Great Women
The Heart Of Our Community
Great Women is an umbrella organisation within The Great Synagogue. It connects the women’s interest groups by promoting their events, facilitating collaboration and providing support for their initiatives.
During this time of isolation, staying connected and engaged in society and our community, with family and friends, has been paramount to keeping physically and emotionally safe and healthy – at a distance and online. With that in mind we are so proud to have created a program of online engagement for you, our community.
We’ve been live streaming several times a week via the Zoom platform, sharing Life stories, experiences and journeys, Discussion topics and Q&As with expert speakers, we have wonderful How tosessions – demos, baking, cooking, crafts and décor.
Below you will find the recorded sessions which can be viewed if you missed out on joining any of the live sessions, or if you’d like to watch them again.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on our Facebook page, we have many more great sessions planned and we will continue this incredible initiative even when we’re able to see one another face to face.
We hope you enjoy!
Rosh Chodesh Iyar:
Connecting in a Physically Distant World
An intimate and spiritual discussion with Abra Kaplan
A Search for
Ladino Culture in America
A fascinating discussion with Hinda Young
Nothing to see here.
How to Stay Sane
When the World Seems Crazy
Insights from Caroline Lewis, life coach.
Domestic Violence
in the Times of COVID
With Dr Ellie Freedman, Women's Health expert.
Nothing to see here.
Rosh Chodesh Sivan:
Receiving Abundance
A discussion with Abra Kaplan.
Giving in the Age
of COVID-19
With Lisa Pillemer.
Nothing to see here.
Why Can't Women be Orthodox Rabbis?
Or Can They?
A discussion with Rabbi Elton.
Sweet Talk or Veggies?
How Personalized Diet Affects Diabetes Treatment
With Eliza Chalmers
Nothing to see here.
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz:
Facing Down Destruction
A discussion with Abra Kaplan.
Grumpy Old Men:
Who are they and why?
With Vivienne Selwyn, presenting her research.
Nothing to see here.
The Jews of Ancient Rome
A presentation and discussion with Hinda Young.
You're Never Too Old to Learn
Rabbanit Judith Levitan and Rabba Daniella Pressner in discussion.
Nothing to see here.
Rosh Chodesh Av:
From Mourning to Joy
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for the month of Av.
The Two of Us:
Sharon Schach & Lauren Ryder
Mother and daughter share recipes and stories.
Great Women Great Discussions
Rosh Chodesh Elul:
Arise, Awaken!
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for the month of Elul.
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan:
Following Through on One's Intentions
Lisa Pillemer shares thoughts for the month of Cheshvan.
Nothing to see here.
Talmud & Masculinity:
Raising Good Men
Rabbi Kaplan shares about what Judaism says about raising men.
Rosh Chodesh Kislev:
Creating Magic in the Dark
Amy Goldman shares thoughts for the month of Kislev.
Great Women Discussions
Our Community and What it Means to Me
with Sara Gresham
Sara Gresham shares stories of growing up in Sydney, volunteering & more
Rosh Chodesh Tevet:
Choosing Hope
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for Rosh Chodesh Tevet
Great Women discussions
Rosh Chodesh Shevat
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5781
Rosh Chodesh Adar
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for Rosh Chodesh Adar 5781
Great Women Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh Nissan
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5781
Rosh Chodesh Iyar
Abra Kaplan shares thoughts for Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5781
The Misunderstood Rabbi Sacks
A presentation by Rabbi Elton
Great Women: Discussions
Managing The Great:
Behind The Scenes
An interview with The Great Synagogue
General Manager Lynn Niselow
My Life's Journey:
Hard Work, Luck and Staying Power
An interview with The Great Synagogue's
first female President Ros Fischl OAM
Nothing to see here.
How Nursing Triggered
My Journey to Judaism
An interview with Simone Green
How COVID-19 Has Impacted My Work
in Emergency Medicine & Medical Ethics
An interview with Dr Sue Hertzberg-Brieger
Nothing to see here.
Everyone has a
Story to Tell
An interview with Gillian Samuel
"Great Memories" - Reminiscences of Growing
Up in The Great Synagogue
With Rabbi David Freilich OAM
Nothing to see here.
Getting to Know Us
How friendships have blossomed during Covid
Justice Stephen Rothman AM: Reflections of
My Time as President of The Great
Justice Rothman discusses his time as president with Lauren Ryder
Great Women life stories
Dementia with Dignity:
Stories Told, Lessons Learnt
Adelle Wigoder & Beth Steiner tell their story caring for someone with dementia
Great Women Life Stories
Now For Something Sweet:
Monday Morning Cooking Club
Lynn Niselow in conversation with the women who
comprise the Monday Morning Cooking Club
Cooking Demo:
Dairy Delights for Shavuot
Sharon Schach shares and demonstrates
Shavuot-friendly dairy recipes
Nothing to see here.
Feasting Family Style
Grazing Platter inspiration with Ilana Moddel.
Cooking with Michael Rantissi
of Kepos Street Kitchen
Chef Michael Rantissi demos two of his famous dishes.
Great Women Food
A Menu for
a Sweet New Year
Lisa Goldberg of MMCC demos a delicious honey cake.
Cooking for Chanukah
with Laura Gluckman
Pastry Chef Laura Gluckman demos sephardi pitikas for Chanukah.
International Women's Day
International Women's Day
Fay Frischer, a Member of The Great Synagogue Board, addressed the congregation on 5 March 2022 in honour of International Women's Day.