On Sunday 3 March, hundreds of people poured into the Heritage Sanctuary to witness a historic moment for our congregation and the broader Australian Jewish community—the installation of not one, but two exceptional rabbis. With heartfelt speeches, rousing musical performances, and a healthy dose of humour, we honoured and celebrated Rabbi George Mordecai and Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein. It’s hard to remember a time without them, but it feels wonderful to officially welcome them into the Emanuel Synagogue fold as our rabbis. Here are some special moments from this momentous occasion. Over the coming days, we will be sharing more photos and recordings on Facebook and Instagram and invite you to share yours, too (remember to tag us so we can see them). Mazel tov, Rabbi Mordecai and Rabbi Zwarenstein!
Last weekend was major for a second reason: Mardi Gras. Like every year, we hosted a dedicated Shabbat Live service, a sold-out dinner with Dayenu and Rabbi Ninio and Rabbi Mordecai did us proud on the Dayenu Jewish LGBTQ float down Oxford St. Catch up on all the fun here and here. And, check out our tribute to the same-sex couples who've been married by our rabbis over the years here. Register to be among the first to hear about upcoming LGBTQIA+ programs.
This Shabbat, we celebrate International Women's Day (Friday 8 March), for which we must recognise Theresa Malkiel, the Jewish woman who fled persecution in Russia and ended up in a New York City, where she became a labor activist, suffragist, and educator, and as the head of the Woman's National Committee of the Socialist Party of America (SPA), she established an annual National Woman's Day which was the precursor to International Women's Day. Read her remarkable story here.
At Emanuel Synagogue, we are so proud of the women who work tirelessly to keep our vibrant progressive community thriving. Today, we’d like to shine a light on the trailblazing Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Executive Director Kate Shkurko and all the women who support their vision: Rabbi Orna Triguboff, Andrina Grynberg, Sarah Vasin, Toni Rozen, Lizeth Ibarra, Lorena Rozo, Hannah Rayne, Ilana Akres, Marina Capponi and Melba Proestos, together with our board members Eve Altman, Lauren Cavana and Amanda Lyras, the all-female team at Emanuel Woollahra Preschool led by Beverley Smuskowitz, and our tireless volunteers. We thank you for your contribution and commitment to this special family we’ve built together. At services, this Shabbat, we will be honouring the women of our congregation. We hope you can join us.
