The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for March, 2019

As you enter the Brisbane Synagogue, you may have noticed that the Hebrew name of the Synagogue, ‘Shaarei Emunah‘- ‘Gates of Faith’, is engraved above the entrance, prefaced by two letters ‘kuf’. 

These two letters stand for Kehillah Kaddishah – ‘Holy Community’, relating to the name of this week’s Parsha – portion, Vaykhel – and he (Moshe) gathered the Jewish people together for the first Jewish communal appeal, which was met with a resounding success, so much so that it was necessary for Moshe to ask the Jews to refrain from bringing any more items for the building of the Mishkan – Tabernacle.       

In addition to the regular Torah portion tomorrow, we will read from an additional Torah the first of a series of four special readings in the lead up to Pesach – Passover, this week being Parshat Shekalom, which discusses the commandment for all Jews to donate a half-shekel coin towards the upkeep of the Tabernacle. Similar to Synagogue membership today.

In addition to this being a reminder that all Jews are equal before G-d, the half-shekel also highlights that no Jew is ever perfectly whole without the other. In order to be complete, we must unite with each other, this is what community is all about, to be there for each other through the ups and downs of life – when things are going well, and when they are not.

How fortunate are we indeed to belong to such a wonderful Kehillah Kaddisha.

This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevarchim Adar, which blesses the incoming happy month of Adar 2 and n previous months, we will gather earlier at Shul, prior to the service at 7.30am tomorrow morning, for the recital of the book of Psalms, to which you are welcome to join.

Following the service we will enjoy a scrumptious Cholent Kiddush in honour of Shabbat Mevarchim.  

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov!

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe