Parshat Toldot

In this week's Parasha, we hear of the story of the birth of twin boys - Esau and Jacob, born to Isaac and Rebecca.

Come and join us for a lovely end to the working week by celebrating Shabbat together - our musical Kabbalat Shabbat commences 6.30pm (mincha at 6.15pm). Shacharit commences 9.45am.  If you are interested in learning to lead Kabbalat Shabbat, please email ilana@shira.org.au.

This week, we bid farewell and b'hatzlacha (good luck) to our beloved Yardena Prawer who is making aliyah. Most of you will know of Yardena's invaluable contributions to Shira as much-loved children's program leader, bnei mitzvah teacher, Torah & Megilla reader, and just all-round wonderful person!  We are sad to see her go but know that she will continue to spread her wonderful light in Israel. We also wish farewell and l'hitraot (see you soon) to Michelle, Steven and Tali Prawer for their Sabbatical adventures abroad.

We have sponsored a farewell Kiddush for Yardena, and invite all the community to attend. Yardena will also be giving the Dvar Torah.

(THIS SHABBAT! )You are invited to "Modern Jewish Thinkers: Shira Seudah Shlishit series" Shira is thrilled to host a series of three seudah shlishits as follows:

(1) THIS SHABBAT!! 22 November at 4.15pm: Martin Buber's secular religiosity, presented by Ittay Flescher. (Parents are welcome to bring their children, as we will have Klara Herz assisting in minding the children.) Address: 11 Fitzgibbon Cres, Caulfield North.

(2) 6 December at 6pm: Yemima Avital: A Woman as a Modern Hasidic Master presented by Dr Melanie Landau. Address: 14 Airdrie Road, Caulfield North 

(3) 13 December at 6.30pm: The Lonely Prophet: Glimpses into the World of Rav Kook presented by Raphael Dascalu. Address: 6/310 Alma Road, Caulfield North.  

Reminder! All are invited to a community Q&A with Dr Melanie Landau, which will take place at 7pm on 7 December 2014 at THC, immediately prior to the AGM.

We also wish a (belated) mazeltov to Jesse Lubitz and Lior Albeck-Ripka on their engagement! Mazel tov to Lionel and Rita Lubitz and to all the families, many blessings and much nachas.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Vayera

In Parshat Vayera, Sarah and Avraham are told that they will become parents in their ripe old age. Sarah laughs upon hearing the news, and for this, her son is named 'Yitzchak — he will laugh'.

Come join us for a joyous Shabbat together — our musical Kabbalat Shabbat commences 6.30pm (mincha at 6.15pm).  

Shacharit commences 9.45am, and the Dvar Torah this week will be given by Shaynee Barnett.  The Kiddush this week is kindly sponsored by Ashley Browne and Mandi Katz, all are very welcome! If you would like to sponsor a kiddush to celebrate or commemorate a special occasion, please email ilana@shira.org.au. 

Shira Seudah Shlishit series - save the dates! Shira is thrilled to host a series of three seudah shlishits on 22 November (learning with Ittay Flescher); 29 November(learning with Raf Dascalu) and 6 December (learning with Dr Melanie Landau). Stay tuned, more details to follow!

Do you have, or know of, a child turning bar/batmitzvah in 2015/16? Please email ilana@shira.org.au to register your interest in our unique and inspiring Bnei Mitzvah program 2015.  

In other Community News....

Mitzvah Day is approaching on Sunday 16 November, and Shira is encouraging all members to be involved with Jewish Care's activities at Montefiore Homes running from 10.30-2.00pm, plenty of fun for adults and children. Check out all the happenings here. 

Limmud Fest is a weekend long community wide conference and festival celebrating Jewish learning and creativity, this year held over 28-30 November in Central Coast, NSW. For more information and to purchase tickets (bookings close 24 November) please click here.

Pardes Jerusalem is recruiting for students to attend their Southern Hemisphere Summer Program in Jerusalem, commencing 1 December.  For more details see here.

Glow Project events is putting on a concert called "Life is Beautiful" starring Brett Kaye and other artists at the Astor Theatre on 2 December.  Tickets are $40, and Shira receives $10 for each ticket sold.  To purchase tickets, please email ilana@shira.org.au

Parshat Lech Lecha

Join us for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat at 6.30pm, as a beautiful way to end the working week (mincha starts 6.15).

Shacharit commences 9.45am, and we are thrilled to celebrate the barmitzvah anniversary of Dr Leslie Segal, Mazeltov, wishing you and your family only blessings! There will be a Kiddush kindly sponsored afterwards by Leslie Segal and Freydi Mrocki, and all are welcome. The Dvar Torah will be given by Joel Lazar.

Mitzvah Day is approaching on Sunday 16 November, and Shira is encouraging all members to be involved with Jewish Care's activities at Montefiore Homes running from 10.30-2.00pm, plenty of fun for adults and children. Check out all the happenings here. 

Do you have, or know of, a child turning bar/batmitzvah in 2015/16?  Please email ilana@shira.org.au to register your interest in our unique and inspiring Bnei Mitzvah program 2015.

Glow Project events is putting on a concert called "Life is Beautiful" starring Brett Kaye and other artists at the Astor Theatre on 2 December.  Tickets are $40, and Shira receives $10 for each ticket sold.  To purchase tickets, please email ilana@shira.org.au

We acknowledge the yarzheit of Reuven Flescher z'l, and wish Ittay Flescher and Carmella Flescher and families a long and healthy life.

Parshat Noach

We have exciting and wonderful events for you to join in, this week at Shira.

Firstly, we are thrilled to wish a hearty Mazel Tov toIsobel Stein-Fooks on her batmitzvah! Wishing Isobel and her parents, Debbie and Ben, her siblings, and the entire family much nachas and many blessings on this exciting milestone for Isobel.  Thank you to the family for sponsoring the Kiddush after shule, and all are welcome.

The Dvar Torah will be given this week by Chooch (Esther) Takac.  Shacharit commences at 9.45am.

Mazeltov as well to Dalya Freeman on her batmitzvah anniversary!

Shabbat Project:

(1) Welcome to our first musical Kabbalat Shabbat of the year! Bring your voices and instruments and join us in an always melodious and inspirational start to Shabbat at 6.30pm Friday night.

This Friday night we are also pleased to welcome Bialik secondary students who will be attending Shira as part of their Shule Hop.

(2) If you (or someone you know) are a student between Years 7-12, then we invite you to come along to "Shabbos in the Park" together with all the youth movements at Caulfield Park Pavilion at 4.30pm (alternatively at Shira premises in the event of wet weather). Our Education Director Raf Dascalu will be presenting one of the shiurim.

(3) Yaron Gottleib and Alex Fein welcome you to their home at 28 Normanby Ave (not Road) at 6.45pm for a "heimish" Seudah Shlishit. The communal Shabbat Project havdalah will take place across the road at Caulfield Park afterwards at approx 8.45pm.

Other events:

Samara Hersch is directing "META a nightmare inspired by Kafka's Metamorphosis" at the Malthouse Theatre. For tickets and information, please see here.

Glow Project events is putting on a concert called "Life is Beautiful" starring Brett Kaye and other artists at the Astor Theatre on 2 December.  Tickets are $40, and Shira receives $10 for each ticket sold.  To purchase tickets, please email ilana@shira.org.au

Shabbat Shalom!

Shmini Atzeret, Simchat Torah and Shabbat Bereishit!

We are back for another round of yomtovs! Join us this chag to celebrate the cycle of the Torah! 

Shmini Atzeret — Thursday 16 October, Shacharit commences at 9.15am. Yizkor is said on this day.

That night, the fun begins for young and not-as-young! Children love Simchat Torah at Shira with dinner and puppet shows at other activities on Thursday evening 16 October from 5.00pm–6.30pm for those aged 0–7 (and their parents/carers)

We then invite the whole community to come on down at 7.30pm for some singing and dancing with the Torah and cakes and goody bags.  We should finish by around 9.00pm.

Everyone is invited to have an aliya from the Torah on Friday 17 October, Simchat Torah day, beginning at 9.15am. At around 12 noon, we are honoured to honour (!) Yardena Prawer as Kallat HaTorah and Mark Symons as Chatan Bereishit.  We are also delighted to honour Sasha Klein, Tali Prawer and Noah Starr as our Kol Ha'nearim - representing the youth of our shul. Vivi Kalman will once again read Bereishit as she always does so beautifully. 

A communal kiddush will be enjoyed over the course of the day! All welcome!

Kabbalat Shabbat will begin that night at 6.30pm. Shacharit on Shabbat 18 October begins at 9.45amwith a kiddush kindly sponsored by Mark and Kerryn Baker following the shul service, in honour of their birthdays! Mark will be giving the Dvar Torah as well. All welcome.

Employment: Shira has three paid part time positions available for people wanting to join our dynamic team and organisation, commencing end 2014/beginning 2015. Please pass on to anyone you think may be interested in the following positions:
(1) Early Learning Co-ordinator (children's programs
(2) Bnei Mitzvah Co-ordinator; and/or
(3) Administrative Officer (community organiser)
Please email ilana@shira.org.au for a more detailed position description.

Save the Date! 7 December 8.00pm for our AGM, more details to follow.

We have a new Facebook page!  Please visit www.facebook.com/shira.melbourne and make sure to click to receive Notifcations to be updated for all things Shira!  Thank you to Ari Perlow for setting this up.

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!

Sukkot

The weather is wild and unpredictable - it must be Sukkot time!  Thank you to all who contributed and davened with us over Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, it was an incredible time at Shira.  Now we look forward to continuing the momentum together, and celebrating Sukkot & Simchat Torah with you.

We are still open for membership, and we thank  all those who have supported us so far. It's not too late to take out membership, and we always gratefully welcome your contribution! Click here to take out membership!

Sukkot times & events are as follows:

Thursday 9 October - Shacharit 9.30am
A light kiddush will be held at the home of Alex Fein and Yaron Gottleib at 28 Normanby Avenue (not Road!) after shule.

Friday 10 October - Shacharit 9.30am

Special event! Join us for a very special Sukkot after shule (12 approx) at the Tamir's beautiful sukkah at 14 Airdrie Road, Caulfield. Thank you to Lindy and Eddie Tamir who are kindly sponsoring a light lunch in the Sukkah.  Over lunch, we will hear a presentation by educator and Director of Teaching Israel, Ilan Blochon "Finding meaning in the Fruit & Veg Aisle: How might we find meaning as individuals and a community during the Sabbatical year (Shmittah)." 

Join our Sukkot facebook events groups for more information and updates!

Kabbalat Shabbat 10 October - 6.30pm (*note new time)

Shabbat 11 October - 9.30am (*note new time) Come and hear Yardena Prawer read the beautiful soulful words of Kohelet.
A light kiddush will be held at the home of Annette Charak and Alain Herz at 18 Pental Road after shule.

All are welcome to join in our Kiddushes and we are thankful to all our respective generous hosts for the use of their Sukkahs!

Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (more details to follow in next email)

Shmini Atzeret 16 October - Shacharit 9.15am

Kids dinner & Simchat Torah activities for ages 0-7 - 5pm
Simchat Torah nighttime celebrations 7.30pm

Simchat Torah 17 October
Shacharit 9.15am 
Hakafot 10.30am
Aliyot 11.00am
Kol Nearim/Kallat HaTorah/Chatan Bereishit 12 noon

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Lulav & Etrog

Bnei Akiva is selling Lulav and Etrog sets at discounts to Shira members who mention this email: 10% of final purchase price if you purchase 2-4 sets, and 20% off to purchase 5+ sets, please contact lulav@bneiakiva.com.au

Save the Date - Shira's AGM is scheduled to take place on Sunday night 7 December 2014 at 8pm, more details to follow.

We sadly advise of the passing of Daniel Hertzberg z'l, on 2 October, father of Ruth Pojer. We extend our condolences to Ruth and the entire family at this sad time and wish them all a long and healthy life.

Mazeltov to Mark and Karen Symons on the engagement of Ariella Symons to Simon Holloway, we wish all the families much joy, nachas and blessings, on this exciting occasion.

Finally, tickets are now on sale for the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF), more information on the program and purchasing tickets can be found here. 

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

Yom Kippur

Shana Tova! Rosh Hashana was such a special experience at shule, thank you to all who contributed and attended.

We really look forward to seeing you on Yom Kippur for an inspiring and soulful service, together with our wonderful Chazzanim from New York, Avram Mlotek and Yael Kornfeld.

Shira's doors are always open, and all are invited to daven with us. Services will continue to be at THC, 222 Balaclava Road.

Yom Kippur times are:
3 October Friday:
Kol Nidrei: Doors open 6.00pm, for a 6.30pm start. Fast begins at 6.06pm
4 October Shabbat:
Shacharit: 8.15am
Yizkor and Drasha (approximately) 11.30am but please come earlier to avoid missing it
Mincha: 4.00pm
Neilah: 5.15pm

Please renew your membership here if you have not yet done so.

Sukkot:

Join us for a very special Sukkot on Friday 10 October after shule (12 approx) at the Tamir's beautiful sukkah at 14 Airdrie Road, Caulfield. Thank you to Lindy and Eddie Tamir who are kindly sponsoring a light lunch in the Sukkah.  We are excited to hear a presentation by educator Ilan Bloch on "Finding meaning in the Fruit & Veg Aisle: How might we find meaning as individuals and a community during the Sabbatical year (Shmittah)."  Join our FB events group for updates.

Wishing you a Gmar V'Chatima Tova and a wonderful year ahead.

Shira Melbourne

Parshat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

This week we are thrilled to wish a Mazeltov to Yael Prawer and Josh Back for their aufruf (call up) on the occasion of their upcoming marriage! Mazeltov to the lovely couple and to their entire families, wishing you much nachas and blessings for your journey together.

Please join us for a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat at 6pm led by Yardena Prawer. Shacharit commences 9.45am, and the Dvar Torah will be given by Idan Dershowitz in honour of the upcoming marriage. Welcome to Idan and to Ronit Prawer! Following shule, the whole congregation is invited to a Kiddush at the Back's home a short walk away at 55 Rosemont Avenue, Caulfield.

In the theme of "new beginnings", Rosh Hashana is fast approaching, and we urge all who haven't taken out membership to do so here. Chagim at Shira are really special, and we have the wonderful Avram Mlotek and Yael Kornfeld returning this year as our international chazzanim - you don't want to miss their beautiful tefillot! Your support is crucial to help us create the inclusive and vibrant shule we all know and love. 

Do you want to be a part of our Kol Nidrei choir? Please email ilana@shira.org.au to express interest.

Rosh Hashana times:

24 September Erev Rosh Hashana:
Mincha/Maariv 6pm
25& 26 September Rosh Hashana:
Shacharit 8.15am
Mincha/Maariv 6pm 

Other Community News:

Jewish Care is looking for volunteers for their 2014 Rosh Hashana Appeal.  If you can help, or want some more information, please email Abbie Debinski at adebinski@jewishcare.org.au.

Gift of Life Australia are searching for matching stem cell donors for four Leukemia patients and a 6 year old girl in the US.  They invite all healthy 18-45 year olds who are over 50 kilos and not pregnant or breastfeeding to make an appointment at the Caulfield Blood Donor Centre on 7 October from 4-7.15pm to enrol onto the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.  You can do so by calling Mordi Joseph on 0490 332 415

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Ki Tavo

Membership!  Thank you again to all those who have supported us with your membership - you are our reason for being!  To those who have yet to take up membership, we appreciate your crucial support in helping make Shira the colourful and soulful Shule we know and love. Please click here to take out membership today!

Don't forget to join our High Holidays @ Shira Facebook group for all chag-related news and updates.

We "officially" welcome our new Education Director, Raf Dascalu this week. 

Raphael Dascalu is a native of Sydney, and recently returned to Australia with his partner Dalit Kaplan and baby Ezra, from a long period of study overseas, including at Yeshivat Ein Tzurim, Hebrew University, Pardes (Kolel) and the Sholem Hartman Institute. He is currently working on his PhD at the University of Chicago, focusing on medieval Jewish history and philosophy. At the University of Chicago, Raphael focused intensively on the study of Arabic language and literature, and Islamic philosophy and mysticism.

Over a Kiddush, we will meet Raf and he will have an opportunity to hear all your thoughts and suggestions for facilitating your Jewish journey with Shira!

Raf will also give a (Elul themed) talk after Kiddush on the following, "Suffering is great!” Introducing Rabbi Akiva’s theory of transformative suffering.  We invite you all to come along to our Kiddush & talk. 

Hope to see you welcoming in Shabbat at Kabbalat Shabbat at 6pm. Shacharit commences 9.45am.  

Parshat Ki Tetze

Thank you again to all those who have taken outmembership. You are our reason for being! We count on you to help make our Shira community the wonderful, colourful and inclusive one that we know and love! Just one click here and your membership is all sorted.

Be sure to join our High Holidays Facebook group here for all chag-related updates.

Kabbalat Shabbat will be sung at 6pm, and Shacharit commences at 9.45am.

Mazeltov to Russell Jaffe on his barmitzvah anniversary and we look forward to hearing you layn for us, and to celebrating with you! Russell has kindly sponsored the Kiddush this week, and all are welcome. The Dvar Torah will be given by Steven Prawer.

Save the date 13 September: Meet our Educational Director Raf Descalu at a Shira welcome Kiddush. This will be a great opportunity to meet and discuss with Raf how he can best facilitate your Jewish journey and to also welcome him, Dalit Kaplan and Ezra into our community!

Raf will also give an Elul-themed talk after the Kiddush on the topic "Suffering is great: introducing Rabbi Akiva's theory of transformative suffering".  Click here to join our Facebook group for more information.

Thank yous! We have a wonderful new children's space for our beloved Shira children, and just in time for the Chagim.  A huge thank you to Adiva and Michael Sifris for their generous donation of much needed chairs and tables. Many thanks also to another generous family for the donation of a storage cabinet for our toys. And thanks to Yardena and Steven Prawer for their hard work in assembling said storage!

Shaike Snir invites Shira members to the opening night of the Yosl Bergner sculptures exhibition at Leonard Joels, 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, on 11 September between 6-8pm. Some pictures of the sculptures are here.

Shabbat Shalom!

Parshat Shoftim

We have now entered the month of Elul and the chagim are approaching. Thank you to all those who have taken out membership. You know we are going to chak you every week, so why not do it right now? Just one click here and your membership is all sorted.

We are thrilled to celebrate the batmitzvah of Mikki Clemans this Shabbat. Mazel tov to the parents, Nerada and Miles, and to the whole extended family.  It has been a delight to see Mikki and her family in our shule over the years and we are honoured to celebrate this important milestone with her. Miles will be delivering the Dvar Torah this week, and there will be a Kiddush kindly sponsored by the family to follow, to which all are welcome. 

Kabbalat Shabbat will be sung at 6pm, and Shacharit commences at 9.45am.

Make sure you don't miss out - this Sunday night 31 August @ 7.45pm, Helen Gottstein is performing her show at Shira "Under the Radar: The Israel that doesn't make the Headlines".  It is a topical look at Israel today, and was received extremely well when performed by Helen at this year's Limmud NZ.  No set seats, tickets are $15 at the door, and RSVPs to this email address are most appreciated.

Shloshim: A shloshim for Sean Rockman z'l, husband of Pauline Rockman will be held at Elwood Shul at 7pm on Monday 1st September. We wish Pauline and family long life.

Mazal Tov to Morry Dvash and Daniel Slonim on your barmitzvah anniversaries! May you have many more in good health.

The Little Doers Melbourne Kids' fun run is on again in Malvern on 26 October. It offers children aged 0-10 years old the opportunity to choose one of four causes to learn about, access kid-friendly educational material about the charities and run to support their chosen charity.  Children choose one of three routes (500m, 1km, 2km) and also enjoy crafty activities, a family picnic and live music to entertain.  Registrations and more information can be found here.

Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA Women's Committee) are conducting a guided tour of the Islamic Museum (15a Anderson Road, Thornbury) on Monday 8 September at 10.00am-11.30am. Cost is $12/10 concession. After the tour, all are welcome at the museum cafe for coffee or lunch and discussion. RSVPs to Coralie Ling by 1 September: ph 0466615575 or coralieling@gmail.com

Shabbat Shalom!

Parshat Re'eh

You may have already received our email inviting you to take out membership for this year's High Holidays. Your support is crucial to help our shule grow and flourish. Thank you to all those who have supported us already, and we invite those who have not done so yet, to take out membership early here.

"See", says Moses to the people, "I place before you today a blessing and a curse"....

Hear this week's powerful Parsha at shule. Shacharit commences at 9.45am.  This week's Dvar Torah will be given by Nathan Wolski.

Kabbalat Shabbat commences 6pm, and all are welcome to sing in Shabbat together.

This week we are honoured to host and celebrate a simchat bat for Ronit and Michael Joel's precious baby girl. Mazel tov to the parents and to all the siblings, grandparents, and the entire extended family. May you only receive nachas and joy and blessings from one another.  The Kiddush is kindly sponsored by the grandparents Mark and Hannah Fagenblat.

Helen Gottstein's one woman performance at Shira is on Sunday night 31 August at 7.45pm.  You may have seen her review in last week's Jewish News. She will be performing her topical and thought provoking newest show: Under the Radar: The Israel that doesn't make the Headlines.  Tickets are $15 at the door, and RSVPs are essential.  Please join us for a fantastic show! For more information please join our Facebook events group here.

The Little Doers Melbourne Kids fun run is on again in Malvern on 26 October. It offers children aged 0–10 years old the opportunity to choose one of four causes to learn about, access kid-friendly educational material about the charities and run to support their chosen charity. Children choose one of three routes (500m, 1km, 2km) and also enjoy crafty activities, a family picnic and live music to entertain. Registrations and more information can be found here.

The Friendship Circle offers programs for children young adults and their families with special needs.  One of our Shira members, Gabbi Sar Shalom, is assisting in organising a fundraising walk on 14 September from 1-3pm. For more information please email gsshalom@yahoo.com

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Ekev

Come and join us at 6pm this Kabbalat Shabbat for musical prayer and words of Torah.  We are honoured to hear Dr David Bernstein, Dean of Pardes Jerusalem give a Dvar Torah this Friday night. Make sure you attend what will be a wonderful welcome into Shabbat.  

On Shabbat morning, we are further honoured to help celebrate the 5th Batmitzvah anniversary of Lexi Kowal.  Lexi will layn Maftir and Haftorah, followed by a Kiddush kindly sponsored by her parents, Lionel and Rita Kowal. Mazeltov to Lexi and the entire family, may you all continue to receive only nachas and blessings from one another.  

Mazel tov as well to our gabbait Ronit Travers who will also be layning in honour of her bat mitzvah anniversary. The Dvar Torah this week will be given by Benji Prawer. Shacharit commences 9.45am.

Performance @ Shira! Save the date: Sunday 31 August 7.45pm

Shira is excited to host acclaimed international educator and performer Helen Gottstein, performing her best selling one woman show:  "Under the Radar - The Israel that doesn't make the headlines". The show looks at all sorts of integration, border crossings evolutions and developments in current Israeli culture. 

Please join us for an extremely topical, thought provoking and entertaining evening! Tickets are $15 at the door, but please, RSVPs are essential! For more information join our Facebook events page here.

Two of our members are off overseas on their respective journeys, and we wish Rachel (Rocky) Neumann (who will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat this week!) and Natalie Krasnostein a nesiah tova (a good journey), and look forward to seeing you on your return in the future.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Va'etchanan

This week's Parsha continues with Moses speaking to the gathered people, reviewing events and miracles that have occurred since leaving Egypt, including a repetition of the Ten Commandments.

We look forward to singing in Shabbat together at our beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6pm.  NEXT Friday night (15 August) we are delighted to welcome Dr David Bernstein, Dean of Pardes in Jerusalem, to Shira, where he will give us a short Dvar Torah.

Shacharit this week commences 9.45am, and we welcome back Mark and Kerryn Baker from their recent trip overseas with university students.Mark will be giving over the Dvar Torah this week, and we will also enjoyKerryn's wonderful chulent once again at our Kiddush this week. All are welcome.

Save the date!  Exciting performance @ Shira:

On Sunday 31 August at 7.45pm, Shira is excited to host acclaimed educator and performer, Helen Gottstein.

Helen will be performing her most recent bestselling one woman show at THC: "Under the Radar: The Israel that doesn't make the headlines". Helen was born in Australia and has lived the past 20 years in Jerusalem. She has toured internationally, to great accolades, including in the US, Australia, Limmud UK and NZ.  The cost for this session is $15, pay at the door. However, RSVP replies are essential! We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a fabulous, thought provoking and entertaining evening.  For more information, please join our Facebook events group here.  

Other community news and events:

Caulfield Junior College (formerly Caulfield North Primary and Central School) is celebrating 100 years this year and is looking for ex-students to be interviewed and/or photographed.  Please contact Annette Charak or 100years@caulfieldjc.org.au before 15 August.

The Grassroots Dialogue Project is a new project run by the Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria), and Shira is pleased to be a supporter of this project.  The project is looking for a presenter who is well grounded in their faith, confident to present themselves and their faith as they experience it, to those of other faiths and traditions.  Please reply to Ilana if you are interested in obtaining a Presenters Position Description for further details about this exciting opportunity.

Tzedek is hosting a live screening of the new ABC documentary "Code of Silence", directed by Shira member Danny Ben Moshe, on Tuesday 12 August at 8.30pm at Classic Cinema.  This will be followed by a panel discussion with Danny Ben Moshe and Manny Waks, moderated by Colin Golvan QC.  Click here to view trailer, and tickets can be purchased here.

Gift of Life Australia is holding an urgent blood testing  session at Caulfield Red Cross Blood Donor Centre onTuesday 19 August from 4pm-7.15pm.  There are currently 4 Jewish Leukaemia patients between 1-61 years who are in urgent need of matching stem cell donors. Appointments are essential, and more information can be found here.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Devarim

This parsha is a new beginning, the start of a new book Devarim, and it begins with Moshe repeating events and reviewing laws to the assembled Israelites.

Kabbalat Shabbat is always a fresh and new sound to our ears, and is a beautiful end to the working week.  Come and join us welcoming in Shabbat at 6pm.  

Shacharit is at 9.45am, and we are looking forward to the Dvar Torah which will be given this week by Joel Lazar. A light Kiddush will follow the service, and as always, all are welcome.

We are in the midst of the Nine Days, and approaching Tisha Be'av.  We invite the community to pray Maariv together at 6pm, followed by a reading of Megillat Eicha at 6.15pm.  

After Megillah, Shira, together with Melbourne Moishe House & Habonim Dror are proud to be the first communities in Australia to screen "Wonderful Women (Nashim Nehedarot)", first screened in Israel on Tisha Be'av in 2013. This documentary was produced by filmmaker Hila Timor Ashur.  She co founded the initiative "Wonderful Women" together with her friend Chaya Josovic.  Hila is a secular woman, and Chaya is a Haredi woman, and they decided to create an initiative to bring women together from Haredi and Secular backgrounds, to get to know each other and break down stereotypes by creating films together.  More information can be found at this link, and you can join our Facebook event group here.  

Save the date — Performance @ Shira! 

On Sunday 31 August at 7.45pm, Shira is excited to host senior specialist in informal Israel education, Helen Gottstein.  Helen will be performing her most recent bestselling one woman show at THC: "Under the Radar: The Israel that doesn't make the headlines". Helen was born in Australia and has lived the past 20 years in Jerusalem.  She has toured internationally, to great accolades, including in the US, Australia, Limmud UK and NZ. The cost for this session is $15, pay at the door. However, RSVP replies are essential! We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a fabulous, thought provoking and entertaining evening.  For more information, please join our Facebook events group here.

In other community news and events: 

The Grassroots Dialogue Project is a new project run by the Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria), and Shira is pleased to be a supporter of this project.  The project is looking for a presenter who is well grounded in their faith, confident to present themselves and their faith as they experience it, to those of other faiths and traditions.  Please reply to Ilana if you are interested in obtaining a Presenters Position Description for further details about this exciting opportunity.

Tzedek is hosting a live screening of the new ABC documentary "Code of Silence", directed by Shira memberDanny Ben Moshe, on Tuesday 12 August at 8.30pmat Classic Cinema.  This will be followed by a panel discussion with Danny Ben Moshe and Manny Waks, moderated by Colin Golvan QC.  Click here to view trailer, and tickets can be purchased here.

Gift of Life Australia is holding an urgent blood testing  session at Caulfield Red Cross Blood Donor Centre onTuesday 19 August from 4pm-7.15pm.  There are currently 4 Jewish Leukaemia patients between 1-61 years who are in urgent need of matching stem cell donors. Appointments are essential, and more information can be found here.

Wishing all a Shabbat Shalom, with hopes and prayers for Peace.

Parshat Mas'ei

This Shabbat we read about the Jewish people's wanderings and campsites whilst they were in the desert. It's pretty cold to imagine any camping right now, but our musical Kabbalat Shabbat at 6pm should warm you right up!  

Shacharit commences 9.45am, and we are looking forward to hearing Annie Zeleznikow giving her debut Dvar Torah this week!  The Kiddush (with extra herring!) is kindly sponsored by Morry Dvash in honour of the yarzheit of his late mother Sheindel Dvash z'l.  We wish him and his family a long and healthy life.

Tisha Beav:  Maariv commences 6pm on Monday 4 August, followed by Megillat Eicah at 6.15 pm. After Megillah, Shira is proud to be the first kehilla in Australia to screen "Wonderful Women (Nashim Nehedarot)", first screened in Israel on Tisha Be'av in 2013. This movie tells the amazing story of a dialogue group comprised of Haredi and Secular women from Beit Shemesh, who attempt to build bridges together, very much in keeping with the theme of ahavat chinum (boundless love). More information about the movie can be found at this link, and you can join our Facebook event group here.  

We would really appreciate a few volunteers to come slightly earlier and help set up the space for Tisha Be'av (fast commences 5.34pm).  Please let us know if you are available to assist.

The Grassroots Dialogue Project is a new project run by the Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria), and  Shira is pleased to be a supporter of this project.  The project is looking for a presenter who is well grounded in their faith, confident to present themselves and their faith as they experience it, to those of other faiths and traditions.  Please respond to this email if you are interested in obtaining a Presenters Position Description for further details about this exciting opportunity.

Gift of Life Australia is holding an urgent blood testing  session at Caulfield Red Cross Blood Donor Centre on Tuesday 19 August from 4pm-7.15pm.  There are currently 4 Jewish Leukaemia patients between 1-61 years old who are in urgent need of matching stem cell donors. Appointments are essential. More information can be found here. 

Save the date - performance event! On Sunday 31 August at 7.45pm, Shira is excited to host senior specialist in informal Israel education, Helen Gottstein. Helen will be performing her most recent bestselling session at THC: "Under the Radar: The Israel that doesn't make the headlines". Helen was born in Australia and has lived for the past 20 years in Jerusalem. She has toured internationally, including the US, Australia, Limmud UK and NZ.  The cost for this session is $15, pay at the door. However, RSVP replies would be most appreciated! We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a fabulous, thought provoking and entertaining evening.  

Wishing all a Shabbat Shalom, with hopes and prayers for peace.

Parshat Matot

Warm yourself up at our melodious Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6pm.  Shacharit commences at 9.45am.  This week we are delighted to welcome baby Noa, her parents Alex Fein and Rabbi Yaron Gottleib and sisterYael, together with grandparents and extended family at a Simchat Batfor Noa. Yaron will deliver the Dvar Torah, and Alex and Yaron have also kindly sponsored the Kiddush - all are welcome.  We wish the entire family much joy and nachas from their precious Noa.

Tisha Be'av is approaching:  Maariv commences 6pm on Monday 4 August, followed by reading of Megillat Eicha at 6.15pm.  There will be an event following the reading. Location and further details to follow.

Looking to borrow: Does anyone have (or know of) any available accommodation for our international chazzanim over the Chagim this year? We are also looking to source a car and child car seat.  We are also looking to borrow a projector for an upcoming event. Please reply to Ilana at this address with any leads.

Our Kiddushim are a great opportunity to come together as a community and to commemorate or celebrate a special occasion, or just because! If you wish to sponsor a Kiddush, then please reply to Ilana at this address.

Finally, the Shira community acknowledges the yarzheit anniversary of one of our founding members, dear friend and teacher, Debbie Masel z'l, who was a radiant light to us all, and continues to be missed dearly.

Wishing all a Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Pinchas

This week, we read about Tzelafchad's daughters who petition Moses to inherit their father's portion of land. This inclusion and recognition of women has been a source of many feminist interpretations of the Torah, and we invite you to join us at shule to continue this tradition at Shira.

Come join us in song to bring in Kabbalat Shabbat at 6pm. Shacharit commences 9.45am sharp. The Dvar Torah will be given by Mandi Katz, and a light Kiddush will follow. All are warmly welcome.

Accomodation? Does anyone have (or know of) any available accomodation for our international chazzanim over the Chagim this year?  If so, please reply to Ilana at this address.

Public event:  For the first time in Melbourne, Frederick Weisinger (child Holocaust survivor and a member of the Jewish LGBTIQ community) will speak publicly at the Jewish Holocaust Centre, 15 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick, on 27 July from 1.30-3.30.  More details can be found here.

Wishing all a Shabbat Shalom, and during these difficult times, we all hope and pray for peace.

Parshat Balak

In this week's Parsha, we encounter our first (and probably only?!) talking donkey in the Torah.  When Balak, King of Moab, sends his prophet Balaam out to curse the Israelites, his donkey tells him off, and instead, Balaam blesses the Israelites.

Kabbalat Shabbat is on at 6pm, please help us welcome in Shabbat with beautiful song. Shacharit commences 9.45am sharp, and we look forward to Rabbi Gabbi Sar Shalom's Dvar Torah this week.  A Kiddush will follow and all are welcome.

Although it's school holidays, our children's programs are still running.  Please bring your 0-6 children to our tot's program at 10.45am.  Our program for 7-12 year olds is still running, and will commence at 11am, led by the fabulous Samuel Herz.

Mazel tov!

A mazel tov to Alex Fein and to Rabbi Yaron Gottleib and Yael on the birth of their precious daughter, and sister, Noa.  We wish the entire family much nachas and only blessings and joy, at this special time.

Mazel tov to Klara Herz on her batmitzvah anniversary, and we look forward to hearing Klara read the haftarah in honour of this occasion.  

Condolences

With sadness, we advise the passing of Mark Zandle z'l, husband to Norma, father and father in law to Mandi and Stephen Shochet; Frankie and Steven Pinch; and Ruth and Henry Sharp.  We wish the entire family comfort and a long and healthy life.

The Shira community mourns the tragic murder of the three young students, Eyal, Gilad and Naftali in Israel. We pray for peace and take inspiration from the words of Naftali's uncle: "There is no difference between (Arab) blood and (Jewish) blood. Murder is murder."

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Chukat - and Seudah Shlishit!

This week, we read the beautiful and narrative-rich Parsha, recounting the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, and the (in)famous story where Moses strikes a rock to provide water, rather than speaking to it as commanded. Moses and Aaron are told they will die in the desert, and not enter the Land. 

Come and warm up this winter at Shira with a musical Kabbalat Shabbat at 6pm.  Shacharit commences 9.45am. Thanks to Ari Perlow who will be giving over the Dvar Torah this week. As always, a Kiddush will follow and everyone is warmly invited.

If you wish to sponsor a Kiddush to celebrate an important event, or to commemorate a yarzheit, or just because, then please contact Ilana by replying to this email.  

Seudah Shlishit - this Shabbat 28 June!

We are excited to reinstate a monthly Seudah Shlishit, with good company, discussion and song.

Alex Fein and Yaron Gottleib are kindly hosting the inaugural Seudah Shlishit at their home at 28 Normanby AVENUE (not road!) this Shabbat 28 June at 4.30pm.  We look forward to seeing you there.