Another massive week at Emanuel Synagogue started with an unprecedented turnout for our Tisha B'av program on Monday evening, and culminated in a packed house for our eagerly anticipated evening with Nova Peris OAM last night (photo above by Benjamin Ryan). Led expertly by Michaela Kalowski, the conversation unearthed new stories from the multihyphenate living legend, and unleashed in all of us a renewed hope for a brighter future for our people.
This week, we're giving you a little Shabbat surprise: four unmissable, freshly announced events. Don't miss a single one—
Click through or scroll down to the Special Programs section below for more details on each and secure your spot while you still can.
This Shabbat, in addition to praying for the safe return of the hostages and an end to the war, we pray for the wellbeing of our allies, advocates and leaders of our community who are selflessly and steadfastly supporting us.
Shabbat shalom.
Gymnasts Artem Dolgopyat, Tom Reuveny and Sharon Kantor pose with their Olympic medals
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 with Israel and raise awareness of hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available on our website here.
Watchdog says Musk’s X platform is where it’s easiest to find Hamas content
On Monday, 19 August,join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth for the latest installment ofConversations About Israel. This weeks topic: An update on the latest developments in Israel. Live on emanuelplusor in person from 10 am.
13TH OF AV Torah: Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26 Candle Lighting (Friday): 5.08 pm Havdalah (Saturday): 5.45 pm
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FRI 16 AUGUST Kef Kids – register here 4.00 pm | Education Centre
Masorti Shabbat Service 6.15 pm | Neuweg Sanctuary
SAT 17 AUGUST Masorti Shabbat Service 9.00 am | Neuweg Sanctuary
Progressive Shabbat Service 10.00 am | Millie Phillips Sanctuary
The Bat Mitzvah of Hannah Heimans
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Bat Mitzvah of Hannah Heimans
Bar Mitzvah of Noah McGee
VA'ETCHANAN - NACHAMU RABBI RAFI KAISERBLUETH
Throughout the entire book of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving what is in essence his last will and testament. He knows he will not be joining the Israelites into the Promised Land, he knows that he does not have long to live. We have a tradition, taught in the Midrash (an early rabbinic commentary on the Bible):
“Said R. Shimon, Happy are those righteous persons who do not pass from the world without giving instruction to their children after them in matters of Torah; for thus we find that Abraham did not pass from the world without instructing his sons and his household to follow God’s ways…. And thus Isaac instructed Jacob…. And Jacob instructed his sons… And David, King of Israel instructed Solomon his son…. And so too Moshe Rabbenu [“our teacher”] did not pass from the world before admonishing Israel for the transgressions they committed and instructing them to observe God’s mitzvot, as it says, ‘These are the words [the opening words of the book of Deuteronomy],’ etc.”
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.
SHIVA Carol Grolman
SHLOSHIM
Nathan Reston, Eva Lowy, Martin Sean Indyk, Lawrence Harwin, Yvonne Hayes, Angela Kaplin, Julia Faludi.
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.
TORN APART BY WAR PLAY READING + MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Sunday 15 September | 5.00 pm
This year marks 80 years since the destruction of the Jewish communities of Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands. We honor this history with a reading of Torn Apart By War, a poignant play by Vic Alhadeff, inspired by his father's journey from Rhodes. The talented Joanna Weinberg, Geoff Sirmai, Tony Sloman, and Liz Hovey will bring this story to life and the evening will conclude with Greek treats and a special musical performance. This event is supported by the Consulate General of Greece.
IN THE PICTURE: RALPH HEIMANS IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID GONSKI Wednesday 25 September | 5.00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Ralph Heimans AM, one of the world's most sought-after portrait artists known for his meticulously realised paintings. Ralph's subjects include HM Queen Mary of Denmark, King Charles III, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Sir Ben Kingsley, Justice Michael Kirby and Margaret Atwood. Following a deep and insightful conversation between Ralph and his fellow Emanuel Synagogue member, David Gonski, we are excited to reveal a special curation of Ralph's most iconic works, which will be on display in our hall.
SHABBAT DINNER WITH JILLIAN SEGAL AO AND RABBI JEFFREY KAMINS OAM Friday 25 October | 6.15 pm
Following Friday evening services, join us for an extraordinary Shabbat dinner as we welcome the distinguished Jillian Segal AO, Emanuel Synagogue member and Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. In conversation with Emanuel Synagogue's Senior Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM, Jillian will offer insights from her remarkable career and discuss the details of her latest mission to combat intolerance.
IN THE CIRCLE WITH RABBI MORDECAI – 7.15 pm, monthly on the last Thursday of every month. Upcoming dates: 29 August, 26 September, 31 October, 28 November.
KOL NEFESH–6.15 pm, Friday 27 September. Service followed by a vegetarian potluck. Dates for 2024: 1 November and 6 December.
KOL NEFESH INNER WEST – 6.15 pm, Friday 9 August, and 15 November.–register
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.
Live with Thalia-Joan Halperin With the quick wit and dirty humor you’d expect from a veteran of the stand-up stage, you won’t want to miss this hilarious comedy set from Thalia-Joan Halperin, filmed live at Emanuel Synagogue.
Susan Hofbauer on Bronislaw Huberman Join Susan Hofbauer for a captivating retelling of the incredible story of Bronislaw Huberman, the 'Oskar Schindler of musicians,' who heroically saved Europe's finest Jewish musicians from the horrors of the Holocaust.
PEACE AND INNOVATION POST OCTOBER 7TH Thursday 22 August, 6.00 pm| Zoom
Amid the challenges in the Middle East, the Peres Center continues to deliver civil dialogue programs across diverse sectors, including Israeli Arabs, Palestinian health professionals, and virtually throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Participants are invited to join Chairman Chemi Peres for an insightful discussion on Zoom.
NETZER AUSTRALIA'S FEDERAL CAMP: MACHANE CHALOMOT January 2-9 2025
Netzer's Federal Camp offers participants from years 9-13 a unique opportunity to engage with the movement's ideology and turn their dreams for its future into reality. It encourages reflection on personal and communal aspirations, striving for Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) through informal education, active discussion, and enjoyable Jewish activities.
MAYBE TOMORROW WILL BRING SOMETHING Sunday 25 August, 2.00 pm| Sydney Jewish Museum
Eighty years after the Holocaust in Hungary, the diaries of survivors tell stories of unimaginable loss and heartbreak, of lives upended, families broken, and postwar attempts to rebuild shattered communities. Join host Michelle Levitt from 3G Sydney for a powerful analysis of the diaries, the words they hold, and the lives of their authors.
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.
