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

Mincha will resume at  1.00pm at A-P GF/459 Collins, using the WhatsApp group to confirm a minyan each day.

Weekly sushi & shiur resumes on Wed at 1.10pm 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 Rafi Goodman.

Over Pesach, we spoke so much about freedom—but the real question is what happens after the time passes.

In this week’s Torah reading, Shemini, we see the moment the Mishkan is finally inaugurated. After all the preparation, the work begins—and then, unexpectedly, tragedy strikes with Nadav and Avihu. It’s a powerful reminder that closeness to G-d isn’t just about inspiration, but about channelling it in the right way.

Chabad Chassidus explains that Nadav and Avihu had a deep yearning to connect so intensely to G-d that it went beyond the boundaries that G-d had set. True connection is running forward with passion, and then returning to live that connection within the structure of everyday life.

That’s the message after Pesach.

We’ve experienced our own “Exodus”—a lift, a clarity, a moment of freedom. But now comes the work: to bring that inspiration into real life, with balance and consistency.

Because real freedom isn’t escaping life. It’s elevating it.

Good Shabbos