The Israel-Australia Connection
17/04/2015 01:44:09 PM
 |
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
 |
Please note: Shacharit tomorrow morning 9.00AM
Dear Friends, The coming week - with its celebration of both Yom HaAtzmaut and the centenary of Anzac Day - underscores the the deep connection that exists between our "lucky country" of residence and citizenship, Australia, and our country of origin and ultimate destiny, Israel. A) It was the Zion Mule Corps, precursor to the Hagana and later Tzahal, that landed with the Anzacs at Gallipoli on April 25th 1915, the event that was to forge Australia's identity as a proud and independent nation. And it was soldiers of the Zion Mule Corps, no less than the heroic Simpson and his Donkey, who sacrificed their lives to rescue their wounded Australian comrades in arms. B) It was the Anzacs, soldiers of the Light Horse Brigade, who upon their return from Gallipoli, charged and conquered Be'er Sheva on October 31st, 1917. This, the last successful cavalry charge in history, led to issuing of the Balfour Declaration several days later, and ultimately to the establishment of the modern State of Israel. From the above it can clearly be seen that Australia and Israel each played a crucial role in the formation and the identity of the other. Although this has neither been sufficiently acknowledged nor publicized - it serves as a powerful underpinning of the strong and unique bond that exists between our two nations, a bond that has been reinforced by successive Australian and Israeli governments of all stripes. In spite of the unrelenting threats to its very existence from the very day of its proclamation sixty seven years ago, Israel has emerged as the greatest success story of nation building in history. Today, sixty seven years later, it is an economic power-house, a world leader in technology, bio-technology and agricultural innovation, and of course, a centre of Torah learning, with more students and greater scholarship than at any time since the destruction of our Holy Temple. In a world of rising anti-semitism and fanaticism, Australia stands out as a shining light of tolerance and opportunity for all minorities willing to take advantage of the freedoms that this great country affords us. Together with all Australians, Jews understand that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance and a willingness to sacrifice - as demonstrated by Private Greg Sher, the last Australian to give his life for his country in Afghanistan in 2009. As both proud Australians and Jews, we toast both Australia and Israel at this auspicious juncture of their history. And most importantly, we give thanks to Almighty G-d for His abundant Kindness and continued Guidance, Providence and Protection. May He now lead us towards the ultimate destiny of all humankind - and immediately herald in the long-awaited Era of our righteous Moshiach. Rabbi Benzion and Rebbetzen Henya Milecki
Barmitzvah Discovery Program
Impressions from a Recent Graduate Mazal Tov to Shannon Mayer and family on the celebration of his BarMitzvah this Shabbat. Shannon and father Michael wrote a beautiful account of their experience:
JLI - Judaism Decoded
Early Bird Discount - one week left don't miss out! Make a date to join us Monday evenings from May 4 OR Tuesday mornings from May 5. Click here for online registration  Youth ReportWow Pessach really just passed right over! hope you guys enjoyed the hand made Shmura Matza, at the awesome model seder. Now its time to start the countdown to Shavuot and get excited for the tasty ice cream party we will have at Childrens Service! Next up though, join us for the next 5 weeks at KOSHER CHEF DAIRY EDITION where you’ll create and enjoy all the scrumptious Shavuot delicacies. Yum! Click here for online registration Keep a look out for a special Lag beomer event too! But it all starts tonight with the amazing children program at shule. See you There!!! Shabbat shalom Reminder Registration for Cteen Ski Camp and Camp Shalom Winter Camp open This Week! Shaya, Shmuli & Tzemach For more info on all programs: youth@southhead.org
Tzemach Yemini 0412 482 770 or Shaya Greene 0412 542 770 or Shmuli Rosenbaum 0432 876 770  
On the Mark
Rabbi Raphael Pelcovitz ".. This issue Mihu Yehudi - who is a Jew according to Jewish Law - was of great importance to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and it was in this context that I came to meet him in the late 1950s. It proved a very special encounter ..." Full story..  Something's FishyAfter Kiddush Shabbat Shiur Join us in the Herbert Hall straight after Kiddush and learn why we must always consider the Source..
RECOMMENDED LIBRARY READING
JEWS AND MEDICINE, by Frank Heynick Shabbat Shalom, Sylvia Tuback, Librarian COMMUNAL EVENTS
|
|
 |
“Becoming Bar Mitzvah is one of the most important events in Judaism. It means you become a man, you become more responsible and you officially represent the Jewish community. It’s important to know what and what not to do when becoming Bar Mitzvah.
|
666 Old South Head Rd Rose Bay, NSW 2029 (02) 9371 7300 |
|
SHMINI
Rose Bay, NSW 2029
(02) 9371 7300