Concert to launch the The Great Synagogue Foundation
A significant gift in memory of Sydney’s Great Synagogue stalwart Lionel Green has been recognised with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Sharon and Stephen Green and their family with Garry Browne, Rabbi
Benjamin Elton and David Lewis
The gift is the first to The Great Synagogue Foundation, which has been established to ensure the financial viability and continuity of The Great Synagogue and our community.
The $1 million gift will provide a healthy kickstart to the upcoming launch of The Great Synagogue Foundation on 16 February and will see Lionel Green’s name confirmed as a Founding Guardian of the Foundation.
A devoted member of the Great Synagogue his whole life, Lionel Green was a quiet, gentle, kind and very generous man who loved his synagogue and his community.
Chair of the Foundation, Mr Garry Browne said, “The Great Synagogue Foundation has been established to ensure the financial viability and continuity of the Great Synagogue and our community. We are very appreciative of Stephen and Sharon Green’s commitment to the Shul by enabling this wonderful gift in Lionel’s memory and affirming the love he had for the Great Synagogue.”
The official launch of The Great Synagogue Foundation will be held at the first concert in the Live at the Great concert series on 16 February 2022, produced by Vladimir Fanshil’s Live at Yours. There will be a short briefing on the Foundation and no pledges will be sought on the night. The Great’s wonderful choir will perform Kol Nidre, followed by an exceptional concert in the Shul’s beautiful sanctuary.
Preserving the Past, Present and Future
Built in 1878, The Great Synagogue is the oldest fully functioning Orthodox synagogue on mainland Australia. ‘The Great’ has always been the Jewish centre of Sydney, for both members and the wider Sydney community. The Ark, cedar Bimah and pews, stained glass windows, shining brass work, intricate tiles and star-studded ceiling make any service at The Great Synagogue inspiring. A lifecycle event such as a bar mitzvah or a wedding becomes even more memorable in the historic surroundings of ‘The Great’. The Synagogue welcomes all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic backgrounds, or level of observance.
Because it is critical that we prepare our current and for future generations, The Great Synagogue has established the foundation to secure the future of the Sydney Jewish community for our children, their children, and generations to come.
To book tickets to the launch event: www.liveatyours.com.au>
