The Brisbane Synagogue Newsletter | Elul 5770 - Tishrei 5771, August/September 2010

NEWSLETTER THE BRISBANE SYNAGOGUE

Published by The Brisbane Synagogue 98 Margaret Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

Correspondence: PO Box 15049, City East Post Shop QLD 4002

Tel: 07 3229 3412

Editor: Rabbi Levi Jaffe 0419 136 451 [email protected]

Tammuz 5770 | June / July 2010

In this issue From the Rabbi's Desk

Quote of the Month

Service Times

Shabbat Times

Announcements and Events

News and Schmooze

Birthdays

Yahrtzeits

Refuah Shleimas

Halacha Corner

Monthly Insight

Story of the Month

Moshiach Meditation

Question of the Month

Humour of the Month

Our Shule The Shule, Yiddish for place of prayer and

study, is more of a home than a synagogue...

it is a home for any Jew looking for a warm

and spiritual place to grow and study. At the

Shule everyone is welcome. Imagine having

a place to unwind, to pray, to study, to

celebrate, and to schmooze (not during the

service)... Welcome to the Brisbane Hebrew

Congregation.

There are families, singles, seniors and of

course children. There are Jews from all

walks of life, backgrounds and affiliations.

People come to the Brisbane Hebrew

Congregation for the sense of community

they feel here. There are no judgments or

expectations. You don't need to read Hebrew

or be familiar with the services. If you are

Jewish and want a place to express your

soul, you are welcome.

Our Activities Include:

• Shabbat Services

• Festival Programs

• Hospital & Nursing Home Visits

• Adult Education & Discussion Groups

• Youth Shabbatonim

• Prison Chaplaincy

• Counselling Services

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Programs

Sponsor The Diamond Centre Pty Ltd

167 Albert Street, Brisbane

Phone: 07 3221 2731

www.diamondcentre.com.au

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I am sending you this newsletter.

This issue is being distributed for the months of Elul & Tishrei.

As we turn the last pages of our Jewish Calendar for the year 5770 and we prepare for Rosh

Hashanah, the birthday of the universe, the macrocosm; at the same time it marks the re-birth of

our own personal microcosm.

The current month of Elul and the upcoming Yomim Noraim – High Holidays, are days of self-

examination and Teshuvah (return), during which time we reflect on the past year with

introspection and “take stock” of our accomplishments and shortcomings, and re-commit

ourselves to adhere to the timeless values of our rich traditions. It is the time of year when the

Almighty is close at hand, making Himself even more accessible and approachable, inspiring us to

atone for past misdeeds, to turn over a new leaf, and begin the new year afresh with new hopes,

new aspirations and new understanding.

The “voice” of the Shofar, which we sound each day during this month, and on Rosh Hashana,

plays a very important part in these days of great solemnity. It arouses our consciousness and

summons us to ennoble our life and actions, to actualize our potentialities, to scrutinize our lives,

to take stock of our errors, and to avoid the same pitfalls.

This coming year will be a leap year, with an additional month of Adar, the month of joy.

Dvorah and I wish you and your family Ketivah Vachatima Tova, Leshana Tova Umetukah - that

you may be inscribed and sealed for a good sweet year, filled with happiness and success, and

may we all merit the ultimate blessing of the coming of Moshiach Now.

Rabbi Levi Jaffe

If you have any comments, or would like to forward articles or information to be added to the next

newsletter, kindly email [email protected].

If you are not a member of the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation and you are interested to become

a member, please contact John Goldman OAM on 0411 256 446 or email

[email protected] or Stan Been on 0410 437 930 or email

[email protected].

Quote of the Month

“Death is merely moving from one home to another. The wise man will spend his main efforts in

trying to make his future home the more beautiful one.”

- Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern of Tomashov (the Kotzker Rebbe)

THE BRISBANE SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER | ELUL 5770 - TISHREI 5771 | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

Notice to all Member & Local Residents

Attendance at services at the Brisbane Synagogue, (Margaret Street), over Rosh Hashana,

Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur day, Succot & Simchat Torah 5771/2010.

As in past years the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation will again implement a nominal fee structure

for non-members of the Congregation who are residents of Brisbane. This is to ensure those

using the Shule share in shouldering some of its financial responsibilities.

For the High Holy Days local residents who are not current financial members will be expected to

pre-pay a fee of $50.00/person for each day or night of attendance over that period or

alternatively $200.00/person for the full High Holyday period. These fees will also be applicable

to partners of members who do not hold duel membership, but not full time students & children.

This fee will be credited towards the annual membership fee if a membership application be

received before the end of 2010. Membership enquires can be directed to Catherine Sadan,

phone 0431 577 523.

Visitors to Brisbane are most welcome to attend & will not be expected to pay any fee. However,

any donation will be greatly appreciated.

All who attend are respectfully requested to allow members to occupy seats labelled with their

name.

Those wishing to register for a place should contact the Treasurer, Mrs Catherine Sadan, asap

on 3277 1622 or 0431 577 523, but not later than 3 September. Address details are below.

We have great pleasure in announcing that Gilad Sadan & Danny Toren have accepted the

honours of Choson Torah & Choson Bereshis

We are also pleased to announce that we will be engaging the services of Chazan Eli Feiglin to

assist with the services over Yom Kippur.

The Brisbane Hebrew Congregation extends to all a happy, healthy & peaceful year & well over

the Fast.

Application process for local non-members to apply for special entry to the Brisbane

Synagogue over the High Holy Days.

Those wishing to apply for special entry to the Brisbane Synagogue over the High Holy Days

should forward details of their full name/s, address, & the Services they wish to attend so that the

Treasurer receives it no later than 3 September 2010.

A cheque payable to "Brisbane Hebrew Congregation" must accompany all applications.

Alternatively, payment can be made by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or bank transfer. Please

contact the Treasurer for details.

These fees do not apply to full time students & children, or visitors to Brisbane.

Should anyone feel they cannot afford the fee, please contact the Shule's Treasurer Mrs

Catherine Sadan on the phone numbers above to discuss the matter in absolute

confidence.

Mrs Catherine Sadan,

Treasurer, Brisbane Hebrew Congregation,

PO Box 15049, Brisbane Mary Street BC, Qld 4002


High Holidays - Calendar & Service Times

Elul 5770 / Tishrei 5771 - September / October 2010

YOM KIPPUR / DAY OF ATONEMENT

MI-SHEBERECH - Blessing for Relatives and Friends

If you would like to make an offering & have a MI-SHEBERECH recited on your behalf on Yom

Kippur please complete the form attached/below the newsletter together with your payment so it

is received by the Congregation no later than Friday, 3 September 2010.

YIZKOR - MEMORIAL FOR THE DEPARTED

If you would like to make an offering & have Yizkor recited on Yom Kippur please complete the

form attached/below the newsletter together with your payment so it is received by the

Congregation no later than Friday, 3 September 2010 either by:

Send to BHC Treasurer

Fax: 07 3277 8060

Email: [email protected] or

Mail: P O Box 15049 City East Post Shop Qld 4002.


Service Times

SHABBAT SERVICE TIMES

Friday Evening - Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv ............. 6:00 pm

Shabbat Morning

Shacharit (morning service) ............................................. 9:00 am

Torah Reading ................................................................. 10:00 am

Rabbi’s Sermon ............................................................... 11:00 am

Saturday Night - Maariv ................................................. 1/2hr after Shabbat

WEEKDAY SERVICE TIMES

Shacharit

Sunday/Public Holiday .................... 8:00 am

Monday ........................................... 6:00 am

Thursday ......................................... 6:00 am

Maariv

Monday ........................................... 7:00 pm (at South Brisbane Hebrew Cong)

Tuesday .......................................... 7:00 pm (at Chabad House)

Wednesday ..................................... 7:15 pm (at South Brisbane Hebrew Cong)

Thursday ......................................... 7:15 pm (at Brisbane Hebrew Cong)

Shabbat & Yom Tov Times (Elul & Tishrei)

Parshat Ki Tavo

Friday, 27th August, 2010 ............... Light Candles at: 5:14 pm

Shabbat, 28 August, 2010 ............. Shabbat Ends: 6:07 pm

Parshat Nitzavim - Vayelech

Friday, 3 September, 2010 ............ Light Candles at: 5:17 pm

Shabbat, 4 September, 2010 ......... Shabbat Ends: 6:10 pm

Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday, 8 September, 2010 ... Light Candles at: 5:19 pm

Thursday, 9 September, 2010 ....... Light Candles AFTER: 6:12 pm

Parshat Ha’azinu - Shabbat Shuva

Friday, 10 September, 2010 .......... Light Candles at: 5:20 pm

Shabbat, 11 September, 2010 ....... Shabbat Ends: 6:13 pm

Yom Kippur / Shabbat

Friday, 17 September, 2010 .......... Light Candles/ Fast Begins at: 5:23 pm

Shabbat, 18 September, 2010 ....... Yom Kippur/Fast Ends: 6:16 pm

Sukkot

Wednesday, 23 September, 2010 . Light Candles at: 5:25 pm

Thursday, 24 September, 2010 ..... Light Candles AFTER: 6:18 pm

Shabbat - Chol Hamoed Sukkot

Friday, 24 September, 2010 .......... Light Candles at: 5:26 pm

Shabbat, 25 September, 2010 ....... Shabbat Ends: 6:19 pm

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Wednesday, 29 September, 2010 . Light Candles at: 5:29pm

Thursday, 30 September, 2010 ..... Light Candles AFTER: 6:22 pm

Shabbat (Parshat) Bereshit

Friday, 1 October, 2010 ................. Light Candles at 5:30 pm

Shabbat, 02 October, 2010 ............ Shabbat Ends: 06:23 pm


Announcements and Events

Chosson Torah and Chosson Bereshis

We are very pleased to announce that Gilad Sadan and Danny Toren have graciously accepted

the honours of Chosson Torah and Chosson Bereshis, respectively. We wish them and their

families Mazal Tov for this great honour and the many blessings that come along with it.

Round Challah for Rosh Hashana

As in previous years Glicks Round Challot will be available from Tarlington Trading. Please call

Tarlington on 3808 6288 or email [email protected] before Tuesday August 31 to place

your order otherwise Tarlington will not be able to guarantee that Challah will be available.

Centre Sunday. Sukkot Funday. - Sunday September 26 – 11am

@ The Jewish Communal Centre, 20 Moxon Rd Burbank

Featuring: Pizza in the Sukkah, Pony Rides, Craft Making, Castle Jumping, Face Painting, Lulav

Shaking, Sukkah Eating.

Western Suburbs Sukkot Celebration - Tuesday September 28 – 5.30pm

@ Gan Gani Kindergarten – 691-695 Fig Tree Pocket Rd. Fig Tree Pocket.

Great Aussie BBQ, Kids Program, Music & Dancing and fun in the Sukkah

Rabbinical Arbitration Course

Rabbi Jaffe recently attended a 3-day Rabbinical Arbitration Course in Melbourne, hosted by the

Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV). Victorian Attorney General Rob Hulls, who opened the

course, highly commended the RCV for this initiative and referred to the RCV as “champions” for

advocating the importance of arbitration which, due to its many benefits, is being increasingly

encouraged by members the Australian legal fraternity.

The course was attended by seventeen Rabbis, and addressed by an impressive line up of

Judges and other prominent members of the legal profession.

Rabbi Jaffe hopes to further develop his knowledge and skills in arbitration so that should the

need arise, we may be able to offer members of our community the option of resolving disputes

without having to go through the expensive, stressful, and often very time consuming process of

the Court system.

Nominations called for Martha Goldsmid Memorial Bursary

The Martha Goldsmid Memorial Bursary is available to single Jewish tertiary students in

Queensland who are in need of financial assistance. This Bursary commenced in the 1950s to

promote and encourage tertiary education for Jewish students.

In 2009, Ronan Kaplan and Daniel Etiel were awarded this scholarship to assist them in their

university studies.

All nominations are strictly confidential and must be lodged with the QJBD via email by no later

than 5pm on August 26, 2010. Only nominations proposed by a representative of a Queensland

Jewish organisation will be accepted.

Please send nominations to [email protected]. For further information, contact Jason on

0411 236 396.


News and Schmooze

Aiden Spence Bar Mitzvah

We express our hearty Mazal-Tov wishes to Aiden Spence and all his family and their friends,

who converged on Brisbane for Aiden’s recent Bar-Mitzvah, which was celebrated at the

Brisbane Synagogue Shabbat Parshat Shoftim. Aiden read his Maftir and Haftarah beautifully,

much to the delight of the many guests who attended from the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast,

and Melbourne. May Aiden continue to grow from strength to strength and be a great source of

nachas to his family and the community.

Noreen and Alan Rosenstein New Home

We are pleased to extend our Mazal-Tov wishes to Noreen and Alan Rosenstein who are moving

to a new home in Carindale in the coming weeks. We wish them much good health, Mazal and

Bracha (blessing) in their new home.

The Wedding of Daniel (Richard) Harkham and Batya (Danielle) Sheridan-Latham

We extend hearty Mazel Tov wishes to Emmanuel Meschers for the recent wedding, in Los

Angeles, California, of his Grandson Daniel (Richard) Harkham to Batya (Danielle) Sheridan-

Latham. We wish the young couple much Mazal and Brachah (Blessing), and may they build an

everlasting edifice among Israel on the foundations of Torah and Mitzvot. May Emmanuel enjoy

many more years of good health and prosperity and nachat from all of his growing family.

Mazal Tov Professor Laurence Basil Geffen AM

We extend our warm and proud Mazal Tov wishes to Professor Laurence Basil Geffen who was

recently recognized in the Queen’s Birthday honours as a Member of the Order of Australia for

his service to neuroscience as a clinician and researcher, and to medical education.

We wish Laurie, together with his wife Tchina, many more years of good health and happiness

and nachas from their family.

A Mezuzah in Bundaberg

At a recent trip to Bundaberg, Rabbi Jaffe visited the home of

Dr David Schapiro and his family, and a Mezuzah was affixed

to the front door of their home. We wish the Schapiro’s much

Mazal and Brachah (blessing) for the future and look forward

to welcoming them at the Brisbane Synagogue when they

next come to visit.

The Passing Sid Solo OB”M

It is with sadness that we report the recent passing of Sid Solo OB”M. Sid was a humble and

caring family man, who was much loved by his family and the many who had the good fortune to

know him. Even during the last few months of his advanced illness, Sid continued to maintain a

cheerful and upbeat disposition, focusing not on his severe illness but rather the wellbeing of, and

interest in the people around him.

Sid is survived by his wife Vivian and daughters Michelle and ? and their familes.

Tehey Nishmoso Tzerura Bitzror Hachaim – May his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life.


The Passing of Rose Smith OB”M

It is with sadness that we report the recent passing of Rose Fanny Smith OB”M, who had not long

celebrated her 98th birthday. Rose was a down-to-earth caring person who will be sadly missed

by her niece Sue Lefmann and family whom she treated like children of her own, and all those

who knew her.

Tehey Nishmata Tzerura Bitzror Hachaim – May her soul be bound in the bond of eternal life

Friends of Sinai College Stan Been “Roast”

It was a great privilege to have attended the recent “friends of Sinai College” dinner at which Stan

Been, the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation President was honoured (and “roasted”) for his great

contribution to our community. The event coincided with the birthday of Glenda, Stan’s wife and

both of their sons Greg and Tony flew into Brisbane specially for the evening. The event was very

ably and entertainingly emceed by Stan’s long time friend and current Brisbane Hebrew

Congregation vice-President, John Goldman. The function was very well attended and raised

much needed for Sinai College, Queensland’s Jewish Day School.

Our great thanks to the “Friends of Sinai College” and all those who were responsible for

organizing and executing this wonderful function!

The Reb Yitzchak and Ada Lipski Torah Dedication

What a wonderful and memorable feeling! Margaret Street was closed to the traffic from Albert to

George St to make way for the procession of the congregants of the Brisbane Synagogue and

their guests who filled up the whole street, to welcome, and honour the new Sefer Torah by

accompanying it. The Torah was carried by Mr John Lipski, the benevolent donour, and his family

and others under the Chuppah (canopy) on its way to its new home, the Brisbane Synagogue, to

join the family of our other Torah scrolls.

It was a delight to view the many congregants marching proudly and majestically and joyfully

dancing in this solemn procession. The acquisition of this new Sefer Torah brought a mighty

surge of spiritual energy in our midst.

One felt the divine life force, pulsating in the soul of the collective life of the house of Israel. It

appeared like a futuristic vision of what is to come in the final redemption when all the souls of

Israel converge and spread out in the streets of Jerusalem, marching towards the third Bet

Hamikdash (Temple). It was as if the prophet Jeremiah’s comforting prophesy was being fulfilled

just afer Tisha B’Av 2010 “And they will come and sing in the heights of Tzion and they will be

drawn to the blessing of the Lord, the wine, the oil, the flocks of Sheep, and they shall grieve no

more” Jeremiah 31:17.

The Brisbane Hebrew Congregation expresses its deep thanks and sincere appreciation to Reb

Yitzchak and Ada Lipski for this monumental contribution to the Brisbane Synagogue and we

wish them much good health, happiness and Nachas from their lovely growing family.

DVD of the Torah Dedication

A beautiful video of the day has been beautifully produced by Claire and Trevor Brazil of

Paramount Video Productions. Running time: 40 minutes.

The video starts with the various individuals and families, alongside Rabbi Eli Gutick, the Sofer,

(Scribe) as the Torah letters from the final words are completed by the Sofer on their behalf, and

a clip of them posing and shouting “Mazal Tov”, and continues with the Torah parade up

Margaret St, the inscription of the final letters on the Bimah by Mr Lipski, the speeches, dancing

and parading around the shul with the Torahs, and concludes with a brief segment of the

reception in the Brisbane Synagogue Memorial Hall.

The following are the costs for the DVD and photos:


DVD - $35 (Pensioners and Health Cards $20)

DVD and Photo (e-mailed as a Jpeg) of yourself doing Torah letters - $45 (Pensioners $25.)

DVD and Photo of your group posing with Rabbi Gutnick, the Sofer, shouting Mazal Tov - $45.

DVD and both Photos - $50.

Payment methods: 1) Internet banking direct deposit. Bank: ANZ; BSB: 014-527; Account No.

3475-3379. 2) Cheque or postal order to Paramount Video, 59 Plateau Drive, Springwood,

4127.

Please send payment with your order. Offer closes end September.

All enquiries 1300 656 269 or email [email protected]

Birthdays (Elul & Tishrei)

We wish all those who are celebrating birthdays this month, a happy, joyous and meaningful

birthday. May they all be blessed with many more years of health and happiness.

Rosmarin, Candy ...................... 2 Elul 12-Aug-10

Singer, Barbara ......................... 10 Elul 20-Aug-10

Friedlander, Daniel ................... 10 Elul 20-Aug-10

Travers, Chloe .......................... 12 Elul 22-Aug-10

Arenson, Shannon .................... 14 Elul 24-Aug-10

Levy, Philip ............................... 14 Elul 24-Aug-10

Epstein, Gerald ......................... 16 Elul 26-Aug-10

Scacheri, Yosef Yitzchak .......... 19 Elul 29-Aug-10

Greenbaum, Marc ..................... 21 Elul 31-Aug-10

Hazan, Shai .............................. 23 Elul 02-Sep-10

Wurfl, Astrid .............................. 23 Elul 02-Sep-10

Hazan, Sacha ........................... 24 Elul 03-Sep-10

Gariano, Pearl Leah .................. 26 Elul 05-Sep-10

Mace, Jarrod ............................. 29 Elul 08-Sep-10

Solomon, Daniel ....................... 2 Tishrei 10-Sep-10

Jacobson, Anna ........................ 3 Tishrei 11-Sep-10

Schneider, Gavriel .................... 4 Tishrei 12-Sep-10

Solomon, Gina .......................... 4 Tishrei 12-Sep-10

Singer, Ariel .............................. 5 Tishrei 13-Sep-10

Bleiberg, Jordan ........................ 6 Tishrei 14-Sep-10

Groen, Terrie ............................ 6 Tishrei 14-Sep-10

Leiboff, Elizabeth ...................... 8 Tishrei 16-Sep-10

Saragossi, Aaron Joseph .......... 9 Tishrei 17-Sep-10

Gans, Alf ................................... 10 Tishrei 18-Sep-10

Groen, Rivkah ........................... 10 Tishrei 18-Sep-10

Epstein, Ramon Garry .............. 12 Tishrei 20-Sep-10

Clunes, Rodney ........................ 17 Tishrei 25-Sep-10

Taylor, Michael ......................... 19 Tishrei 27-Sep-10

Solomon, Nikki .......................... 19 Tishrei 27-Sep-10

Zavelsky, Michelle .................... 20 Tishrei 28-Sep-10

Waner, Shelly ........................... 20 Tishrei 28-Sep-10

Singer, Daniel ........................... 21 Tishrei 29-Sep-10

Krigstein, Warwick .................... 22 Tishrei 30-Sep-10

Ray, Ben ................................... 22 Tishrei 30-Sep-10

Greenbaum, Elise Davina ......... 22 Tishrei 30-Sep-10

Stern, Romi Shoshana .............. 25 Tishrei 03-Oct-10

Fried, Anthony .......................... 26 Tishrei 04-Oct-10

Schneider, Nicole ...................... 29 Tishrei 07-Oct-10

Brazil, Claire ............................. 29 Tishrei 07-Oct-10

Solomon, Toni ........................... 29 Tishrei 07-Oct-10

Magnus, Joshua ....................... 30 Tishrei 08-Oct-10


Yahrtzeits (Elul & Tishrei)

We wish the families of the following a long life. May the Neshamot (souls) of their loved ones

continue to have an Aliyah (ascent in the spiritual realms).

Berkowitz, Alexander ................ Sender Ben Avraham Halevi ............. Elul 7 Aug. 17

Lubarski, Michael ...................... Michael Ben Avraham ....................... Elul 7 Aug. 17

Briner, Violet ............................. Wolf Bas Avrohom ............................ Elul 7 Aug. 17

Kon, Jacob ................................ Yaakov Chanoch Ben Avraham ........ Elul 8 Aug. 18

Freed, Elise Patrica .................. Elisheva Bas Aharon ......................... Tishrei 7 Sep. 15

Saragossi, Joe .......................... Yosef Ben avraham ........................... Tishrei 7 Sep. 15

Leiboff, Jonathan ...................... Yehonatan Zev Wolf Ben Moshe ....... Tishrei 17 Sep. 25

Lister, Brian ............................... Dov Ben Aryeh Leib .......................... Tishrei 17 Sep. 25

Ganz, Sigfreid Samuel .............. Shmuel Ben Yosef ............................ Tishrei 21 Sep. 29

Myers, Hilda Rosetta ................ Chulda Bas Binyamin Hakohen ......... Tishrei 22 Sep. 30

Schlen, Sarah Mary .................. Sarah Mirka Bas Hirsh ...................... Tishrei 26 Oct 4

Tuch, Manfried Zygmunt ........... Elimelech Zelig Ben Menachem Mendel ......... Tishrei 29 Oct 7

Eshensky, Henry ....................... .......................................................... Tishrei 29 Oct 7

Wedding Anniversaries (Elul & Tishrei)

Stern, Noach and Carmel ......... 6 Elul 16-Aug-10

Boock, Bert and Ruth ................ 11 Elul 21-Aug-10

Refuah Shleimah

We wish all those who are unwell, a Refuah Shleimah, a complete and speedy recovery.

LADIES

Aliza Ancri ................ Aliza Bas Miriam

Betty Carroll ............. Budra Bas Rachel

Vicky Freed .............. Nitza Bas Shoshana

Helen Krigstein ........ Chana Bas Hulda

Bessie Levine .......... Batya Bas Chana Lieba

Mrs Ray ................... Gitel Bas Freidah

Elizabeth Leiboff ...... Bronya Bas Esther

Judy Leibowitz ......... Yehudis Bas Toiba

MEN

Shmuel Ancri ........... Shmuel Ben Mazal Tov

Michel Fried ............. Michael Chaim Refael Ben Golda

Anton Mace .............. Aron Ben Sarah

Morris Ochert ........... Moshe Ben Rochel

Alan Rosenstein ....... Alon David Ben Leah


Monthly Insight – High-Holiday Guide

Rosh Hashanah Guide An Overview of Rosh Hashanah's Traditions and Customs

September 9-10, 2010

The two-day festival of Rosh Hashanah is observed on the 1st and 2nd days of Tishrei.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "Head of the Year," and as its name indicates, it is

the beginning of the Jewish year. The anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, it is the

birthday of mankind, highlighting the special relationship between G d and humanity.

The primary theme of the day is our acceptance of G d as our King. The Kabbalists teach that the

renewal of G d's desire for the world, and thus the continued existence of the universe, is

dependent upon this. We accept G d as our King, and G d is aroused, once again, with the desire

to continue creating the world for one more year.

Much of the day is spent in synagogue. G d not only desires to have a world with people, G d

wants an intimate relationship with each one of us. In addition to the collective aspects of Rosh

Hashanah worship, each man and woman personally asks G d to accept the coronation, thus

creating the bond of "We are Your people and You are our King."

The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram's horn. The

shofar is sounded on both days of Rosh Hashanah (unless the first day of the holiday falls on

Shabbat, in which case we only sound the shofar on the second day). The sounding of the shofar

represents, among other things, the trumpet blast of a people's coronation of their king. The cry

of the shofar is also a call to repentance; for Rosh Hashanah is also the anniversary of man's first

sin and his repentance thereof, and serves as the first of the "Ten Days of Repentance" which will

culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Altogether, we listen to 100 shofar blasts over

the course of the Rosh Hashanah service. Click here for more about the shofar.

Additional Rosh Hashanah observances include:

We eat a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize our desire for a sweet year, as well as

many other special foods. All have special significance and symbolize sweetness, blessings, and

abundance. Click here for more about the special Rosh Hashanah foods.

We bless one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, "May you be

inscribed and sealed for a good year."

We go to a lake, river or to the sea and recite the Tashlich prayers, where we symbolically cast

our sins into the water, in evocation of the verse, "And You shall cast their sins into the depths of

the sea." We leave our old shortcomings behind us, thus starting the new year with a clean slate.

Click here for more about Tashlich.

And as with every major Jewish holiday, women and girls light candles on each evening of Rosh

Hashanah and recite the appropriate blessings. (Click here for candle-lighting times for your

location.) After the prayers each night and morning, we recite Kiddush on wine, make a blessing

over the challah, and enjoy a festive repast.


Yom Kippur Guide An Overview of Yom Kippur's Traditions and Customs

September 17-18, 2010

Yom Kippur commemorates the day that G d forgave the Jewish people for the sin of the Golden

Calf. Forty days after hearing G d say at Mount Sinai: "You shall not have the gods of others in

My presence; you shall not make for yourself a graven image," the Jews committed the cardinal

sin of idolatry. Moses spent nearly three months on top of the mountain pleading with G d for

forgiveness, and on the tenth of Tishrei it was finally granted: "I have pardoned, as you have

requested."

From that moment on, this date, henceforth known as the Day of Atonement, is annually

observed as a commemoration of our special relationship with G d, a relationship that is strong

enough to survive any rocky bumps it might encounter. This is a day when we connect with the

very essence of our being, which remains faithful to G d regardless of our outward behavior.

And while it is the most solemn day of the year, we are also joyful, confident that G d will forgive

our sins and seal our verdict for a year of life, health, and happiness.

For nearly twenty-six hours – from several minutes before sunset on Tishrei 9 until after nightfall

on Tishrei 10 – we "afflict our souls": we abstain from food and drink, do not wash or anoint our

bodies, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from spousal intimacy. We are likened to the

angels, who have no physical needs. Instead of focusing on the physical, we spend much of our

day in the synagogue, engaged in repentance and prayer.

Preparations

On the day before Yom Kippur, the primary mitzvah is to eat and drink in abundance. Two festive

meals are eaten, one earlier in the day, and one just prior to the onset of Yom Kippur. Some of

the day's other observances include requesting and receiving honey cake, in acknowledgement

that we are all recipients in G d's world and in prayerful hope for a sweet year; begging

forgiveness from anyone whom we may have wronged during the past year; giving extra charity;

and the ceremonial blessing of the children.

Before sunset, women and girls light holiday candles, and everyone makes their way to the

synagogue for the Kol Nidrei services.

On Yom Kippur

In the course of Yom Kippur we will hold five prayer services: 1) Maariv, with its solemn Kol Nidrei

service, on the eve of Yom Kippur; 2) Shacharit—the morning prayer; 3) Musaf, which includes a

detailed account of the Yom Kippur Temple service; 4) Minchah, which includes the reading of

the Book of Jonah.

Finally, in the waning hours of the day, we reach the climax of the day: the fifth prayer, the Neilah

("locking") prayer. The gates of Heaven, which were open all day, will now be closed—with us on

the inside. During this prayer we have the ability to access the most essential level of our soul.

The Holy Ark remains open throughout. The closing Neilah service climaxes in the resounding

cries of "Hear O Israel... G d is one," followed by a single blast of the shofar, and the

proclamation, "Next year in Jerusalem."

After the fast we partake of a festive after-fast meal, making the evening after Yom Kippur a Yom

Tov (festival) in its own right. We immediately begin to look forward to the next holiday and its

special mitzvah: the construction of the kkah.


Sukkot Guide An Overview of Sukkot's Traditions and Customs

Sep 23-29, 2010

For forty years, as our ancestors traversed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land,

miraculous "clouds of glory" surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers

and discomforts of the desert. Ever since, we G remember d's kindness and reaffirm our trust in

His providence by dwelling in a sukkah – a hut of temporary construction with a roof covering of

branches – for the duration of the autumn Sukkot festival. For seven days and nights, we eat all

our meals in the sukkah – reciting a special blessing – and otherwise regard it as our home.

We reaffirm our trust in His providence by dwelling in a sukkahAnother mitzvah that is unique to

Sukkot is the taking of the Four Kinds: an etrog (citron), a lulav (palm frond), three hadassim

(myrtle branches) and two aravot (willow branches). The Midrash tells us that the Four Kinds

represent the various types and personalities that comprise the community of Israel, whose

intrinsic unity we emphasize on Sukkot.

On each day of the festival (except Shabbat), during the daytime hours, we take the Four Kinds,

recite a blessing over them, bring them together in our hands and wave them in all six directions:

right, left, forward, up, down and backward. (The Four Kinds are also an integral part of the

holiday's daily morning service.)

Sukkot is also called The Time of Our Joy; indeed, a special joy pervades the festival. Nightly

Water-Drawing Celebrations, reminiscent of the evening-to-dawn festivities held in the Holy

Temple in preparation for the drawing of water for use in the festival service, fill the synagogues

and streets with song, music, and dance until the wee hours of the morning.

Sukkot runs from the fifteenth through the twenty-first of Tishrei. The first two days of this festival

(in Israel only the first day) are a major holiday, when most forms of work are prohibited. On the

preceding nights, women and girls light candles, reciting the appropriate blessings, and we enjoy

nightly and daily festive meals, accompanied by the Kiddush.

Celebrations fill the streets with song and dance until the wee hours of the morningThe remaining

days of the festival are Chol Hamoed ("intermediate days"), when most forms of work are

permitted. We try to avoid going to work, doing laundry, writing, and certain other activities –

many families use this time to enjoy fun family outings.

Every day of Sukkot, including Chol Hamoed, we recite the complete Hallel, Hoshanot, and

Musaf, and the Torah is read during the morning service.

The seventh day of Sukkot is called Hoshanah Rabbah ("Great Salvation"). According to tradition,

the verdict for the new year – which is written on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur – is

not handed down by the Heavenly Court until Hoshanah Rabbah. On this day we encircle the

bimah (synagogue reading table) seven times while holding the Four Kinds and offering special

prayers for prosperity during the upcoming year. During the course of the morning prayers it is

also traditional to take a bundle of five willow branches and beat them against the ground five

times.

Sukkot is immediately followed by the independent holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.

Moshiach Meditation By Rabbi Tzvi Freeman

At the threshold of liberation, darkness filled the land of Egypt. But in the homes of those to be

liberated, there was only light.

Light is our true place and light is the destiny of every child of Noah who nurtures the G-dly

beauty of this world. As dawn approaches and Darkness shakes heaven and earth in the final

throes of its demise, those who belong to Light and cleave to it with all their hearts have nothing

to fear. For darkness is created to die, but light is forever.


Adult Education

HIGH HOLIDAYS AND SUKKOT LECTURE SERIES

How Do You Picture the High Holidays?

Would you like to see the days of awe and joy speak to you?

Join our four-part lecture series on the High Holidays and Sukkot and you

will no doubt be moved, inspired and all geared up for a High Holiday

experience like never before. Services and rituals don’t have to be

boring, in fact they are so meaningful when we uncover what is really

beneath the surface. All this and more will be examined at this intriguing

lecture series presented by Rabbi Levi Jaffe and Chanoch Sufrin.

WEEK 1: 30 August

The Art of Personal Growth: A new year, a new beginning

WEEK 2: 6 September

The Art of Jewish Rituals: Insights into the laws and customs of the

High Holidays

WEEK 3: 13 September

The Art of Forgiveness: Learning how to forgive ourselves and

others

WEEK 4: 20 September

The Art of Transformation: When do we start sinning again?

Six Mondays, commencing on Monday, 30 August 2010

At the Brisbane Synagogue Memorial Hall, 98 Margaret Street,

Brisbane

For more information, please contact Chanoch, 0425 248 182 or

email [email protected]


Question of the Month By Rabbi Aron Moss I feel so hard done by. I hate feeling like this when I know I have many blessings to be

grateful for, like a great family and wonderful children. But I find that no matter how hard I

work, how hard I try, others have it so much easier than me - they get left inheritances, win

prizes, travel the world and I just slog and slave to live a decent life, and still I struggle. I

harbour such negativity it is unhealthy. How can I start feeling more grateful for my

blessings and less resentful about my hardships?

Answer:

I hear your frustration. Let me offer you some wisdom that I was taught this morning. I learnt it

from my baby daughter.

She has been unwell and very moody and clingy over the last few days. This morning she would

not stop crying, for no apparent reason, and nothing I did would placate her. I made funny faces,

dangled her dolly in front of her and rubbed it in her face, sang silly songs, and made strange

noises by cupping my hand underneath my armpits. But she continued to sob, oblivious to my

efforts to make her smile.

So I changed tactics. I sat next to her on the floor and started crying myself.

It worked. She stopped crying immediately. First she looked at me a little surprised. But then,

from behind her tears emerged a broad smile, and she started laughing. The more I cried, the

more she giggled. She had finally snapped out of it, and we had some happy moments together

for the first time in days.

Later I reflected on this. What made her stop crying? Why was she laughing? Then it hit me. It is

so simple.

The minute we focus on someone else's pain, we forget our own.

In her own babyish way, my daughter was doing what we all do sometimes, wallowing in our own

problems and being miserable about them. This is self-perpetuating. The more we think about our

problems, the more miserable we feel, and the more we feel miserable the more we focus on

what we lack.

The best way to break this cycle is to look outside of ourselves and see if we can help someone

else. As long as I was trying to take my baby daughter out of her sadness, it was her and her

sadness that took up both of our attention. The second I shifted the focus from her and started

crying, she was drawn out of her own sadness and felt me, my presence and my needs. She

could now stop crying because she was freed from being stuck in herself. She was no longer the

pitiful cry baby, she was comforter and soother of a crying dad. So she laughed.

I think my baby girl is right. You may have good reason to feel down. But you need to stop

soaking in self-pity and look around at what good you can do for others. Don't think of what you

need, think of what you are needed for. Don't look at what you are missing, but see the gifts you

have that others may be missing and you can share.

You have so much to offer and so much good you can do. Don't let bitterness and envy paralyses

you and prevent your soul from giving forth its light. It's time for your baby to stop crying and give

a smile.

Humour of the Month

I bought my son an iPhone for his birthday last week, and recently I bought my daughter an iPod

for hers, and I was really chuffed when the family clubbed together and bought me an iPad for

father's day.

I bought my wife an iRon for her birthday.

It was around then the fight started..........



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The Brisbane Synagogue Newsletter | Elul 5770 - Tishrei 5771, August/September 2010

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