Rabbi Ben Elton signs the condolence book on NSW Jewry
The Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley invited Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton, the Chief Minister of Sydney’s The Great Synagogue, to enter a message in the Book of Condolence at Government House on behalf of the Jewish community of New South Wales.
Rabbi Elton signs the Condolence Book at Government House
On Shabbat, Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton spoke in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth.
He said: “Queen Elizabeth II was the Head of State of Australia and of her other realms for over seven decades, but her life of service went back even further than that. She was dedicated to duty from her teenage years and begged her father to allow her to serve in the Armed Forces in the Second World War, and indeed she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Reserve. She enjoyed just a short apprenticeship for Monarchy and had to assume the mantle of Queen while only twenty-five years old. From that moment onwards, she accepted her awesome task without flinching, and she lived for others and her responsibilities to them. She was still at work just a few days ago, playing her part in the constitutional stability of Britain.
The Queen was a long-standing and steadfast friend to the Jewish community. Indeed, she was a consistent supporter of healthy and stable multiculturalism across the board. When she acceded to the Throne, Britain was still the centre of an Empire. It spent the next seventy years transitioning to a new role and place in the world and developing a new society at home; the Queen was a bedrock of support and security in those difficult processes.
The Queen loved and respected Australia and Australians, and that was reciprocated. I have been struck by the warmth and dignity of the responses from Australians of all political opinions. Whatever discussions may have happened or may take place about Australia’s constitutional arrangements, everyone recognised the personal qualities of the Queen. She in turn, supported Australians finding our own way to the political institutions that suit us best. That was another example of her graciousness. I hope we will be equally gracious in the debates that may follow.
The Queen was wise, she was sympathetic and kind, she stood for decency and integrity and had an instinct for unity and reconciliation, standing above politics to be a symbol of what all people have in common. She combined majesty and humility and lived with grace and deep faith. I will end by quoting her own words, which can guide us all:
‘I Know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings and to put my trust in God.’
Yehi zichra baruch, may her memory be a blessing.”
