South Caulfield Shule family reunites in Israel

A recent South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation volunteer mission to Israel brought together current congregants with former members of the community who have made aliyah and now live in Israel. The group, led by South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Mendy Ajzenszmidt and Rebbetzin Lifshy Ajzenszmidt, travelled to Israel for a week of volunteering and touring.

A gathering in Jerusalem brought the visiting group together with members of the extended South Caulfield Shule community living in Israel, including some who had grown up in the community, long-time former members and others who had made aliyah more recently.

The evening was also attended by Rabbi Alan Kimche and Rebbetzin Vera Kimche, who previously served the Mizrachi community in Melbourne and now live in Efrat. The Kimches spoke at the gathering, sharing their reflections on life in Israel.

“It was incredibly special to see people from so many different periods of our shule’s history come together in Jerusalem,” Rabbi Ajzenszmidt said.

“It reminded us that a shule is so much more than a building. People move suburbs, cities and countries, but the relationships remain. To see people who now live in Israel still feeling part of the South Caulfield family was very moving.”