Sweeping changes at Sydney’s Great
The new board of management at Sydney’s Great Synagogue contains six new faces.
L to R -- Ivan Myers, Max Freedman, Vice-President George Bensen, President Michael Gold, Eddy Goldsmith, Rosalind Fisher and Dr David Rosenwax -- mising are Peter Solomon and Dr Felix Barda
Normally the synagogue Board has experienced a turnover of only one or two new members each year. However on this occasionfor various reasons many of the previous Board did not stand again.
Michael Gold OAM is the new president with Peter Solomon and George Bensen the vice-presidents.
New Board members are Dr Felix Barda, Rosalind Fisher, Max Freedman, Edward Goldsmith, Ivan Myers and Dr David Rosenwax AM.
In the transition period Peter Solomon will continue to act as treasurer as well as senior vice-president.
At the meeting speakers paying tribute to Rosalind Fischl who stepped down after 16 years on the Board, the last four as President. In making a special presentation to her, incoming president Mr Gold praised Mrs Fischl “for providing an exemplary role model, for her total commitment to all aspects of the operation of the shule and for her ability to create an atmosphere of warmth both at Board meetings and in the shule”.
Two other presentations were made on the night to long serving Board members.
Norton Whitmont OAM, who is a life member of the Board but who has taken extended leave of absence, has served on the Board for 30 years including a term as president. He was presented with an original pencil and wash sketch of The Great by artist Pamela Sackville.
Dr Harry Lewis AM, after having served for some 19 years including a term as president, was presented with an illuminated address with calligraphy by Janice Einfeld and a border of Australian wildflowers painted by Elaine Diamond,
Other retiring Board members were presented with specially inscribed siddurim.
Following Great Synagogue tradition, the new Board will be installed during the service on first day Rosh Hashanah.
