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Temple Beth Israel, an inclusive and vibrant centre for Jewish life in Melbourne, Australia.
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February 15, 2009 by admin
Temple Beth Israel hosted a community-wide service to pray for the victims of the Victorian bushfiresPhilip Bliss reports…
Friday 13th saw a thick haze over Melbourne from the bushfires about an hour away.
About 350-400 members from the Melbourne Jewish community came together to pray for all the victims of the horrific Victorian Bushfires that had started just a week ago.
The service was led by Rabbi Fred Morgan, senior rabbi at TBI and Rabbi Gersch Zylberman. The community welcomed Mr John Searle, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria who addressed the congregation from the bima. John spoke about how the whole Jewish community had rallied together to raise money and goods for the bushfire victims. He mentioned how some people had survived but had nothing to prove their own identity, all they had was the shirt on their back. Rabbi Morgan spoke about the total devastation at Marysville that had for decades been a favourite spot for retreats for a number of Jewish groups. He urged the TBI community to give and give again as much was needed over the coming weeks and months.Truckloads of goods had already left TBI and there was much more yet to be sent.
Brian Samuel, president of TBI, at the conclusion of the service read a long and passionate message from the premier Mr John Brumby who praised the fire-fighters and emergency service workers as well as the Jewish Community for organising themselves so quickly so they could help others.
Helen Shardy the local State member of parliament spoke on her own behalf and then read a heartfelt message from Ted Ballieau on behalf of the State Liberal opposition.
As kaddish was read for those who had died a great sadness enveloped those present.
February 11, 2009 by admin
TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE RESPONSE
Alongside all Victorians, the TBI community has been affected by the tragedy which swept through Victoria over this past weekend. We have checked with all members of Temple Beth Israel residing in areas which have been affected by the fires and we are thankful that all have survived
without injury or loss of life.
The outpourings of compassion have been heartfelt and overwhelming.
The TBI office has taken countless enquiries from members
asking how they can help. Here are our suggestions:
TBI and the JCCV invite the whole Victorian Jewish Community to a
SERVICE FOR THE BUSHFIRE VICTIMS
This Friday, 13 February at 6:15 pm
At Temple Beth Israel, 76 Alma Road, St Kilda
In partnership with the JCCV
Our erev Shabbat service will be specially dedicated to those
affected by this ongoing tragedy.
Kaddish will be said in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
Please bring donations with you.
Go to the TBI website at www.tbi.org.au
Click on the big red hotlink to the Bushfire Appeal page.
You can make credit card donations directly to Jewish Aid Australia
Cheques or cash can be forwarded to TBI and we will redirect appropriately.
You can also drop off goods to the TBI office. Place clothes in plastic bags labelled where appropriate with size, age, gender.
In addition to money and clothing, there is a need for toiletries, stationery,
toys and baby clothes, nappies & dog leashes.
Please share this email with friends who may not be in our email loop.
February 10, 2009 by admin
Melbourne’s Temple Beth Israel has launched a campaign to raise funds for the victims of the bush fires.Board member, Dr Philip Bliss, told J-Wire that the congregation was together as one with the entire Melbourne Jewish community in its heart-felt sympathy for those who had lost loved ones and will do what it can to help all those who are faced with rebuilding their lives
