Since 1975, the region’s congregations had been using Gates of Prayer. We are very excited to now have a prayer book specifically designed by our Rabbinical Council for Australian Progressive congregations.

The World Union Edition of the long awaited and warmly received successor to Gates of Prayer, has been adapted in our region for the needs of our region. Designed and composed for compelling, meaningful and spiritual worship, Mishkan T’filah will become the authentic voice of Progressive Judaism for the twenty-first century.

• Services for Shabbat, Festivals, Daily and Home use with traditional feel, yet designed for creativity.
• A broad selection of readings including beloved passages from our Progressive liturgical tradition and great poetic writings from throughout Jewish history.
• Faithful, contemporary, gender-inclusive English.
• Fully transliterated on every page for inclusivity.
• Theological and stylistic diversity.
• Innovative design with location locator and page notes for educated choice
• Consulting Editor Rabbi David Stein, Plaut Chumash and New Women’s Chumash

We commenced using Mishkan T’filah in November 2010.

How you can contribute

Dedicating a congregational copy of Mishkan T’filah is a wonderful way to support our congregation and create an enduring reminder of a loved one or special occasion. Please contact us for details.

We can obtain a personal copy for you should you wish to buy one.

We also have protective covers for sale at $5 each.

Please contact the Secretary now to arrange a dedication, book purchase or if you wish to purchase a protective cover.

BPJC is proud to publish electronically a historic booklet written by Victor Gollancz in December 1942 entitled “Let My People Go”. Gollancz explains in this 16,000 word pamphlet that between one and two million Jews had already been murdered in Nazi-controlled Europe and “unless something effective is done, within a very few months six million Jews will all be dead.” Gollancz proposed a series of practical responses, centred around a rescue plan, and undertook a lecture and fundraising tour. Published early in the new year of 1943, the pamphlet sold a quarter of a million copies within three monthsand was quoted in the Canadian Parliament in 1943,and in The Adelaide Advertiser on Saturday 15 May 1943. Gollancz’s pamphlet, seen through today’s eyes, is remarkably well informed about the plight of European Jewry  at the height of World War 2, in the midst of the Holocaust.

Biography

Sir Victor Gollancz (9 April 1893 – 8 February 1967) was a British publisher, socialist, and humanitarian. He was born in Maida Vale, London, the son of a wholesale jeweller and nephew of Rabbi Professor Sir Hermann Gollancz and Professor Sir Israel Gollancz.

Gollancz formed his own publishing company in 1927 and was one of the founders of the Left Book Club. In addition to his highly successful publishing business, Gollancz was a prolific writer on a variety of subjects, and put his ideas into action by establishing campaigning groups. His 1943 pamphlet “Let My People Go”, which called for an attempt by the Allied powers to rescue Jews under threat of extermination in occupied Europe, was widely read in 1943, following coverage in the British media in December 1942 of the Nazis’ extermination policy.

A subsequent pamphlet, published by Gollancz later on in the war, failed to reach a mass audience. By then the British media had almost entirely ceased coverage of the story of the Nazi attempt to exterminate European Jewry, after it had become clear that the western powers were unwilling to respond to popular British sentiment at the end of 1942 and early 1943 in favour of an attempt to rescue Jews in occupied Europe, which would have meant diverting resources from the war effort. He was made Vice-President of Eleanor Rathbone’s National Committee for Rescue from Nazi Terror. Along with Eleanor Rathbone, Gollancz was the foremost British campaigner during the Second World War on the issue of the Nazi extermination of European Jewry.

Let My People Go (1)

Let My People Go (2)

Acknowledgement

BPJC is very grateful for the generosity of Theo and Joy Castrikum of Woorim, Bribie Island, in donating this important historic pamphlet.

Unfortunately, the Awcast option for the broadcast of services is no longer available. Awcast started charging a substantial monthly fee and the Board regretfully decided that the cost is too high.

Our Shabbat services use Mishkan T’filah. Please contact us if you would like to purchase a copy to follow the service.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Our Minister, Cantor David Bentley, is available to provide pastoral care to BPJC members.  David’s comprehensive training as a Spiritual Leader included courses in:

• Pastoral counselling
• Hospital chaplaincy/sick visiting

Cantor Bentley’s support to Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation includes Shabbat services, educational classes, life-cycle ceremonies and associated spiritual counselling as appropriate. He can be contacted on 0466 323 432 or by emailing us at : bpjc@bpjc.org.au.

Click here for further information on Cantor Bentley.

Tikkun Olam (literally, “world repair”) has come to connote social action and the pursuit of social justice. Tikkun Olam is a key element of the Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) mission statement. The UPJ and its members, including Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation, support a range of projects in Australia and around the world. This page has been developed to provide a portal for our members and supporters to access some of these projects and other organisations who contribute to Tikkun Olam. As we become aware of projects, new links will be added. If you know of a new program, or would like us to add a link to an existing project, please contact us.

The following paragraphs give information on some Tikkun Olam-based activities you may wish to support.

Jewish Aid Australia (JAA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated  to pursuing social justice for disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas. JAA enables people to realise and practice the core Jewish concepts of Tzedakah (justice), Chessed (kindness) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Jewish values urge us to question injustice, act, and take collective responsibility. JAA sparks and sustains social change by channelling the unlimited passion and potential of Jewish change-makers into action for a more just world. Volunteering with JAA is an avenue for Jews, who are passionate about community and international development, to work through a Jewish aid organisation.

http://jewishaidaustralia.wordpress.com/

Queensland Jewish Community Services Inc. provides welfare services for people in the Jewish community. We respond to enquiries from the community by giving information, referring clients to the relevant Government departments, organisation or professional person to assist them. If needed, we support clients in their interaction with these services. Where appropriate, we provide practical assistance as well. Our work includes:

• Providing client support and advocacy at the Police, Courts and Government Departments;
• Visiting correctional facilities to assist determining the needs of Jewish prisoners;
• Finding legal representation and support to those exposed to abuse, domestic violence and discrimination;
• Providing initial contact and assistance to access services for clients with mental health issues;
• Helping purchase medical equipment for people to maintain a level of independence in their homes;
• Providing transport to people who need to attend medical procedures and appointments; and
• Doing our best in a professional caring manner.

http://www.qjcs.org.au/index.php?page=Home

Tevel b’Tzedek  (Earth – In Justice) is an Israel-based non-profit organization promoting social and environmental justice. Our mission is to create a community of Israeli and Diaspora Jews engaging in the urgent issues of global poverty, marginalization and environmental devastation from a place of deep commitment to the Jewish people and its ethical and spiritual traditions.

http://www.tevelbtzedek.org/

Union for Progressive Judaism Social Action – Mazon Appeal. At Mazon, we recognise that even in our lucky country the homeless and unemployed, the elderly, single parents and the working poor suffer from food insecurity.  And the numbers are growing. With this in mind Mazon runs an annual Mazon Food Bag Appeal at Rosh Hashanah as a direct means of getting food to those who need it most. Mazon also collects funds throughout the year and runs an annual Pesach appeal.  We encourage people to donate a nominal 3% of the cost of the catering at a simcha to Mazon. To find out more, to get involved or to donate funds, contact the UPJ office at (02) 9328 7644.

http://www.upj.org.au/index.php/social-action/mazon

Lay out siddurim, papers and tzedakah box / kipot.

Greet / welcome arrivals.

Assist the leader, as required.

Return / pack away at conclusion of Service and Kiddush (except for Cheder furniture).

Collect tzedakah from box and give to Treasurer.   Training (if needed) will take place: on the job   What’s in it for you? It’s a Mitzvah Feel connected to the BPJC community

Get to know our congregants and visitors   Contact: President ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/shammash/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/organise-library-collection/ http://bpjc.org.au/organise-library-collection/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:26:10 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=380 The job: Catalogue our collection so that members can easily borrow resources   Why it is important: because we have some interesting resources to share   Time commitment: on-going   Number of people required: 1
 
This is a good project/job for an adult.   Skills needed: Clerical skills to establish and maintain a database of resources   Training (if needed) will take place: on the job   What’s in it for you? it’s a mitzvah you’ll get to know the BPJC library collection   Contact: President ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/organise-library-collection/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/lay-leader/ http://bpjc.org.au/lay-leader/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:25:37 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=378 The job: Assist in the Leading of a Shabbat service   Why it is important: Because Shabbat services are one of the most important activities we do at BPJC   Time commitment: 2 hours for the service (plus preparation)   Number of people required: 1 (but a lot easier with at least two)   Skills needed: Prepare for service, identify correct Parashat and Haftarah, develop a drasha (or arrange another person to develop a drasha), arrange any pre-service volunteers necessary (e.g. Torah translation, Haftarah reading etc). Identify any special prayers e.g. prayer for Rosh Chodesh, prayer for the sick etc. Lead service (with assistant or chazzan, as required).

Read from Torah (or arrange for another person to do this).

Present drasha (or have volunteer present it).

Lead or nominate a person to lead the Kiddush.   Training (if needed) will take place: Tutoring and mentors are available   What’s in it for you? it’s a Mitzvah feel connected to the BPJC community

improve your understanding of the rituals   Contact: Rituals Committee ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/lay-leader/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/kiddush-set-up-and-breakdown/ http://bpjc.org.au/kiddush-set-up-and-breakdown/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:25:08 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=376 The job: set up and take down a simple kiddush Why it is important: for blessings after Shabbat services and for fellowship Time commitment: twice per month. one hour each time. Number of people required: 2
 
This is definitely a good job for a family with children ages 6 and up. Skills needed: none Training (if needed) will take place: on the job – Saturday mornings
with a mentor What’s in it for you? it’s a mitzvah meet new people

Eat delicious food

spend time with family

feel connected to the BPJC community Contact: Secretary ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/kiddush-set-up-and-breakdown/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/kabbalat-shabbat-supplies-shlepper/ http://bpjc.org.au/kabbalat-shabbat-supplies-shlepper/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:24:25 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=374 The job: Transport supplies from Coorparoo to Fig Tree Pocket and back Why it is important: so siddurim, kiddush supplies and paper goods are available Time commitment: less than 1 hour, up to five times per year Number of people required: 1 Skills needed: physical strength
access to a car
ability to collect supplies from Coorparoo at the previous Shabbat service, deliver them to Fig Tree Pocket up to one hour prior to the service, and return them to Coorparoo for the next Shabbat service. Training (if needed) will take place: Via written instructions What’s in it for you? it’s a mitzvah  yummy food, assuming you stay for dinneryou’ll feel connected to the BPJC community Contact: Secretary ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/kabbalat-shabbat-supplies-shlepper/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/kabbalat-shabbat-helper/ http://bpjc.org.au/kabbalat-shabbat-helper/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:23:54 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=372 The job: Help to set up and pack up Kabbalat Shabbat services Why it is important: We can’t conduct a service without chairs and kiddush Time commitment: About 1 hour before and 1 hour after the service Number of people required: 2 (with more people, it will take less time) This is a good project/job for a family with children in high school Skills needed: physical strength/stamina
ability to follow directions Training (if needed) will take place: On the job What’s in it for you? it’s a mitzvah  family timeyou’ll feel connected to the BPJC community

play an important part in the  celebration

shmooze time if you bring family, friends to help Contact: Secretary ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/kabbalat-shabbat-helper/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/historian/ http://bpjc.org.au/historian/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:23:24 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=370 The job: Document and organise our congregational history Why it is important: To ensure we have an enduring record of our people and our achievements Time commitment: Ongoing. Number of people required: 1 or 2 Skills needed: Ability to organise electronic files, including documents and photos Training (if needed) will take place: On the job What’s in it for yo Be closely connected to the BPJC community
Play an important role in our history Contact: President ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/historian/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/functions-set-up-and-breakdown/ http://bpjc.org.au/functions-set-up-and-breakdown/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:22:41 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=368 The job: Help to set up and pack up (breakdown) rented facilities for functions Why it is important: so the right atmosphere can be created in a temporary space Time commitment: about 1 hour immediately prior to and 1 hour immediately after the function Number of people required: at least 3
 
This is a good project/job for a family with older children Skills needed: physical strength/stamina
ability to follow directions Training (if needed) will take place: On the job What’s in it for you? it’s a mitzvah  family time

you’ll feel connected to the BPJC community 

a little exercise Contact: Social Director ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/functions-set-up-and-breakdown/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/festivals-coordinator/ http://bpjc.org.au/festivals-coordinator/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:21:56 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=365 The job: plan and oversee all the tasks related to a single Festival (e.g.. Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim Megilla reading, Pesach, or Shavuot)  Why it is important: to make sure things run smoothly Time commitment: Depends on the festival / event Number of people required: 1-2 (job can be shared)
 
This is a good project/job for adults. Skills needed: knowledge of the festival and its rituals ability to think creatively about ways to observe the festival 

people and organisational skills Training (if needed) will take place: on the job
mentor present What’s in it for you? you’ll meet new people  yummy food

it’s a mitzvah 

you’ll learn a new skill 

you’ll feel connected to the BPJC community            Contact: Social Director ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/festivals-coordinator/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/gabbai/ http://bpjc.org.au/gabbai/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:21:14 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=363  

you’ll feel connected to the BPJC community 

you’ll feel connected to the ritual and spiritual life of the congregation

you’ll practice and enhance your synagogue skills Contact: Service Coordinator ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/read-for-torah-services/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/cheder-assistant/ http://bpjc.org.au/cheder-assistant/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:20:01 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=359 The job: support classroom activities as needed, help families feel connected Why it is important: to enrich the Cheder learning experience Time commitment: up to  2 hours twice per month Number of people required: 1-2 This is a good project/job for adults. Skills needed: communication Training (if needed) will take place: on the job (you will need a Blue Card) What’s in it for you? you’ll feel connected to the BPJC community  you’ll enrich your child/ren’s Cheder experience 

you’ll meet new people 

fun events (if you plan them)

family time Contact: Cheder Director ]]> http://bpjc.org.au/cheder-assistant/feed/ 0 http://bpjc.org.au/chevra-kadisha/ http://bpjc.org.au/chevra-kadisha/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:19:29 +0000 admin http://bpjc.org.au/new/?p=357  

We are proud to partner the long-term scholarship fund MASA Israel Journey, AZYC, AUJS Israel Programs, Taglit-Birthright Israel and Chabad on Campus to send over 600 participants to Israel each year.

Brendan Bensky
Israel Programs Coordinator

Shani Gershon
MASA Representative