Shira Hadasha expresses disappointment with the Rabbinical Council of Victoria’s statement against marriage equality

Shira Hadasha is disappointed to read the statement of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria encouraging Australians to vote no in the proposed postal vote on same sex marriage. The issue is of civil law reform which will not compel any religious leaders or institutions to conduct marriages outside the parameters of their established practice. Accordingly the statement is not necessary and serves no purpose other than to further hurt and marginalise LGBTIQ Jews and their families.

The suggestion that same sex marriage being legalised in other countries had “concerning impacts on the education system and religious freedom” goes well beyond the scope of the proposed change to the law and we question its factual basis.

As an inclusive orthodox congregation, Shira actively seeks ways to welcome all Jews into Jewish life and community, and to honour the core Jewish value of kevod habriyut, respect for the dignity of all people.

 

Talk on Judaism and Homosexuality @ Shira Hadasha – Feb 10, 6:30pm

Friday night speakers Feb 10th, 6.30pm On Friday night before Kab Shab, Shira is hosting David Shneer and Gregg Drinkwater for a short talk about Judaism and Homosexuality. David and Gregg, married, are two of the three editors of  Torah Queeries: Weekly Commentaries on the Hebrew Bible. David is a Professor of History and the Director of the Program in Jewish Studies at the University of Colorado.  Called “taboo-breaking” by Tikkun magazine, Shneer’s work concentrates on modern Jewish society and culture. There is no charge for this event – join us at 6.30pm.

David Shneer and Gregg Drinkwater are guests of the Monash ACJC Conference, 12th and 13th Feb. Learn more about the conference on their website here.

Contact details for Shira Hadasha at www.shira.org.au.

Dr Adiva Sifris on Marriage Equality (Melb, Sat July 30, 2011)

Shira Melbourne

Communal lunch and guest speaker
” Marriage Equality”

Shira would like to invite you to a Communal Kiddush Lunch on July 30th, after our shul service (around 12pm) where we will hear from Dr Adiva Sifris, a senior lecturer at Monash University Law School. Dr Sifris is recognised as an expert in the area of Family Law, with a particular interest in same-sex parenting.  She recently co-edited a collection of essays entitled Current Trends in the Regulation of Same-Sex Relationships.

The talk aims to discuss some of the issues, and is particularly topical in light of the recent legalisation of same sex marriages in New York City. Shira would like this to be a completely inclusive event, where people from all walks of life are made welcome and feel comfortable.

Join us for the Shul Service, followed by lunch and the engaging talk.

TOPIC: “Marriage, shmarriage, and same sex-relationships”
WHAT: Lunch – traditional shabbat food – chulent, fish, sushi, veggie wraps, lots of salads and yummy desserts
WHERE:  222 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North (the Theodore Herzl Club)
WHEN:  Shabbat (Saturday) July 30th, approximately midday 12pm.
COST:  Adults $20, kids $10

Bookings are required for this event. Please book using paypal or a credit card on our website here. Alternatively payment can be made via direct transfer to the Shira bank account:

SHIRA HADASHA MELBOURNE
BSB: 013 445
ACCOUNT NUMBER  4978 30199

For any enquiries, please email carmella@shira.org.au
Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you on July 30th!