The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for September, 2021

With immense gratitude to Hashem we are pleased to report that our Yom Kippur services at the Brisbane Synagogue, albeit conducted with the wearing of masks, were well attended and enjoyed by all. Unfortunately, due to Covid, many of our family members and friends were unable to join us however, the atmosphere in Shul was warm and uplifting and we all felt as if we were together with family.

Our sincere thanks are extended to Phillip Zavelsky, for his great assistance on the Bimah, announcing the notes for the Shofar blowing, announcing the page numbers, and sharing selected explanations about the service, and to all those who have a assisted with the smooth running of the services.

It was particularly gratifying to welcome so many children in Shul and we extend our sincere thanks to Dr Michael Briner OAM, David Paratz AM and Naomi Miller who conducted our annual wonderful kids Yom Kippur program.

We were once again privileged to receive the special Birchat Kohanim (Priestly blessings) from our dedicated Kohen, Jarrod Kaplan. Shkoyach Kohen! Thank you, Kohen!

A refreshing breakfast was held in the Memorial Hall, following the service, which was appreciatively enjoyed by many members and friends, courtesy of Daniel Island, who graciously sponsored and organised this lovely gesture. Kol Hakavod and thank you Daniel.

We transition from Yom Kippur into Parshat (the portion) Haazinu, the majority of which is a seventy verse song, which was sung by Moshe (Moses) on the final day of his life.

Why is Moses singing on the last day of his life? Why was the longest piece of poetry in the Torah chanted on one of the seemingly saddest days of Jewish history, the day that the greatest Jewish leader of all time passed on?

Perhaps Moses wanted to leave us with the power of song. He was leaving his flock, and until the end of times there wouldn’t be anyone like him to guide the nation. So he gave us a tool that would allow us to find G‑d within ourselves, to create leadership even in the absence of true leaders. He taught us how to maintain the flame of Judaism whether on the way to the gas chambers—where Jews sang the Ani Maamin (“I believe!”) on the way to their deaths—or sitting at the Shabbat table with family and friends.

On his last day of leadership, Moses gave us the means to persevere: song.

Please see information below regarding Sukkot and Simchat Torah services and events and please ensure  that you register your attendance via the Brisbane Synagogue website. www.brishc.com

We avail ourselves of this opportunity to extend our heartfelt wishes to you and your family for a year filled with much good health, happiness and prosperity and may we share many Simchot!

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

It is the last day of the life of Moshe (Moses) and at the ripe old-age of one hundred and twenty years, he conveys his parting words to his beloved people.

The Parsha (portion) opens with the words “Vayelech Moshe” – “and Moses went”, and the commentators ask, where was Moshe going at this stage of his life? Among the explanations presented is that the Torah is teaching us an important lesson from Moshe that, even on this last day of a most productive and accomplished life, Moshe was still moving and  progressing forward. No matter what stage of life one finds oneself, we must all constantly grow and increase in our learning and positive contributions to our families, community and society at large.

Please see information below regarding Yom Kippur and Sukkot and Simchat Torah services and events and please ensure  that you register your attendance via the Brisbane Synagogue website. www.brishc.com

We avail ourselves of this opportunity to extend our heartfelt wishes to you and your family for a year filled with much good health, happiness and prosperity and may we share many Simchot!

Shabbat Shalom and well over the fast
 בברכת גמר חתימה טובה
May you sealed for a good and sweet New Year.

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe