MHC celebrates 180th anniversary
MHC is creating a time capsule full of artefacts donated by members and leading politicians that will be housed at the Toorak Shule.
THE oldest Jewish congregation in Australia, Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, is celebrating its 180th anniversary with a year full of commemorative moments.
To launch the anniversary, the MHC is creating a time capsule full of artefacts donated by members and leading politicians that will be housed at the Toorak Shule.
Visiting the synagogue last Thursday, Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau presented Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson, shule president Quentin Miller and vice president Richard Shaw with her contribution, a handwritten letter. The Governor joked that when the time capsule is eventually opened, those reading it won’t even know what handwriting looks like, with so much of what we do now being online and digital.
Dessau read her note aloud to those gathered. “As the governor, I’m proud of the congregation’s place in and the contributions of its members to the life of our colony and our state. I’m proud that as I write today, almost half of all Victorians were either born overseas or have a parent or parents born overseas, that fundamentally we live in harmony, and that the MHC and its members are active in maintaining such harmony and unity.”
She continued, “Personally as a member of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, I am proud that my family has been associated with it, across more than 100 of the 180 years. Mazal tov on this and many milestones.”
The Governor’s letter is on display at the MHC alongside a letter from Prime Minister Scott Morrison as well as other historical and meaningful artefacts donated by an array of public figures and loyal shule-goers.
Reflecting on the shule’s past, Miller told The AJN, “We are so proud of our heritage and equally as excited about our future trajectory.
“We have a vibrant and enthusiastic board that represents a broad demographic and skill set, and a spirited and youthful rabbi. This is a really exciting phase for the shule.”
Rabbi Nathanson shared that being a pastoral representative of the oldest congregation in mainland Australia brings with it a sense of pride and responsibility.
“I am honoured to be a link in this historical Australian rabbinical chain. And I am so motivated to help take MHC into its bright future.”
The synagogue will continue its celebrations throughout the year, with other proposed moments including an event with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as keynote speaker and a red carpet event featuring local talent performing some of Broadway’s greatest hits.
For more information, visit melbournesynagogue.org.au