The New Zealand Parliament legalized marriage equality yesterday, redefining marriage as between two people rather than man and woman. Clearly this will raise a great deal of discussion in communities of all faiths. It is fortuitous that on Shabbat we have a guest speaker on the topic:
"Building inclusive Torah communities: Welcoming LGBTI Jews into Halachic Partnership"
We warmly welcome Gávriel Ansara and his husband Dr Sruli Berger to join us for Shabbat. Gávi will be speaking after the Kiddush about challenges faced by the LGBTI community who want to live a halachically observant life, and be part of an Orthodox Community. He will share his thoughts about how to build halachic partnership in a fully inclusive way and welcome people who have experienced exclusion for their sex, sexuality or gender back into our minyanim, our Shabbat tables, our families, and our communities. A full description of Gávi's work and talk topic can be found on the facebook group "shira" - look us up if you haven't already joined.
Kabalat Shabbat starts tonight at 6.00pm. On Shabbat, our regular Shiur will run at 9.15am and shul starts at 9.45am.
SHAVUOT: On Tues May 14th we are having a dinner and Tikkun Leil, night of learning with a brilliant line up of speakers. Details next week.
FOOD ROSTER: Shira are arranging a food roster for Annette Charak and family. If you would like to be included, please go to this link.
MAZAL TOV: We warmly welcome Yael, daughter of Alex Fein and Yaron Gottlieb, born last Friday. Mazal tov to all the grandparents and extended family as well!
The Producers: The talented Joel Lazar is starring as the charactor of 'Franz Liebkind' in The Producers from May 11th - 25th, put on by JYM, Jewish musical theatre company. For bookings please go to http://www.jymtheatre.com/.
Jewish Care Volunteers: Jewish Care is in great need of volunteers for a 2 hour shift to help their annual appeal telethon. Contact Helen: hlewitan@jewishcare.org.au or sign up here.
Shabbat Shalom