Archive for October, 2020
From The Rabbi – Shabbat / Sukkot 5781
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 assistant Baal Tefillah – leader of the service, Yossi White, who has recently moved to Brisbane from Canberra. Special thanks to board member Phillip Zavelski for his valuable assistance announcing the pages and explaining various parts of the service.
Kol Hakavod to vice-President Leah Phillips for her heartfelt and articulate Yom Kippur appeal, which has produced positive results.
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 Heritage Officer Dr Michael Briner for conducting the children’s program, along with props and all for the story of Jonah.
The atmosphere at Shul was warm and uplifting and it was particularly encouraging to experience the congregation joining in with the popular songs and getting into the spirit of the prayers. We were extremely blessed to receive the special Birchat Kohanim (Priestly blessings)by our very own Jarrod Kaplan. Shkoyach Kohen!
We extend our thanks to Dr Johnny Miller for fixing the new name plates on to the seats and fixing the Yizkor Board, and to Paul Myers for upgrading the lights in our Synagogue. If you would like to include the names of a loved one on our Yizkor board, which will be illuminated during the week of their Yahrtzeit, please contact our treasurer Leah Phillips on: treasurerbhc@gmail.com in this regard.
As we enter the joyous festival of Sukkot and move from our comfortable homes into our temporary outdoor living spaces, we are reminded of our vulnerability, and how many aspects of life we simply don’t control, as has been starkly demonstrated to us all over the past seven months.
In Jewish tradition, we have a saying “Hakol Holech Achar Hachitum” – “everything is determined by the end“, our sages ensure that Yom Tov should go out with a bang. Let us celebrate the joy of being Jewish and our connection and commitment to the Torah by participating in the joyful and exuberant High Holiday grand finale with our entire family and community for the Sukkot and Simchat Torah festivities.
Please make an extra effort to attend Shul services, particularly over second day Yom Tov, tomorrow evening and Sunday morning, in order that we may secure Minyanim. Please see information below in this regard.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to you for a Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach
Levi and Dvorah Jaffe