Archive for October, 2019

From The Rabbi – Parshat Haazinu 5780

Yet again we have learned of yet another chilling act of fatal terror, this time outside a Shul in Germany of all places!!!

A communal vigil will take place on Thursday evening at the South Brisbane Synagogue, to stand in solidarity with German Jewry and against antisemitism. Information will be distributed in this regard by the QJBD in the coming days.

It was a real nachas – pleasure to welcome our many members and their families, friends and visitors at the Brisbane Synagogue over Yom Kippur, and we extend our deep thanks and sincere appreciation to all those who have assisted over the Yamim Noraim – High holiday services, in particular to our visiting Chazzon – Cantor, Rabbi Yaron Gotleib from Melbourne, who will long be remembered for his powerful voice, which almost raised the ceiling of our Shul, as he concluded the climax of the service with the various Pesukim, expressing our declaration of faith in Hashem. Special thanks to board member and long standing communal identity Phillip Zavelski for his ongoing support, especially for his heartfelt and articulate Yom Kippur appeal, which is included below as a message from our dedicated treasurer, Tony Gariano.

It was particularly lovely to hear the sweet sound of many children’s voices in Shul and we extend our sincere appreciation to Vice-President David Paratz and Dr Michael Briner for conducting the children’s program, along with props and all for the story of Jonah.

So many of us loyally attend Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, which is truly wonderful, but please come back for the celebrations next week and the week after for Sukkot and Simchat Torah, when we will draw down all the blessings through our joy and dancing with the Torah.

Please see information below regarding Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach

Rabbi Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

From The Rabbi – Parshat Vayelech / Shabbat Shuva 5780

It was lovely welcoming our many members and their families, friends and visitors at the Brisbane Synagogue over the two days of Rosh Hashanah. As usual, we enjoyed a most enjoyable first night communal dinner, which was attended by a wide variety of people from all over the world, some of whom shared with us beautiful stories and words of Torah.

The atmosphere was warm and uplifting and it was particularly encouraging to witness and listen to the congregation joining in with some of the more popular songs and getting into the spirit of the prayers. We were extremely blessed to receive the special Priestly blessings (Birchat Kohanim) on both days by Jarod Kaplan, who is now training in his young son Zach for this unique and blessed role. Shkoyach Kohen! Thank you, Kohen!

Our sincere thanks are extended to Phillip Zavelski, for his great assistance on the Bimah for Shofar blowing and announcing the page numbers from the High Holiday guide, and to all those who have a assisted with the smooth running of the services.

We extend a bouquet of thanks to Sarah Zulman, who conducted the kids program, and for her great help over the past few months as a teacher for the UBHE Cheder. We wish Sarah much continued success as she returns to Melbourne to continue her studies and further her career.

It was heartwarming to hear of the dedicated team of board members and members who came along last Thursday evening to the Shul for a pre-Rosh Hashanah working bee, and to witness the fruits of their hard work in the form of a sparklingly clean and even more beautifully looking Shul sanctuary for the High Holidays. Kol Hakavod to you all! This is yet another example of what makes our community so special!

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shuva, as it is the Shabbat in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and we read a special Haftarah, beginning with the words ‘Shuva Yisrael’ ‘Return oh Israel to Hashem, your G-d’.

Next week, Tuesday evening and Wednesday will be Yom Kippur. Please see information below in this regard, along with information regarding Succot and Simchat Torah

As we have now commenced the new Jewish year of 5780, entering a new decade, our sages associate the number 80 with strength. May the new year and decade usher in a much blessing to us all, and our families for increased strength materially and spiritually.

חתימה טובה גמר , May you to be sealed for a good and sweet New Year & well over the fast.

Rabbi Levi and Dvorah Jaffe