JBD – Jews of the Melbourne CBD is now on LinkedIn. Follow us here.

Shabbat starts on Friday at 8:03pm and ends on Saturday at 9:01pm. The weekly Torah portion is Mishpatim, Mevarchim Chodesh Adar and Parshat Shekalim. Rosh Chodesh Adar is on Tuesday & Wednesday.

Mincha is now in summer recess until the end of DST in early April. See the WhatsApp group for further info.

Weekly sushi & shiur continues on Wed at 1.30pm at A-P GF/459 Collins – and via zoom. Current topic: dividing common property. Details here and on the WhatsApp group.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Levi Rosenbaum.

“We will do, and we will hear.”

At Sinai we accepted G-d’s will by committing first and understanding later. Naaseh v’nishma teaches that trust can precede clarity, expressing confidence that what Hashem asks of us is ultimately for our good.

The portion of Mishpatim brings this commitment into everyday life, guiding our conduct in business, responsibility, compassion, and justice. Faith is not only declared; it is lived through action. By doing, we come to deeper understanding.

In a time when public spaces can feel charged and Jewish identity is scrutinised, naaseh v’nishma calls us to steady and dignified pride, living our values openly through integrity, kindness, and commitment to mitzvot.

As we bless the new month of Adar, we are reminded: “mishenichnas Adar, marbim besimcha” – “when Adar starts, we increase in joy”, drawing strength from trust and faith.

On my birthday, may we be blessed to see the transformation of darkness into light and exceptional true joy, with the coming of Moshiach.

Good Shabbos and Chodesh Tov.