The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for October, 2018

From the many emails distributed to our community, never have so many responses been received by me as from the email sent out a few days ago entitled ‘a quick question’. This little experiment has confirmed for me that we are indeed an inquisitive bunch, who are stimulated by the the challenge of questions. This comes as no surprise as, among the most observed Jewish rituals is the pesach Seder, which is introduced by the famous ‘Mah Nishtanah’ four questions.

So, here is my question for you this week. What is the purpose of creation? Or as the philosophers refer to “the fundamental question of metaphysics”  “Why is there something rather than nothing?

We will be discussing this question, along with other fundamental questions of life and our relationship with Hashem in our upcoming thought-provoking JLI course,  ‘Wrestling with Faith’.commencing this Monday evening. Please see information in this regard below.

Please see information below about the upcoming global Shabbat Project, which is quickly building momentum in Australia and the world-over, and sign up today for this spiritually charged and meaningful experience. Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, Chief Rabbi of South Africa and Shabbat Project founder, has graced us with a personalized Shabbat Project message here:  https://youtu.be/oWQY1xlWhwE  

Shabbat Shalom and we look forward to see you at Shul

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe

As we come to the conclusion of our busy and uplifting Yom Tov (festive) season, and prepare for Shabbat Bereshit, the first Parsha (Torah portion) in the annual cycle, we extend a big Yashar Koach and Kol Hakavod (good on ya) to the many board members and volunteers, including our dedicated CSG members, who have worked unstintingly over the past few weeks to ensure the smooth running of our services and events. We are indeed blessed to have so many of these wonderful communal members in our midst.

Our Mazal Tov wishes are extended to Dr Ben and Jason Steinberg and their family, for their respective Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit roles, and the lovely Simchat Torah Kiddush which they generously sponsored. The kiddush was graciously prepared by Peta Briner, Janine Arenson, Debbie Mengem and Tony Gariano, and was enjoyed by all amid the happy and convivial communal atmosphere which pervaded the day.

May all the blessing which have been drawn down over these holy and precious (Chagim) festivals be bestowed upon each and every one of us, for a year filled with abundant blessings, material and spiritual!

According to the saying of the great chasidic masters, “Vi mir Shtelt Zich avek Shabbos Bereshis azoy geit der gantzer yor”, – “the way we establish ourselves on Shabbat Bereshit, sets the tone for the whole year,” therefore, this Shabbat we should put our best foot forward.

Please consider joining us for our upcoming thought-provoking JLI course, ‘Wrestling with Faith’.

Please see information below about the upcoming global Shabbat Project, which is quickly building momentum in Australia and the world-over, and sign up today for this spiritually charged and meaningful experience.

For those wishing to join us early tomorrow morning prior to the service to recite the book of Tehillim (psalms), we will gather from 7.30am.

Shabbat Shalom and we look forward to see you at Shul

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe