Emanuel Synagogue: “an inclusive community”
NSW politician Walt Secord is not Jewish but has been welcomed as a new member at the Emanuel Synagogue. Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins explains…
Walt Secord and Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins in his army chaplain uniform
“The Emanuel Synagogue has always seen itself as a very inclusive community. People, who even if they are not Jews, can be at home here.”
He quoted Isiah saying “My house of prayer shall be a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Rabbi Kamins said: “We took this seriously and changed our constitution a couple of years ago so it will allow people who understand a connection with Judaism enough to be able at home and join the community.”
Non-Jewish members do not have voting rights. Rabbi Kamins says many non-Jewish visitors enjoy the spirit enough to express a wish covert. He knows that most will not but they can join and enjoy the community in their own way.
He added: “You can be a single person or a non-Jewish couple if you believe our values of inclusion, social justice and cultural connection.”
Talking about Walt Secord, Rabbi Kamins said: “I’ve known Walt since his days he was a cub reporter at the Australian Jewish Times when I was a cub rabbi and we have had a warm pleasurable relationship all these years. It’s a great blessing for the synagogue to have a friend of Israel and a friend of Sydney’s Jewish community and is a member of the State Government.”
Fantastic