along to the first-ever Kol Nefesh in the Inner West. Register here here to join us for new iteration of the musical participatory service you all know and love.
That same evening, following Shabbat services at Emanuel, we invite you to join us at Rabbi Kamins' communal Shabbat dinner. Bookings are open for all Shabbat dinners for 2024, so if you can't make this one, save your spot for one of the upcoming ones here. And, if you're in a position to do so, we encourage you to pay it forward and sponsor a spot for someone in our community who might otherwise miss out.
A couple of days later, on Sunday 19 May, we are excited to be participating in the Zionist Council of NSW's Yom Ha’atzmaut Festival. Swing by the Emanuel Synagogue stall for giveaways, prizes, free educational resources, snacks, games and the chance to learn about our programs for kids, teens and young adults—including Ofakim, our freshly launched program designed to empower young Jewish leaders. It's set to be a huge day for the community—register here to join us.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Ofakim, a Jewish youth leadership program for teens in school years 8 and 9. Ofakim aims to equip Jewish teens with the necessary knowledge and tools to become leaders today and well into the future. Learn more and enrol here.
This Shabbat, we take a moment to honour Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror and continue to pray for an end to the war, the return of the hostages, safe and inclusive university campuses and healing for our community. May peace come quickly.
Shabbat shalom.
