Rabbi's Message

Dear [first_name],

What a tasty, eye-opening and warm Shavuot we experienced at South Head!

Tasty - The Ladies’ Guild outdid themselves this past weekend with three days of Kiddushim, an amazing Shavuot Dinner and (with the assistance of the bochurim) an exquisite Wine and Cheese tasting bonanza. Kol HaKavod to Bernice Charif and her loyal band. And a very special thanks to those who worked hard the previous week to make Sydney’s largest, and our biggest ever (225 guests!), Shavuot Dinner the huge success that it was: Gail Bachmann, Brenda Butnaru, Linda Enoch, Barbara Mann, Margot Miller, Marianne Stern, Ian Charif and Phil Stern. And a big shout-out to Rebbetzen Henya for working overtime to get the word out to the community.

Eye-Opening - This year we again hosted Sydney’s largest by far Shavuot Night programme with close to 300 people attending our panel: Let’s Talk About Drugs and Alcohol. The speakers spoke movingly both of their own experiences, and of what was really going on in the community at large - much to the shock of many of those who were listening. It certainly created a whole new level of awareness of a very serious problem - and has sparked loads of discussion in the broader community, as we had hoped it would. I would like to sincerely thank “Yael”, Rodney and “Justin”, for courageously sharing their own personal experiences in the hope that others would benefit, Dr Dr Errol Jacobson and Kieren Le Plastrier for sharing their professional insights, and to Brett and Liora for giving us a glimpse into the modern teen scene. Much was learnt from each of the speakers - each with their own personal take.

Warm - In spite of a little tension on the eve of the Festival South Headers quickly regrouped to experience (to quote an email I received from a congregant) one of our most uplifting, joyful, inspiring and warm Shavuot’s ever. Our children also had a whale of time, see Youth Report below.

​Finally a really warm Mazal Tov to incoming President James Hochroth and the new Board. There is really good chemistry between us. I look forward to working with James, the Board and you to make South Head all that it can be - the most dynamic Synagogue in Sydney.

On behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head, best wishes for a Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM

A Presidential Address

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I have just been elected president, to be confronted with an article in the Australian Jewish News. I want to talk to you about myself, how I see the issues and challenges facing the shul and Rabbi Milecki’s position.

Myself
I was born and brought up in New York. I am about to celebrate 40 years of marriage; my wife, Yvonne, comes from a family of Holocaust survivors in Adelaide, who were Hungarian-speaking, and very religious. Read More

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Youth Crew
We're Here For You!

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Shavuot was such a blast! Over 200 children and parents came to Shule to enjoy our ice cream party and magic show, and boy oh boy were they blown away!

Let us not forget Camp Shalom Winter Day Camp on July 11 - July 15! We are almost booked out, so click here to register so you don't miss out.

And finally, if you're a teenager don't forget to book for our awesome CTeen Ski Overnight Winter Camp which will be held on July 4 - July 10. CTeen Ski Camp is a unique overnight adventure geared for teenagers with the aim to boost your teen's self-esteem through extreme adventures, extreme trips and an extreme love for Judaism! Spaces are strictly limited so register now to avoid disappointment!

Wishing you and your family Shabbat Shalom!

Tzemach, Roli & Yeruchum

For all information on upcoming youth events please contact us on 9371 7300 ext 3 or 0412 482 770 or youth@southhead.org

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Listen To Your Doctor
Dr. Gedalya Schechtman

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Before he left, he said, “Doctor, there is something I need to tell you. After the last visit, I really wasn’t sure about this new chemo, so I didn’t take the medication right away. I waited until after Shavuot, when I knew that the Lubavitcher Rebbe would be distributing wine to everybody present, and I would have a chance to get a blessing from him.

So right after the holiday ended, I went to Chabad Headquarters for the kos shel bracha ceremony. When my turn came to approach the Rebbe, I told him briefly that I had been ill, and I asked him to give me a blessing for a complete recovery. Read More

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Parasha Sheet
Parashat Naso

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Q. Why did Hashem choose to give the Torah in the desert. Does it not seem strange that such a magnificent, historic event would take place in a desolate desert, rather than a more beautiful, scenic area?

A. The Rabbis explain that Hashem wanted the Torah to be given in a desert in order to teach a lesson regarding Torah learning. Just like a desert has no specific owner and everyone is free to use it, so too the Torah has no specific person who can claim ownership over it. Every single Jew has a connection to the Torah, and through studying it, the Torah becomes ‘theirs’.  Read More

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Recommended Library Reading
It Could Always Be Worse

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From Our Children's Library.

IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE A Yiddish folk tale, beautifully illustrated and retold for children by Margot Zemach.

A man complains to his Rabbi that he is so poor and that his small hut is so crowded. What should he do? The Rabbi's advice is both surprising and wonderful.

Shabbat Shalom
Sylvia Tuback, Librarian

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Communal Events
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