Blog Index

Parshat Bamidbar & Shavuot

Admin — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:50:08 +0000

What a huge weekend ahead at Shira - with Shabbat, our Shavuot dinner and our night of learning with a wonderful lineup of speakers, followed by 2 days of Yom Tov and cheesecake delights.

SHABBAT: Please join us tonight at 6pm to start the festivities, and continue the fun at 9.30am on Shabbat with a Dvar Torah by Deb Neumann.

SHAVUOT: Shul starts at 6pm with Maariv on Erev Shavuot (Saturday night). Bookings for the Saturday Night Dinner have now closed but all are welcome to join us for the Tikkun Leil - the Night of Learning, which starts promptly at 7.45pm. A full line up of our speakers, topics and times can be found on our website, www.shira.org.au

Shul on Shavuot begins both mornings at 9.30am. On Day 1 we are delighted to honour Seraphya Berrin on the occasion of the anniversary of his Barmitzvah, and he will be giving the Dvar Torah. On Day 2, Monday, we are hearing some wise words from Joel Lazar, and please note that Yizkor is said on this day.

NEW SHIRA BABIES!! MAZAL TOV to Vivi Cohen and Brad Bernstein on the birth of their son! Vivi and Brad would like to invite the community to join them at the Brit Milah at 1pm at Caulfield Shul this Shabbat.

MAZAL TOV to Nitty Rapke and Marty Page, as well as big sister Ruby on the birth of their son! We wish boths sets of families lots of naches and joy from your boychiks!

THANK YOU: We are really appreciate of Ralph Wollner from Karton Cardboard Furniture for donating a Lectern to the Shul. This will certainly come in handy with our Dvar Torahs! Toda Raba

Jewish Care are in need of volunteers for their June appeal. Session times are:
Tuesday 12 June 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday 20 June 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Thursday 21 June 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Please email Helen Lewitan if you can help on hlewitan@jewishcare.org.au

Shabbat Shalom and Good Yom Tov!

Parshat Behar Bechukotai

Admin — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:31:13 +0000

The people of Greece might rejoice in the teachings of this week's Parsha where we learn about the Shmitta and the Jubilee year - where all loans are required to be free of interest - and you can wander in to your neighbours fields and pick their fruit if you're hungry!

Please join us tonight at 6pm for a melodic Kabbalat Shabbat. Tefilla on Shabbat morning is at 9.30am and we're delighted to have Jewish Aid Education Director, Keren Tuch, giving our Dvar Torah this week. Kiddush will follow the Service.

Shavuot May 26th: Bookings for our delicious dinner close next Tuesday so please book asap at www.shira.org.au/shavuot. Adults $30, Concession $15. The shiurim (speakers) will begin from 7.45pm and the schedule is now on our website and on Facebook. We'd love you to spread the word, it is going to be an amazing night!

In memory of Debbie Masel (Miller): Rabbi Hoffman, teacher of Debbie Masel (Miller) z'l, is coming to speak at LimmudOz in June. Rabbi Hoffman will be conducting a Friday morning class in memory of Debbie, on the teachings of the Esh Kodesh. The Esh Kodesh, known as the Piacezna Rebbe, wrote the book 'Sacred Fire' in the Warsaw ghetto. The English version of that book was edited by Debbie in 2000.

When: June 8th from 10–11.30am.

Venue: ACJC, Monash University Caulfield campus, 8th floor, Building H, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East. RSVP is required for this study session by 30th May, so please email bambi@customikesolutions.com to confirm your attendance.

SEUDAH SHLISHIT: Shira will also be hosting a Seudah Shlishit - a '3rd Shabbat Meal' which was one of Debbie's favourite minhagim (customs) on Shabbat afternoon of June 9th at 3.30pm. The Seudat Shlishit with Rabbi Hoffman will have learning of Chassidut , some Torah psychodrama and lots of singing. Location to be confirmed shortly. All Welcome.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Emor

Admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:25:21 +0000

This week's Parsha takes on a Hunger Games theme where a blasphemer is taken out of the camp and stoned to death. Details of gruesome punishments such as 'an eye for an eye' and a 'fracture for a fracture' are listed. Cheery stuff! Sounds a bit like question time in Parliament House.

Join us tonight at 6.00pm for some lovely harmonies with our new Chazzaniyot. On Shabbat morning we start at 9.30am and are delighted to welcome Brad Bernstein to give our Dvar Torah.

Shavuot is only 2 weeks away so we need you to book in for our Shavuot Dinner at 6pm on Saturday night, May 26th. It will be a delicious spread, including lots of cheesecake for dessert. The learning begins at 7.45pm and we'd love you to join us to hear our amazing speakers, including:

The Honourable Justice Michael Sifris, Paul Forgasz, Yvonne Fein, Adiva Sifris, Ellyse Borghi, Rachel Sacks-Davis, Mandi Katz, Jonathan Barnett, Yaron Gottlieb and Rebecca Forgasz

Please book your dinner spots now at www.shira.org.au/shavuot. Adults $30, Concession $15. The theme for the evening is "The Cutting Edge; Contemporary Issues and Solutions in Halacha and Jewish Society."

Shabbat Shalom

Exhibition and Book Launch: Painting the Song

Admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:58:31 +0000

A journey through the Song of Songs by Victor Majzner & Deborah Masel z"l.

We warmly invite you to this event and hope you can share it with us, in memory of our dear friend Debbie, and we wish Victor every success. The book launch is tonight at 6pm, with an opening address by Mark Baker. The exhibition opens 10am Thursday 10 May and continues until 5pm Sunday 27 May.

This exhibition will provide viewers with a unique and original exploration of a contemporary Jewish response to the biblical Song of Songs, through a selection of major paintings which represent a synthesis of Deborah Masel’s poetry and Victor Majzner’s paintings.

Book Launch Wed 9th May: Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Corner of Glen Eira & Hawthorn Roads at 6pm.

Exhibition: 10-27 May

Monday-Friday 10am-5pm

Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm

Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim

Admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:34:09 +0000

We are thrilled to be hosting our under 35's dinner tonight, and welcome back our new female ensemble to the Bimah for Kabbalat Shabbat, which is going to be fantastic. Join us with your family for a 6pm Tefilla which should leave you invigorated for the whole weekend.

On Shabbat morning we start at 9.30am and early birds will enjoy apple cinnamon cake and honey joys with hot cups of tea and coffee, so please try to be punctual. The Dvar Torah this week will be given by Simon Lipschitz. We are also honouring Orly Strum with an Aliya on the occasion of her 1 year Batmitzvah anniversary - Mazal Tov to you Orly and to your family, it is great to have you with us.

Our May 26th Shavuot Dinner and Tikkun Leil Night of Learning is filling up fast - book your dinner spots now at www.shira.org.au/shavuot. Adults $30, concession $15. The theme for the evening is:

"The Cutting Edge - Contemporary Issues and Solutions in Halacha and Society."

Lastly, we are sad to announce the passing of Mr Eliezer (Leo) Frydman z''l. We wish the Perlow and Frydman families a long and healthy life.

Shabbat Shalom

Under 35's Dinner

Admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:58:52 +0000

Our Under 35's Dinner is this Friday night — why not book right now?

Please join us this Friday night for Kabbalat Shabbat with our new female chazzanot, followed by an under 35's dinner with guest speaker. Ellyse Borghi will be speaking on the topic:

"Dayan(not) — Options for Orthodox Female Leadership."

Ellyse has spent the past few years studying 'Women in Judaism and the Law' in universities and Batei Midrash, as well as interning at the Centre for Women's Justice for Get (divorce) Abuse Cases in Jerusalem.

Bookings; Cost is $15 and can be paid via paypal on the Shira website, www.shira.org.au/dinner.

Please spread the word, this will certainly be an engaging evening - bookings will close by Wednesday.

See You There!

Parshat Tazria-Metzora

Admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:34:34 +0000

Please join us tonight at 6pm for a special event - it's not quite 'Glee', maybe more like 'Shira's got Talent', in the form of a group of women who are co-leading Kabbalat Shabbat and trying out their new harmonies together. It has been a big week, with Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut, and we'll be doing some different tunes to honour these occasions.

On Shabbat we start at 9.30am and encourage you to be on time to get the most out of your shul experience! The Dvar Torah will be given by Sara Kowal, who is speaking on the topic "Mikvah: Why Seven is the New Twelve - Halachic Infertility". The Kiddush is being sponsored by Yaakov and Marion Gorr in honour of celebrating their 15th year of marriage, and Yaakov's parents each commencing their 80th year. Yaakov will be reciting the Haftorah to mark the occasion.

NEXT WEEK - PLEASE BOOK NOW! May 4th Dinner for Young Adults:

This event is for Under 35's who are interested in energetic singing, a tasty meal, and critical thinking company. Ellyse Borghi will be speaking on the topic:

'Dayan(not) - options for orthodox female leadership'.

Ellyse has spent the past few years studying 'women in Judaism and the law' in universities and batei midrash, as well as interning at the Centre for Women's Justice for Get (divorce) Abuse Cases in Jerusalem. Cost: $15. Payment will be arranged through the Shira website. Please book via paypal here. Please spread the word, this will certainly be an engaging evening - bookings will close by next Wednesday.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot - May 26th

Theme: The Cutting Edge: Contemporary Issues and Solutions in Halacha and Society

6pm Maariv

6.30pm Dinner

8-12: Dynamic speakers and a panel discussion, including presentations by Paul Forgasz, Yvonne Fein, Adiva Sifris, Steven Prawer, Mandi Katz and many more.

All are welcome to hear our speakers, and we're hosting dinner beforehand so you don't need to rush home from shul and then back again. Bookings are required for the dinner: Adults $30, Kids/Conc $15. Please book via our website: shira.org.au/shavuot

Parshat Shemini

Admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:38:00 +0000

Some finer points of Kashrut are discussed in this week's Parsha — including the fact that there are 4 types of Kosher Locusts! Imagine that — soft matza is taboo, but locusts make the list! The next time you find yourself in a plague, or competing with Bear Grylls in Man vs Wild, you won't go hungry. Be'te'avon.

Please join us at 6pm (note earlier time) for Kabbalat Shabbat, and at 9.30am for Services on Shabbat day. There will now be hot chocolate as well as coffee/tea/biscuits as incentive to be on time. We are delighted to honour Steve Ehrenreich on the 41st Anniversary of his Barmitzvah — Mazal Tov and Happy Birthday. Steven and Ilana will be hosting the Kiddush in honour of the occasion, and Michael Sifris will be giving the Dvar Torah.

May 4th Dinner for Young Adults: This event is for Under 35's who are interested in energetic singing, a tasty meal, and critical thinking company. Ellyse Borghi will be speaking on the topic: 'Dayan(not) — options for orthodox female leadership'. Ellyse has spent the past few years studying 'women in Judaism and the law' in universities and batei midrash, as well as interning at the Centre for Women's Justice for Get (divorce) Abuse Cases in Jerusalem. Cost: $15. Payment will be arranged through the Shira website. Please book via paypal here. Please spread the word, this will certainly be an engaging evening.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot on May 26th will have a great line-up of speakers and a panel discussion as well. There will be a dinner beforehand, so please don't make other arrangements! Enjoy your Yom Tov meal with us! Booking will be taken shortly.

Pesach II

Admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:35:00 +0000

Whether your Matza was soft or crunchy this year, you're probably happy to see the end of it! Join us for the concluding two days of Pesach, where we cross the Red Sea and tap our tambourines, dancing our way to the desert. We are delighted to honour Yardena Prawer on 7th day Yom Tov, who is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah anniversary. Our very own 'Miriam' who brings music and so many great teachings to our community, it will be very special to share the Simcha with her. We also have it on good authority that a fabulous Kosher Le'Pesach Kiddush is on its way!

Thursday night: Service 6pm

Friday morning: Service 9.30am - Dvar Torah by Steven Prawer in honour of Yardena's Batmitzvah

Friday night: Service 6pm

Shabbat morning: Service 9.30am: Shir Hashirim, the most romantic story in the Tanach, is read after the Torah reading. Yizkor is said approx 11.15am.

SHAVUOT - Save the Date: Erev Shavuot is coming up on Shabbat May 26th and we are hosting a Shavuot Dinner and Tikkun Leil Shavuot - a night of speakers and learning. Please save the date in your diaries. More details about booking for the dinner will be forthcoming.

Chag Sameach

Parshat Tzav

Admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:22:18 +0000

With just one week to go until Pesach, join us for a de-stressing Kabbalat Shabbat at 6.30pm. Don't overdo the pre-Pesach prep - too much stress leads to charosis of the liver! ( I know, I know, that joke stinks like bitter herbs!!)

Please join us on Shabbat morning at 9.30am to help make our minyan run on time. The Dvar Torah will be given by Alex Kats in honour of the 20th anniversary of the Yahrzeit of his late mother, Miriam (Maria) Kats. The Kiddush will be co-sponsored this week in honour of two of our newest shul members, new babies Amos Shaya Faigenbaum, born to Lara and Ari, and also Emuna Tiferet born to Simon and Ilana Faivel! MAZAL TOV TO ALL! We also wish Ari Faigenbaum a very Happy Birthday!

PESACH SEDERS:

Some generous people have opened their homes for Seder night, so if you find yourself without a place to go, please reply to this email and we'll make arrangements for you. Likewise if you have a few spare spots at your Seder to offer, please be in touch via email.

SELLING CHAMETZ: Seraphya Berrin is arranging for sale of Chametz. Click here to sell your Chametz through Shira by 9.30am on Friday April 6

PESACH SHUL TIMES:

First night Friday 6th April: Shul 6pm

First day Shabbat 7th April: Shul 9.30am

Second night: No evening service

Second Day Sunday 8th April: Shul 9.30am

Seventh Night Thursday 12th April: Shul 6pm

Seventh Day Friday 13th April: Shul 9.30am

Eighth night Friday 13th April: Shul 6pm

Eighth Day Shabbat 14th April: Yizkor - Shul 9.30am

WINGS OF CARE CHARITY DRIVE: When you are cleaning out your cupboards for Pesach, you may come across non-perishable, sealed, kosher chometz to donate to those in need. If you yourself are in need or know of someone who is, don’t hesitate to contact Lorraine Levy on 95274866. Donations must be made by WED April 4th at noon. Reply to this email to make arrangements for food drop off.

Shabbat Shalom