AJN NOVEMBER 16, 2018 16 KISLEV 8, 5779 NEWS

THE GREAT AUSSIE SHTETL

HOBART HEBREW CONGREGATION CHABAD ACT The honey of the Apple Isle A hive of activity WITH approval for its first and assistance wherever required, THE Hebrew Jewish day school just granted for aiming to put people in touch with Congregation (HHC) has a 2019, Canberra will now be fully the relevant community service proud history and an exciting equipped with all the Jewish infra- and advocate for them to ensure present. structure necessary to live a tradi- they receive the treatment and As custodians of the oldest tional Jewish life. services they require. Their crisis in , conse- Chabad ACT is led by Rabbi support operations are open to crated in 1845 with a distinct Shmueli and Rebbetzin Chasia the entire community within the Egyptian revival style architec- Feldman. Situated in the pur- ACT and the region. Counselling, ture, it is a welcoming commu- pose-built Gan Yisroel Community financial assistance, and crisis nity with stories and experiences and Day Care Centre, Canberra’s accommodation and housing sup- to share. only Jewish preschool and long port are also services offered. The congregation embraces day care centre, is the Chabad both Orthodox and Progressive ACT Synagogue. Services are tra- Each day, Chabad ACT provides members and holds services for ditional, and are conducted in a crisis assistance, meals, once-off aid both groups. They are always joyous, casual atmosphere. They for basic necessities, housing solu- happy for visitors to join them – are held every Shabbat and Jewish tions, counselling, financial aid, whether it be for a tour, a service, festival. Children are included and employment and training services, or even those looking to relocate most welcome. Not all of those and support for the elderly includ- to the island. Inside the Hobart Synagogue, the oldest in Australia. who attend can read Hebrew, yet ing Holocaust survivors. They also Recently, the HHC held a everyone feels at home. The prayer operate a food bank with frozen jovial Simchat Torah service led warmer weather months when services and join at their annual book is bilingual and various and fresh meals provided upon by two visiting rabbis. With sev- visitors flock to . The picnic held at a beautiful water- English readings are included in request to those in need. All meals eral young members in attend- HHC website allows users to eas- side reserve. In addition, they the service. are strictly kosher under the super- are finalising details for two ance, there is much optimism ily schedule tours of the herit- Chabad ACT also provides vision of Canberra Kosher. age-listed synagogue. Last year klezmer concerts by well-known and excitement to be found in Canberra’s only kosher service, Everyone is welcome at Chabad they shared the remarkable his- Australian groups to be held in the old shule. As more families Canberra Kosher; and operates the ACT, regardless of their personal tory and the building’s unique the shule. Details are forthcom- are finding the lovely wilderness, only mikvah in the region. level of religious observance. Their architecture with an unprece- ing on the HHC website. laid-back atmosphere, and low Jewish education is paramount, philosophy is in keeping with the dented amount of curious visi- While the congregation is cost of living in Tasmania to with after-school and adult classes Chabad-Lubavitch approach of be attractive, there is confidence tors – and they hope to continue small, HHC is proud of its history on offer. joy, scholarship and unconditional they will continue to add new doing so. and is committed to in Goodness and Kindness has acceptance and love for every Jew members to their vibrant con- The summer promises to be a the beautiful island state. been set up by Chabad ACT as a busy time within the congrega- and all of mankind. gregation. For more information, visit humanitarian, outreach and wel- Additionally, the shule is ready tion. HHC will be welcoming a www.hobartsynagogue.org/visitus fare organisation. Their crisis sup- For more information, visit to open its doors during the visiting rabbi to lead Chanukah or call 0466 434 620. port arm provides emergency relief www.chabadact.com.au

B"H AUSTRALIA’S BEST KEPT JEWISH SECRET EXPOSED With approval for its first Jewish Day School just granted for 2019 and voted the world’s most liveable City, Canberra will now be equipped with all the Jewish infrastructure a traditional Jewish family will need to live a comfortable Jewish life and at a fraction of the price of Sydney or Melbourne. Other Services provided by Chabad ACT include: • Vibrant, welcoming and engaged Synagogue Community • Established and award winning Jewish Preschool & LDC Centre • Outreach & Welfare program • State of the Art Mikvah • Canberra Kosher Shop and Catering • Adult Jewish Education Programs and a vast Jewish Library • And Much more... Consider moving for 2019. Get in early to secure your family to become a part of Australian Jewry’s hottest development! Housing subsidies for the next ten families who move from interstate. Conditions apply. “Do not separate yourself from the community” For more information: www.jewishcanberra.com

Progressive Judaism honours our tradition, informs the present and guides the future of our communities through meaningful opportunities for Jewish expression in the modern world. Programs include leadership development, education, community building, the pursuit of social justice and connections with the entire Jewish community, locally, nationally and world wide.

YOU WOULD BE WELCOMED AT ANY OF OUR REGIONAL CONGREGATIONS Hobart Synagogue Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Australia’s oldest Synagogue (1845) Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, We are an active and welcoming community in Canberra, Hobart, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Beijing, beautiful Tasmania. See the shul’s fascinating Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Mumbai, or Shanghai architecture and learn about our remarkable history.

Visit our website to view an interactive map with links to To schedule a tour or to attend services, please visit UPJ congregations in Australia, New Zealand and Asia: www.upj.org.au www.hobartsynagogue.org/visitus or call 0466 434 620