OUR COMMUNITY
Maroubra Synagogue takes orthodox Jewish teachings and traditions, inviting them into a vibrant environment, showing how they remain relevant and enhance how we support one another in a true community. We share a love of Judaism and support for Israel. Our community caters for all ages, which special youth services and regular learning opportunities for adults a feature. We welcome visitors, regular and occasional participants and new members.
Maroubra Synagogue is linked to Mount Sinai College through the work of Rabbi Yossi at the school and the young families who attend services. The two organisations also combine to bring a Shlichot program to work with the young children through to the teenagers, with the support of Bnei Akiva.
The community offers a new function facility with a commercial kitchen attached, along with other modern facilities.
Vision
A community which is proud, in touch and knowledgeable of orthodox Judaism, supportive of Israel and caring of each other.
Mission
Engaging the Jewish community through welcoming, caring and inspiring services, educational opportunities and events.
Values
Orthodox Judaism, Community, Love of Israel, Education, Communication, Welcoming Environment.
Our History
Maroubra Synagogue was established as the Kingsford Maroubra Hebrew Congregation; built more than 60 years ago by Holocaust survivors as an act of faith, belief and defiance. These qualities, instilled by the founding families, continue to set the tone of a community that is aware of its past and at the same time embracing of its future.
We have established a reference library for members to access, to read about the history of the community, not just locally but as a whole for the Jewish people.
The congregation has grown over the years and the buildings accordingly have undergone several upgrades. Most recently, in 2015 the hall, courtyard, kitchen and bathroom facilities were rebuilt. The administration area was also renovated.
Board
Evan is married to Lauren, together they have 3 children all of whom attend Moriah College having previously attended Mount Sinai College. Evan qualified as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa and is the CFO of a manufacturing/export company.
By day Tommy is a senior lawyer at international law firm MinterEllison.
During the day he works as the Program Management Office Director on large transformation programs within the Transport for New South Wales cluster of Agencies.
During the day he works as the IT Manager for the Australian Society of Anaesthetists.
He was elected to Parliament in a by-election on the 25 August 2012. Prior to entering Parliament, he was the Mayor of the City of Botany Bay, a position he held continuously for almost 31 years. He was and still is, regarded by many as one of the most progressive Mayors in the Sydney metropolitan region. He is a barrister and, prior to entering parliament, was a Public Defender for the State of New South Wales.
During the day Anna works as a policy analyst for Transport for NSW, in the field of road safety. Anna is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant community.
During my military service I’ve served as Morah Chayelet – a tutor to new immigrants. I’ve worked in Jerusalem and I served in two high schools. It was a rewarding and difficult job. I’ve stayed in Jerusalem for my tertiary education and completed a BA in psychology in the Hebrew University. Upon completion of my degree I met my mum’s best friend nephew who just arrived from Australia to serve in the army at the age of 26. It was a blind date. His name is Tal.
After that I’ve done a course in computer programming and I’ve been in the IT industry ever since (including breaks for maternity leave and dot com collapse).
We immigrated back to Australia in 2004 and resided in Maroubra. First because we couldn’t afford Bondi, and then we found out that we made a great deal with a Shule and a School so close and with such a great community.
I am a mother of 3 kids: My oldest daughter Noa had graduated from Mount Sinai College in 2014, my middle child Merav has graduated MSC in 2017 and my son Ido has started in 2018. We belong to this school and this Shule and this community. I am thrilled by the honour to be appreciated by this community.
“I must say that I have never enjoyed a job as much as I have at Maroubra Synagogue for the last almost eleven years. I retired in 2017 & life although changed is still very busy. The evolvement with the community, the membership & Shule life has been a very busy & enjoyable life for me. Another chapter in my life is now evolving since I have joined the board, I hope to be a voice for the elderly & to bring my experience of Shule life to the fore.”
Rabbi Yossi Friedman leads the community and is ably supported by a team of hard working staff; including Administrator, Heidi Baltineshter and our Office Support Eva Grosin. They assist families with all their needs including the co-ordination of their functions.
Youth Leaders
Maroubra Synagogue offers a wide range of Children’s programmes, catering for all age groups.
Regular program run every Shabbat, starting at 10.45am. They are run by a group of dedicated volunteers. We incorporate tefillah, games, stories and activities relating to the Chag or Parsha of the week into our service.
* Tots Program for 1-5 year olds* Torah Club for 5-7 year olds* Boys Mentoring Program for 8-12 year old boys* Teen Scene for all teenagersWe also welcome Bnei Akiva to our community once a month. The Bnei Akiva madrichim run a host of different tochniyot for all age groups, including a very popular Teen Lunch!
If you would like further information regarding youth services, or would like to volunteer your services, please contact the Shul office for more information.