The Brisbane Synagogue

Author Archive

Yesterday morning, as we gathered for our annual meaningful community ANZAC Day Memorial service at the Shrine of Remembrance in the city, this year taking place during the intermediary days of Pesach – Passover, and we took a few moments to reflect on the memories of the past, and of those who have made the supreme sacrifice for liberties we enjoy today, we could not help but associate this service with the Remembrance of our Exodus from Egypt, which followed the many years of suffering and slavery, and brought us to the epic moment, forty nine days later, when we received the Torah on Mt Sinai and we became a nation, charged with the sacred mission of becoming a light unto the world.

Kol Hakavod to Loris Ruben, President of QAJEX (Qld Jewish Association of Ex-Service Men and Women), for organizing these important annual commemorations.

As we again begin our spiritual journey of counting the days of the Omer, let us hope and pray that we experience the current Exodus of the remaining hostages, and enduring peace in Israel and throughout the World.

Over the past six months, there has been a concerted effort among Jews worldwide to enhance their Jewish observance and participation in communal prayer for the safety and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in Israel. It has been widely publicized that the families of the remaining hostages, and soldiers in the IDF, are deeply moved and encouraged by the communal prayers and additional Mitzvot being performed on their behalf.

Please make a special effort to attend services over Shabbat and the last days of Pesach, as several regulars will be away and we will be struggling to make Minyanim, particularly for the daytime services, including the Yizkor prayer on Tuesday, as we remember of own loved ones during this special time.

As we prepare ourselves for the last days of Pesach, which are associated with the future redemption, may we experience the ultimate conclusion of all servitude and suffering, and the fulfilment of the great prophecy of Isaiah, “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore”.

We again extend our sincere thanks to the Bachurim – Yeshivah boys, who have come from Melbourne, Eliezer Selek, Daniel Namdar, Mendy Tilson, and Benny Bluming, to assist in leading services and the communal Sedarim – Seders over Pesach.

We avail ourselves of this opportunity to extend our best wishes to you and your family for a Happy and Kosher Pesach, filled with much love, tranquility, and true freedom.

Rabbi Levi & Dvorah Jaffe

PS Please be aware that there is a wonderful Sefirat Haomer App available online which sends automated reminders (not on Shabbat and Yom Tov) for counting the Omer, along with meaningful explanations for the spiritual significance of each day.

As always, in the lead-up to Pesach, it is inspiring and uplifting to witness the individual and collective Jewish spirit coming alive, as so many fellow Jews are looking to connect to their Jewish soul, searching for Pesach products and a place to join a seder. If you or anyone you know are looking for information in this regard. Please see information below regarding Pesach products and the communal seder.
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Hagadol – ‘the Great Shabbat’, among the reasons for this title is to remind us of the great miracle which took place before the Exodus from Egypt, whereby a civil war broke out among the Egyptians, between their firstborns, who were fighting for the freedom of the Jews, in order to protect themselves from the impending plague which threatened to annihilate them.
On the eve of Shabbat Hagadol and the lead-up the Pesach, the Festival of our Liberation, let us hope and pray that all evil and hatred be eradicated from the earth, with the ultimate Miracle of enduring universal peace.
We welcome the Bachurim – Yeshivah boys, who have come from Melbourne, Eliezer Selek, Daniel Namdar, Mendy Tilson, and Benny Bluming, who will be assisting in leading services and the communal Sedarim – Seders over Pesach.
Please make a special effort to attend services over Pesach, as several regulars will be away and we will be struggling to make Minyanim, particularly for the daytime services.
We avail ourselves of this opportunity to extend our best wishes to you and your family for a Happy and Kosher Pesach, filled with much love, tranquility, and true freedom.
Rabbi Levi & Dvorah Jaffe
PS We received word this morning that Coles Westfield Carindale have now restocked with Jerusalem Matzah.