The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for May, 2022

It has been a sad past few weeks for our community, with the passing of several dear members, and we extend our sincere condolences and blessings to the grieving families of those precious individuals whom we have lost.

We express our heartfelt and deep thanks to the honorary members of the Chevra Kaddisha – Jewish Burial Society, who are always available, day and night, to service the needs of our community. We are indeed blessed to have such wonderful people in our midst, along with the many other kind and caring individuals, who are always willing to selflessly volunteer their services to support and help make Minyanim, when needed. Our community is indeed fortunate and blessed by your presence and valued contribution!

Sunday will be Pesach Sheni – the second Pesach – Passover, which takes place exactly one month after Pesach (Passover), reminding us of one of the most important aspects of Judaism namely, that it is never too late to do Teshuvah – to make amends for the past and if we fail to achieve success the first time round, we always have another opportunity to improve and make things right. It is customary to eat Matzah on this day and to reflect on the powerful message of the day.

In the spirit of Pesach Sheni, if you missed the opportunity to join our most informative and enlightening JLI course, ‘Beyond Right’, which commenced last Monday, it is not to late to join for the remaining five sessions of the course, in person or via Zoom. Please see information below regarding the course, including online booking details.

Wishing you and your family Shabbat Shalom and a happy Lag Ba’Omer next Wedneday evening and Thursday.

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

This week’s relatively short Torah portion, Kedoshim, covers many of Judaism’s civil laws, such as caring for the property of others, equality before the law, and honesty in business.

What’s Jewish about Jewish Civil Law? When discussing this question with a communal member last week, he commented “I was not aware that Judaism even addresses civil law, isn’t Judaism about rituals and religious matters?  This question, along with specific questions, such as the Jewish view regarding the use of someone else’s Wifi or property without their permission, will be addressed over the next six weeks, as we journey through the upcoming fascinating JLI course, ‘Beyond Right’ – The Values that shape Judaism’s Civil Code.

If you wish to join and have not yet booked, please fee free to register online via the booking link below.

As we are currently counting the days of the Omer, we remind you to count each new day at nightfall, as the Jewish day begins at night. The idea behind the counting of the Omer is not merely the counting of the days but, perhaps more important, to make our days count by filling them with meaningful experiences and spiritual growth. Each day affords us another opportunity to improve ourselves and the world in which we live.

There is a wonderful  phone App. available, called ‘Omer Counter’, containing various information and insights relating to the counting of the Omer, which we recommend highly in this regard.

It is customary during these weeks to study a chapter of Pirkei Avot – the Ethics of the Fathers, each Shabbat afternoon, which contain some of the most beautiful ethical teachings of Judaism, and this Shabbat we will be studying chapter two. If you have any particular insights you wish to share with our readers in this regard, please feel free to submit them for inclusion in future newsletters.

Wishing you and your family Shabbat Shalom and much good health, happiness and prosperity.

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe