Breaking barriers over Shabbat
MEMBERS of federal and local Parliament, faith group representatives, leaders of local communities and Australian Defence Force (ADF) chaplains came together for an interfaith Shabbat dinner last Friday night.
MEMBERS of federal and local Parliament, faith group representatives, leaders of local communities and Australian Defence Force (ADF) chaplains came together for an interfaith Shabbat dinner last Friday night.
Hosted by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) and Maroubra Synagogue, guests were led on a tour of the shul by Rabbi Yossi Friedman and then joined the congregation for the Shabbat service.
They then enjoyed a three-course dinner at which former Wallabies great Gary Ella gave a Welcome to Country, and Chaplain Christine Senini, an RAAF Uniting Church chaplain with the rank of Squadron Leader, spoke about religion and chaplaincy within the ADF.
JBOD president Jeremy Spinak welcomed guests, after which Rabbi Friedman guided them through the relevant prayers.
“It was an invaluable event in terms of bridge-building and literally breaking bread with representatives of the wider Maroubra community,” JBOD CEO Vic Alhadeff commented.
“For most guests, this was their first time inside a synagogue, and an unprecedented opportunity to share Jewish customs and traditions in a congenial environment.”
Rabbi Friedman told The AJN it was a “privilege” to host the dinner.
“I led an explanatory synagogue tour for all of the guests prior to the Shabbat service and spoke about the diversity and freedom of religion that we are blessed to enjoy in Australia,” he said. “Everyone was invited to light Shabbat candles and meditate on the light and blessings in their lives.”
Rabbi Friedman said everyone had “such a good time” and believes the evening “demonstrated how much can be achieved when different groups gather in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding”.
“Events like this really break down the barriers that divide us, and show how cultural acceptance and unity can truly be achieved,” he added.
Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said it was an opportunity to “witness how truly united we are as a nation, irrespective of culture or religion”.
Among the attendees were Member for Kingsford-Smith Matt Thistlethwaite, NSW Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member for Maroubra Michael Daley, Randwick City Council Mayor Noel D’Souza and Deputy Mayor Anthony Andrews, Botany Bay Deputy Mayor Stan Kondilios and other esteemed councillors from Randwick and Botany.
Other guests included Peter Doukas, chair of the Ethnic Communities’ Council (ECC) of NSW, and many of his colleagues from the ECC, senior ministers from a number of church denominations and members of the NSW Young Labor and NSW Young Liberal executives.
EVAN ZLATKIS
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