Emanuel Synagogue

Meet our new Young Adult Engagement Coordinator, Avishai Conyer. He will be working towards creating a space for young Jewish adults in their twenties to connect with each other and their heritage. Avishai Conyer has been active in the Progressive Jewish community his entire life. He has previously served as the Sydney and then Federal Mazkir (chairperson) of Netzer Australia, been a board member of the Australian Reform Zionist Association (ARZA Australia) and presented about Progressive Zionism and Jewish youth engagement at multiple conferences. Avishai has worked with Emanuel Synagogue in the past, running kids' services every Shabbat, teaching Kef Kids and B’nei Mitzvah tutoring, and co-founding the Kol Nefesh minyan with Rabbi Mordecai. He is a board member of the Union of Progressive Judaism (UPJ). We are delighted to have someone with Avishai’s energy, experience, and passion to lead programs for our young people. In the coming weeks, we will reveal the full scope of dedicated program offerings for this very important group. Stay tuned. #youngpeople #youngadult #engagement #engagement #programs #community #jewish #jewishcommunity #jewishlife #jewishculture

It’s impossible to resist a Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio appreciation post this International Women’s Day. This year's theme, Inspire Inclusion, couldn’t be more appropriate. Rabbi Ninio was ordained in 1998 when she became the seventh Australian-born progressive rabbi and the third Australian-born female rabbi. She joined Emanuel Synagogue in 1998 as our congregation’s first female rabbi. Rabbi Ninio believes in the centrality and importance of community and has provided a place where people feel valued, included, and treasured. She is interested in midrash and liturgy and has a passion for storytelling which is evident from her captivating weekly Shabbat Live sermons and the enchanting Purim spiel worlds she builds every year—this year’s ESTHER is no exception. Rabbi Ninio champions equality, inclusivity, and representation and fills her time supporting charities (including the upcoming Exodus Foundation Easter Sunday volunteering—more on that soon), leading initiatives such as the fight against food insecurity, representing us at Mardi Gras, giving rousing keynotes at rallies for Israel, and providing thought leadership in the media. A role model for all Jewish women, Rabbi Ninio leads with grace and kindness, and we are grateful to have her on our team. Today, especially, we celebrate you, Rabbi Ninio. #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2024 #womeninleadership #leadership

Beautiful reflections in this week's Australian Jewish News on our recent collaboration with Plus61J Media and Stand Up: Jewish Commitment to a Better World. To many more such unifying events. #communitybuilding #unity #socialcohesion #collaboration

Today we celebrate a decade of service by our Executive Director, the visionary Kate Shkurko. During Kate’s ten years with Emanuel Synagogue, she has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of this vibrant institution, and we have benefited from her sure-footedness, intelligence and integrity. We congratulate Kate on her leadership and success to date, and look forward to the next chapter together as we navigate this new landscape with her at the helm. Thank you, Kate, you are incredible and we are so blessed to have you. Join us in congratulating Kate for this impressive milestone and be sure to say hello when you see her on campus. Here’s to the next ten 🥂 #workanniversary #milestone #career #leadership #leader #success #community #inspiration

This week finds us hopeful about the future of our community after the success of a beautiful and uplifting collaboration with Plus61J Media and Stand Up. On Friday 9 February we hosted “Breaking Bread and Building Connections”, a special Shabbat service and dinner reception that brought together 100 of greater Sydney’s pre-eminent faith, cultural and political leaders—including heads of Jewish, Christian and Muslim organisations, Members of Parliament, social activists and First Nations elders—that raised awareness, promoted understanding and promised action towards social cohesion. Emanuel Synagogue’s Senior Rabbi, Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM, gave the keynote address in which he emphasised the urgent need for a unified approach to tackling the issues currently facing the world and expressed an eagerness to facilitate this collaborative effort through initiatives such as this one. “Surrounded by some of Sydney’s most dedicated community and government leaders, I was heartened by the palpable collective desire to foster an interfaith and multicultural community committed to achieving social cohesion. We proceed with empathy for our diverse range of perspectives and stand united under our common values,” said Rabbi Kamins. Guests were invited to share the experiences of their communities and listen to those of the people with whom they were breaking bread, resulting in engaging discussions, heartfelt reflections, and moments of inspiration, all underscored by the belief in the power of dialogue to drive positive change in society. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and forge new friendships, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives. We look forward to continuing our work in this space. 📷 Sam Babus

Our President Grant McCorquodale, and Executive Director Kate Shkurko are among the more than 600 influential figures from various sectors and regions who have united in support of the Australian Jewish community. The group includes 19 Former State Premiers, top executives and chairs of ASX100 companies, renowned non-profit founders, and leaders from widely recognised private sector brands. Emanuel Synagogue is proud to support this campaign to reverse the alarming increase in antisemitism and the growing sense of vulnerability within the Australian Jewish community that we’ve witnessed over the last seven weeks. Tag your friends—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—to help spread the word. Sign the pledge to #endhate → https://lnkd.in/e_uuJtAq

We are all shocked and horrified by the abominable attack on Israel. We offer our unequivocal support for Israel’s right to defend herself and with loving hearts, we embrace all those who are grieving losses, who fear for the safety of kidnapped or missing loved ones, and who continue to confront and suffer this terror. Our prayers are with them and all those who stand to defend Israel from this attack. Click here to read the statement: https://buff.ly/3LPbJ28

UNMISSABLE EVENT Join us for an insightful evening just 2 days before the upcoming referendum. Rabbi Kamins and Allegra Spender will share their perspectives, and we'll open the floor for questions. Free registrations here: https://buff.ly/3tqq66P Allegra Spender is the Independent Member for Wentworth. She was elected in May 2022 on a platform climate action, political integrity, future-focused economic reform, gender equity and decency. Allegra went to Ascham School in Edgecliff, has an Economics degree from Cambridge University, an MSc from the University of London, and has completed business courses at Harvard and Dartmouth College. Before parliament, Allegra worked as a business analyst at McKinsey, a policy analyst with UK Treasury and was later the Managing Director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd. Allegra was also the chair of the Sydney Renewable Power Company and CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, which addresses educational disadvantage by partnering low socio-economic schools with leading Australian businesses.

Saturday 7th October 6:15pm ! Join us for the most fun you will ever have in synagogue as we sing and dance with the Torah! The lively music of our Simchat Torah band will keep the energy high, as we dance with the scrolls and then honour our Chatan Torah and Kallat Bereishit Ilia and Anna Kletski, and thank them for their devoted service to our synagogue family for more than 25 years. Head to our website for details --> https://buff.ly/3QWdyO8

Need a little extra preparation for the HSC? Join us at Shabbat services on Shemini Atzeret for a special blessing as you complete your schooling and look forward to the next adventure! Friday 6th October 6:15pm