Three cheers for 70 years

THE Eels may have won an NRL elimination final by a record 58 points last Sunday, but there was an equally impressive event unfolding that afternoon in the geographical centre of Sydney – Parramatta Synagogue’s 70th anniversary celebration.

Just as the new Bankwest Stadium was packed to the rafters just a stone’s throw away, so too was Parramatta shule, with more than 120 people enjoying a delicious high tea.

Tracing the history of the synagogue, current president Michael Morris revealed that the idea to establish a Jewish community in the area came from Sidney and Patricia Sinclair, with great support from Alf and Doris Borman, who were later joined by more than a dozen other visionaries in their important mission.

Five past presidents and many of the founding families were present at last Sunday’s celebration, including Member for Berowra Julian Leeser, whose great uncle Phil Goldman also helped to establish the shule.

Standing on the same wooden box as he did as a bar mitzvah boy, Morris remarked, “Not only did they establish a presence, they established a place of pride, of memories, and a place where Jews could practise their religion without fear.”

Touching on some significant changes that have occurred since the shule’s inception, Morris announced future development plans, including the construction of a library and meeting rooms, and the commencement of the shule’s fundraising program.

Rabbi Roni Cohavi welcomed all by blowing the shofar, and then revealed how joining the shule in June 2014 began “the best experience I’ve had as a rabbi anywhere in the world”.

“The community here is so beautiful, so warm and supportive,” he said. “I love it here, the congregation is flourishing, and I can see there’s a great future ahead for this synagogue.” 

A second event, which will also double as a fundraiser for the shule, will be held from 2pm on November 24 at the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia’s NSW branch headquarters in Queen Street, Woollahra.