 |
Alison Dwyer |
Welcome to this virtual
visit to Beit Shalom! We are a small but lively Progressive Jewish Community
in Adelaide, South Australia. This year (2009) we will celebrate our
46th 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. We read the Torah each Saturday as well. 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. We have a wide range of adult and youth activities, from our Cheder on Sunday mornings to beginning Hebrew and Jewish studies We have an 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. 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.
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!
Alison Dwyer ,
President
