This week in the parsha, Moses' father in law Jethro provides him with some serious guidance on how to administer justice for the people, events which precede the revelation at Sinai . Perhaps there's a hint here that taking responsibility for justice in this world, is part of the package of receiving Torah. Come along with your in-laws or on your own to hear about Moses' reunion with his family, and to hear the ten commandments.
Join the soulfulness of Shira this Friday night at 6.30pm for Kabbalat Shabbat and stay for the Potluck Dinner. Ellyse Borghi and Adam Hyman have kindly offered to host this so if you would like some good company click here to register. Please RSVP by today noon as spots are limited.
Shabbat Shacharit commences at 9.45am. This week, we will be celebrating the upcoming wedding of Jesse Lubitz and Lior Albeck-Ripka. We wish Jesse and Lior and their families a warm mazal tov. A kiddush will be hosted by Lionel and Rita Lubitz
The first program for primary school aged kids was enjoyed by all participants. Bring your kids along this Shabbat for the second instalment. The tots service (up to five year olds) will be running as usual.
Adiel Cohney will lead an engaging and diverse program for those having a bar or bat mitvah in 2015. There will be an information session on 3 March 2015 at 7.30pm. It will be a good opportunity to meet Adiel and find out more about the program. If you are interested in attending please reply to this email.
We want to provide an update on the status of the appointment of Dr Melanie Landau as Maharat of Shira. As the result of mutual developments, the arrangement will not be proceeding at this stage. Melanie continues to be a valued member of the Shira community and a dear friend. We look forward to her ongoing involvement in the shule, and also in the life cycle events of many individual shule members in her capacity as an ordained Maharat.
As part of the process of exploring possibilities for professional leadership in the shul, we will be running a workshop on the long term vision of Shira. It will be held in the next few months and will be open to all Shira members.
We have many events planned for the next few months - panel discussions and dinners for Friday nights, themed musical kabbalat shabbat services, and a huge Purim.
If you would like to help organise any event, give a drasha, sponsor a kiddush, celebrate a simcha and/or commemorate a yarzheit, please reply to this email.
Finally , this past week, marked 70 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. At the Jewish Holocaust Centre, survivor Eva Slonim apologised to her children and grandchildren for transmitting the curse of guilt. Gabsy Debinski, Eva’s granddaughter, is convinced that “though not yet medically confirmed, guilt is undoubtedly hereditary”. Eva is the mother of Daniel Slonim and known to many at Shira. You may wish to read Gaby's very moving piece here.