This week, the Israeli song "Al Kol Eileh," which speaks of the honey and the sting, the bitter and the sweet, has been manifest in the world. We have watched horrified as here and in Qld homes and communities have been swallowed by brown, muddy waters, and lives have been tragically lost. And in Ukraine, we have witnessed the bravery and heroism of people standing strong, fighting an aggressive threat to their lives and liberty, seeking safety and shelter, frightened and afraid.
A number of Jewish organisations are sending aid to Ukraine and below are links to some funds you may wish to support, to try and bring some light and healing. Also, please consider donating to help with flood relief this week.
Alongside these bitter stings, we have the sweetness: the celebration of Mardi Gras and our LGBTQI+ communities and the ushering in of the month of Adar, according to our tradition, a time of joy. The bitterness reminds us of how precious are the moments of sweetness and how important it is to grasp and hold onto those joys to help us in the days and times of sadness and challenge.
We invite you find sweetness in community, at the Mardi Gras Shabbat in the Shabbat Live service and watch for “Jewish Stars Shining Bright” in the parade on Saturday night. Also, don't forget to book for our Purim festivities, especially our “Purim Masked Ball”, a night enjoy a party and to celebrate our community.
May we find light and peace, sweetness and blessings this Shabbat and manifest it into the world through our deeds and hearts.
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio
Ukrainian Crisis
We are all shocked by the unfolding war in Ukraine. There are a number of Jewish organisations which have established funds to provide humanitarian aid to communities there.
If you would like to donate, you may wish to consider one of these funds:
Parasha of the Week As we sit and watch the news, unable to comprehend the images coming through our various different social media platforms, it is incredible to watch a country unifying before our very eyes.
Shiva:Helen Weir Shloshim: David Emanuel, Vivian Shore, Jill Covitz, Susan Krohn, Barry Luks, Sydney Bogan, Morri Young, Sabrina Rozen, Geoffrey Hearn, David Mane, Patricia (Pat) Roby, Betty Kohane, Katherina Weber, Esther Simons, Evelyn Kohan, Zinaida Fettmann. Click here for this week's Yahrzeit list
Did you know the materials in your shoes are 100% reusable? Those materials can be given new life to create retail floor mats, gym floors and playground mats! Pretty amazing, isn’t it? Check here for more info
Sydney Film Screening (24 March): "Past Continuous": A Documentary on Australia's 1st Same-Sex Marriage, our very own congregants Oscar Shub and Ilan Buchman.
