The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for January, 2020

Jewish continuity is the burning issue on the minds and hearts of so many of us, and the age-old question on how we may most successfully secure it continues to be debated in Jewish communities around the world.

Many argue that the key to Jewish survival is by strengthening our connection to Israel, fighting antisemitism, or remembering the Shoa, while others believe that we must relax the so called ‘old fashioned’ traditions, in order to make Judaism more accessible and compatible with our modern world.

So, this week we thought that it may be a good idea to put this question to you, our readers, as we believe that it will be an intriguing exercise for us to share our thoughts in this regard.

Perhaps we may draw inspiration from the opening words of this week’s Parsha (Torah portion), introducing us to the  book of Shmot – Exodus. The book describes the Jewish people’s first experience living outside of Israel in the Diaspora, and the challenge of maintaining their Jewish identity among a foreign secular culture. Eileh Shmot Bnei Yisrael Habaim Mitzraymah – ‘These are the names of the children of Israel, who were coming down to Egypt’. Our sages point out a subtle yet powerful observation on these words, explaining that ‘the names’, do not only represent the external aspects of the children of Israel descended to Egypt, but the essence of their souls. It expresses that their true identity remained deeply rooted in the traditions of their ancestors, and their connection to their Jewish roots.

As we ease back into the new secular year, when people return to their busy lives, we extend our Yashar Koach (good on ya) to all those who have been attending services on Shabbat and during the week, over the past few challenging weeks, when we have thank G-d managed to secure regular Minyanim (services). We have also had the pleasure of meeting quit ea number of interstate and international visitors, who have been attending services over Shabbat and during the week.

Please see information below regarding our upcoming enlightening JLI course, entitled “Judaism’s Gifts to the World”, commencing early in three weeks.

Shabbat Shalom and we look forward to your feedback.

Rabbi Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

This past week has been another challenging one, as we have experienced yet another week of devastating bush fires around Australia and global tensions in the middle east are mounting. Throughout history, we have always looked to our Torah sages to explain global occurrences and their message to us. In his famous Midrashic work, the twelfth century Torah commentator, the Yalkut Shimoni, relates to us the following prophetic words, “In the future, the nation of Persia (Iran) will rise up against the world and, although the world, including Israel too will be outraged and in a state of panic and ask, how do we respond? The Almighty answers “Fear not, my children, ‘Higiyah zman geulatchem’  – the time of your redemption has arrived. The last redemption will be different from the first, which was followed by further pain and suffering. After this last redemption, you will not again experience any further pain or subjugation, only peace and tranquility will reign for all”.This Shabbat is also Shabbat Chazak, (strength). May we all draw much strength and encouragement from the words of the Yalkut and, through our combined acts of goodness and kindness, may we usher in the era of true and lasting peace in Israel and throughout the world with the imminent revelation of Moshiach.

It is so heartwarming and uplifting to witness the caring and selfless response of so many Australians, who always rise to occasion in situations such as these, in providing financial, moral and physical support to those who have been affected. Kol Hakavod Australia!

In addition to the various fundraising and support efforts, we have been informed by Chabad of RARA (Rural and Regional Australia) that they estimate over 100 Jewish families to have been affected by the bush fires and they have launched a campaign to offer direct support to these families. The money donated will see to the families needs, such as the provision of Kosher meals and other aid, such as kids clothing, school supplies and financial assistance. Donations may be directed towards these efforts. In addition, they have initiated a Mitzvah campaign in support of the ongoing fire crisis in Australia. Information and an online donation link may be accessed via their website: www.chabdofrara.org          

Please see information below regarding our upcoming enlightening JLI course, entitled “Judaism’s Gifts to the World”, commencing early in three weeks.

While we are still in the holiday season, with several regular attendees away, please make an effort to join us at Shul so we can ensure a  regular Minyanim for services on Shabbat and during the week.

Shabbat Shalom and may we share good news

Rabbi Levi and Dvorah Jaffe