Shabbat and Simchat Torah

Tonight as part of Grand Final weekend, Ashley Browne will share some stories on when yomtov and football collide. Join us for a l’chaim and nibblies at 5.45pm followed by Kabbalat Shabbat, and then Ashley’s talk before ma’ariv.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.00pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.30am

On Shabbat morning the Dvar Torah will be given by Seraphya Berrin and following the service we will take a short walk to the sukkah of Annette Charak and Alain Herz for Kiddush.

The Kids' Club will also be running as usual for a fun and educational Shabbat experience.

Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

We welcome the community to Shira on Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torch.

On Monday evening from 4 - 5.30pm, Simchat Torah celebrations will begin with a children's party including a puppet show! A light dinner of mac and cheese will be served. 

The celebrations will continue at 8.15pm with hakkafot, singing, dancing, coffee, cake and schnapps.

***

On Tuesday morning, we will honour Jeff Meyer as Chatan Torah to mark the end of Torah reading for the year and Annette Charak as Kallat Bereishit as we begin the cycle again. We are very much looking forward to celebrating the simcha of this beautiful tradition with them.

In honouring the voices of all the children of the shule we especially want to highlight the beautiful contribution made by the children of the shule each week as they lead the community in tfila. We will share that joy by calling Aaron Zelman to the Torah to celebrate the contribution of Bella Zelman, Ella Carmeli-Wolski and all the children.

All men and women in the community over batmitzvah and barmitzvah age are invited to receive an aliya for Simchat Torah. This is a wonderful tradition and we look forward to the festivities.

A special celebratory Kiddush lunch will follow the service.

Shmini Atzeret
Monday 5 October- 9.30am (Yizkor after 11am)

Erev Simchat Torah
Monday 5 October - 4.00pm (Children's Party)
8.15pm - Shira Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah
Tuesday 6 October - 9.30am

Leslie and Brie Shroot have invited all the Shira children to their sukkah for a Shira kids' party!

When: Today at 10am (Friday 2 October),

Bring: A plate to share of something kosher (milchig or parve), some fruit, muffins, veggies etc.

Please reply to this email for the address and if you plan to come so that activities can be planned accordingly.

Bereishit Workshop for Parents of Children Aged 5-12

Join Esther (Chooch) Takac and Jane Korman on Tuesday 13 October 2015 at 8pm for an experiential workshop for parents of children aged 5 to 12 years. The workshop will explore the magic and poetry of the stories of Genesis. Whilst reading a range of texts, we will be playing with ideas and creative responses through art and writing. Most importantly the workshop will explore how to pass on the richness of this tradition to our children.

Esther Takac is a child and adult psychologist. She is also an author having published Genesis – the Book with Seventy Faces (National Jewish Book Award) Loni and the Moon (Premier’s Reading List) and Jacob: a world of faces (Young Adult novella, Third Space series designed to develop intercultural understanding). 

Jane Korman is a performance, video and visual artist. Her work confronts prejudice and racial stereotypes. Jane also has twenty five years experience delivering private art workshops for children, teens and adults both locally and overseas.

Membership

Thank you to everyone who has already renewed membership. Your support makes Shira possible!

If you attended services on the yamim noraim but have overlooked taking out membership, you can still take membership now. We really do rely on the contribution of everyone attending to make it possible to run the shule.

Click here to take out membership for 2015/16.

Cholent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Community Announcements

Diller Teen Fellows

Applications are now open to be a part of the first group of Diller Teen Fellows in Melbourne. The program is an international leadership course for Jewish teens currently in Year 9 and 10.

For more information, contact the Melbourne coordinator, Ellie Golvan via dillertf@zfa.com.au or visit their website by Clicking Here.

oh Australia oh Israel

A ZCV and I Am Art Gallery Event

An exhibition of the work of Israeli artist, Yosl Bergner, in honour of his 95th birthday, will take place 9–18 October 2015 at The Attic Gallery, 297a Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick. 

The exhibition includes new works, including sculptures, not previously seen in Australia, and Mr Bergner’s work will be available for purchase.

A Gallery Talk will take place 11 October at 2pm.

For more information about Yosl and the exhibition Click Here.

Parshat Chukat

Now that we are fully into winter, Kabbalat Shabbat will be starting earlier. We will be having an end of the week l'chaim tonight at 5.15pm followed by another spiritual and tuneful Kabbalat Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 5.30pm (Please Note New Time)
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning, the kiddush will be followed by the panel discussion, 'Moving Forward After the Royal Commission'.

We wish you a Shabbat Shalom and remind everyone to exercise caution and report any suspicious behaviour. There is a lot of concern about an increased security risk for Jewish organisations. You may have seen this bulletin issued by CSG. We are looking for volunteers to join Shira's security roster. If you are interested, please reply to this email.

You may have noticed that many of our chumashim are quite worn from use, which in lots of ways, is a good news story. Penelle Stern is repairing the chumashim – thank you Penelle! We have also purchased additional chumashim. If  you wish to mark a birthday, life event or just make a donation to the value of a chumash ($50 per book) or a number of chumashim,  we can acknowledge that in the chumash and it’s a lovely way to support the shule. Please send a note by return to this email if you wish to donate one or more chumashim.  

Upcoming Events

Weekly Zohar Shiur

The wise Nathan Wolski is running a Zohar shiur every Wednesday 8-9.30pm.
Where: 15a Alston Grove, East St Kilda
Come along to learn about the wonders of Jewish mystical thought!

This Shabbat, 27 June, the community is invited to a panel titled, 'Moving Forward After the Royal Commission'.

Our community has been deeply affected by the recent Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. Join us to reflect on the significance of these events, what we can learn from them, and how we can make our community a safer place for our children in the future. The speakers Danny Ben-Moshe, Rabbi Genende and Rinat Kedem will bring unique perspectives to the discussion which will be moderated by Annette Charak. 

For more information about the event and panellists: Click Here

Shira Rosters

Cholent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Community Announcements

Hollywood and Hitler

ACJC Public Lecture: Professor Thomas Doherty
Monday 29 June, 7.30pm at Monash University (Caulfield Campus)

Between 1933 and 1939, representations of the Nazis and the full meaning of Nazism came slowly to Hollywood, growing more ominous and distinct only as the decade wore on. This lecture will recount how the disproportionately Jewish backgrounds of the executives of the studios and the workers on the payroll shaded reactions to what was never simply a business decision. As Europe hurtled toward war, a proxy battle waged in Hollywood over how to conduct business with the Nazis, how to cover Hitler and his victims in the newsreels, and whether to address or ignore Nazism in Hollywood feature films. Should Hollywood lie low, or stand tall and sound the alarm?

Admission is free so no prior bookings are needed.

Parshat Korach

Last weekend was wonderful. Hamutal Gouri gave an inspiring and uplifting talk and Zvi Hirschfield's Shiur was engaging and insightful. Now that we are fully into winter, Kabbalat Shabbat will be starting earlier. We will be having an end of the week l'chaim tonight at 5.15pm followed by another spiritual and tuneful Kabbalat Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 5.30pm (Please Note New Time)
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning,  we will be celebrating the Batmitzvah of Macy Tofler. We are looking forward to hearing Macy's leyning and Dvar Torah and wish her and her family a warm mazaltov. The kiddush will be hosted by Marilyn and Daniel Tofler in honour of their daughter's Batmitzvah.

We wish you a Shabbat Shalom and remind everyone to exercise caution and report any suspicious behaviour. There is a lot of concern about an increased security risk for Jewish organisations. You may have seen this bulletin issued by CSG. We are looking for volunteers to join Shira's security roster. If you are interested, please reply to this email.

Upcoming Events

Weekly Zohar Shiur

The wise Nathan Wolski is running a Zohar shiur every Wednesday 8-9.30pm.
Where: 15a Alston Grove, East St Kilda
Come along to learn about the wonders of Jewish mystical thought!

On Shabbat 27 June (next week), the community is invited to a panel titled, 'Moving Forward After the Royal Commission'.

Our community has been deeply affected by the recent Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. Join us to reflect on the significance of these events, what we can learn from them, and how we can make our community a safer place for our children in the future. The speakers Danny Ben-Moshe, Rabbi Genende and Rinat Kedem will bring unique perspectives to the discussion which will be moderated by Annette Charak. 

For more information about the event and panellists: Click Here

Shira Rosters

Cholent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Community Announcements

Hollywood and Hitler

Public Lecture: Professor Thomas Doherty
Monday 29 June, 7.30pm at Monash University (Caulfield Campus)

Between 1933 and 1939, representations of the Nazis and the full meaning of Nazism came slowly to Hollywood, growing more ominous and distinct only as the decade wore on. This lecture will recount how the disproportionately Jewish backgrounds of the executives of the studios and the workers on the payroll shaded reactions to what was never simply a business decision. As Europe hurtled toward war, a proxy battle waged in Hollywood over how to conduct business with the Nazis, how to cover Hitler and his victims in the newsreels, and whether to address or ignore Nazism in Hollywood feature films. Should Hollywood lie low, or stand tall and sound the alarm?

Admission is free so no prior bookings are needed.

The BDS - A Real Threat to Israel?

Israeli Journalist Ben-Dror Yemini will speak Thursday 25 June at 8pm on the topic of BDS – A Real Threat to Israel? The program is sponsored by the JCCV, Zionist Council of Victoria and the Israeli Embassy. 

Booking is essential. Contact Julie at info@jccv.org.au or 9272 5566. For more information: Click Here.

Parshat Shlach

We hope to see you at shule this Friday night for an end of the week l'chaim at 5.45pm followed by another spiritual and tuneful Kabbalat Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.00pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning, the kiddush is generously sponsored by Dalya Freedman in honour of the yahrzeit of her father, Stanley Ruch z'l who passed away 15 years ago. 

Following the service and kiddush, Hamutal Gouri, the executive director of the Dafna Fund, will be speaking about 'Women and the public sphere in Israel'. This is a fantastic opportunity as it is her only public talk in Melbourne.

Tefillah Announcement

Please note that from next week (Friday 20 June), Kabbalat Shabbat will begin at 5.30pm.

Upcoming Events

Weekly Zohar Shiur

The wise Nathan Wolski is running a Zohar shiur every Wednesday 8-9.30pm.
Where: 15a Alston Grove, East St Kilda
Come along to learn about the wonders of Jewish mystical thought!

This Shabbat 13 June, Hamutal Gouri is speaking at Shira after the service on 'K'vod Bat Melech P'nima: Women and the public sphere in Israel'.

Hamatal Gouri is the executive director of the Dafna Fund, which fosters Israeli women to be effective agents of social transformation, enhance the collective capacities of the women's movement in Israel, and promotes gender mainstreaming through powerful partnerships between women's organisations, including those in the Mizrahi/Sephardi, Palestinian-Israeli and Orthodox Jewish sectors. 

Hamutal is in Australia as a guest of Limmud-Oz Sydney and the New Israel Fund Australia. For more information: Click Here

The community is invited to an evening shiur with Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield titled, "From a Place of Anger or Renewal?- The Last Words of Rabbi Eliezer". Zvi will be exploring the narrative of R. Eliezer's excommunication and death in the Talmud. No background knowledge is required.

Where: 2 Fitzgibbon Crescent, Caulfield North VIC 3161
When: Sunday 14 June, 7.45-9 pm 

About Rabbi Hirschfield

Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield teaches Talmud and Jewish Thought at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jeruslaem. He is in Australia as a guest of Limmud Oz.

About Pardes

Pardes is an open, co-ed and non-denominational Jewish learning community with programs worldwide. Pardes believes in inclusivity when exploring classic texts, Jewish traditions and contemporary issues.

For More Information: Click Here

Shira Rosters

Cholent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Community Announcements

Parshat Bamidbar + Shavuot

This weekend at Shira is jam-packed! We hope to see you in shule this Shabbat and during Shavuot.

On Friday night, we are will be having an end of the week l'chaim at 5.45pmfollowed by another spiritual and tuneful Kabbalat Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.00pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

This Shabbat, the drasha will be be given by Nathan Wolski and a kiddush will follow the service.

Shavuot Tefillah Times

Erev Shavuot - 23 May, 6.30pm
Shavuot I - 24 May, 9:45am
Shavuot II - 25 May, 9:45am

On the first day of Shavuot, the drasha will be given by Raf Dascalu.

There will be plenty of cheesecake but registrations for the family dinner are now closed. If you have any questions please reply to this email.

Children's Services

Bring you kids along to shule, the tots (up to 5 years) and primary school services will be running on Shabbat and Shavuot.

Shavuot

On Saturday 23 May from 8pm, you are invited to Shira's Tikkun Leil Shavuot. A great mix of scholars, comedians, journalists, playwrights and film-makers will be a leading a stimulating night of discussion on a range of engaging topics!

Chulent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Parshat Behar

Contents:

• Upcoming Events
• Weekly Zohar Shiur
• Shira Rosters

We hope to see you at shule this Friday night for an end of the week l'chaim at 5.45pm followed by another spiritual and tuneful Kabbalat Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.00pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning, the drasha will be given by Mandi Katz and a kiddush will follow the service.

Shavuot Tikkun Leil 2015 is fast approaching! Registrations for the Shavuot family dinner, are now open! For more information and to register see 'Upcoming Events' below.

Mazal tov to Jesse Lubitz and Lior Albeck-Ripka on the birth of their son Raphel Daniel. We wish them and their families much joy and naches. 

Upcoming Events

On Saturday 23 May at 6.30pm, you are invited to Maariv followed by a family dinner and a stimulating night of discussion, exploring the theme of Revelation through storytelling and other engaging topics! Get excited for Shira's 2015 Tikkun Leil Shavuot! 

To register for dinner, please Click Here. The rest of the night is free! For more information, visit the Facebook event. 

Weekly Zohar Shiur

The wise Nathan Wolski is running a Zohar shiur every Wednesday 8-9.30pm.
Where: 15a Alston Grove, East St Kilda
Come along to learn about the wonders of Jewish mystical thought!

Community Announcements

Feminism Teleconference 

We announce a special offer to Shira members of a 20% discount for this teleconference on Jewish Feminism, facilitated by Elana Sztokman and featuring amazing speakers and topics over nine weeks. Registration allows you to listen in live or to the recorded event. You can listen on your own or with a group for the same cost. Speakers include Judith Plaskow, Alice Shalvi, Susan Weiss, Jacqueline Nicholls, Blu Greenberg and our very own Melanie Landau.

For information and registration Click Here.

Shira Rosters

Cholent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Minyan Roster

Please click link for the relevant minyan to register your commitment to attend (Please note: only one link can be opened at a time):
 

Friday 8 May, 6.00pm
Saturday 9 May, 9.45am

Parshat Emor

Contents:

• Bnei Mitzvah Program
• Tikkun Leil Shavuot
• Weekly Zohar Shiur
• Shira Rosters

We hope to see you at shule this Friday night for another spiritual and tuneful Shabbat at the following tefillah times:

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.00pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning, the drasha will be given by Seraphya Berrin and a kiddush will follow the service.

To help ensure a minyan promptly, we ask members to attend punctually once a month (more would be great). Please see the 'rosters' section to register your commitment.

Bnei Mitzvah Program

A significant part of having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the learning process that accompanies that milestone. The 2015 Bnei Mitzvah Program has began! It is not too late to join so if you are interested in the program reply to this email.

Upcoming Events

Tikkun Leil Shavuot is fast approaching! On Saturday 23 May at 6.00pm, you are invited to a family dinner followed by a stimulating night of engaging speakers, discussion and exploration of 'Revelation'. Dinner registrations open next week!

Weekly Zohar Shiur

The wise Nathan Wolski is running a Zohar shiur every Wednesday 8-9.30pm.
Where: 15a Alston Grove, East St Kilda
Come along to learn about the wonders of Jewish mystical thought!

Community Announcements 

Shira Rosters

Cholent Roster

We love cholent at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious cholent, please click here for step by step instructions and to put your name on the roster.

Minyan Roster

Please click link for the relevant minyan to register your commitment to attend (Please note: only one link can be opened at a time):
 

Friday 1 May, 6.00pm
Saturday 2 May, 9.45am

Parshat Tzav

We hope to see you tonight for an end of week l'chaim at 6.20pm followed by Kabblat Shabbat and on Shabbat morning to celebrate the Aufruf of Romy Grace and Ethan Steen. We wish Romy and Steen together with their families a warm mazal tov and lots of happiness!

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.30pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

This week the drasha will be given by Karen Stock, in honour of Romy and Ethan's aufruf. Following the service, there will be a kiddish sponsored by Romy and Ethan.

Do you need entertainment for your children? Bring them along to shule for the Shabbat children services. The tots service (up to five year olds) and Primary School Program are always popular.

Sale of Hametz 

Pesach is next week.  Bedikat hametz (searching for leaven) takes place on Thursday night, 2 April 2015. If you have any Hametz to sell, fill out this form before 9.00pm of Thursday, April 2nd and we will arrange it all for you. It will be a great time saver!

Minyan Roster

To help ensure a minyan promptly on Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning, we ask members to commit to attending punctually once a month (more would be great). Please click onto the link for the relevant minyan to register your commitment to attend next week:

Kabbalat Shabbat 27 March, 6.30pm 
Shabbat Shacharit 28 March, 9.45am

Cholent Roster

If you are missing your Cholent, there is no need to fear. Cholent is back at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious Cholent, please click here for step by step instructions. 

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Vayikra — The Potentials of Interfaith Dialogue

It was lovely to see so many new and familiar faces at the Shira stall during the 'In One Voice' street festival (Pictured above) and we hope to see you for a l'chaim on Friday night.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.30pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning come to Shira to explore the potentials of interfaith dialogue. We will hear presentations by interfaith participants – including our very own Alex Kats who will present the Dvar Torah! The kiddush will be followed by a lively and engaging discussion. Check out the facebook event here.

Minyan Roster

To help ensure a minyan promptly on Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning, we ask members to commit to attending punctually once a month (more would be great). Please click onto the link for the relevant minyan to register your commitment to attend next week:

Kabbalat Shabbat 20 March, 6.30pm 
Shabbat Shacharit 21 March, 9.45am

Cholent Roster

If you are missing your Cholent, there is no need to fear. Cholent is back at Shira! If you wish to make a pot of delicious Cholent, please click here for step by step instructions. 

Community Announcements

Gift of Life Australia is holding a testing session between Purim and Pesach, the first for 2015 ! They are urgently searching for life saving blood stem cell matches for Jewish Leukaemia patients in desperate need. If you are healthy, 18-45 years of age, 50+kg, neither pregnant nor feeding and willing to help save a life then head to the Caulfield Blood Donor Centre from 4.30-7pm on Tuesday 24 March.

Appointments are essential. www.trybooking.com/DHUZ

Shula 0414 780 444 or info@giftoflifeaustralia.org.au

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei — 10 year anniversary & Potluck Dinner

Shira is marking its 10 year anniversary! We would love to see Shira past and present members in Shule this weekend to celebrate.

Kabalat Shabbat - Friday 6.30pm

Join in the Shira tunes this Friday night and stay for the Potluck Dinner. Following the service, we will walk together to the home of one of our members to enjoy Shabbat dinner together.

There is limited space for dinner so please RSVP by Wednesday (11 March) at 9pm. To do this, click here and list what you will contribute.  

Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

On Shabbat morning, you will hear the wise words of Johnny Baker who will deliver the Dvar Torah on the anniversary of his barmitzvah. Please stay for a festive kiddush sponsored by Johnny and to celebrate the highlights of ten years of Shira in Melbourne.

Minyan Roster

To help ensure a minyan promptly on Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning, we ask members to commit to attending punctually once a month (more would be great). Click onto the link for the relevant minyan over the next two weeks to register your commitment to attend:
This week:
Kabbalat Shabbat 13 March, 6.30pm 
Shabbat Shacharit 14 March, 9.45am
Next Week:
Kabbalat Shabbat 20 March, 6.30pm 
Shabbat Shacharit 21 March, 9.45am

Upcoming Shira Events  

In One Voice

Shira will have a stall at the 'In One Voice' street festival on 15 March. Come and say hi. It would be great to see some friendly faces.

****

Are you turning Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 2015-2016? Join our unique Bnei Mitzvah Program at Shira for an inspiring and exciting experience! The program is commencing next week. If you are interested in the program please reply to this email.

****

On March 21, come to Shira to explore the potentials of interfaith dialogue. We will hear presentations by interfaith participants – including our very own Alex Kats! The kiddush will be followed by a lively and engaging discussion. Check out the facebook event here.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Ki Tisa

Chag Sameach! Purim is upon us and the community are invited tonight (in costume!) to our kid's Megilla reading and a theatrical Megilla reading with Mark Symons. 

Come join the soulfulness at Shira this Shabbat too. We hope to see you there! 

Kabbalat Shabbat -  Friday 6.30pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

This Shabbat morning the drasha will be given by Aaron Zelman. A light kiddush will also follow the service. 

Shira Members Survey Update

Thanks to everyone who completed the Shira survey. We had a fantastic response.  In the next few weeks, we will be sharing more detail about what members want, what we need to keep doing or change. For now, based on some consistent direct feedback received, we are making some changes to run shira more smoothly. 

A Minyan Roster will help to ensure that we always have a minyan promptly on Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning. We ask members to commit to attending punctually once a month (more would be great) . Click onto the link for the relevant minyan over the next two weeks to register your commitment to attend (punctually).
 
Kabbalat Shabbat 6 March 6.30pm (This week)
Shabbat morning 7 March 9.45am
Kabbalat Shabbat 13 March 6.30pm (Next week)
Shabbat morning 14 March, 9.45am

Simchas and bereavements - Regrettably we don't always know about simchas, illness  and bereavements in the community. Please let us know about events in your lives, or in the lives of other members (if you are aware of them). We wish to offer support or share in the joy of Shira congregants. Please send an email with the relevant information to our Administrative Officer, Andrew Schnapp. You can also find Andrew's contact details on the website.

Upcoming Shira Events 

Tonight, March 5th- Purim Day
Join us at the home of Michael and Adiva Sifris,
10 Airdrie Road, North Caulfield

4 - 5.30pm (Under 8's):  Kids' (brief) Megilla reading, amazing sand art, and Ron the Magician! (Please RSVP to this email)
6.00pm: Megilla reading with Mark Symons doing his wonderful theatrical performance.

****

On March 21, come to Shira to explore the potentials of interfaith dialogue. We will hear presentations by interfaith participants – including our very own Alex Kats! The kiddush will be followed by a lively and engaging discussion. Check out the facebook event here.

****

Are you turning Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 2015-2016? Join our unique Bnei Mitzvah Program at Shira for an inspiring and exciting experience! If you are interested in the program please send us an email.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Zachor

Come join the soulfulness at Shira this weekend. We hope to see you there!

Kabbalat Shabbat -  Friday 6.30pm
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am

This Shabbat Shacharit the drasha will be given by Esther Takac. The kiddush has kindly been sponsored by Morry Dvash in honour of his father Zev's Yahrzeit. 

Upcoming Shira Events

Are you turning Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 2015-2016? Join our unique Bnei Mitzvah Program at Shira for an inspiring and exciting experience!  It will be a good opportunity to find out more about the program. If you are interested in attending please reply to this email.

****

Purim is fast approaching and the community are invited (in costume!) to:

Wednesday, March 4th - Erev Purim

7.30–8.15pm (7-12 year olds): Hamentashen making at Shira! (Please RSVP to this email to confirm attendance)

8.15pm: Communal Megilla reading at Shira followed by hamentashen and live music. 

Thursday, March 5th- Purim Day

Join us at the home of Michael and Adiva Sifris, 10 Airdrie Road, North Caulfield

4–5.30pm (Under 8's):  Kids' (brief) Megilla reading, amazing sand art, and Ron the Magician! (Please RSVP to this email)
6.00pm: Megilla reading with Mark Symons doing his wonderful theatrical performance.

****

On March 21, come to shira to explore the potentials of interfaith dialogue. We will hear presentations by interfaith participants – including our very own Alex Kats! The kiddush will be followed by a lively and engaging discussion.

Are you missing any clothing? Please collect any clothing you may have left at the Herzl Club recently by attending shule on Friday night or Saturday. Herzl Club management want these articles removed immediately. At the end of February any goods still remaining at Shira will be given to the local OpShop.

Community Announcements

This weekend is the Peter Mac Breast Cancer Walk.Proceeds will provide vital funding to research and clinical care at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.  We wish the best of luck to Annette Charak, Samuel Hertz, Ann Wollner and Anna Mlynek-Kalman with the 60km walk. Show support by clicking on their names and donating to their fundraising pages.

Finally, Melbourne's Jewish women's organisations are hosting "Unchain my heart" this Sunday 1 March at 7.30pm to acknowledge International Agunah Day. There will be a panel and an improvised performance by Playback Theatre. 

Venue: 2 Nagle Ave, Elsternwick. 
Cost: $10 per person

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Terumah

Come join the soulfulness at Shira this weekend. We hope to see you there!

Kabbalat Shabbat -  Friday 6.30pm

Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45am
This Shabbat Shacharit the drasha will be given by Arielle Perlow and followed by a light Kiddush.

Upcoming Events

Purim is fast approaching and the community are invited (in costume!) to:

Wednesday, March 4th- Erev Purim

7.30 - 8.15pm (7-12 year olds): Hamentashen making at Shira! (please RSVP to this email to confirm attendance)
8.15pm: Communal Megilla reading at Shira followed by hamentashen and live music. 

Thursday, March 5th- Purim Day
Join us at the home of Michael and Adiva Sifris,
10 Airdrie Road, North Caulfield

4 - 5.30pm (Under 8's):  Kids' (brief) Megilla reading, amazing sand art, and Ron the Magician! (please RSVP to this email)
6.00pm: Megilla reading with Mark Symons doing his wonderful theatrical performance.

****

There will be a Bnei Mitzvah information session on March 3rd at 7.30pm.  It will be a good opportunity to find out more about the program. If you are interested in attending please reply to this email.

Are you missing any clothing? Please collect any clothing you may have left at the Herzl Club recently by attending shule on Friday night or Saturday. Herzl Club management want these articles removed immediately.  At the end of February any goods still remaining at Shira will be given to the local OpShop.

Community Announcements

The ‘New Australian Haggadah’, complied by the wonderful Joel Lazar, has just been released. This Haggadah highlights contemporary social justice issues and their relationship to Pesach.  It aims to inspire our community to work towards social change.  You can check it out here.

Finally, the Melbourne's Jewish women's organisations are hosting "Unchain my heart" on Sunday 1 March at 7.30pm to acknowledge International Agunah Day. There will be a panel and an improvised performance by Playback Theatre. 

Venue: 2 Nagle Ave, Elsternwick. 
Cost: $10 per person

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Mishpatim

Subsequent to Jews receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai in last week's parsha Yitro) and accepting the Torah, 
G-d teaches them the laws within. In this parsha, we learn about 53 mitzvot (out of a total of 613) that G-d commands the Jews including laws about courts and Judging. We are taught to never make false testimony and about laws of punishment. In light of the Royal Commission these lessons are particularly poignant. 

This weekend at Shira is Summer themed! Come to Kabbalat Shabbat at 6.30pm in your best Hawaiian or other summer shirt and stay for icy poles.  

Shabbat Shacharit commences at 9.45am. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes? This week, the service will be followed by a light kiddush including Icecream. If you need another reason to attend Shira, the drasha will be given by Ellyse Borghi. 
 
Are you missing any clothing? Please collect any clothing you may have left at the Herzl Club recently by attending shule on Friday night or Saturday. Herzl Club management want these articles removed immediately. At the end of February any goods still remaining at Shira will be given to the local OpShop.
 
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. 

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,  we want to share information about the joint event "Unchain my heart" on Sunday 1 March at 7.30 pm hosted by Melbourne's Jewish women's organisations to acknowledge International Agunah Day. There will be a panel and an improvised performance by Playback Theatre. Venue: 2 Nagle Ave, Elsternwick. Cost: $10 per person

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Yitro

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.

Parshat Beshalach

After escaping Egypt, in this week’s parsha, the Israelites find themselves trapped in between pharaoh’s armies and the sea. The Red Sea then splits allowing the Israelites to pass through before closing on the pursuing Egyptians. Moses and the children of Israel celebrate this victory by singing songs of praise.

Join the soulfulness of Shira this Friday night at 6.30pm for the first Kabbalat Shabbat of the year.  It is almost time to welcome Shabbat...Shira Style! We are starting the year with a musical Kabbalat Shabbat!

We look forward to welcoming you again for Shabbat Shacharit commencing at 9.45am. We are delighted to start services for primary school aged kids in addition to the tots service (up to five year olds).

This weekend, we have the pleasure in celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of Anna Denishensky.  Anna will undoubtedly bring her passion and enthusiasm to her leining. Anna will also be presenting a Dvar Torah with her brother Max. There will be a Kiddush following the service, kindly hosted by their parents Lisa and Andrew Denishensky. We wish the entire family mazel tov!

Our Bnei Mitzvah program will be commencing soon for those who will have a  bar/bat mitzvah in 2015.  Adiel Cohney will lead an engaging and thought provoking program for youth.  There will be an information session on 3 March 2015. It will be a good opportunity to meet Adiel and find out more about the program. In the meantime, please reply to this email with any enquiries.

There are many ways to be involved in Shira this year.  If you would like to give a drasha, sponsor a kiddush, celebrate a simcha and/or commemorate a yarzheit, please send us an email.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Bo

Need another reason to put the phone away on Shabbat? One word....Shira! We are delighted to begin the year with several joyous occasions and smachot.

In this week’s parsha, we are commanded to retell the story of Exodus from Egypt.  Every person is unique with his or her own particular needs, personality, strengths, weaknesses, joys, and challenges, and responds to and re-tells the story of Exodus in a unique way. Come join us for this wonderful re-telling.

Unfortunately, there is no Kabbalat Shabbat service tonight but we look forward to welcoming you for Shabbat Shacharit commencing at 9.45am.  There will be a service for the kids too.

This weekend, we have the absolute pleasure in celebrating the Simchat Bat of Yael Meltzer.  Yael will undoubtedly bring her uniqueness and personality to her leining and Dvar Torah. A Kiddush, kindly sponsored by her parents Katy and Brian Meltzer, will follow the service. We wish the entire family mazel tov!

The Shira community also extends a warm mazel tov to Brett Nathan who recently became engaged to Jordana Cohen. We are delighted to hear this fabulous news and wish them much naches. The community also extends a hearty mazltov to Mark and Karen Symons  on the marriage of their daughter Ariella to Simon Holloway in Sydney last week, and we wish the couple joy and happiness.

Our Bnei Mitzvah program will be commencing soon for youth who are turning bar/bat mitzvah in 2014/2015.  Adiel Cohney will lead an engaging and thought provoking program for youth.  The will be an information session on the 3rd of March 2015. It will be a good opportunity to meet Adiel and find out more about the program. In the meantime, please reply to this email with any enquiries.

There are many ways to be involved in Shira this year.  If you would like to give a drasha, sponsor a kiddush, celebrate a simcha and/or commemorate a yarzheit, please reply to this email.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Miketz

This week, we read more of Joseph's dreams, this time he dreams of famine and plenty, and Pharoah appoints him governor of Egypt for his prophetic dreams.

Shabbat - 9.45am

Mazel tov! We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the batmitzvah of Rebecca Herz this Shabbat, it has been absolutely delightful to be a part of Rebecca's journey, she has been an integral part of Shira for many, many years, and we wish her and her parents Annette Charak and Alain Herz, siblings Klara and Samuel, and the entire extended family only blessings and nachas.  The Dvar Torah will be given by Annette, and Annette and Alain are kindly sponsoring the Kiddush. All are welcome.

Kabbalat Shabbat & Chanukah

This Friday 19 December at 5.30pm - Shira Kid's Hanukkah party!  Bring your children along for an evening of games, arts and crafts, mac and cheese dinner, and of course, yummy doughnuts.  BYO art smock. 

The entire community is then warmly welcome at a musical menorah lighting and doughnuts at 6.20pm, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat at 6.30pm.  Raf Dascalu will also be giving us an inspiring Dvar Torah.  Services conclude after Maariv at 7.30pm.

Summer dates

Shira will be closing over the summer holidays, and will re-open on Friday night 23 January.  We look forward to an inspiring and soulful 2015 together. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and your email for special events over the summertime.

Survey

At Shira, we really value your feedback.  So much so, that we are conducting a very short survey, which we hope will help us better understand the needs of our community and help us plan for the future.

The survey takes only 5 minutes to complete and you can be anonymous if you prefer. To take the survey please click here.

Many thanks to Pebby and Max Wald who have purchased a stunning Torah cover depicting the Tree of Life for the Shira Torah which was donated by the Prawers.  

Finally, we have been heartened by the #illridewithyou campaign which resonates with our community's refusal to demonise people and are grateful for a moment of light in a dark week, befitting Channukah. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Channukah

Parshat Vayeshev

Parshat Vayeshev is about returning to our roots and dreaming lofty dreams for our future. Join us this week to dream about reaching new heights.

We would love if you want to join us this Friday night for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat, led by Ketoret at 6.30pm(mincha at 6.15pm).  This will be followed by a light kiddush of sushi provided by Melanie Landau.

Shacharit commences at 9.45am, and this week we are thrilled to celebrate the aufruf of Ilana Jaffe and Julian Hoffman. Mazeltov to Ilana, Julian and to their son Abe, parents Linda and Russell Jaffe, and Lazar and Sheila Hoffman.  Wishing Ilana & Julian much joy and happiness, nachas and blessings for this important milestone in their journey of life together.

The Dvar Torah will be given by Melanie Landau and the Kiddush is kindly sponsored by Russell and Linda Jaffe, and all the community are invited to help celebrate.

After the Kiddush, you are invited to an informal picnic lunch for Shira and the wider community with Melanie on Shabbat 13 December, at approximately 1.30pm, at Caulfield Park near the pond and play equipment opposite the Bowling Club.  BYO rug, kosher food and picnic set (plate, cup, cutlery).  Shira members and the wider community are warmly welcome. (In the unlikely event of inclement weather, the picnic will be cancelled).

THIS SHABBAT AFTERNOON! The last in our successful series of "Modern Jewish Thinkers." At 6.30pm: The Lonely Prophet: Glimpses into the World of Rav Kook, presented by our Education Director, Raphael Dascalu. Address: 6/310 Alma Road, Caulfield North.  

Save the date - Celebrate Chanukkah @ Shira:  Join us on 19 December at 6.30pm for music, candle lighting, latkes and sufganiyot. Raphael Dsacalu will illuminate us about Ḥănukkāh while we enjoy our Chanukkah treats after davening.

Take our 5 minute survey! We really value your feedback on Shira, and appreciate your responses to our survey here. Thank you to Anthony Frosh for preparing this.  

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Vayishlach

Come and hear the tale of brothers reunited and how we all became Yisrael. For those who prefer more action, our parsha also has the story of Dinah, her brothers and the city of Shechem.

Have you seen our YouTube KabShab compilation? It's so beautiful, have a listen here. The real thing is even better - and we look forward to singing with you at our musical Kabbalat Shabbat at 6.30pm (mincha at 6.15pm).  

Shacharit commences 9.45am, and this week we are thrilled to celebrate the batmitzvah of Willow Ziguras. Mazeltov to Willow, her parents Ilana and Christopher, and her sister. We wish you and your extended families much nachas and blessings and joy on this wonderful milestone in Willow's journey. Willow will be giving the Dvar Torah as well, and the community is invited to a Kiddush kindly sponsored by the family.

Welcome to Dr Melanie Landau who is here visiting from Israel. We are excited to have the oppurtunity to connect with Melanie at three Shira events:

(1) THIS SHABBAT! 6 December at 6pm: Yemima Avital: A Woman as a Modern Hasidic Master presented by Dr Melanie Landau. Address: 14 Airdrie Road, Caulfield North (as part of our Seudah Shlishit series on Modern Jewish Thinkers)

(2) A community Q&A at 7pm on Sunday 7 Decemberat Shira premises (222 Balaclava Road).  This will be followed by our AGM at 8pm.  

(3) An informal communal picnic lunch for Shira and the wider community with Melanie on Shabbat 13 December, after the Kiddush at Shira at approximately1.30pm, at Caulfield Park near the pond and play equipment opposite the Bowling Club.  BYO rug, kosher food and picnic set.

Save the date - last in series of "Modern Jewish Thinkers: Shira Seudah Shlishit series":  Join us on 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.  

Save the date - Celebrate Chanukkah @ Shira:  Join us on 19 December at 6.30pm for music, candle lighting, latkes and sufganiyot. Raphael Dsacalu will illuminate us about Ḥănukkāh while we enjoy our Chanukkah treats after davening.

Take our 5 minute survey! We really value your feedback on Shira, and appreciate your responses to our survey here. Thank you to Anthony Frosh for preparing this.  

Mazeltov to Andrew Wirth on his barmitzvah anniversary! 

Shabbat Shalom