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6
Anzac Day
Despite more Australians losing their lives on the Western front in World War 1, ANZAC Day was
selected to commemorate the lives of all Australians who went overseas to defend their country and the
Empire. Religion did not come into it, as there were Jews in the armies of Germany and Austria, as well
as in the Australian forces. (The most respected Australian general, Sir John Monash, was Jewish!).
Even today, there are Jews in the Australian services.
In previous years we had a service in the Synagogue, followed by the congregation (those fit enough),
walking to the cenotaph to lay a wreath. This year as an experiment, there was no service, but we
congregated and then took the wreath.
In future years it would be nice to have a short prayer session before taking the wreath. It need not be
much, just the ‘Ode to Remembrance’ and the Kaddish. Most members of the congregation should be
able to manage that.
We should remember all those who fight, or fought, for their country, whether in a full war or in other
places around the world. All are covered by the ANZAC Day message.
Bill Stuart
Synagogue Maintenance Report
Over a period of many Board Meetings decisions requiring maintenance to the building have been made.
For some months considerable outside work has and will continue be undertaken.
All the external windows where necessary have had old and ageing putty replaced. All broken and
cracked windows where possible have or will be replaced. The front of the building will be power
cleaned and then it and all the window frames will be painted. The front windows only will then each be
covered with one sheet of toughened glass to protect the original frail windows from any unauthorized
acts.
On the inside of the Synagogue the plaster and separate colour lines on the window on the left hand side
of the Arch, damaged by water will also be repaired. Hopefully all members have noticed and appreciate
the value of having a sensor activated light installed over the front door which lights up the external entry
steps.
Further maintenance is envisaged which will entail the provision of new toilets (including a disabled one)
and a ramp replacing the steps at the rear of the building. The work on the windows should be
completed over the next months, however, the building of the new toilets has to progress through many
stages and will take much more time.
Stephen Graetzer
Board News from the period March 2007 to August 2007
Susan Steenbergen with the assistance of Patsy Zadik is coordinating the Union for Progressive Judaism
(UPJ) Biennial Conference which will be held in Hobart in October 2007.
The painter Mr Ross Tatnell has been given the job of painting the external window frames of the
synagogue before they are fitted with protective glass.
Progressive Rabbi Aviva Kipen has been selected by UPJ as the designated Rabbi for the Hobart Hebrew
Congregation. Daniel met with Rabbi Kipen on a recent trip to Melbourne and it was agreed
that she will come next year to conduct the Seder on the second night of Pesach.
Discussion has been taking place about how to proceed with the upgrade of the synagogue's toilet block.
The drafting firm Kean & Kean have been approached to do the drawings of the proposed new building.
Karen Rosauer has been recommended by Rabbi Kipen and Janice Alper as a suitable lay person to
conduct Progressive High Holyday Services at the Hobart synagogue.
Michal Golebowicz will begin to give Hebrew lessons for any children who are interested.
Debbie Garrick
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