Services, programs and events
I have been so impressed with the energy and commitment of members of the Board, who, in concert with administrative staff members and a number of enthusiastic congregants, have been responsible for organising and introducing new and interesting ideas into services, programs and events.
This edition of the Journal gives you the flavour of what's been going on in this respect, both late last year and in the early months of this year.
All these initiatives have been so well received by those who attended and participated in them.
I look forward to an even greater involvement from members in the months ahead. The next opportunity, after Pesach services, to demonstrate your involvement, will be to attend the fascinating and extremely relevant adult education series on Life Matters devised and conducted by Rabbi Lawrence.
Staffing - ministerial
Our search for a second Rabbi is progressing. Stand by for developments.
Staffing - administrative
We welcome our receptionist Ilana Wahnon. Hers is the first voice you should hear when ringing the synagogue.
We welcome David Lesnie as our new honorary librarian. He and his active volunteer helpers are busy sorting and re-shelving the books in the library.
We sadly had to farewell our talented and efficient curator Lori Burck, who has brought a wonderful dynamic to the heritage of The Great Synagogue and who has been looking after our synagogue collection with such care. Unfortunately Lori and her family have had to return to America.
We also farewelled Daniel Green, who, as well as being our security expert, was a great help to us with our computers and emails. Daniel has made aliya.
We wish both Lori and Daniel well and will miss them both.
Membership
Currently, family packages and packages for young couples are being designed to attract new members.
Pre Bar/Bat Mitzvah students
We have substantial bookings into 2011/2012. If you know of any families planning well ahead, please direct them our way.
An interesting and stimulating program has been designed for them, incorporating mother and daughter, father and son components as well as shabbatons and family dinners.
Treasured gifts
We have been honoured by the gift of two Sifrei Torah, one in memory of the late Col Goldstein, generously donated by his family and the other through a bequest by the late Morris Forbes OAM.
The ceremony of welcoming the Torah scrolls into the synagogue was both dignified and delightful. Worth noting that the chuppah, under which the Sifrei Torah were carried, was created by members of the congregation and inspired by Suzanne Cohen (Ministerial Project Administrator) and Ilana Wahnon.
Communication through technology
I do hope that most of you have been able to view our new website and that you are receiving the weekly e-bulletin in its new form.
We are indebted to Treasurer Peter Solomon, who, with his technological expertise, has created the structure of the web site and e-bulletin. We also acknowledge the design skills of Naomi Solomon and the input of Susan Bures. Our next venture into technology will be the introduction of a new data base which is presently being explored.
Restoration
Once Pesach is over, work will commence on replacing those original 1878 floor tiles in the sanctuary, cracked because of floor sagging over the years.
This major project, starting with strengthening the floor, will cause some inconvenience, which we and the contractors will endeavour to reduce to a minimum.
Security
Exploratory work under the footpaths at both entrances to the shule has been completed. Work will soon commence in Elizabeth Street and hopefully the security bollards will be in place for Yomtov.
A happy and kosher Pesach.
My wife, Sunny, joins me and my Board in wishing all of you Chag Pesach Sameach. I've said it before and I'll say it again. We look forward to seeing more of you in shule.
Michael Gold