In July 2010, North Shore Temple Emanuel marked its first 50 years. We had an exciting line-up of events to enhance our celebration. Our founders bequeathed to us an impressive record of achievement. Their determination to establish a Progressive Jewish voice on the North Shore has resulted in the creation of schools for our intellectual growth and a sanctuary to nurture our spirits.

Message from NSTE Jubilee Chair – Michael Fischer

Michael Fischer,  Chair, 50th Jubilee Committee

It is nearly three years ago that I was approached to serve as Chairman of the Jubilee Committee. We had a blank sheet with no specific agenda, but we had a date in the future which commemorated 50 years since our founding members had the vision to build North Shore Temple Emanuel as we know it today.

And now, I look back on not only our first 50 years, but also on our Year of Jubilee – and what a wonderful year of enthusiasm, entertainment and accomplishment it has been.

Our wish was that we would concentrate on both the spiritual and the physical aspects of being a member of North Shore Temple Emanuel. We wanted to involve as many of our members as possible in as many events as possible, and we created a diverse programme in an attempt to achieve our goals.

A DVD of NSTE's History

We started off creating a DVD of NSTE’s visual history. In this, we were able to include photos and film of the significant moments of our history. It brought viewers up-to-date with NSTE as we knew it and of course, if we were to do another DVD we would have to add another significant chapter.

The Art Show

This was followed by the Art Show and Competition. Nearly 90 paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings along the theme of “Jewish Continuity” were submitted for judging. One was judged to be the winner and together with 11 other critically acclaimed submissions featured in NSTE’s Jubilee Calendar, which each member family of our Temple received.

Purim Festival

Our Purim Festival held at the Village Green in St. Ives attracted nearly 3,000 visitors from the Jewish and wider communities. This was another satisfying outreach production that was a lot of fun and hard work. Again, more than 100 NSTE families were involved in putting on this festival, including many who had not previously had a great involvement with their shul.

Children of Eden

Then came the musical production of Children of Eden. What an outstanding artistic and professional accomplishment this was. Musically, philosophically and emotionally, it was a satisfying success.

If you consider that it involved nearly 80 members of our congregation – both on stage and behind the scenes – you can see that again we succeeded in realizing our goals.

Gala Jubilee Dinner and Concert

Our Gala Jubilee Dinner and Concert was held on Sunday 25 July. This was as close to the day – 50 years ago – that North Shore Temple Emanuel was founded. What a night of celebration it was.

The cantorial renditions and songs presented by our visiting Artist in Residence – Cantor Robbie Solomon – together with the magnificent choir and music arranged by Judy Campbell was an emotional and appropriate celebration of our first 50 years.

The dinner and dancing which followed, allowed all of us to mark this important milestone.

Bar and Bat Mitvah Memories Shabbat

Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories Shabbat provided an opportunity to reconnect with many individuals who had experienced the learning and presentation of their bnei mitzvah ceremonies at NSTE. We recognised that many of this bnei mitzvah group may now be experiencing their Judaism away from NSTE, and we hoped that by inviting them back to a special Shabbat, we would rekindle the warmth that once was held for our shul.

High Holy Days CD

Culturally, our much appreciated choir, under the guidance of Judy Campbell, produced the sensational CD featuring the uplifting music of the High Holidays. Spiritually uplifting and emotionally soothing, this CD has become a symbol of how we practice and live our own personal Judaism.

Jubilee Shabbat

We experienced a Jubilee Shabbat, on Shabbat morning, October 2, where we honoured our founding members and heard about the highlights of each decade of our synagogue’s history from NSTE members during a Kiddush luncheon.

During the service, we dedicated our new Torah mantles and ark curtain, which were lovingly made by designer Alison Shearman, Sue Gower, Sandy Zaccar and Colin Israel.

Yom Iyyun (Day of Learning)

Our final Jubilee event of the year was the Yom Iyyun (Day of Learning) on Sunday, November 22. It was a most unique learning experience, with participants of all ages helping to research and prepare for a legal trial: Abraham accused of attempted murder of his son, Isaac.

The New Sanctuary and Function Centre

As you read this summation of our Year of Jubilee, you now have an opportunity to worship in a Sanctuary that has been prepared for the families of our congregation for the next 50 years.

Look around you. Look at the bimah; the new parochet and Torah mantels; look at the menorah windows, look to the ceiling; listen to the choir; listen to your rabbi and how much better the acoustics are.

Look at all the different and new aspects which have changed in our sanctuary. This is a real, living, spiritual and significant congregation. You are an important part of it all.

Like those who made sacrifices 50 years ago to create a home for Progressive Jewish observance on the North Shore of Sydney – we too have made sacrifices and can sit here knowing that we have played our part in preparing for the generations that follow.