Rosh Hashanah at the Emanuel
With Sydney’s ongoing issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, community gatherings in synagogues and churches remain out of reach for many.
The spiritual leaders at Emanuel Synagogue
Undeterred, Sydney’s Emanuel Synagogue has, with the High Holy Days Portal, enabled members of the Emanuel community to continue to receive spiritual guidance, community and celebration through the High Holy Days period.
With the HHD Portal, Emanuel invites the Jewish community to virtually join the Synagogue for prayer, education and general togetherness throughout the High Holy Day period.
The Emanuel Synagogue High Holy Days Portal makes it possible for anyone with an internet connection to experience the community and joy of this special time of year without running the risk of further spreading COVID-19.
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio said: “It’s really hard for us again this year to be unable to gather in the synagogue to celebrate the High Holy Days.
“But we’ve been working really hard to try and bring everyone together in community, like we did last time, with our online services and our website, which is filled with opportunities and activities for us to connect together and prepare for the High Holy Days.”
The website also encompasses other aspects of Jewish life, including ‘Nora’s Kitchen’, which offers a High Holy Days menu and recipes for various dips, challah, matza ball soup, gefilte fish, salads, latkes, and desserts.
The site’s ‘Children’s Hub’ contains information, activities and videos for kids to follow to keep them informed and entertained throughout the season.
The Music of Emanuel page features video and audio clips of Music of the Congregation of the Temple Emanuel, Sydney, as well as clips of the Emanuel Synagogue Vocal Ensemble singing the moving Yizkor Service, and Rabbi George Mordecai & The Hadar Ensemble’s performance of ‘Safra’
While Sydney and greater NSW continue to work to stop the spread of COVID-19, it remains inevitable that we will be mostly confined to their homes; it is during these times the community can be grateful that technology such as this can still allow us to come together, albeit remotely.
