Portrait of a Rabbi
Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations
Portrait of a Rabbi
Rabbi Ninio
Sydney artist, Richard Rosebery, recently painted this amazing portrait, titled Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, 2024, oil on Belgium linen, 36 x 46 cm.
Jacqueline Ninio really needs no introduction to our School community, but in case you do not know her, she is a current parent at School and in Richard’s own words:
“She has been a Rabbi at Emanuel Synagogue for over 20 years – serving a thriving liberal Jewish community within Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. She is loved by all for her warm and generous spirit. A woman in a traditionally male profession, she highlights the progressive and loving face of Australian Jewry.
This painting is the result of a sitting with Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio in mid-February. I plan more life sessions before commencing a large studio canvas – a figure and seascape painting of Jacqueline on a wild Friday sunset at Little Clovelly Bay Sydney.
Charcoal on paper concepts for a large studio painting of a beloved Jewish identity – Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio. Location – Little Clovelly Bay Sydney. I’m looking forward to several months of work on this combined portrait and seascape. Now to decide which concept!?
Hope you enjoy.”
Happy Birthday to The Great Synagogue
Our School community includes members of a wide range of congregations including Emanuel Synagogue, The Great Synagogue and Coogee Synagogue just to name a few, with Board members from within our parent and grandparent cohorts at many of these congregations and others. We wish The Great Synagogue Happy 146th Birthday – it opened on 4 March 1878 and was built to replace the York Street Synagogue which was built in 1844. The Great as it is fondly known, is however, not the oldest synagogue building still standing in Australia. That honour goes to The Hobart Synagogue, which was constructed in 1845, whilst the oldest synagogue on the mainland is Ballarat Synagogue in Victoria.
Thank you for keeping us safe
Irrespective of our religious beliefs, we are all devastated by what happened in Israel on Saturday 7 October 2023 and we all continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas, and for the return to peace in Israel. We are also devastated by the rise in Anti-Semitism both locally and worldwide. We thank all volunteers with CSG and our own School Parent Security Group (PSG) for helping to keep us safe.
Jewish Food and more at the Entertainment Quarter
Sunday 10 March 2024, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
The Jewish Food Festival celebrates the diversity of Jewish cuisine and culture and is set to delight – food stalls bursting with sweet and savoury delicacies, cooking competitions and demonstrations, food sustainability workshops and a dedicated children’s zone. Stations include a creative station, recycling station, sensory station, reading nook and more.
Purim and Friendship Circle (FC)
Visit Friendship Bakery, Laguna Street, Vaucluse every Friday morning where you will find freshly baked challah and a variety of savoury and sweet goodies. Check out their Friday menu – you can order online beforehand. Keep a lookout for their yummy Hamentaschen for Purim.
A message from Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN)
Month of Miracles loading…
We are so excited for our big month of miracles. This kicks off with Infertility Awareness Shabbat on Friday 15 March 2024, where we raise awareness for those in our community, fighting to build their families.
We have activations happening across Sydney and Melbourne in honour of Infertility Awareness Shabbat, including a magnificent family community event in Sydney in collaboration with Rabbi Yossi Friedman Rabbi On Demand and Ilan Kidron.
For our Sydney community – Join us pre-Shabbat for kids activities, inspiring stories and community ruach. Booking is free, but essential.
Stay tuned to our socials over the next few weeks as we navigate our month of miracles to see how you can get involved and make a difference.
Maccabi Life – Social Mixed Netball
Team sport does not have to only be for our children. Maccabi is seeking players aged 18 to 35 for Monday night netball games at Waverley Courts.
JCA, The Choice Foundation and Jewish Care
A weekend away
A message from past student Danielle Wakerman, Manager, The Choice Foundation, supporting disability projects: “A Weekend Away” is growing rapidly. We are looking for more volunteers and more homes. Please get in touch if you can help.
Am Yisrael Chai Market
Sunday 14 April 2024, 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Register and save the date for this Artisan Women’s Market. Free entry. Bookings now open!
Quilting for Hope – a new initiative for Israel
There has already been an amazing response for this initiative, but places are still available – maximum 20 per class. Please jump online and book in to one of the workshops be a part of this project.
You don’t need sewing experience. We are making quilted wall hangings ,which will be sent to Israel to communal spaces in areas that are being rebuilt. We are wanting to show love and support from Australia. Bring your friends, cousins, parents and siblings. It will be really special if you can join in. For more details contact: council@bbnsw.org.au or call 9321 6300.
We look forward to sharing our news and yours, so if you have photos and/or news you would like to share with us, please send to Sonia Newell.
Shabbat shalom, stay safe and have a great weekend, as we continue to hope and pray for the safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza, and for peace to be restored in Israel soon.