This newsletter is made possible by the generous sponsorship of 
Qualitas Limited
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
 
  • Mazel Tov
  • Long life
  • Photo of the week
  • What's happening at ARK
  • Cholent - every Friday and Saturday
  • Rosh Chodesh Monday 5 August
  • Backgammon next week Tuesday 6 August
  • Erev Tisha B'Av Monday 12 August
  • Community Shabbat Dinner Friday 23 August
  • Chess Tournament Tuesday 27 August
  • A message from Rabbi Gabi
  • Yahrzeits
  • Happy Birthday
  • Candle Lighting
  • Community Initiatives
MAZEL TOV
Mazel tov and much naches to Chanelle, Anthony, Hugo and Theo Rosales on the birth of their son and brother.
LONG LIFE
 
Wishing long life to Freda, Richard and Sue, Andrew, Suzi and Barry and families on the loss of George Castan.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to Daniel Veisman the winner of the ARK Chess Tournament, pictured here with Rabbi Gabi and International Arbiter and organiser Jamie Kenmure. Over 50 chess enthusiasts, young and old battled it out, with the winner taking home $350. A great night was had by everyone.
Next tournament Tuesday 27 August with more prize money up for grabs, and age group competitions. See flyer for details.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ARK
CHOLENT
Heartwarming cholent every Friday and Saturday Kiddushim
 
ROSH CHODESH
Monday 5 August
BACKGAMMON
Tuesday 6 August
Next week's Backgammon night is extra special with a HUGE prize of $500. Come along and fight it out in our first ever GRAND TOURNAMENT.
Register Now
TISHA B'AV
12 August
Please join us on Tisha B'Av on Monday evening at ARK for an insight into Hostage Taking throughout Jewish History, with renowned Historian and Educator Paul Forgasz.
COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER
23 August
Please join us for a very special Shabbat Dinner with Nova Peris OAM. An evening not to be missed.
Book Now
CHESS TOURNAMENT
TUESDAY 27 AUGUST
REGISTER NOW
A MESSAGE FROM RABBI GABI

This week we are in the throes of celebrating the Olympics. I know that I’ve certainly been glued to my phone, and before bed each night relishing the success of Australia’s team, and watching the highlights each morning. There is something so unifying about sport, seeing the world’s top athletes together, representing their countries and doing their very best. 

I felt personal naches when I saw Jessica Fox win Australia’s first individual gold medal and then this morning win a second. What an incredible achievement for a Jewish Olympian! She will no doubt continue to be a source of pride for her family and friends, and also for all of the Jewish people as she always has since she burst on the scene four (!) Olympics ago. 

While I am cheering loudly for the green and gold, I also feel proud of the Israeli athletes, who, despite the hardships of the last 300 days, and the many threats against them, have managed to do Israel proud. In an era where mentioning the word “Israel” can result in nasty backlash, and ongoing threats and booing, they have performed in a stellar way on the world stage. 

Hopefully, with the circuit breaker of the Olympics, we are able to relax a little, enjoy the spectacle, and hope and pray for better times ahead for all people in the world. 

Interestingly, the Olympics takes place at a time of great national mourning for the Jewish people. We are currently in the 3 weeks, where we commemorate the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem which ultimately lead to the destruction of the Temple on Tisha B’av. I always understood the breaching of the walls to be a tragedy, but this year, more than others I really understand what a tragic outcome this was for the people of Jerusalem. 

I don’t think many people need a visual reminder of what chaos and calamity the breaching of a wall can bring forth. The images of October 7, with tractors and utes rushing through the wall and into the southern communities, will haunt me and most Jewish people for our entire lives. The idea that a wall which used to protect and fortify the Jewish people was breached, resulting in calamity and death, is something I can totally relate to this year in a way I never thought I would. 

As we commemorate the 3 weeks, we are reminded that national mourning is a time for unique introspection. To think about what we can do better. To remember that which we have lost. To think about what we can do to honour the memories of those that have died. I know that as we edge closer to October 7, the one year anniversary, we will start to think about this more and more, but during this time of national mourning for the Jewish people, we can also spend time thinking about what we have lost. 

As we edge closer to Tisha B’av I remind you that the doors of ARK Centre are always open. We are here for you, for the good times and the bad. 

Shabbat Shalom
 

Rabbi Gabi


 

A PRAYER FOR PEACE
YAHRZEIT


We wish long life to the following people who are observing Yahrzeit this week.

Lynette Blumenthal on the yahrzeit of her husband Michael Blumenthal
David Blumenthal on the yahrzeit of his father Michael Blumenthal

Phillip Rose on the yahrzeit of his brother Daniel Rose 
______________________

Wishing long life to all those affected by the tragedy in Israel.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy birthday to the members of our community who are celebrating birthdays this week.


Blake Swart
Michelle Coppel
Steven Salamon
Dylan Swart
David Naphtali
Sue Castan
Darren Krongold
Wayne Krongold
Yael Goldberg

 
CANDLE LIGHTING
Kabbalat Shabbat
 Service commences 6.15pm concludes by 6.45pm.

Kiddush commences at 5.45pm

Shabbat Morning
Service commences at 10:00am

Candle Lighting

Friday 2 August (27 Tammuz 5784) at 5.16pm

Shabbat Ends
Saturday 3 August (28 Tammuz 5784) at 6:16pm



Parasha: Matot-Massei

 
MEMBERS INITIATIVES SUPPORTING ISRAEL
After October 7, some of our members have created initiatives to support the people in Israel.  Please see details below.
Light up with Hope
"The act of igniting a candle serves as a symbol of illuminating our hopes and desires. Lighting a candle can be a gesture of prayer for peace or a plea for healing. As you light these candles, we encourage you to channel your energy to illuminate the hope for the safe return of innocent lives held in captivity, and to offer your prayers for those bravely defending our country. " - Sandy Waislitz

Cost per candle : $18


All proceeds go to the One People Israel Organisation
Purchase Here
Designs with Meaning
"In the time since October 7 I’ve felt sad, lost, angry, hopeless. Just like everyone else. I needed a way to express that and so I picked up my paintbrush.

The impetus behind the first design, Timeless Tears, was the creation of a symbol that could express hope, love and solidarity with Israel that was beyond words. I will never hide my unwavering support for Am Yisrael. I also don’t always feel strong enough to emblazon myself with it.

So, I wanted to create a symbol rich in meaning yet subtle. I now have it on my phone case. I hesitated to share that design, and the others that have come since. The response I received when I did, that sense of connection, was overwhelming. I decided to sell my designs via a third-party platform so that any money I might raise could go to support Magen David Adom whose emergency response is for all in Israel, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or religion.

I continue to create and design, write and paint. It helps me try and make sense of the incomprehensible. If it resonates with others, and could possibly be of help at the same time, it becomes an incredible honour. " - Lisa Naphtali

To purchase one of Lisa's unique designs, please click on the link below.

 
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Register Now
Project A
 
JOIN PROJECT A - ADVOCATE, ACTIVATE & AMPLIFY
 
Founded in October 2023, Project A is led by Moran Dvir, Lillian Kline and Liora Miller.
 
Project A is a grassroots movement dedicated to empowering community members to advocate for Israel and uphold a thriving Jewish way of life. Through advocacy, amplification and guidance, our objective is to combat antisemitism and anti-Zionism through educating the public and promoting Jewish identity. Our core beliefs include being staunch advocates for Zionism, the right for the Jewish people to have a homeland in Israel and for every Jew to define their identity. We support the right of Israel as a sovereign and democratic State to be held to the same standards as any other State.
 
We collaborate with existing Jewish organizations to strengthen the resilience of the Australian Jewish community. Join us in safeguarding our community's well-being and promoting our shared values.
 
Please complete this verification form, which includes a request for the names of two members of the group who can vouch for you. Once you complete the form, you may also be requested to have a video chat with one of the members of the security team to verify your identity.


 
Register
Find out more
Tackling Antisemitism on Campus
Dr Michelle-Ananda-Rajah MP, the Federal Member for Higgins has recently shared a survey collecting information regarding experiences of antisemitism at Australian universities.
 
For the survey to reach the widest possible audience and to have the greatest impact, it is important that as many people as possible fill it out.

If you would like to contribute your opinion, please click on the link below.
Survey
JEAP APP
CSG & Hatzolah App
JEAP is the Jewish Emergency Application giving you instant access to the two Victorian Jewish Community First Response groups.

At the push of a button, access CSG for security-related incidents and Hatzolah for medical emergencies to obtain fastest response 'when every second counts'.


We encourage all our members to download this App and hope that you never need to use it.
Download App
The SOCIAL BLUEPRINT
Visit the Social Blueprint
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram
Website
Website

Our thanks to the Erdi Foundation for their ongoing support






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
ARK Centre · 7 Cato St · HAWTHORN EAST, VIC 3123 · Australia