Connecting

We understand community to be an extended family. Our community is a place where all Jews have a place, regardless of their age, marital status, sexual or gender identity, political leanings, or level religious observance. Etz Chayim is a warm, open, diverse, and welcoming community. We are home to families, singles, interfaith and same-sex couples, retirees and pensioners, children, adolescents, and young adults. As the only Progressive Jewish community in Melbourne’s south east suburbs, Etz Chayim offers our members a place to explore and express their Judaism on their own terms, guilt-free, in an egalitarian environment. 

Both women and men are afforded the same opportunities in ritual participation and leadership positions. We offer relevant, meaningful, and interactive Shabbat and festival services, personalised life cycle events, compassionate pastoral care during times of difficulty, occasions to celebrate personal simchas, to volunteer for the local and wider community, Jewish learning opportunities for people of all ages, musical concerts, community theatre, and more. Our members are entitled High Holiday tickets, rabbinic led services at life cycle events, and discounted rates on various events, like our very popular Women’s Seder, and our education programs.

Most importantly, membership at Etz Chayim provides people with another place to call home – a place to socialise with other Jews, to feel proud about our Jewish identity and expression, to give back and to receive, to feel accepted and valued as we are. Bruchim Ha’Ba’im – Welcome and Come join us!