Chavurah Inner West
Organisation Archives
Authority Biography/Administrative HistoryIt began in the early 1980s when a few Balmain families sought to have Jewish Scripture classes in
some local schools. The word started to spread and soon families and individuals who had thought
they were the only Jews on the Peninsula quickly made friends, shared meals, had picnics at the
local pool and marked occasions with their newly discovered Jewish neighbours.
From Scripture classes to Chavurah!
For the new group of friends it was fascinating and formative to meet with the late U.S. Professor
Bernard Reisman PhD and to discover more about groups like ours across the globe, meeting
because of their commitment to Jewish continuity. The group became The Chavurah which of
course it already was. It rapidly grew into a cohesive group of about 70 families from the Inner
West and environs beyond. The Inner West Chavurah evolved organically, sometimes with more
structure and organisation than at others. Sometimes more committees, sometimes standing up
against issues such as BDS, sometimes forming sub clubs (like the Coffee Club run by second
generation young teens at one stage).
What is the glue that binds?
• Is it the AGM with never a Chief or President?
• Film nights — popular, perennial
• Book clubs that have waxed and waned
• Shabbat Dinners, or,
• Jewish Festivals that are the basis of the group’s Annual Calendar and continue still?
Highlights:
• Blue Mountains Intergenerational Purim Camps with dress up Purim Spiel
• Welcoming communal seders with Ma Nishtana, feast and four filled cups of wine
• Rosh Hashanah celebrations and shofar blowing
• Yom Kippur: Breaking the Fast - usually informal, always with a mountain of food
• Shabbat Dinners - delectable, cosy or crowded gatherings in our homes
Chavurah Torah
We are honoured and privileged to be the custodians of one of 1,564 Czech torah scrolls that
survived the Holocaust. Many of our second generation Chavurahniks have studied with it and
proudly read their Bar or Batmitzvah Parshas from our Chavurah Torah. On Simchat Torah you may
find it in a Sydney Shul being danced around the Bimah.
So, what is the answer to the continuity of the Inner West Chavurah?
Some would say the food …
Support in times of need or sadness
Sharing in joys
Others cherish friendships that have lasted decades, a lifetime
Now
The second generation has formed its own Meet Up Group and Cheder for their children. Many of
the original members of the Chavurah are still in the Inner West, still friends. Even some who have
moved further afield remain integral and active in the group. There is a warmth and comfort when
we gather and share our times of mourning for dear family and friends who have passed away.
What a blessing and a joy!
Forty years ago we didn’t imagine how much nachas it would bring to see the third generation of
Chavurahniks with faces beaming in the glow of the shabbat candles, joining in with kiddish and
blessings over bread; carrying on the traditions of their Jewish heritage.
We are appreciative of the Inner West Chavurah, for multi dimensional forms of friendship,
connectivity, continuity and community. There is sustainability in the seemingly loose body that is
the Inner West Chavurah. As we approach 2023 the word continues to spread with new neighbours
joining in. We are and always will be like a family.
ProvenanceB51 Chavurah Inner West - Chavurah
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