Succah is a Hebrew word pronounced "Su-ca" that is the Jewish sacred festival of Tabernacles.
Annually, observant Jews traditionally celebrate/eat/live in a specially-built booth for 7 days & nights (imagine a week living out of a huge cubby-house with a roof made of palm fronds!).Early arrivers contributed to making roof decorations in a spirit of cooperation, unbroken looping and sticky tape.
MC Avraham Schwarz made introductions leading to warm explanations by Rabbi Dovid Gutnick. Then a special Performance by Maracatu Estrela do Mar - a Melbourne-based Afro-Brazilian percussion group that plays Maracatu de Baque Virado and other rhythms from the north-east of Brazil.
Who led assembled into the Synagogue, for visit and brief explanations of sacred Hall, text and ritual instrument demonstration. Supported by spirited violin playing by Synagogue President Danny Segal and personal congregation hospitality throughout making entire assembly feel welcome.
The evening combined music (drumming circle), Kosher/Halal Snack Packs, entertainment & diverse assembly of people from different backgrounds - youth and elders, Aboriginal, Muslim, Sikh, Christian and people of every faith/or not of faith - along with Jews of different traditions! Asylum-Seekers and Refugees were especially welcomed including a contingent of Burmese Chin community. On this occasion, attendance was by individual or sponsor contribution, with organizers suggesting Donations: $18 = waged; $5 = unwaged/concession; Gold Coin = child; Volunteers = Free Entry!
Organizers wished to demonstrate, inspire and promote ongoing grassroots dialogue towards a world with less misunderstandings and more peace. Participants learnt new words: Shalom/Sa'alam/Peace (Hebrew/Arabic/English)
On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Organisers, Hosts, Participants and Presenters for inspiring demonstration of daily endeavor to make a more peaceful world, received with gratitude.
Where: East Melbourne Synagogue - 488 Albert Street, East Melbourne.
MORE:
Catalyst Enterprises
Website: www.catalyst.melbourne
Email: abe@catalyst.melbourne
See also http://www.estreladomar.com.au/maracatu.html
