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What’s on this week:
Shabbat Vayetzei
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Friday
- Mincha 5.55 pm
- Kabbalat Shabbat 6.15 pm
- Children's Services 6.15 pm
- Candle Lighting
Earliest 6.26 pm
Customary 7.37 pm
Candle lighting available at Shul with a light kiddush served after the service. |
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| Below is a summary table of our Summer Friday Night Times. To view a copy of the previous email with more details, please click here. |
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Saturday
- Shacharit 9.00 am
- Children's Services 10.30 am
- Mincha 7.25 pm
- Havdalah 8.39 pm
For the full December calendar, please click here. |
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Reflections on Parashat Vayetzei from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks:
The events narrated in this week’s parsha – Jacob’s flight to Laban, his stay there, and his escape, pursued by his father-in-law – gave rise to the strangest passage in the Haggadah. Commenting on Deuteronomy 26:5, the passage we expound on Seder night, it says as follows: 'Arami oved avi'. Go and learn what Laban the Aramean sought to do to our father Jacob, for Pharaoh condemned only the boys to death, but Laban sought to uproot everything. To continue reading, please click here. |
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MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Sara Wahlhaus and Yitzchak Nissanian on their engagement in Israel. Mazal Tov to parents Alan and Sharon Wahlhaus and Ayal and Ofra Nissanian. Mazal Tov to grandparents Marian Appel, Peggy Wahlhaus, Yoel and Lidya Naaman and Yitzchak and Shula Nissanian.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to Anne and Peter Fritz and Catherine Kalish on the passing in Italy of their daughter and sister Carla Fritz ע׳ה.
TODAH RABAH
Todah Rabah to Daniel and Aviva Winton for sponsoring this week's cholent in honour of their son Akiva and his teacher Rabbi Benjy Simons completing Perek Tefilas Hashachar. |
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ASK THE RABBI
Each week, members of our community are invited to send in an anonymous question and Rabbi Rapoport's answer will be published in our newsletter. This is a great opportunity to obtain answers to those simple, day-to-day questions you may have, but keep forgetting to ask! It's also a fun way for the rest of our community to broaden their knowledge and learn something new each week. Please send your questions to: marketing@kadimahsydney.org.
The Significance of an Aliyah (call up to the Torah)
This week Rabbi Dovy Rapoport is addressing a topic that doesn’t come as a response to a direct question, but will help to provide some context to the note from the Board below regarding donations on the bimah.
What is the significance of an aliyah (call up to the Torah)?
The term ‘aliyah’ means ‘an ascension’. Not just in the physical sense, that one goes up to the bimah, but also because one is going up to perform and partake in a practice that dates back to the times of Moshe Rabbeinu. He instituted the regular reading of the Torah and this was later strengthened by Ezra the scribe at the beginning of the second temple era.
For many generations those who were called up to recite the bracha also read the portion. Over time however, with the lack of universal expertise, it became the practice for the Ba’al Koreh, in our case, Rabbi Benjy Simons, to read on behalf of the one being called up.
It is therefore considered a great honor to be called up to the Torah. (Whilst in our community, we have the custom to make extra call ups, many communities will only call up the traditional seven people plus maftir.) As such, an Aliyah is used also as a time to say the gomel blessing, name babies and honour yartzeits.
After the call up, it is customary that one receives the opportunity to be blessed and also bless others. This is known as a Mi Sheberach, simply because the prayer begins with those words. This prayer is indeed flexible and people can choose who they want to bless.
When we petition G‑d to bring blessing or healing, it is customary to do so in merit of charity pledged. As a result, the custom developed of pledging money to charity during the Mi Sheberach. Halachically speaking there is no obligation to give a donation if one gets a call up. Traditionally many communities will however use these honours as a way to raise money for the daily running of the shul. These donations thus serve to perpetuate the reading of the Torah on a regular basis.
FURTHER INSIGHTS FROM THE BOARD
What does “Matana” mean on the Bimah?
Receiving an aliyah by being 'called up' to the Torah is a central feature of Shabbat and chaggim services. Aliyot can be in recognition of a simcha, birthday, anniversary, personal achievement, yarzeit, return from travel, recovery from illness, or other reason to bring kavod (honour) to the person and his family. We try and accommodate as many people as we can, as well as ensure everyone has an opportunity for an honour through the year. Please contact the office if you would like us to arrange an aliyah for a special occasion or over an upcoming Yom Tov.
For many in our community there is a strong desire to be discrete in their donation on the bimah, requesting 'matana' (a gift) be announced in their mi sheberach (blessing), instead of a specific quantum. Of course, we do not wish to disturb people’s desire to be generous, but subtle, in their support for our community. However, this practise is increasing and inadvertently it is adding an inefficient administrative burden to the office, when they have to contact people in the days after to confirm the amount of the donation. In some cases people have unfortunately been confused and felt subsequent dishonour at being contacted for the amount to invoice.
In order to reduce this situation in the future, we would like to request that even if you would like matana to be announced, that you quietly advise the actual amount to the person giving the mi sheberach (typically the Rabbi) or the person recording the donation in front of the bimah. We are aware that in some shules where matana is declared, it is automatically deemed to be a set amount and we would prefer to avoid this model.
Donations from the bimah are an important component in our community’s funding and day to day running costs. We are thankful and appreciate the generosity of all our members, including on the bimah, each according to their own means.
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BAR AND BAT MITZVAH PROGRAMS 2020
We are proud to offer engaging, educational and fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah programs. This year's programs were a huge success and we look forward to providing these wonderful opportunities again in early 2020. Please see below for more information and registration details. Everyone is welcome to join, members and non-members!
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BAT MITZVAH EXPERIENCE 2020
The Kehillat Kadimah - JLC Bat Mitzvah experience is a fun, interactive and hands on journey, specifically aimed at guiding our young Bat Mitzvah girls as they navigate their way towards becoming proud Jewish women.
The girls will discover the 'How, Why, Where, What and Who' of their inner souls in a friendly, personalised and intimate group setting.
Each of the 11 sessions is packed with learning, fun, discussions, demonstrations and hands-on creative components. These include art, fashion, song, dance, technology, cooking, Chessed (communal outreach), plus a behind-the-scenes glimpse into performing some of our everyday Mitzvot.
The Bat Mitzvah girls will be introduced to a variety of inspirational role models within our community, each of whom will contribute their knowledge and talents in a unique and memorable way.
The Bat Mitzvah program culminates in a meaningful Challah bake and family Shabbat experience.
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MEET NISSA NIASOFF
Hi, I’m Nissa Niasoff, AKA the wife of Kehillat Kadimah's Chazan - Rabbi Yehoshua Niasoff.
I was born and raised in Sydney, and always knew I would one day become a teacher. I have spent the better part of my married life teaching High School Jewish Studies, while at the same time raising my three beautiful children. I also write and direct the Kesser Torah Girls High School musical productions, and I’m passionate about giving my students a voice and a chance to express themselves creatively outside of the classroom.
When I’m not at school, you might find me sitting at my piano, arranging or rehearsing with the choir at Kadimah, giving a Shiur to the women, or writing a new “Mish and Mush” children’s book, to read to my five adorable grandchildren. I am so thrilled to join and collaborate with the wonderful, enthusiastic team at JLC, and can’t wait for the JLC/ Kadimah Bat Mitzvah Experience in 2020!
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Next week we will profile Deborah Blackman, the third facilitator of the Bat Mitzvah Program.
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SHIURIM
Rabbi Rapoport will be giving his final Contemporary Topics Shiur before the summer holidays. For more details, please see the below flyer.
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LEVI SIMONS' OPSHERNISH
We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Rabbi Benjy and Nechama Simons on the upcoming Opshernish and third birthday of their son Levi. They are inviting our Kehillah to join them in celebrating their Simcha. Please see the below invitation for more details.
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR A KIDDUSH?
Do you have a celebration coming up in the family? Or would you like to honour the memory of a loved one? Or do you just feel it is "your turn"? If you would like more information on sponsoring a Kiddush, please contact the office on 9371 7300 or Bernice Charif on 0410 303 934 for more information.
*NEW* Friday Night Kiddush sponsorship opportunities are available over the Summer months. Please contact the office for more details or view the Friday Night information email here. |
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BIKKUR CHOLIM - VISITING THE SICK
Amongst the great features of our community is the caring and attentive work of the Bikkur Cholim team, led by John Temple and supported by several dedicated volunteers. Rabbi Rapoport and Rabbi Niasoff also make visits to ensure that members, as well as the parents and grandparents of members, who are in care facilities remain connected to our community even if they aren’t able to attend the shule as frequently as they would like to. Through these visits we have discovered additional people to visit and we need more volunteers to help with this important mitzvah.
If you are able to spare a couple of hours once or twice a month, you can brighten the day of someone in our community. This is open to all ages, and support material and guidance is offered to ensure visits are effective and make a good impact on the lives of those you meet. Similarly, if you know of someone in any of the local hospitals or aged care facilities, please do let us know to ensure that they remain part of the Kehillat Kadimah family. Please contact John Temple on 0412 233 166 to discuss. |
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CHESED AND SIMCHA MEALS
Many of our community already fulfil the mitzvah of providing meals during times of need. Chesed and simcha meals are a way to coordinate short-term assistance with meals for those who require them, for example during the shiva period, illness or when a young family brings home a newborn baby. If members of our Kehillat Kadimah community hear of such needs a food chain can be coordinated for this purpose. For further enquiries, please contact Ellie Temple on ellietemple8@gmail.com. |
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Occasionally we have people at Shul on a Friday night or Shabbat morning who do not have a Shabbat meal to attend. As a warm and welcoming community it would be wonderful to have a roster of kosher homes organised so that if the situation arises we can offer someone a Shabbat meal to attend. If you are able to assist please contact Mervyn Katz in the office on 9371 7300, ext 5.
Additionally, if you or someone you know are in need of a Shabbat meal, please contact Mervyn with your requirements. |
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CHILDREN'S SERVICES
youth@kadimahsydney.org
MIKVAH AZIZA
The women's Mikvah is open.
Rivka Ray
0402 045 110
https://www.mikvahaziza.org.au
JOIN A MINYAN
Ian Charif
0414 492 010
PRACTICE MAFTIR/HAFTARAH
Alan Wahlhaus
0425 242 042
SHACHARIT SERVICES:
6.30am: Mondays & Thursdays,
Fast Days & Rosh Chodesh
6.45am: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
8.00am: Sundays & Public Holidays
9.00am: Shabbat (Tehillim 8.55am)
10.30am: Children’s Services
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Shabbat Shalom
Kehillat Kadimah
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