Sephardi Association of Victoria turns 60

The Sephardi Association of Victoria is marking its 60-year milestone with a special event on November 16 open to the community.

What began with a small group of Middle Eastern Jews wanting their own space and distinct tunes to pray in, has grown into a vibrant and visionary synagogue and kehillah with a strong sense of identity and purpose.

The Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Synagogue, representing Jews who stem from the Middle East, North Africa, India and Asia, was established in Malvern in 1974 thanks to the generosity of Albert Yehuda.

In 1994, the community moved to Balaclava, where it has been since and where it continues to flourish.

After a period of significant decline in membership and finances between 2014-2018, an era of renewal began in 2019.

President Joanne Levy and treasurer Abraham Cohen, together with the rabbinical team under the leadership of Rabbi Benjamin Kessly, with the support of the congregation, have created a thriving community that is proud of its heritage.

A recent initiative was the launch of Yachad Saviv, a unique program for Jewish youth, teens and young adults, that offers an inclusive space for young people to thrive through social events, Shabbatonim, education, as well as leadership and mentorship opportunities.

Levy told The AJN, “Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Synagogue is proud to be investing in the young people of Melbourne’s Jewish community, as well as Australia’s Sephardi future.”

Other programs offered by the synagogue include women’s learning and social programs, and regular shiurim/learning sessions. The board also recently revitalised SONG (Sephardim of the Next Generation) which was founded in 2007 by those who wanted to ensure Sephardi culture, music, foods, traditions and stories were valued and honoured.

In 2024, the synagogue underwent upgrades, including the establishment of the Sephardi Heritage Museum of Australia (SHMA). Opened in 2025 under the guidance of curator Anna Hirsh, the museum shares Sephardi history with the wider community. One of its key objectives is to educate students across Victoria.

The museum shares stories of Sephardi Jews, how they lived, and how they were expelled from Arab lands, and how Sephardi communities, particularly in Greece and the Balkans, were destroyed in the Holocaust.

Plans are underway to launch bar/bat mitzvah programs, young adult learning, leadership development, sponsored/subsidised Israel trips, more Sephardi film festivals, street fairs, cooking demonstrations, inclusive access upgrades, and a growing membership that welcomes Jewish congregants of all backgrounds.

With no benefactors, Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Synagogue appreciates those who have supported its initiatives and vision.

With the leadership of Levy and Cohen, the board seeks those who are interested in financially supporting them, who share their commitment of a strong and vibrant Sephardi community.

From humble beginnings to a thriving centre of Jewish life, the Sephardi Association of Victoria stands proud after 60 years.

As one of the synagogue’s newer congregants said during the recent Yamim Noraim, “Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Synagogue is one of the best kept secrets in the Jewish community … but it’s a secret that should be shared, given how welcoming and community minded it is.”

To attend the 60th anniversary celebrations register at trybooking.com/DFRHM