Parshat Balak

Come to shule this week to hear about a man who just can’t stop blessing Bnei Yisrael and a talking donkey. Join us at 6pm for a resounding Kabbalat Shabbat. Yaron Gottleib will be giving a shiur on the parasha at 9:15am on Shabbat morning, which will be followed by Shacharit at 9:45am.  The Dvar Torah will be given by Michael Fagenblat. This will be the first time that we will have had the pleasure of hearing Michael talk in over a year.

This week we celebrate the first birthday of Amelia and Jesse. Sara Kowal, Aaron Zelman and big sister Bella will be sponsoring the Kiddush in honour of the birth of the twins and as a thank you to the Shira community for their food roster and support following the birth.

Shira will be hosting a Kiddush Lunch on July 21st. We are delighted to announce that the talk will be given by Rebecca Forgasz on the topic:  ‘Women known for these acts’:  Lesbianism in Halacha. Lunch will cost $20 for adults and $10 for students, little kids can attend for free. You can pay by clicking here or depositing the required amount in Shira’s account. We encourage you to book as early as possible to assist us with organising the catering.

Account Name: Shira Hadasha

BSB: 013 445

Account number: 4978 30199

The consecration of the tombstone erected in loving memory of Debbie Masel (Miller) will occur on July 22nd. Friends and students of Debbie are welcome to attend.

When: 10am on July 22nd

Where: Chevra Kadisha Cemetery (Browns Road, Springvale) Section 13, Row N, No. 30.

Brad Bernstein is giving a series of 3 shiurim, starting next wednesday night (July 11th, 18th & 25th) on Introduction to Talmud. Those interested in attending should register through Caulfiled Shule’s website.

Parshat Chukat

This week we read another narrative filled parasha. I addition to deaths of Aharon and Miriam, we read about the famous incident where Moshe hits the rock. What will be Moshe’s punishment? Will Moshe be allowed to enter the land of Israel? All this and more will be answered this week in shule!

Please join us at 6pm for a melodic Kabalat Shabbat. At 9:15am on Shabbat we will enjoy a shiur on the parasha which will be run by Yaron Gottlieb before commencing Shacharit at 9:45am.  This week’s Dvar Torah will be given by Brett Nathan, who will be making his Dvar Torah debut.

We wish a Mazal Tov to Klara Herz and the Herz and Charak families on the occasion of Klara’s Bat Mitzvah anniversary. We will be privileged to hear Klara leyn on Shabbat.

Our thoughts are with Shaike Snir whose father passed away in Israel earlier this week. We wish Shaike and the Snir family a long life.

Danny Ben Moshe, who is Associate Professor & Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation Faculty of Arts & Education Deakin University (and a Shira member!) has produced a documentary called Rewriting History. Classic Cinemas is screening the documentary. You can find out more details here.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Korach

This week’s parasha sets out two models of leadership: one altruistic, aimed at serving Hashem and the people, and the other self-serving and masking itself as representative of the peoples’ values. It is before this backdrop that we are proud to welcome Eitan Reuven Flescher into the community. In addition to this, we will be celebrating his sister Nava’s third birthday. We are confident that with the guidance and support of their family and community, Eitan and Nava will grow up to become true leaders at Shira.

Please join us at 6pm for a melodic Kabbalat Shabbat. At 9:15am on Shabbat we will enjoy a shiur on the parasha which will be run by Yaron Gottlieb before commencing Shacharit at 9:45am. 

Ittay will be giving the Dvar Torah this week, which will be on the topic: "From the Korach quake to the Melbourne tremor – Human and Divine responses to natural disasters." The Haftorah will be recited by Alex Fein. This will be her first time reciting a Haftorah! We are thrilled to be sharing the experience with Alex.

The Kiddush will be sponsored by Carm and Ittay in honour of the Shira community, to thank everyone for the excitement, support and delicious meals that sustained them during the early weeks of Eitan's homecoming. 

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Shelach

This week’s parashah contains some of the most exciting and troubling stories of the Chumash, including: the twelve spies, the putting to death of the man who gathered sticks on Shabbat and Moshe’s use of the Middot HaRachamim (Attributes of Mercy) formulation. Be sure to come to shule to hear the full story!

Join us at 6pm for a joyous Kabalat Shabbat. At 9:15am on Shabbat we will enjoy a shiur on the parashah which will be run by Yaron Gottlieb before commencing Shacharit at 9:45am.

This week we are excited to host Rebecca Schwarcz and Yisroel Hoffmann’s Shabbat Chattan v’Kallah.  We wish the couple and their families mazal tov and look forward to singing and dancing with them on Shabbat. The Dvar Torah will be given by Yisroel’s brother, Yaakov.

The Kiddush will be co-sponsored by Yisroel Hoffmann and Rebecca Schwarcz in honour of their Shabbat Chattan v’Kallah and also by Dalya and Ilan Freedman, commemorating the yortzeit of Dalya's late father, Stanley Ruch z'l. Yisroel and Rebecca, and Dalya and Ilan invite the entire Shira community to attend.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Beha'alotcha

This week’s parashah contains the passuk “Vayihi binso’ah aron…” which we sing in shule in the ceremony surrounding removing the Torah from the Aron Kodesh. Fittingly, this week, this passuk will be sung by Sasha Klein for the first time, as she celebrates her Bat Mitzvah.  In addition to this, Sasha will be marking the occasion by leyning from the Torah and reading the Haftora. The Dvar Torah will be given by Sasha’s aunt - and Shiranik in her own right - Sibella Stern. We wish a Mazal Tov to Sasha, Penelle, Aria and David and the families. The Stern and Klein families invite the whole Kehilla to a festive Kiddush following the Service.

We are also celebrating the Bar Mitzvah anniversary of Tony Schneeweiss who will be leyning the remainder of the parashah. We wish Tony and his family a Mazal Tov and look forward to hearing him leyn.

Be sure to join us at 6pm tonight for some lovely singing during Kabbalat Shabbat. This week will begin a weekly Shabbat Parashah Shiur. The shiur will be held at shule from 9:15am on Shabbat morning and will be facilitated by Yaron Gottlieb. Shacharit will commence at 9:30am.  

Tomorrow: Shira is hosting a Seudah Shlishit in honour of Debbie Masel (Miller) z'l.  The Seudah Shlishit will be run by Rabbi Hoffman (Debbie's teacher) and will include learning of Chassidut, Torah, psychodrama and lots of singing. Location - 7 Bramerton Rd, Caulfield (the home of Esther (Chooch) and Robert Takac) at 3.30pm.

Danny Ben Moshe, who is an Associate Professor & Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation Faculty of Arts & Education, at Deakin University (and a Shira member!) has produced a documentary called Rewriting History. Classic Cinema will host a preview screening of the film, followed by a Q & A with Danny on Thursday June 28th. You can view the flyer here.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Naso

This week’s parasha happens to have the most psukim (176) of any one parasha in the Torah. It seems fitting to have such a prolific parasha read at the completion of this week, which has been so full of simcha for the Shira community. We wish Galit and Dean and their families a mazal tov on their engagement! We also wish Carm, Ittay, Nava and family a mazal tov on the birth of a baby boy. May you have as many smchachot as pesukim in this parasha!

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 Yaakov Gorr giving our Dvar Torah this week. Kiddush will follow the Service.

In memory of Debbie Masel (Miller): Rabbi Hoffman, teacher of Debbie Masel (Miller) z'l, is coming to speak at Limmud Oz 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 at the home of Esher “Chooch” Takac (7 Bramerton Rd, Caulfield). The Seudat Shlishit with Rabbi Hoffman will have learning of Chassidut , some Torah psychodrama and lots of singing. All Welcome.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Bamidbar & Shavuot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parshat Vayikra

Ever wonder about the connection between Jews and guilt? Or why we might over-eat when we feel bad about something? It might stem from this week's Parshah where we get detailed instructions on 'the guilt offering' - and surprise surprise, it involves sacrificing, burning and eating meat! 

Join us at 6.30pm for some lovely singing during Kabbalat Shabbat, and at 9.30am for Shacharit on Shabbat. Our Dvar Torah this week comes from Ellyse Borghi on the fascinating topic of 'Ghana's Jews'. Kiddush will follow the Service. We will be joined by some shul hopping Bnei Mitzvah children from TBI, so please help us in making them feel welcome.

This Sunday will be a Yom Limmud (day of learning) Bread Day Out — a pre-Pesach, outdoor event (with marquees) presented by Limmud Oz. Share, learn and celebrate everything Exodus! Sunday 25th March at Alma Road Park, St Kilda East from 10am–4pm. Bring your friends, family, picnic blankets and camping chairs! (musical instruments too). A food and beverage stall will be provided by Unger Catering for the purchase of lunch and refreshments. $25 Adults, $10 children (under 12). Some kids activities will be held between 11–1pm. Donations of food for the needy (no fresh produce) will be collected on the day so bring something to donate.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei

This parsha tells us how Moshe's appeal for donations to the Mishkan went viral on youtube and facebook, raising enormous funds for the building. After some controversy surrounding the transparency of the accounts, Moshe reluctantly asked for donations to stop - but fortunately he'd raised enough to get 3 layers of roof covering and plenty of goat hair. Success!

Please join us rain, hail or shine at 6.30pm for Kabbalat Shabbat and then at 9.30am for Shacharit on Shabbat. We are in need of more early birds to get our Minyan started on time  - there is cake and coffee awaiting you if you're punctual! The Dvar Torah will be given by Steven Prawer, and a Kiddush will follow the Service. See you there!

Pesach Shiur Sunday Night: Rabbi Meir Rabi is holding a Pre Pesach Shiur at the Prawer home this Sunday evening at 8:30pm on the topic of Matzah and Haggada.

Mazal Tov to the Kupshik and Klinger families who were blessed with a new granddaughter this week. New parents Cindy and Michael are delighted - we wish you all much naches.

Mazal Tov to Nadav and Nicola on their baby Rudy (Aryeh Mordechai) Baker, and to grandparents Caras and Baker families - much naches to you too! 

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Ki Tisa

We hope you can join us to hear the story of the Ten Commandments and their tumultuous arrival at Mt Sinai this Shabbat. Moshe was startled by the Golden Calf — but did he ever stop to consider that maybe the Jews were just doing some stretching after all that desert wandering? Check out 'Cow Pose' — remarkably similiar to idol worship, don't you think?

Hooray to everyone who joined us on Purim and helped make it such a fun and special evening. Special thanks to our leyners, our comedians and our musicians, we really appreciate your input!

Please join us tonight at 6.30pm for a fun Kabbalat Shabbat and then at 9.30am for Shabbat morning Services. The Dvar Torah will be given by the recently returned Joel Lazar — we are thrilled to have you back with us! Kiddush will follow after shul.

Mazal Tov to Janette and Morry Dvash on the engagement of their daughter Romy to Josh Onas! We wish the happy couple all the best!

Panel Discussion: Jewish Aid Australia and Bnei Brith ADC are hosting "Is everyone a little bit racist" on March 25th. See website for details.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Tetzave

This Shabbat before Purim we are remembering Amalek, those delightful desert dwellers who welcomed the Israelites with open arms into the wilderness. Alas, by 'arms', I mean weapons, and they stopped at nothing to crush the Israelites like Hamentashen crumbs at the bottom of your Shalach Manot. 

Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat at 6.30pm for some singing to warm you right to your toes. On Shabbat morning at 9.30am we will finally feel like drinking our hot tea and coffee now that the cooler weather has hit — so please be punctual to help make up our Minyan. It is a very special week at Shira, commemorating two Yahrzeits and also celebrating a Simchat Bat — a naming of a baby girl.

We wish long life to Morry Dvash, remembering his father, Zev Dvash, and to Chooch Takac, remembering her mother Tesse Lang, this week. Chooch will be giving the Dvar Torah  and the topic will be "Remembering and Forgetting". 

Mazal Tov to Eitan and Rachel Sifris, and to delighted grandparents Michael and Adiva Sifris on the birth of their daughter and granddaughter. May she bring you much Naches. The Kiddush will be sponsored by these three families — the Dvashs, Takacs and Sifris' and all are welcome. 

PURIM is on WED NIGHT this week, March 7th. Join us at 7.30pm for ice cream, hamentashen and Brendan the Balloon Artist — RSVP attendance via return email with number of kids attending please — adults will love it too! Megilla reading is at 8.30pm sharp followed by some live music and comedy. Our Bnei Mitzvah kids will be selling some Hamentashen they have baked to raise money for charity, to help you with one of the Mitzvot of Purim, so bring some cash along. DRESS UP!! 

Shabbat Shalom