 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
4
The High Holy Days
The High Holy Days have come and gone for another year. With regard to the Progressive
services the preparation started some three to four months ago. We had to find someone who
would come to Hobart to conduct the services.
This year we contacted our consulting Rabbi in Melbourne, Rabbi Aviva Kipen with our request.
Amazingly within a very short time we were greeted with the news that a Karen Rosauer a
Jewish educator from the Rabbi’s congregation was interested in undertaking the task.
Discussion resulted in agreement and Karen consented to do the services.
So on Wednesday 12th September, Karen was picked up from the airport and taken to the
Synagogue to roll the Torah in preparation for the evening service of Erev Rosh Hashanah.
The service was well attended and finished with a Kiddush at which we enjoyed wine, challah,
apples and honey. The next morning a smaller congregation celebrated Rosh Hashanah. For
both occasions Karen prepared some very thoughtful sermons. Daniel then showed Karen
some tourist spots before returning for an evening meal with a few members. On Friday Karen
left for Melbourne to return in 7 days time to conduct the Yom Kippur services.
Karen was again collected from the airport on Friday 21 and preparations were made for the
evening service of Kol Nidre. A very pleasing service accompanied by fine singing was
conducted before a very large and attentive congregation. The service concluded about
8.15pm and thus commenced the fast. At 10.00am on Saturday the Yom Kippur service began.
Throughout the day members participated by reading various portions of the service. Karen,
again very ably led the days service. Her four sermons which were read at strategic times
during the day showed her Jewish educational skills and left the congregation with something to
think about. The service concluded with the sounding of the Shofar, after which the fast was
broken with some drink and nibbles. To conclude the evening a number of those present made
their way to a restaurant to enjoy an evening out.
We are very grateful to Karen for having come to Hobart to undertake the High Holy Day
services. From the numbers that attended the services and the feedback that we have
received, it is obvious that we had a very successful and thoughtful Rosh Hashana and Yom
Kippur.
Stephen Graetzer
A Letter from Rabbi Aviva Kipen
Dear New Friends in Hobart,
It was a joy to stand on the bimah and lead a service, to ensure the quick distribution of Kiddush
when the shule was full, and to speak after service with members who stayed to chat.
As your consulting rabbi, this was a first visit but not the start of my care for HHC. I take great
satisfaction from having made the successful connection between you and Karen Rosauer. I
knew that her High Holyday services were well received. As you now know, she would be
amenable to receiving repeat invitations to lead in the future.
I have planted the ideas for several possible activities for future community building and even
fundraising, and look forward to future visits. The plans for those activities will have to wait for
my return from Sabbatical leave, which is scheduled from February 1st until August 1st of 2008.
In the event that inquiries for conversion are received during that time, please address them to
the chairman of the Moetza in the first instance. During my absence that would be Rabbi
Jeffrey Kammins.
 |