This week we read about the wicked Amalek whose name has been applied to all the oppressors of our people through the ages.
Amalek had no reason to attack the Jewish people. They had not invaded his territory. He did not believe in the authority of a supreme being. He was not frightened by the disaster that had befallen the Egyptians. What a chutzpah!
This is how Jewish people have been surviving for thousands of years; we have seen in our day tragedies and continue to witness persecution around the world. What did Moses do to overcome Amalek; the answer is one word…. PRAYER.
There are so many chances and opportunities that we can gather together in the synagogue and pray beseeching G-D for our necessities in life. I pray three times a day except on Yom Kippur where there is an additional prayer known as N’eilah. So why not join me in prayer. Friday evening just for fifteen minutes, not only will you do the mitzvah of praying but you will surely enjoy one of the most popular songs recorded in the sixties by different artists including Mary Hopkins !! You should be able to work out the song, if you can’t, drop in, and I guarantee that you will enjoy it.
A reminder also that this Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Shira”, and is the Shabbat when we in shule read in a special intonation by our Baal Koreh, the beautiful passage in the torah known as “The Song of the Sea”.
You see two great opportunities to hear beautiful melodies in shule – join us for a change – you won’t be disappointed !
The popular Mummy & Me sessions for mothers & young children have recommenced & this week’s group saw a record number of mums & babies gather together for some relaxed time a chat and a coffee or tea. Those young mums with babies should make a point of contacting Rebbitzen Racheli Jacks (ph : 0 419 749 227) – who will be delighted to welcome new mothers to this relaxed get-together.
A note again about another interesting addition to our Shabbat morning service will take place on 10th March. Most members of the Congregation are aware that the founding President back in 1841 was Michael Cashmore - the great great grandfather of among many, continuingly active members Alan H Goldberg AO & Eric M Cohen OAM. Now what many are unaware of is that Michael Cashmore's wife was Elizabeth (a.k.a Betsy) Solomon. The descendants of Betsy's father's family are prolific indeed - here in Melbourne and around the world. So much so that The Great Solomon Reunion is to take place in Melbourne in early March 2012 and many of those relatives from around the globe will be present at our Shabbat service on 10th March (Parshat Ki Tissa) and at a special Kiddush following. The Solomon family traces its roots back to Samuel Solomon and his second wife Esther who migrated to Australia following their sons Emanuel and Vaiben who were transported to Australia as convicts in 1818. Join us for as ever special Shabbat service & learn a little more about the history of Melbourne & its colourful characters !
On 20th March I am pleased to report, the Congregation has been afforded the opportunity of hosting an evening featuring Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller. An internationally regarded outstanding scholar of Jewish Studies as well as a gifted lecturer, she has been a full-time faculty member of Neve Yerushalayim College in Jerusalem and. has for over two decades, helped thousands return more fully to the beauty of their Jewish heritage. Her unique approach combines intellectual incisiveness, spiritual profundity, practical examples that illustrate and draw personal relevance from even the most abstract concepts and all of this bundled with a lively sense of humour. More details regarding the venue & her lecture topic for the evening will be provided next week. This will be an evocative and uplifting address that is not to be missed !
I conclude with my friendly reminder about services for the next week –
- Friday (early) evening service commences at 6:00pm
- Shabbat morning service commences at 9:00am during which Jake, son of Rachelle & Paul will be called to the torah on the occasion of his barmitzvah. We extend hearty mazeltov to all members of the GIVONI & GOLD families, long standing members of our shule community, on this joyous event. A kiddush will follow the service to which all in attendance are most welcome.
- Thursday morning (2nd February) our shacharit service will has commenced for 2012 at 7:15am, followed as usual by a haymishe breakfast and light banter around the boardroom table. Please join us and start the day on a spiritual high !
My weekly adult shiur has recommenced at my home – all adults are welcome – regardless of your level of Jewish knowledge – the relaxed surroundings and discussion is always a pleasant and informative break from the rigours of the working day
My barmitzvah boys’ classes have also recommenced & those unsure of which class they are to attend, should contact me via the shule office
& finally – a few words of thanks to the many members who have kindly extended mazeltov to my Rebbitzen Miriam & me on the birth this week in Israel of a granddaughter – & a daughter to our son & daughter-in-law Mordechai & Esti. May we all be blessed to enjoy ongoing s’machot – long into the future.
Shabbat shalom
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