Shabbat Mevorchim - Kedoshim 28 Nisan 5768
On the Last Day of Pesach I spoke of the deep connection that exists between our "lucky country" of residence, Australia, and our country of origin and ultimate destiny, Israel.
The two salient points of my drasha were as follows:
A) It was the Zion Mule Corps, precursor to the Hagana and later Tzahal, that landed with the Anzacs at Gallipoli on April 25th 1915, the event that was to forge Australia's identity as an proud and independent nation. And it was soldiers of the Zion Mule Corps, no less than the heroic Simpson and his Donkey, who sacrificed their lives to rescue their wounded Australian comrades in arms.
B) It was the Anzacs, soldiers of the Light Horse Brigade, who upon their return from Gallipoli, charged and conquered Be'er Sheva on October 31st, 1917. This, the last successful cavalry charge in history, led to issuing of the Balfour Declaration several days later, and ultimately to the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
From the above it can clearly be seen that Australia and Israel each played a crucial role in the formation and the identity of the other.
Although this has neither been sufficiently acknowledged nor publicized - it serves as a powerful underpinning of the strong and unique bond that exists between our two nations, a bond that has been reinforced by successive Australian governments.
In Jewish thought, a sixtieth birthday has enormous significance. The Talmud notes it as an age when a person need no longer fear sudden deathÊ- and as such worthy of great celebration.
In spite of the unrelenting threats to its very existence from the very day of its proclamation sixty years ago, Israel has emerged as the greatest success story of nation building in history. Today, sixty years later, it is an economic power-house, a world leader in technology, bio-technology and agricultural innovation, and of course, a centre of Torah learning, with more students and greater scholarship than at any time since the destruction of our Holy Temple.
As proud Australian Jews with a deep connection to Israel, both as Australians and as Jews, we toast Israel at this auspicious juncture of her history. And most importantly, we give thanks to Almighty G-d for His abundant Kindness and continued Guidance, Providence and Protection.
May He now lead us towards the ultimate destiny of all humankindÊ- and immediately herald in the long-awaited Era of our righteous Moshiach.
Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM | |
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In view of the unstable state of the entire world at this time, I urge everyone to recite the following prayers, which according to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, have the ability to steady a shaky world
At the beginning of the day, the following should be recited:
Behold I accept upon myself the positive commandment, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."
One should say these next verses after one's prayers every day. Or if, for some reason one doesn't pray, then at least these verses should be recited:
Do not fear sudden terror, nor the destruction of the wicked when it comes. Contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled; conspire a plot, but it will not materialize, for G-d is with us. To your old age I am [with you]; to your hoary years I will sustain you; I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name; the upright will dwell securely in Your presence.
Click here for the hebrew and transliteration of these Special Prayers
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Mazal Tov to Marc & Adina Jacobs on the birth of a daughter on 11 Tammuz / July 14th. Mazal Tov to grandmother Bernice Jacobs.
Mazal Tov to Ivan & Vera Goldberg on the birth of a grandson on 10 Tammuz / July 13th. Mazal Tov to parents Brad & Niki Allen.
Mazal Tov to Clive & Nikki Sher on the birth of a son on Shabbat 9 Tammuz / July 12th. Mazal Tov to grandparents Morris & Lucille Sher and Bernice Jacobs.
Please visit our Births Page for full listing |
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19 July / 16 Tammuz – Chad Heilig – Shabbat Pinchas
30 August / 29 Av – Aron Niasoff – Shabbat Re’eh
13 September / 13 Elul - Dylan Felsher - Shabbat Ki Teitze
27 September / 27 Elul - Simon Spiro - Shabbat Nitzavim
4 October / 5 Tishrei - Binyomin Maynard - Shabbat Vayeilech
25 October / 26 Tishrei - Jacob Melamed - Shabbat Bereishit
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Mazal Tov to Robert & Hazel Schulman on the engagement of their son Craig to Tammy Lenga.
Mazal Tov to Terry & Shani Diamond on the engagement of their son Dovi to Janine Smith.
For details of all Engagements click here |
Condolences to Gary Mezei and family on the passing of his grandmother Barbara Hunt.
Condolences to Cheryl Friedman and family on the passing of her father.
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