Hobart Synagogue, the oldest Jewish place of worship still in use in Australia, is about to turn 175 – and a certain medical crisis hasn’t stopped the anniversary from being turned to good use. Hobart Hebrew Congregation has run services in the heritage-listed synagogue in central Hobart since its consecration on July 4, 1845, and was set to mark the milestone with an array of projects and a program of public celebrations. The coronavirus forced the celebration to be cancelled, but the projects have been successfully completed.

The Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors (formerly the "Moetzah") has asked its members to submit sermons relating to the current events in the United States, and the related protests around Australia. Click on "Read More" to view the submitted sermons.

David D Knoll AM and Brian Samuel OAM, co-presidents of the Union for Progressive Judaism, and Eric Lundberg, president of Mercaz-Masorti Australasia, issued a joint statement on the third anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Roger Mendelson, UPJ Immediate Past President, prepared a "Shul Survival Guide" for use around the UPJ region. The guide, which focuses on the financial side of synagogue management, was based on his book Ten Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them, which was published in 2008 when Australia was expecting to suffer a major recession following the Global Financial Crisis. A few constructive comments have been received and a new edition will be posted soon.