The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for October, 2021

Last Shabbat the atmosphere at Shul was truly uplifting, and we express our sincere thanks to all those who were instrumental in preparing the meals, setting up the hall, clearing the tables. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful individuals in our midst, who give of themselves so selflessly for our community. Kol Hakavod and may Hashem repay you many times over for your great dedication and commitment.

Kol Hakavod to all those who joined and contributed to the success of such a special Shabbat and may we share many more Simchot (happy occasions) together in good health.

Following the past few months of extended lock downs in Sydney and Melbourne, during which many of our Southern friends turned to us here in Qld. to recite Kaddish and provide mid-week Zoom services so that they could participate in our services, we have received many heartwarming messages of thanks and appreciation, among which was the following from our friend ‘Uncle’ Velvel in Sydney: “How wonderful it has been to Daven (pray) with your Kehilla (community). When a community has a lockdown, or has troubles, and another community comes to the aid like all of you have done, the Almighty rewards that community, as you have been able to strengthen us with your Minaynim (services). May you always be able to pray together in harmony and friendship with one and other. Chazak Ubaruch – be strong and be blessed!

The Queensland Government has released its COVID-19 Vaccine Plan To Unite Families to chart the course through the next stages of the pandemic, unite families, and protect Queenslanders.

As we move forward, if you have not yet been vaccinated, we urge you to please vaccinate. COVID-19 transmission is less likely to occur from a person who is vaccinated and vaccination provides better protection against a person becoming seriously ill if they contract the virus. This is particularly important for vulnerable members of the community.

While we understand that some members of our community are apprehensive about the vaccine, we believe that it is a Mitzvah to vaccinate for the health and wellbeing of all of us.

Shabbat Shalom and may we share good health and good news

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

It is with great pleasure that we welcome our members and friends who will be joining us this Shabbat for the celebration of the International Shabbat Project, which we are once again fortunate and blessed to be able to host at our beautiful Brisbane Synagogue in the city. In particular we extend our warm Beruchim Habaim – welcome to two special guests, Eliran and Moshe, who will uplift our spirits, through their involvement in leading services, teaching songs, delivering talks, and running kids programs.

This past week we commenced our JLI course, Outsmarting Antisemitism, which was attended by a record number of participants, in person and via zoom. For centuries we have grappled with this age-old issue and our course addresses this challenging subject with purpose, positivity and pride.

”Every Shabbat candle lit, every song in Yiddish or Ladino, and every Swedish Jew who wears a kippa or a Star of David with pride is a stance against hate”.

This powerful statement was not said by a rabbi, encouraging community members to be proud Jews, but rather by Sweden’s Prime Minister, Stefan Löfven, in a recent talk in the Malmö Synagogue, at an event celebrating Jewish life in Sweden.

Stefan Löfven is absolutely right. It’s not enough to remember. We must also act, and react Jewishly. Antisemitism wants to erase Judaism and get rid of Jews, so every Jewish action on our part, and every proud Jew, is a significant antidote and victory over those who seek to vilify and destroy us. It is important for us to live a meaningful active Jewish life in its own right, and not let antisemitism define our Judaism.

Among the most powerful traditions, which has been instrumental in maintaining Yiddishkeit (Jewish life) throughout the centuries, has been the observance of Shabbat and we encourage you to please join us for a wonderful and wholesome Shabbat experience this weekend, among family and friends at our beautiful Shul. Please see information below in this regard and we look forward to having you join us.

May we continue to share good news and good health.

Shabbat Shalom 

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe