We have some bitter-sweet news this week: at the end of this year, our beloved Andrina Grynberg, Campus and Catering Manager—and so much more—will be embarking on a new adventure.
For nearly 13 years, Andrina has looked after our community in every position she has held. From her first appointment in administration to eventually starting Nora’s Kitchen, where she has sprinkled her magic over every last lifecycle and communal event, and cared for the campus with endless dedication. Everything Andrina does, she does with all her heart, soul and might.
She has touched the lives of so many, and as she steps back from her official capacity, Andrina will continue to be a cherished member of our synagogue. With much gratitude and lots of love, we wish her every fulfilment and blessing. Follow this link to leave Andrina a farewell message.
This coming week will offer up many lovely excuses to see Andrina in action one last time. Join us for services, as well as our Lior x Nomad String Quartet concert on Saturday night, Mitzvah Day on Sunday, Conversations About Israel on Monday (See Eye on Israel for this week's special guest), and People of the Books with Diane Armstrong and Rabbi Ninio on Tuesday,
Here's a beautiful rendition of Shir L'Shalom (Song of Peace), performed by Lior and Lara Goodridge at Emanuel Synagogue in 2022, to get you excited for this weekend's show.
This Shabbat, as we light our candles, our prayers for Israel and the hostages will continue, but we will also be praying for the safety and well-being of our local community. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident in Woollahra, and we remain committed to fostering a culture of understanding, respect, and harmony among all members of our diverse community. We believe that dialogue, empathy, and cooperation can overcome hatred and division and build a society where every individual is valued and respected. If Wednesday night’s incident has impacted you, we want to remind you that you're not alone. Come to our services, join us at our cultural programs and reach out to our rabbis. Send an email to pastoralcare@emanuel.org.au to be connected.
We look forward to being together on campus and online.
Shabbat shalom.
Mitzvah Day on Sunday 24 November (10 am - 12 pm) at Emanuel Synagogue is an opportunity to put our Jewish values into practice. This year, you can participate even if you can’t be with us in person. Find out all the ways you can contribute in the leadup and on the day, here.
Raise awareness of hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available on here.
_________________________
MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ISRAEL SPECIAL PROGRAM
Join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth and special guest Rabbi David Paran, a Sydney-born graduate of Moriah and rabbi of a vibrant Masorti community in Pardes Hana, for Conversations About Israel. This week's topic,View from a Rabbi on the Ground, explores what the past year has been like for Rabbi Paran and his community in Israel.
Progressive Shabbat Service 10.00 am | Heritage Sanctuary Bat Mitzvah of Chloe Myers
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
LIOR Live at Emanuel Synagogue 8.00 pm | Heritage Sanctuary Book here
Bat Mitzvah of Chloe Myers
Bat Mitzvah of Eva Bartfeld
Brit of Raphael Jacobs-Frew (Rebecca Jacobs & David Frew)
CHAYEI SARA RABBI JACQUELINE NINIO OAM
This week, we read about the life of Sarah: Sarah was 100 years and 20 years and 7 years old and she died. This was the life of Sarah. The Torah is known for its brevity of language and so the sages ask: why express Sarah’s age divided into portions, why not just say Sarah was 127 years old? And then, why repeat “this was the life of Sarah?” The sages offer many responses, but Rashi says that the phrasing and repetition is to teach us that: “all Sarah’s years were equal in goodness.”
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.
_________________________
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, Roger Cherry, Alan Obrart.
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.
+ LARA GOODRIDGE Saturday 23 November | Doors and bar open from 8.00 pm
Appearing for one night only, we present critically acclaimed and ARIA Award-winning singer/songwriter Lior, exclusively at Emanuel Synagogue. Join us for an extraordinary evening as Lior performs some of our most beloved favourites and be among the first in the world to hear new songs from his highly anticipated album 'Blue Parade'.
AT EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE Tuesday 26 November | 7.00 - 8.30 pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening with award-winning author Diane Armstrong. A Holocaust survivor who arrived in Australia in 1948, Diane has captivated readers worldwide with her powerful novels and memoirs that explore resilience, history, and the human spirit. At our next People of the Books event, Diane will dive into her latest epic, Wild Date Palm—a gripping tale of espionage, sacrifice, and survival set in WWI’s Middle East. Bring your copy to be signed or pick one up at the event, and enjoy refreshments from Nora's Kitchen. Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your spot.
AT THE JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Thursday 28 November | 6.15 - 8.20 pm
Emanuel Synagogue and New Israel Fund invite you to the Australian premiere of Sabbath Queen at the Jewish International Film Festival. Join us at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick to experience this uplifting documentary surrounded by members of the Emanuel and NIF community.
Emanuel Woollahra Preschool is accepting enrolments 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.
HONOURING 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 13 December
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 at theAustralian Cultural Fundpage below.
JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 27 October - 22 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 woollen beanies to provide warmth and comfort to IDF soldiers, but shipping costs remain prohibitive. They are seeking travellers 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 enquire below.
