The Board of Temple Sinai wishes a very warm welcome to Rabbi Dr Esther Jilovsky, who will begin her new role as Temple Sinai's rabbi in early November this year (Covid-willing!). Rabbi Jilovsky was born in Melbourne, but spent some of her primary school years at Wadestown school in Wellington, and later became a member of Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne. Rabbi Jilovsky wrote: "I am truly excited that I have been given the opportunity to lead Temple Sinai into a new era of creativity, engagement and growth."

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry's JAL Corps, a premier membership network that empowers next-generation Jewish leaders with knowledge and skills to drive action across various platforms, is beginning recruitment for the 2022 cohort. Professionals between the age of 25-40 (exceptions made on a case-by-case basis), with at least five years of professional experience and a clear affinity for community, Israel, politics, and social justice, are encouraged to apply. To learn more and apply, contact Kareen Neumann: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Deadline for applications is the end of September.

With great sadness, the UPJ mourns the passing of Rabbi Richard G Hirsch z"l. We are grateful to Dr John S Levi AC, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne, who wrote the following memorial tribute:  We met first in Washington in 1968. I had read and heard of the Reform Movement's Social Action Center and, after seven year's experience as a rabbi in Australia, I needed to catch up with my colleagues in America and see where we were lacking.

The Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors (ARC) of Australia, New Zealand and Asia will present two Elul Reflections each week in the UPJ's Weekly News & Drash, beginning the week of 9 August to encourage meaningful preparation for the High Holy Days. Note: the reflections will not be emailed to subscribers as in the past. The two weekly reflections will also be posted on the Elul Reflections page. In addition, an Elul series "Inspiring Stories, Exceptional Times" and an Elul Book Club are being offered; read more about them on the Elul Reflections page (CLICK HERE).