Tu B’Av unites six Sydney youth organisations
August 17, 2022 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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As the Sydney Jewish community emerges from two years of pandemic-ridden isolation, six passionate communal organisations with a common goal in mind came together to create a collaborative young adult event to enable young Jewish adults to reconnect from across the various Jewish communities.
Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av, also known as the Jewish ‘Festival of Love’, celebrates the unity and continuity of the Jewish people. Celebrated throughout the world, it is a day with the power of bringing couples together.
Rabbi Danny Yaffe of CBDChabad Sydney, the driving force behind the initiative, commented, “This event was months in the making and the potential was always being discussed, and now, we’re so honoured to work alongside some of our other major communal organisations to reach this common goal of bringing young adults from all walks of life together.”
The young adult event was a tremendous success, bringing over 150 young adults (dressed in white) to celebrate Tu B’Av at the Urban Winery, a trendy venue space in Moore Park.
Rabbi Eli Feldman, Director of JUNI Sydney, was excited about what the future may hold, stating: ”There is strength in unity. The collective efforts of so many Jewish organisations to bring young Jews in our community together bodes well for Jewish continuity”.
Throughout the night, party-go-ers tried a game of indoor mini golf, were entertained by the captivating ‘Ophir the Mentalist’, munched on gourmet finger food thanks to Rimon Catering & made L’Chaims on a selection of kosher alcohols and wine.
Rabbi Chida Levitansky of JEMS YJA commented, “We were able to reignite our friendships with those that we have not seen in years. What a great way to celebrate, especially when you have young Jewish adults from all walks of life! This is something I want to be a part of in the future”.
Adding to the Tu B’Av atmosphere were three young and hip DJs who made the vibe what it was; DJ Haim, Sounds of Nikki and DJ Duke.
Elena Sladkova, AUJS NSW President, said, “It was so special to celebrate Tu B’Av with young people from across Sydney. After two years of cancelled events, we are so grateful that we could come together as a community for such a beautiful night”.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger from Chabad Of Bondi saw the potential that this could bring to the Sydney Young Adult Jewish Community, commenting, “I want to congratulate Rabbi Danny and Rebbetzin Sara-Tova for taking the initiative to bring the community together for this very special Yom Tov. It was extremely inspiring to see our young adults enjoy such an important event. I hope to join together for many more events in our community”.
Thank you to Urban Winery, Rimon Catering, Our Big Kitchen, Ophir Zenou, Fun Day Out, DJ Haim, DJ Duke and Sounds of Nikki for helping to make the evening a success.
The Central Synagogue Young Adult Co-ordinator added, “Our community has shown that we are stronger than ever and ready to return to events. It was great to see smiling faces connecting & enjoying themselves once again”.
Plans are already in the works for the next young adult communal event, which will take place in October.
Photo credit: Tali Gordon Photography
