The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for August, 2021

We have experienced an emotionally uplifting week as, due of the Covid lock downs in NSW and Vic., we received several requests from members of those communities to recite Kaddish for their loved ones, as we are one of very few communities along the East Coast of Australia and New Zealand who are able to gather at Shul for Minyanim (Services). Although we usually only conduct mid-week services on a Monday and Thursday morning, in light of this unique situation we decided to try and hold services three times each day in the morning, afternoon and evening.

We are thrilled to report that our community has demonstrated its amazing kindness and generosity to assist our fellow brothers and sisters in their hour of need and have rallied round to attend these services, not only enabling Kaddish to be recited for our fellow Jews, but also affording many the opportunity to “Zoom” into our services and respond to the various prayers which they are unfortunately unable to currently host. Kol Hakavod to all who have, and continue to contribute towards this great Mitzvah!

The above concept of Jewish solidarity is emphasized in the opening words of this week’s Parsha (Torah portion), which  discusses the Mitzvah of Bikurim – first fruits, which the Jewish farmer was required to bring to the Bet Hamikdash as a gift to the Kohanim – Priests. Rashi, the foremost commentator of the Torah, quotes from our sages who say that, only after all the Jewish people would enter the Land of Israel with Joshuah, and were completely settled, may one perform this Mitzvah. The lesson contained within this detail of the Mitzvah demonstrates to us once again that only when we are all united can we perform the Mitzvah in its fullest measure.

This Motzoey Shabbat (Saturday night) we will hold our midnight Selichot service, at which, in addition to members of our own community, we will be joined by many others from down South via Zoom. How extraordinary that our relatively small community up here in Qld. has become a beacon of light and inspiration for so many in our larger sister communities down South.

With less than two weeks until Rosh Hashanah, we are pleased to inform you that booking forms are now available via the Brisbane Synagogue Website: www.brishc.com to register your attendance for the High Holiday services. Due to State Government  Covid regulations, and the Halachic restrictions of using the QR code on Shabbat and Chagim (Jewish Festivals), it is essential that everyone register their attendance prior to all Shabbat and the festival services.

Shabbat Shalom
ברכת כתיבה וחתימה טובה, לשנה טובה ומתוקה
May you to be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year.

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

We extend our heartfelt Mazal Tov wishes to Brisbane Hebrew Congregation President Aron Goldman and his board of management who were unanimously re-elected at the recent BHC AGM. May they be blessed with continued success, materially and spiritually to further the cause of strengthening Judaism within our congregation and community.

Last Sunday it was a real nachas (pleasure) to witness the dedicated team of gracious volunteers from our Sunday Morning Cooking Club, under the committed and enthusiastic leadership of Leah Phillips, preparing delicious cakes and biscuits for future Simchot – celebrations at our Synagogue. Kol Hakavod to you all for your valuable and delicious contribution!

One of the important Mitzvot, among many others that we encounter in this week’s Parsha – (Torah portion) is the  Health and safety Mitzvah of building a fence around our flat roofs, in order to protect each other from harm.

It has not been an easy week, with the sad behaviour of some of our fellow Jews, who have disregarded the health guidelines and brought embarrassment upon all of us, while at the same time evoking horrible antisemitic responses from many in the wider community, who are only too happy to take advantage of such a situation to spew their vile hatred and sick rhetoric upon the Jewish community.

It is interesting to note that this seems to be the first time that such behavior has been called out in association with a specific ethnic or religious group. Perhaps this is a result of the fact that society holds us to a higher moral benchmark and expects so much more from the Jewish community. Either way, it is not at all pleasant and may we all make an extra special effort to uphold the values  we cherish, including and especially the protection of human life and the upholding of our Government regulations in this regard.

With only three weeks until Rosh Hashanah, we are pleased to inform you that booking forms are now available via the Brisbane Synagogue Website: www.brishc.com to register your attendance for the High Holiday services. Due to State Government  Covid regulations, and the Halachic restrictions of using the QR code on Shabbat and Chagim (Jewish Festivals), it is essential that everyone register their attendance prior to all Shabbat and the festival services.

Shabbat Shalom
ברכת כתיבה וחתימה טובה, לשנה טובה ומתוקה
May you to be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year.

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe