The Synagogue and Facilities
Sanctuary
The sanctuary was dedicated in November 1980, making North Shore Temple Emanuel the first synagogue to offer access to those with disabilities, including the hearing impaired.
The stained glass
windows which beautify the sanctuary were designed by Dee Hart, a member of the NSTE community.
The windows that face the foyer were designed by the late Lou Rose MBE, Honorary Life Member. The extensive renovations to the Sanctuary and other parts of the Temple Building have now been completed.
Special Needs
NSTE’s sanctuary, bimah, social areas and offices are fully wheelchair accessible. Walking frames, wheelchairs and hearing devices are available. Sign language interpreters can be arranged.
Judaica Shop
The Judaica Shop offers Challah, Kiddush wine and Shabbat Candles, as well as a great selection of b’mitzvah, engagement or wedding gifts, children’s birthday presents and table accessories for Shabbat and Yom Tovim. Several promotional items are available for sale including caps (adjustable): $20, mugs: $10, bags: $5, shirts: $35 (Mens M and L; Ladies 12-14, 16-18). Full proceeds from every purchase support the Jensen Foundation for Jewish Continuity.
The shop is open: Monday-Thursday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm,?Sunday mornings 9.00am to 12 noon (during term time).
Call at the Temple office or contact us on 9419 7011.
Hertzberg Library
The library is found at the top of the stairs of the sanctuary foyer. Free to members, the library is available for browsing and borrowing at any time. The library has an ever-expanding collection of adults’ and children’s books, periodicals, tapes, videos, maps, posters, games, puzzles and toys for loan, as well as many resources relevant to religion study courses in high school. Book donations are most welcome.
Isaac Givorshner Courtyard
The Isaac Givorshner courtyard lies between the synagogue and the Max Joseph Hall. It has recently been refurbished, thanks to a generous bequest from the late Isaac Givorshner. The outdoor area is used for kiddushim, barbecues, small functions and even classes.
Administration Building
The administration offices are located in a small white cottage to the right of the entrance gates. Office hours are 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 3.00pm on Fridays.
Classrooms and Youth Room
Six classrooms are situated next to the library above the Sanctuary and they are available for hire for seminars and meetings. On the top floor of the Max Joseph building are classrooms and a room used by Netzer and our youth.
Valerie Jaye Function Centre
The Valerie Jaye Function Centre is a spacious hall with excellent acoustics and an adjacent modern kosher milchig kitchen. It is ideally suited for bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, weddings, receptions and other special events.
Small classrooms and the Max Joseph Hall are available for classes or meetings. Call the office for information and details of hire at reasonable rates
NSTE Kashrut Policy
In January 2004 the kitchen was kashered and declared kosher for dairy and fish.
All catered functions must meet NSTE kashrut standards as set out below.
- Foods prepared in private homes not permitted.
- Sealed, packaged products are permitted when bearing recognisable certification or if approved by the most up-to-date NSW Kashrut Authority List (available from the Temple office or Kashrut Authority website).
- Ingredients for food to be prepared in the kitchen to be purchased as (ii) above, or discussed with the Rabbis.
- Rabbinic supervision required when food is to be prepared on the premises.
- Only caterers associated with the NSW Kashrut Authority or caterers who enjoy supervision under the Rabbis and congregational volunteers may use the kitchen facility. (A list of “preferred” and “approved” caterers is available in the Temple office.)