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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

Great Women Rosh Chodesh

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.

Ready More

Wed, 29 March 2023 7 Nisan 5783