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| Larry Lockshin |
Welcome to this virtual
visit to Beit Shalom! We are a small but lively Progressive Jewish Community
in Adelaide, South Australia. This year (2003) we will celebrate our
40th anniversary. The congregation was founded on the principles of
equality and openness among members. Today this quality pervades all
that we do. Beit
Shalom is a place where a wide range of progressive Jewish activities
are enjoyed. Shabbat services occur every Friday night and Saturday
morning throughout the year. The same is true for all the Jewish holidays
(see the calendar of events page in this website for
details). But we often celebrate and learn in creative ways. During
Saturday morning services we have a Shabbat Shul for the youngsters
and Hebrew classes each week. In February each year we have a Family
Camp, where we eat (of course!), play and study in the beautiful countryside
around Adelaide. This is followed by our annual Purim Spiel, a longstanding
Beit Shalom tradition. An original play is written each year, often
a spoof of a well known movie or show, which relates the Purim story
in a humorous way.
Every
other year we conduct an interfaith seder, where over 125 non-Jews join
us for a traditional seder. Each table is hosted a member of Beit Shalom,
and a wonderful array of home cooked traditional Pesach foods are enjoyed.
In the alternate years, we have an Open Day, where we literally open
our doors to the community. Our Sisterhood has bi-monthly Shabbat dinners
after services, often followed by Israeli dancing or other activities.
Many other activities from a wine tasting and auction to theatre nights
are part of our community's offerings.
One
of the most important sets of activities is education. The Adelaide
Institute of Jewish Studies conducts programs open to all in the community.
Recent seminars have included: learning Hebrew, beginning Talmud, and
chanting from the Torah. Our community feels strongly about lifelong
Jewish education.
I
have had the privilege of visiting many Jewish congregations, but there
is no doubt Beit Shalom of Adelaide is one of the friendliest I have
ever encountered. We have many visitors each year and they all remark
on how open we are and how much they feel at home when they visit. Please,
if you plan to be in Adelaide, stop by and see us. Call the office to
let them know when you plan to visit. Times of services and other items
are available from this website.
On
behalf of the congregation of Beit Shalom, I welcome you with a hearty
SHALOM!
Larry Lockshin,
President
