Shira Hadasha

Dear <<First Name>>,

An information session was held last night for Shira's Bnei Mitzvah Program which we offer as an educational accompaniment to the experience of having a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah at Shira. The evening was a great success, and it was wonderful to see so many people - kids and parents - present and excited about Shira's dynamic and diverse Bnei Mitzvah program. The program will provide an opportunity for all participants, regardless of their Jewish educational background, to grapple with Jewish ideas, ask big questions, and develop and enhance strong and meaningful Jewish identities.

If someone in your family is having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 2017/18, and is interested in Shira's program, they can contact us at admin@shira.org.au.

Shabbat This Week

We hope you join us again for another beautiful Shabbat. This week, Kabbalat Shabbat will be at Shira at the new summer time of 6.30pm.

Kabbalat Shabbat - Friday 6.30 pm (l'chaim at 6.15 pm)
Shabbat Shacharit - Saturday 9.45 am

On Saturday, the kiddush is being sponsored by Eddie Tamir in memory of the yahrzeit of his late mother Chasya Tamir z''l. We wish Eddie, his father David, and all his family a long life.

Following kiddush, David Maeir-Epstein will be speaking about social change in Israeli Society. For more details see below.

If you missed any of the thought provoking and moving drashot at Shira over Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, they are now all available on our website.

Topic: 'Social change in Israeli society through song and innovation: Religious pluralism, co-existence and integration of Haredim into Israel’s economy'

When: Saturday 5 November, 12.15pm (Following kiddush)

David Maeir-Epstein has an extensive resume having worked in the not-for-profit sector in Israel and America for over forty years. He has come to Australia on behalf of Campus Strauss - Afikei Lomda, which is playing a major role in training and employment placement, integrating thousands of Haredim, men and women, into Israel's economy . This is making significant changes in terms of getting families out of poverty, off welfare and onto the tax rolls as well as playing a role in overcoming the gaps in Israeli society between Haredim and the general population. On a personal level he will also share insights from his involvement in Jewish renewal and Jewish Arab coexistence. For more information about these coexistence projects check out this youtube video.

What's Happening?

Visit our website calendar or facebook for the most up-to-date event information.

This year Shira has decided to support Stand Up's Refugee Women's Group for its Kol Nidrei Appeal.

The Women's Group meets weekly and empowers and supports disadvantaged and isolated Sudanese women in Melbourne. Stand Up has a very committed group of 10 Jewish volunteers who over the last 5 years has helped these refugee women improve their English, gain new vocational and social skills and increase their confidence when navigating life in Australia.

All donations in support of Stand Up's Refugee Women's Group are fully tax deductible.

Please donate online at standup.org.au/shira

Earlier this year, Aria Klein travelled to India and volunteered at a number of schools. Aria has decided to collect puzzles, intellectual board/card games and exercise books with activities for schools in Auroville, Tamil Nadu. Aria would really appreciate the help of Shira members to donate what they can. Aria is collecting the items until October and has set up a drop off zone at Shira to facilitate this.

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.