Our Vision החזון שלנו
Inclusive, vibrant and evolving
Etz Chayim is a warm and friendly community that nurtures spirituality, learning and Jewish continuity. We believe and foster an ever-developing progressive evolution of Judaism as a way of life. We reach beyond the walls of our synagogue to learn, worship, support and serve to continually redefine what it means to be Jewish today.
Our Mission
Whole life experiences
We provide a whole life experience including life cycles, festivals and social engagement. Our safe and welcoming space supports the development and expression of your individual relationship with Judaism.
Our Values
Cultivating and connecting people
Social Justice
Tikkun Olam
Caring for & building a better WorldEmpathy and
Compassion
Care & Consideration for fellow members and the communityMutual
Respect
Honouring each other’s views & backgroundsPersonal
Integrity
Living and honest & ethical life
Community – Minded
Active engagement with the broader communityTolerance
Understanding &accepting ourdifferences
Our Rabbi הרב שלנו
Rabbi Allison Conyer
Rabbi Allison Conyer, or Rabbi Allison as we know and love her, is Etz Chayim's rabbi. Born into a Californian secular Jewish family, Rabbi Allison studied at modern Orthodox, Conservative and Progressive institutions. Committed to Jewish pluralism and with a strong background in both theatre and psychology, Rabbi Allison offers a refreshing perspective to Jewish learning, life and practice.
At the heart of Judaism are three beliefs about leadership: We are free, we are responsible and together we can change the world
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Our Team הקבוצה/נבחרת שלנו
Together we unite our community
Etz Chayim would not be 'a wonderful place to be Jewish' without the help of our volunteers all of whom play a vital role, whether focusing on youth or seniors, fun or finances, learning or playing, with all committees welcoming new members and new ideas. Please consider joining one of our committees and taking on a more active role within our congregational family.
The Etz Chayim Board of Management is elected at the Annual General Meeting held in February of each year.
Lewis Bearman (Co Vice President)
Ron Popper (Treasurer)
Frank Moore
Max Freilich
David Bloom
Siri Clemans
The Etz Chayim Administration team, committed to bringing the community together.
Samantha Joseph
Harriet Niselow
Our choir team bringing us joy in music
Carolyn Patkin Watters – Co Musical Director
Sharon Mattatia – Co Musical Director and Choir Director
Galit Klas – Cantorial Soloist
Vered Harel – Cantorial Soloist
Jade Roseberg – Cantorial Soloist
Jordan Walters-Brown – Cantorial Soloist
Shannyn Gelbart – Cantorial Soloist
James Fredman – Musical Accompaniment
