Shtiebel

Name: Shtiebel
Address: 34 Booran Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3145, AU
Telephone: +61370440185
Rating: 5

An intimate and approachable community free of the dogma and doctrine of traditional institutions.
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13/12/2024

🌅 Un-Wined and Welcome Shabbat with Us 🌅

Join us tonight at The Shtiebel for an evening of connection, relaxation, and renewal!

🍷 Un-Wined @ 5:30 PM
Let the stress of the week melt away as we gather with community over a glass of wine and good conversation.

🙏 Kabbalat Shabbat @ 6:00 PM
Welcome the peace and beauty of Shabbat with joyful prayer, soulful melodies, and meaningful moments together.

Let’s leave the week that was behind and embrace the Shabbat that will be. ✨

11/12/2024

Naming the Hatred: Scared, Angry, and Hopeful

This past week has been profoundly challenging for Australian Jewry. Last Friday’s firebombing of the Adass Yisrael Synagogue shook us to our core. This wasn’t just an attack on a building—it was an attack on all of us. It forced us to confront fears we had hoped were behind us and to ask difficult questions about our future. Will our children grow up with the same sense of comfort and confidence in their Jewish identity that we have cherished? Can we remain safe and secure while staying true to our traditions?

These are heavy questions, and they demand a response. We must summon the strength to be three things at once: scared, angry, and hopeful.

We should be scared—because this is frightening. The firebombing wasn’t a distant act of hate; it was here, in our own community. The fear we feel is real, and it is valid.

We should be angry—because this is unacceptable. Five days after the attack, my dear friend Issy captured what so many of us are feeling: “From now on, I won’t be using the word anti-Semitism. Let’s call it what it is. It’s anti-Jew and anti-Jewish. And it is, of course, racism.” Issy’s words are a call to name this hatred for what it is. This is not abstract or historical—it is personal, immediate, and a direct assault on our dignity. We have every right to be angry.

But most importantly, we must remain hopeful—because there is so much worth fighting for.

Last Friday morning, as the weight of these events pressed down on us, we wrestled with how to ensure Shabbat—and the two b’nei mitzvah celebrations planned for the weekend—could proceed with both safety and joy. Despite the fear and anger, we succeeded in creating an atmosphere of celebration and connection.

What struck me most about that day was its duality. The morning was consumed with questions about security and safety, but the afternoon was filled with moments that reaffirmed our resilience. We met with a bride excited to honour her Jewish family and build a home dedicated to raising Jewish children. We worked with a family eager to deepen their connection to Judaism. And just before Shabbat, we sat with a father and son who, moved by the shifting realities of the world, chose to root their upcoming bar mitzvah in a deeper connection to tradition.

Over the weekend, we celebrated the b’nei mitzvah of Josh and Louis—mazel tov to them and their families. Their joy and commitment brought light to a dark week. These moments remind us that Judaism is not just about survival; it’s about meaning, purpose, and an enduring belief in a brighter future.

So where does that leave us? Scared, angry, but hopeful. To be all three at once is not a contradiction—it’s the essence of resilience.

To those who are not anti-Jew: this is your moment to make that known. Speak out. Call anti-Jewish racism what it is. Stand up for your Jewish friends, neighbours, and colleagues. This is not the time for silence or equivocation. If you claim to be an ally, show up in ways that are loud, visible, and unwavering.

To my Jewish siblings: It’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to feel angry. But never let fear or anger extinguish hope. Last Friday reminded us that even in the darkest moments, we can create light. We can build spaces of joy, love, and connection that affirm our commitment to Judaism and its future.

At The Shtiebel, our mission is to meet people where they are and guide them on their Jewish journeys. This week, that mission feels more urgent than ever. Together, we are building a future that not only survives but thrives—a future that is unshakable in its purpose, filled with belonging, and defiantly hopeful.

Issy, thank you for your courage and clarity. You’ve challenged us to name the hatred and act against it with all our strength. And to all of us: Let us face this moment scared, angry, but above all, hopeful. Because hope is what has sustained our people for generations, and it will sustain us now.

Photo credit: Zak’s Jerusalem Gifts, www.zaksjerusalemgifts.com.

06/12/2024

Tonight at Shtiebel: Responding to Hate with Pride and Resilience

The abhorrent attack on the Adass Yisrael synagogue has shaken us to our core. This is not just an attack on a sacred place of worship—it is an attack on the very values of peace, tolerance, and respect that we all cherish.

Now is not the time to retreat or hide. It is the time to stand together in love and pride, demonstrating that hate has no place in our community or in this country.

Join us at Shtiebel tonight as we welcome Shabbat with resilience and unity. Together, we will reaffirm our commitment to light over darkness and strength over fear.

✨ Un-winded begins at 5:30pm
✨ Kabbalat Shabbat follows at 6:00pm

Let us show the world that the power of community and faith will always rise above hatred.

28/11/2024

Important Update: No Friday Evening Gathering This Week!

This week, we’re switching things up at Shtiebel! Instead of our usual Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat, we’ll be gathering Saturday morning for something truly special:

🌟 Shabbat Shir, Shiur & Shnack 🌟
🕥 10:30 AM

Join us for this exciting new initiative, filled with:
✨ Meaningful reflection through song and prayer
📖 Engaging learning with a dynamic shiur
🥯 Delicious snacks and shared joy

This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen connections and celebrate Shabbat together in a unique way. We can’t wait to see you there!

24/11/2024

One of four amazing celebrations at Shtiebel this weekend. We love what we do and the people we do is with (Frankies Flamin' Pizzas is just a bonus)!

24/11/2024

Today at the Shtiebel, we celebrate Amanda as she embraces a deeply meaningful moment in her Jewish journey: changing her Hebrew name. Just as Havdalah guides us from Shabbat into the week with light, sweetness, and reflection, this ceremony marks Amanda’s transition from her past to a present full of growth and a future rich with purpose.

Her new name honours where she’s been and where she’s going, echoing the journeys of our ancestors who transformed their lives through new names and new beginnings.

Mazel tov, Amanda! May this moment inspire you, root you, and propel you forward.

23/11/2024

Mazel Tov, Jasper, on your Bar Mitzvah today at Shtiebel!

Wishing you so much joy and pride as you take this important step in your journey. May you continue to grow in wisdom, strength, and kindness, bringing light and blessing to your family, friends, and community.

Mazel Tov again on this special day—it’s just the beginning of an amazing adventure ahead!

22/11/2024

This Shabbat, we carry forward the warmth, inspiration, and deep sense of connection from last week. The natural splendor of Wanaka reminded us not only of the beauty of creation but also of our sacred responsibility to care for and cherish it.

In that spirit, we’re excited to bring a touch of that inspiration home with another Courtyard Kabbalat Shabbat, this Friday, 22nd November. We invite you to join us as we gather in the open air to welcome Shabbat with song, joy, and the warmth of community. Un-wined will begin at 5:30 pm, giving us the perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and unwind together before services start at 6:00 pm.

19/11/2024

Last Shabbat, the Shtiebel team had the profound joy of travelling to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Wanaka, New Zealand, to celebrate Clover’s Bat Mitzvah. Standing amidst mountains and crystal-clear lakes, it was as if the setting itself became part of the ceremony—a living testament to the beauty and sacredness of creation. This celebration was perfectly timed, coinciding with Climate Shabbat, when Jewish communities across Australia reflected on our shared responsibility as stewards of the Earth.

The Torah portion for that week, Parashat Vayeira, tells the powerful and sobering story of the destruction of S***m and Gomorrah. Traditionally, it serves as a lesson about unchecked moral decay and the failure to uphold justice and righteousness. In the context of today’s world, this story resonates as a powerful metaphor for our current environmental crisis. Just as those ancient cities faced ruin due to their failure to uphold ethical values, we, too, risk dire consequences if we do not act to safeguard our planet. The call to justice is not only about how we treat one another but how we care for the world that sustains us.

Clover’s Bat Mitzvah was more than a personal milestone; it represented the green shoots of hope that rely on our collective action. Her name, Clover, evokes images of growth and renewal—a symbol of promise that, like all life, depends on nurturing care. Standing with her family and community as she embraced this coming-of-age moment, we were reminded that hope for the future lies in the hands of young people like her, poised to lead with intention, kindness, and resilience.

New Zealand sets a beautiful example of how a nation can align its practices with the principles of ethical stewardship. The country’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty is evident in its policies and everyday life. From comprehensive programmes aimed at achieving carbon neutrality to a pervasive culture of conservation that encourages minimal waste, recycling, and the preservation of water quality, New Zealand models what it means to tread gently on the Earth. Visitors are reminded of these values through clear and conscious eco-tourism practices, and communities are engaged in maintaining a harmonious balance with nature.

For those of us in Australia, there is much to learn from our Kiwi neighbours. New Zealand’s commitment to environmental sustainability is not just policy—it’s a way of life, visible in how people, communities, and government come together to protect the land for future generations.

Clover’s Bat Mitzvah was infused with hope, love, and an unspoken commitment to the values of tikkun olam, the sacred task of repairing the world. As she chanted ancient words beneath an expansive sky, we were reminded that our future depends on nurturing these green shoots of hope. May we, inspired by Clover and the lessons of Parashat Vayeira, commit ourselves to act with justice, compassion, and thoughtful care so that the promise she embodies continues to flourish for generations to come.

16/11/2024

This past Shabbat was nothing short of incredible as we gathered in Wanaka, NZ, to celebrate Clover becoming Bat Mitzvah. The weekend began with a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner, setting the tone for an amazing Shabbat morning surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Wanaka. We wrapped up with a delightful Havdallah workshop, crafting Havdallah candles with Menukah beeswax and creating spice bags filled with local flowers and plants. But the true highlight was Clover’s Bat Mitzvah – she did herself, her family, and our community proud. A heartfelt mazel tov to Clover and her loved ones!

’mitzvah

14/11/2024

This Shabbat, we’re celebrating some incredible milestones! While we won’t have in-person services, we’re thrilled to invite you to join us virtually for a special live-streamed service from New Zealand.

Tune in tonight at 6:30 PM AEDT on our Shabbat New Zealand page https://www.shtiebel.org.au/shabbatnz/, where you’ll also find a link to our Shabbat Siddur, allowing you to participate fully from home.

Let’s come together in spirit to welcome Shabbat, celebrate these special moments, and cherish the connections that make our community unique.

05/11/2024

Mazel Tov to Emily and Elad on the birth of their son, Leo Zachary Tal!

Today, we had the honour of welcoming him into our community with a beautiful Brit Milah and naming ceremony, celebrating his arrival with family, tradition, and love.

May Leo grow with strength, wisdom, and joy, surrounded by a community that cherishes him.

01/11/2024

We just got off the phone with a parent who, like many others, is wondering if—and how—their neurodiverse child can celebrate a Bar Mitzvah in a way that feels meaningful and joyful. They spoke of feeling the weight of tradition, the pressure to “fit in,” and the difficulty of trying to mould their child’s spirit to fit a ceremony that didn’t seem designed for them. We could hear their longing for something beyond just ticking a box; they wanted to honour their child’s journey in a way that felt authentic.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had a conversation like this. Many families feel caught between community expectations and the unique needs of their own. Traditional settings can bring meaning for some, but for many others, it’s challenging to navigate. These families deserve more than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

This is why we created Shtiebel: to offer a space where families can celebrate their Jewish journey in a way that honours them as they are. At Shtiebel, there’s no expectation to conform to a single mould or follow someone else’s path. Instead, we work together to create learning experiences and celebrations that reflect each unique story. We celebrate people for who they are, recognising the beauty of their journeys.

Our young people are craving a Judaism that feels real, accessible, and deeply personal. They need a place where they don’t have to leave behind their individuality or rationalism—a place where they can proudly say, “This is my Judaism.” Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook understood this when he wrote, “The old will become new, and the new will become holy.” This is our vision: a vibrant, inclusive Judaism that grows with us, speaks to our hearts and minds, and truly feels like home.

We are profoundly grateful to be part of this work at Shtiebel. Every family who walks through our doors brings us closer to this vision of a Judaism that truly belongs to all of us. So, if you or someone you know is planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a wedding, or even a funeral, please encourage them to reach out.

01/11/2024

24/10/2024

This weekend's La Nua session has been postponed to Sunday November 3, 2-4pm.

Spots are still available, so please join Ayelet Ashkar for her somatic dance workshop for women. For more information and to register, visit https://www.shtiebel.org.au/lanua/

22/10/2024

🎉 Join Us Tonight for Rolled & Scrolled: Atzeret Simchat Torah 🎉

Wednesday, 23 October | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Tonight, we come together to end the current Torah reading cycle and begin the new one, celebrating the rhythm of tradition and renewal. This year’s Simchat Torah holds deeper meaning as we mark the yahrzeit of those tragically lost on 7 October last year. In their memory, we will sing, dance, and create, honouring the enduring beauty of our heritage.

Join us as we embrace the lessons of the past and the possibilities ahead. See you tonight!

20/10/2024

Join us for the final celebration of the High Holy Days as we rejoice in Torah, tradition, and the strength of community!

Rolls and Scrolls: Closing the Festivals of Tishrei
🗓 Wednesday, 23 October
🕔 5-7pm

Together, we’ll dance with the Torah, unwind the scroll, and complete the current Torah reading cycle before starting the new one. We’ll embrace the lessons of the past and the excitement of the year ahead!

🌿 Roll your own sushi
🖊️ Create colorful yads (pointers) to read from the Torah
❤️ Craft decorative hearts to show our love for all things Jewish

Let’s celebrate with joy and connection as we welcome the new year!

This is a free event open to all but registration is essential - https://www.shtiebel.org.au/simchattorah/

Address

34 Booran Road
Melbourne, VIC
3145

Telephone

+61370440185

Website

http://www.shtiebel.org.au/

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Just another Shabbos at Shtiebel, where the joy is contagious, the energy is unmatched, as we celebrate #TraditionYourWay. This is #OurShtiebel!”

Sukkah Sausage Sizzle - Rain Hail or Shine 📅 Friday, 18 October ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Join us as we decorate the sukkah, share a delicious meal, and celebrate Shabbat together. This relaxed and joyous event is open to all ages and is a wonderful way to usher in the peace of Shabbat within the warmth of our community.

A wonderful Rosh Hashanah celebration at Shtiebel. Thanks Beth from Bops for this amazing new tune.

The High Holy Days are almost here, and we are beyond excited to celebrate with you! At Shtiebel, we’ve crafted the perfect lineup for families to come together and enjoy joyful, meaningful, and hands-on experiences as we welcome the new year. We’re also thrilled to have Beth Riordan, founder of Bops Music, joining us to lead a fun and engaging music session for children. Beth’s program introduces Jewish traditions through interactive music and play, making the holidays engaging and educational for all ages! We can’t wait to share these moments with you and your family! Let’s come together for a High Holy Day season filled with joy, tradition, and connection. Book your tickets and learn more at: www.shtiebel.org.au/hhdfamily

With Rosh Chodesh Elul upon us, the sound of the shofar begins to stir our souls, calling us to awaken, reflect, and prepare for the new year ahead. Rabbi Milton Steinberg teaches that the cry of the shofar is a challenge to hear the weeping of humility—a call to open our hearts, listen deeply, and engage in the work of healing and renewal. This year, more than ever, let us commit to action, intention, and creating a year of justice, peace, and compassion. Join us throughout the High Holy Days for inspiring services and community gatherings. While our Rosh Hashanah morning service is sold out, there are many other opportunities to celebrate and reflect together. Reserve your place today at www.shtiebel.org.au/newyear. We look forward to welcoming you!

🎟️ Tickets and more information at www.shtiebel.org.au/newyear.

🌾🌿 Join Us for Shtiebel Shavuot Community Celebration! 🌿🌾 Celebrate Shavuot with us and enjoy delicious mac & cheese, harvest crumbles, and a special cheesecake at our study session! 🧀🍰 Shavuot is known by four names, each reflecting a unique aspect of this joyous festival: Chag Shavuot:The completion of counting the seven weeks between Pesach and Shavuot. Chag Matan Torah:Celebrating the receiving of the 10 Commandments and Torah. Chag HaKatzir: Reminding us of the harvest season in Israel. Chag HaBikkurim: Recalling the offering of the first fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem. Our celebration will weave together these themes through food, arts & crafts, Torah stories, songs, and more! Bring your family and friends to join us on Tuesday, 11 June from 5 PM for an evening of community and joy. 📅 **Date:** Tuesday, 11 June 🕔 **Time:** From 5 PM 📍 **Location:** Shtiebel Please register to assist us with catering - www.shtiebel.org.au/events/shavuot-2 Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate Shavuot together! 🌾🕊️ #Shavuot #CommunityCelebration #Shtiebel #FestivalOfWeeks #MatanTorah #HarvestSeason #FirstFruits #JewishFestivals #ourshtiebel

As we near the end of the financial year, we reflect on the incredible growth and success of our Shtiebel community. Your support has been the heart of our journey, and we couldn’t have achieved this without you. To continue fostering a vibrant and welcoming Jewish space, we need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to one of our vital funds: Shtiebel Benevolent Fund: Supports outreach and pastoral care, including the Shtiebel Street Pantry and Project Butterfly. Shtiebel Library Fund: Enhances our educational programs and resources, helping families celebrate Shabbat and Jewish traditions at home. Every contribution makes a significant impact. Together, we can ensure Shtiebel remains a thriving hub for our community. Thank you for your generosity and support! https://www.shtiebel.org.au/eofy-appeal/ #SupportShtiebel #CommunityCare #JewishMelbourne #DonateToday #ourshtiebel

The sounds and sights of people’s coming together to envision a world filled with peace, love and understanding. Not your typical Thursday evening at Shtiebel but a perfect entry into Shabbat and Purim which will follow! www.shtiebel.org.au/purim

Another wonderful b’mitzvah celebration this weekend! To learn more about how we can help you celebrate “tradition your way” visit www.shtiebel.org.au.

Chanukah begins in the evening of Thursday 7 December. We invite you to join us for our community celebration "Lights & Latkes," on Friday 8 December, starting at 5pm! Register now: https://www.shtiebel.org.au/chanukah/ Immerse yourself in the spirit of Chanukah by crafting your own shammash candle, decorating your own dreidel and perfecting the art of latke-making. Our Friday night un-wined sets the stage for our Shabbat Chanukah celebrations— share the joy with new and old friends. Don't miss our festive Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Candle Lighting. Bring your Chanukiah and candles for a dazzling display of lights. Experience the warmth of community, the joy of learning, and the delicious taste of tradition.