Emanuel Synagogue was well represented among the Mercaz/Masorti contingent at the Zionist Federation of Australia conference in Melbourne on 3 November
It's hard to believe the end of another year is already on the horizon, but before you start making summer vacation plans, there are still so many exciting programs to look forward to in November alone, including LIOR LIVE (with Nomad String Quartet), the freshly announced Mitzvah Day 2024 (you don't have to attend in person to participate), People of the Books with Diane Armstrong, Sabbath Queen screening at JIFF (presented with NIF), Kol Nefesh Inner West with a special guest for Climate Shabbat, and the sold-out celebratory communal Shabbat dinner with Rabbi Kaiserblueth (sorry if you missed out!). Find all the details and register below—tickets are selling fast across the board.
Closing this afternoon are registrations for the inaugural Tamar Young Adult Summer Retreat, a fun weekend getaway exclusively for Jews in their 20s and early 30s. Participation is heavily subsidised, but places are strictly limited. If you'd like to join, learn more andregister your interest here ASAP.
There's plenty happening around the community, so make sure to scroll down to the bottom to see what's on—you'll be rewarded with an exclusive discount code for Yentl tickets—and make sure you're keeping a close eye on our Facebook page, where we've been giving away tickets to all the best events around town. If you hurry, you can enter the competition to win a double pass to the Jewish International Film Festival.
Speaking of prizes, remember to participate in our survey to help shape the future of Emanuel Synagogue and go into the draw to win a year's worth of cultural experiences, platinum Lior tickets or four tickets to a Shabbat dinner of your choice. Share your opinion and enter here.
As we look to the future, we're seeking people to support our vision. If you're looking for a fulfilling career, working within a dynamic team to support innovative and inclusive programs for a vibrant and growing congregation, we want to hear from you. Send your CV to info@emanuel.org.au to register your interest in the Facilities Manager and Events Coordinator roles, and apply for the Marketing Coordinator role here. Don't miss this chance to make a lasting impact in the community by contributing to the vital work of Australia's largest synagogue.
During the High Holy Days, you generously donated over 150 bags brimming with non-perishables for our annual food drive. We are so impressed by and grateful for your generosity. Thank you. See the Noticeboard below for a special message from our Social Justice Committee.
This Shabbat, we look forward to connecting with our beautiful congregation—in person and online—to pray together for positive developments in Israel, primarily the release of the hostages and a sustainable path towards peace.
Shabbat shalom.
SHARE YOUR OPINION AND WIN SOME SERIOUS PRIZES
As we continue to grow and strengthen our offering, we want to know what matters most to you. This is your chance to shape our programs, services, and membership model—your insights will help us work towards aligning them to the desires and needs of our congregation. You can have your say by completing this short survey and go into a draw to win one of these incredible prizes –
🥇 A double pass to every cultural program in 2025 🥈 2 platinum tickets to the upcoming Lior concert (23 Nov) 🥉 4 tickets to a Shabbat dinner of your choice
This survey is completely anonymous, and you will be prompted to enter your contact details only if you elect to participate in further research or enter th draw.
• SURVEY CLOSES TUE 12 NOVEMBER, 11.59 PM • PRIZE-WINNERS ANNOUNCED FRI 15 NOVEMBER
Masorti Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary
Progressive Shabbat Service 10.00 am | Heritage Sanctuary B'mitzvah of Ariel & Yoni Efrat
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
B'mitzvah of Ariel & Yoni Efrat
LECH LECHA RABBI JEFFREY KAMINS OAM
God calls to Avram: “Lech lecha, go forth, from your country, your homeland, your family home—and so begins one of the greatest stories on earth. Avram is told to go to the land God will show him where he will become a great nation. We Jews understand this as the beginning of the patriarchal covenant, the promise repeated to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that their descendants will be the nation to inherit the land. But this is far more than a physical journey and an earthly contract. Avram’s journey is a spiritual one, one that we must replicate as we attempt to understand the significance in our time of the covenant – to be God’s people in the Holy Land.
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
Joanne Baskin, David Rockman, Mary Diaz-Martinez, John Gold.
PASSED AWAY IN THE PAST 30 DAYS
Zvi Avraham Kostrinski, Fraser McEwing, Alfred Stricker, Noah Izcovich, Leonard Ivan Lipman, Roger Cherry, Alan Obrart, Nusia Koslowski.
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.
SELLING FAST LIOR LIVE IN CONCERT
WITH NOMAD STRING QUARTET Saturday 23 November | Doors open 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'.
NEW MITZVAH DAY AT EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE Sunday 24 November | 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Mitzvah Day is an opportunity to put our Jewish values into practice. We invite the whole community to a morning of working together to make a positive difference in our world. The day will include a range of activities—even storytime for our little ones with author Susan Banki—and many ways to contribute to the healing of the planet. You can participate, even if you can be with us in person—click below to learn more.
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 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.
IN THE CIRCLE WITH RABBI MORDECAI – 7.15 pm, monthly on the last Thursday of every month. Upcoming session: 28 November.
KOL NEFESH–6.15 pm, Friday 6December. Service followed by a vegetarian potluck.
KOL NEFESH INNER WEST – 6.15 pm, Friday 15 November with special guest DANIEL SHERREL, who will speak briefly at the potluck dinner about potential climate policies heading into the next Federal election in honour of Australia's national climate shabbat (organised by the Jewish Climate Network). Daniel Sherrell is a climate and union movement organizer and strategist. He has helped lead campaigns to win a Green New Deal bill for New York State, create good union jobs in renewable energy, and pass America's first federal climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act. His first book, Warmth: Coming of Age at the End of Our World (Penguin 2021), was named a Best Book of the Year by the New Yorker and Publisher's Weekly, and shortlisted for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, the Guardian, the Nation, and the Drift, among other outlets. He currently lives in Sydney, Australia, where he is the Senior Adviser on Climate and Energy to the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Australia's peak body for organized labor. REGISTER HERE
SHABBATOT– 4.30 pm, monthly on the first Friday of every month. Upcoming dates: 6 December– Register
YESOD –10.00 am Sundays; 4.00 pm Mondays and Tuesdays – Register
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.
17 October - 17 November 2024 | Sydney Opera House
Yentl has been hailed as “breathtaking,” “raw and captivating,” “enlightening and entertaining.” This powerful and courageous Jewish play is performed in Yiddish and English with surtitles and is truly “unmissable.” At this time in the Jewish world, Yentl at the Sydney Opera House is a must-see. Secure $80 A-Reserve seats to all Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday performances by using the promo codeEMANUEL when booking below.
Brave Talks is a platform that prioritises the wisdom of lived experience. Created in partnership with JCA The Choice Foundation and Jewish Care, this mental health advocacy initiative provides a trauma-informed, safe space to deepen understanding and recognition of mental health challenges.
JEWISH ROOTS FESTIVAL Sun 17 November, 11.00 am | Coogee
Adamama presents the Jewish Roots Festival, a new and vibrant celebration of Jewish culture explored through nature, sustainability, arts, and music. The festival will be filled with activities for individuals looking to deepen their connection with their heritage, community, and the natural world.
AND NOW WE KNOW – A TRIBUTE TO LIESJE, THE LITTLE DUTCH GIRL WHO WENT INTO HIDING Sun 17 November, 2.00 pm | Sydney Jewish Museum
This storytelling event will explore the life of a young Dutch girl, Liesbeth Prins, who was hidden by several brave family in the Netherlands during World War II. She was known affectionately as Liesje.
Filmed in first-person POV, Circumcision is a tragicomedy about an agnostic man, whose life is completely falling apart (and whose face we never see), until he comes to believe that his pre-teen son is the Messiah, destined to save the world.
Join Netzer for an incredible week of pure fun at Machane Yekum! The Junior Camp offers a week-long immersive experience for chanichimot (participants) in years 3-8 (2025).
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.
HIGH HOLY DAYS FOOD DRIVE SUCCESS: 150+ BAGS DONATED
Our High Holy Days toiletries/ non-perishable food collection was a huge success. We had over 150 bags donated filled with essential toiletry items and a range of non-perishable food items that will go a long way in helping people who are having a hard time with the cost of living.
Our two charities, the LexoHub in Maroubra and Plates for Mates in Central were overwhelmed with the scale of donations we received. So, it is a massive thank you to you, our community, for your incredible generosity and the continued support you offer for each and every event.
– Emanuel Social Justice Committee
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BEANIE DELIVERY TO ISRAEL
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.
