The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for August, 2023

It has been quite an overwhelming week as, with awe and admiration on Sunday, while attending the AGM of the Brisbane Chevra Kaddisha (Burial Society), we were reminded of the immense dedication and selflessness of the many wonderful members of our community, who voluntarily give of themselves for in the spirit of chesed shel emet – true kindness, in attending to the needs of those who transition from this earthly existence to the World of Truth. May Hashem repay these Holy individuals and their families with abundant material and spiritual blessings.

On Monday evening we have embarked together with a wonderful group of members and friends on a unique and profound spiritual journey into the deeper meaning into the awesome world of Tefillah – Jewish Prayer, or more precisely, relationship building with our Creator. It has been deeply gratifying to listen to the feedback presented by members of the group, who have shared their personal perspectives on what Tefillah means to them. Kol Hakavod to those who have chosen to join us for this spiritually uplifting and energizing course, ‘With All My Heart’, and thank you for sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings in this regard.

It is particularly significant to be traveling together along this wonderful journey together in the lead-up to Shabbat Mevarchimm Elul, The Shabbat which blesses and ushers in the introspective and soul-searching month of preparation for the Yamim Noraiim – High Holiday Days of Awe. Although we have completed the first lesson, it is not too late to ‘hop onto the train’, if you wish to join us for the rest of the course. Please see information and online booking details below.

Please come along and join our inaugural BHC social event at Oakberry Southbank this Sunday at 10am, and meet new and old friends. Kol Hakavod Aaron Goldman, President of the BHC for this wonderful initiative.        .

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

Wishing you an uplifting and meaningful Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Levi & Dvorah Jaffe

Several months ago, we commenced the custom of sharing a few words about the prayers, as part of the Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service, in order to help make the prayer service more meaningful for our congregants, many of whom do not understand the Hebrew language, or necessarily read Hebrew.

Although the Mitzvah to pray is contained in this week’s Parsha – Torah portion, referring to prayer as Avodah Shebelev – service of the heart, reminds us of the importance of putting our heart into our prayers, and not merely paying lip service , by reciting the words without Kavanah – concentration.

We are indeed fortunate to be living in amazing times, in which the ability to connect and learn has never been easier and more accessible. Since Covid, we continue to conduct our Erev Shabbat, Friday afternoon Zoom sessions, for those who are unable to attend Shabbat services due to health reasons, age, or long distance from the Synagogue. At these  short sessions, in addition to singing extracts from the Friday evening service, we share inspiration, insights from the weekly Parsha – Torah portion, and explanations on the prayers, to which everyone is welcome to attend via the zoom link below.

In the lead-up to the High Holidays, we urge you to consider joining our upcoming JLI course, ‘With all my Heart’ – The Jewish Art of Prayer and Spiritual Experience, which commences this coming Monday. This course will surely enhance your comprehension of the prayers and and make your prayers so much more meaningful.

In the lead up to the High Holidays, many have the custom already from the the 15th of Menachem Av, to conclude our correspondences with the traditional blessings for a sweet New Year.

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

Wishing you an uplifting and meaningful Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Levi & Dvorah Jaffe