Earlier this week, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio gave an arresting blessing for peace at the reception for Israel's 76th Independence Day to an audience of more than 500 of Sydney's pre-eminent faith, community and political leaders. Rabbi Ninio is the first non-Orthodox rabbi and the first female rabbi to be invited to do this. Footage and photos coming soon; stay tuned to our socials.
Shavuot is just a couple of weeks away and the response to our Tikkun Leil Shavuot, Navigating the Nuance, and the dedicated offering for teens and young adults, Recaliming the Torah as Modern Jews, has been heartening. We request that you register to help us adequately plan security and catering. Below you can find details about all our other Shavuot offerings. We hope you can join us.
We have also been delighted by the response to our new youth leadership program, Ofakim. Responding to several requests for a deadline extension, we have moved the closing date to 5 June. If you intend to apply, please reach out to us ASAP so you don't miss out, and please share with friends and family with children in years 8 and 9. Learn more and apply here.
Last Saturday evening (Lag B'Omer), we hosted a beautiful inaugural edition of Shirat Ha'lev: A Night of Hebrew Kirtan Chants with Nadav Kahn, who introduced us to a sacred practice that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary spirituality. We're excited to announce the next event in this wonderful series, Sunday 18 August. Book here to join us.
Meanwhile, this Sunday 2 June at 4.00 pm, we can look forward to Rabbi Ninio in conversation with Shira Sebban about her new book, Vietnam's Modern Day Boat People: Bridging Boarders for Freedom. Book here.
And, this evening from 6.15 pm, we welcome you to join our growing Kol Nefesh family for a musical, participatory, multi-generational Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Bring a plate and a friend.
Today also marks the start of Rabbi Ninio stepping into the Acting Senior Rabbi position as Rabbi Kamins embarks on three-months' long-service leave to the US and Israel—don't worry, he'll be back in time for High Holy Days and he has promised to send the occasional despatch from his travels. Bon voyage, Rabbi Kamins.
This Shabbat, we pray for all the victims of this war and remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and harmony. May both come quickly and may the healing follow.
Shabbat shalom.
SUPPORT YOUR SYNAGOGUE
Since October 7th, we have been so proud to witness the amazing support of our Emanuel community for Israel, particularly its progressive appeals and movements. And, we have found it so rewarding to collaborate with many of these organisations and other religious and political allies who have been regularly present on our campus.
The end of the financial year is again upon us, and this is the perfect opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to empower our clergy to continue their important work of building, supporting, and ensuring the future of our community. Every donation makes a difference.
We thank each of you for your continued generosity and commitment, and we look forward to the next chapter in our shared story.
Demonstrators protest in Gaza Strip, 27 May 2024
HIGH PRIORITY: Support the vital work of ARZA Australia and Mercaz Masorti, organisations dedicated to safeguarding our progressive values at the World Zionist Congress in Israel, by becoming a member today.
Show your solidarity and raise awareness to bring the hostages home with a yellow ribbon pin,available on our website here.
In a powerful new documentary, Never Again: The Fight Against Antisemitism, Josh Frydenberg investigates the devastating impact of antisemitism on Australia. Watch here (SkyNews subscription required).
On Monday 3 July, at Conversations About Israel, join Rabbi George Mordecai for 'Zionism on the Fringes: The Legacy of Rabbi Menachem Froman, a unique figure who bridged Zionism and peace activism'. Join us for a one-of-a-kind session exploring his relevance today. Live on emanuelplus or in person from 10.00 am.
FRI 31 MAY Kef Kids – register here 4.00 pm | Education Centre
Shabbat Live Watch on emanuelplus here 6.15 pm | Millie Phillips Sanctuary Baby Naming of Aria Galyer
Masorti Shabbat Service 6.15 pm | Neuweg Sanctuary
Kol Nefesh Shabbat Service 6.15 pm | Heritage Hall
SAT 1 JUNE
Combined Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Neuweg Sanctuary
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Jonty Rod and Lucy Grace with Rabbi Kaiserblueth
Baby naming of Aria Galyer (Shabbat Live) Bar Mitzvah of Max Sher (Mincha)
BECHUKOTAI
RABBI SAM ZWARENSTEIN
From time to time throughout our texts, we find reminders of our expected commitment to the covenant we entered into at Sinai, where we were affirmed as God’s people, with the condition that we follow God’s laws with the understanding that our purpose is to serve God - the very reason we were freed from slavery in Egypt.
We extend our sincerest 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.
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.
You're invited to join us for Shavuot at Emanuel Synagogue, this June. Along with our special Shuvuot services, we can't wait to come together for this year's timely and topical Tikkun Leil Shavuot, and we're excited to introduce a dedicated Tikkun Leil Shavuot offering for teens and young adults.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ TUESDAY 11 JUNE 6.15 pm – Shavuot service + induction of our new board members 7.00 pm – Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Navigating the Nuance 7.00 pm – Young adults Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Reclaiming the Torah as Modern Jews
WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 9.00 am – Masorti service with Rabbi Kaiserblueth and Rabbi Zwarenstein 10.00 am – Embrace service with Rabbi Ninio and Rabbi Mordecai 10.15 am – Children's service with ice-cream
THURSDAY 13 JUNE 9.00 AM – Masorti service ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ As always, we are pleased to offer these programs free of charge, but please remember to register to help us plan security and catering. We look forward to sharing Shavuot with you.
TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT 2024 Tuesday 11 June | 6.15 pm
Since October 7th, many of us have struggled with relationships at work, home, and in our communities, facing disagreements and severed connections. During the evening, individuals can share their experiences, and Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio will provide guidance on navigating these challenges., followed by a dinner break by Nora's Kitchen.
YOUNG ADULT SHAVUOT Tuesday 11 June | 7.00 pm
Running in tandem with the ‘Navigating the Nuance’ Tikkun Leil Shavuot program is a dedicated offering for teenagers and young adults. proudly presented by Emanuel Synagogue in collaboration with Tamar, Ayelet Hashachar, Habonim Dror, Netzer and Moishe House: Reclaiming Torah for Modern Jews.
IN CONVERSATION WITH SHIRA SEBBAN Sunday 2 June | 4.00 pm
Join us for an insightful conversation with Shira Sebban, a Sydney-based refugee advocate and author of Vietnam’s Modern Day Boat People: Bridging Borders for Freedom, inspired by a story in The Weekend Australian.
OFAKIM LEADERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON: Wednesday 5 June
Bringing together passionate young Jews from across Sydney, Ofakim aims to equip Jewish teens in years 8 and 9, with the necessary knowledge and tools to stand up for themselves and the Jewish community of today and tomorrow.
Join us as Rabbi George Mordecai hosts our next communal, interfaith Shabbat dinner. Secure your spot now for what is set to be an insightful, engaging and inclusive evening with a beautiful vegetarian dinner lovingly prepared by Nora's Kitchen. Seats are strictly limited. Special guests to be announced closer to the date.
SHIRAT HA'LEV: A NIGHT OF HEBREW KIRTAN CHANTS Sunday 18 August| 6.15 pm
Following a beautiful inaugural edition, Shirat Ha'lev, a unique spiritual experience, returns to Emanuel Synagogue in August, featuring musician Nadav Kahn and Emanuel Synagogue's Rabbi George Mordecai, who will perform Hebrew Kirtan—a sacred practice that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary spirituality.
RABBI MORDECAI'S LISTENING CIRCLE – 7.15 pm, Thursday 6 June
KOL NEFESH–6.15 pm, Friday 31 May. Service followed by a vegetarian potluck. Dates for 2024: 28 June, 26 July, 30 August, 27 September, 1 November and 6 December.
KOL NEFESH INNER WEST–Stay tuned for upcoming dates
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.
A popular recent addition La Luna, the enchanting musical by the extraordinary Joanna Weinberg about a Portuguese Jewish philanthropist of the Renaissance Europe-era who helped Jews flee the Spanish Inquisition, we have been fielding requests to make it available for streaming and we have heard your cries. Gather the family around and experience the magic for yourself. Rent or buy at emanuelplus; package includes a special introduction by Joanna and a night with the actors.
Experience the beauty of Shabbat melodies guided by Rabbi George Mordecai and Avishai Conyer, and let yourself be carried to new spiritual heights. Join the magic for an enchanting evening of soul-stirring song, captivating dance, and heartfelt prayer.
Nora's Kitchen Cooking Classes A unique opportunity to learn new techniques, experiment with flavours, and explore Jewish culinary traditions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, Nora's Kitchen has something for everyone.
Sydney Sacred Music Festival Immerse yourself in a sacred journey, harmonising both the senses and the spirit. In this one-of-a-kind recorded performance by the Sacred Women's Voices, every note carries the potential to elevate and transcend. Be transported to realms beyond imagination.
GETTING STARTED WITH ASHKENAZI JEWISH DNA Sunday 16 June, 10.00 am | Zoom
Join the Australian Jewish Historical Society online to hear from world-renowned genealogist and Co-Founder of The Holocaust Reunion Project, Jennifer Mendelsohn.
NETZER SYDNEY WINTER CAMP 9 – 4 July | Location to be announced
Experience an extraordinary week of pure Netzer fun at MACHANE OCHEL OLAMI. Designed for participants from years 3-12, this winter camp offers a week-long immersive adventure like no other. From captivating workshops to thrilling activities, every moment is tailored to inspire and empower.
In these difficult economic times, many people are finding themselves in need of support and food. In the breezeway, by the lift, we will be collecting non-perishable food items. Whenever you are in synagogue, if you remember to bring something to place in the basket, we can live the deepest teachings of Judaism about caring for others and supporting people in need.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: ASYLUM SEEKERS CENTRE
We're looking for more volunteers to service our monthly lunches for the Asylum Seeker Centre (ASC) in Newtown. This involves preparing, serving and cleaning up after the lunches. Contact info@emanuel.org.au to get involved.
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WANTED: READING SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
We invite people who have as little as one hour a week to spare during school terms, to join this group in making a difference to the lives of young children. No formal skills are required; training and support will be provided. Email socialjustice@emanuel.org.au to participate.
