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News & Events
175th anniversary for Hobart Hebrew Congregation
Hobart Synagogue, the oldest Jewish place of worship still in use in Australia, is about to turn 175 – and a certain medical crisis hasn’t stopped the anniversary from being turned to good use. Hobart Hebrew Congregation has run services in the heritage-listed synagogue in central Hobart since its consecration on July 4, 1845, and was set to mark the milestone with an array of projects and a program of public celebrations. The coronavirus forced the celebration to be cancelled, but the projects have been successfully completed.
Is it Israel's responsibility to build a Palestinian state?
UPJ Co-Presidents David Knoll AM and Brian Samuel OAM, and Vice-President Helen Shardey submitted an OpEd reflection on annexation that was published in #TheAustralianJewishNews on 19 June 2020. Click here to download
ARC clergy share "Black Lives Matter" sermons
The Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors (formerly the "Moetzah") has asked its members to submit sermons relating to the current events in the United States, and the related protests around Australia. Click on "Read More" to view the submitted sermons.
Shul Survival Guide
Roger Mendelson, UPJ Immediate Past President, prepared a "Shul Survival Guide" for use around the UPJ region. The guide, which focuses on the financial side of synagogue management, was based on his book Ten Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them, which was published in 2008 when Australia was expecting to suffer a major recession following the Global Financial Crisis. A few constructive comments have been received and a new edition will be posted soon.
Virtual services and classes
Many UPJ congregations have chosen to offer Shabbat and daily minyan services, and courses during this time of social isolation using online meeting platforms, such as GoToMeeting, Skype and Zoom. Click here to read an article which may be useful for those new to this technology.
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