Calendar

Here is a calendar of upcoming events, up and down the country. Some are organized by us, others by like-minded organizations and groups.

Jan
7
Wed
Behold the Man: In search of the Historical Jesus
Jan 7 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

TWO MILLENNIA ago the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate derisively declared, “Ecce Homo” – “Behold the Man!” Today Christians around the world are being quickened to look afresh at the Jewish Sage, Jesus of Nazareth. With the restoration of Israel, the remarkable advances in archaeological discoveries and biblical studies, and the unprecedented cooperation of Jewish and Christian scholars investigating the Hebraic background to the life and teachings of Jesus – all this gives fresh and impressive glimpses into his life.

“Behold the Man!” is a 12-part bible study that reconstructs the historical and cultural context in which Jesus lived. This study is ideal for those just starting out in understanding the Hebraic roots of Christianity.

The study is written by Dr Dwight Pryor, founded the Centre for Judaic-Christian Studies in 1984 and served as its president until his death in 2011. He was a founding board member of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research in Israel. Dr Pryor held a Bachelor of Arts degree, with Special Distinction, in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma, extensive postgraduate studies in Philosophy and Judaism from the University of Texas, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Centre for the Study of Biblical Research.

The study will be held every Wednesday, beginning on 21 May at 7.30pm at 5 Oaktree Lane, Bishopdale, Christchurch. The subsidised workbook will cost $10 per copy. Call 359 7937 or (027) 433 9745 for more details.

Jan
14
Wed
Behold the Man: In search of the Historical Jesus
Jan 14 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

TWO MILLENNIA ago the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate derisively declared, “Ecce Homo” – “Behold the Man!” Today Christians around the world are being quickened to look afresh at the Jewish Sage, Jesus of Nazareth. With the restoration of Israel, the remarkable advances in archaeological discoveries and biblical studies, and the unprecedented cooperation of Jewish and Christian scholars investigating the Hebraic background to the life and teachings of Jesus – all this gives fresh and impressive glimpses into his life.

“Behold the Man!” is a 12-part bible study that reconstructs the historical and cultural context in which Jesus lived. This study is ideal for those just starting out in understanding the Hebraic roots of Christianity.

The study is written by Dr Dwight Pryor, founded the Centre for Judaic-Christian Studies in 1984 and served as its president until his death in 2011. He was a founding board member of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research in Israel. Dr Pryor held a Bachelor of Arts degree, with Special Distinction, in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma, extensive postgraduate studies in Philosophy and Judaism from the University of Texas, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Centre for the Study of Biblical Research.

The study will be held every Wednesday, beginning on 21 May at 7.30pm at 5 Oaktree Lane, Bishopdale, Christchurch. The subsidised workbook will cost $10 per copy. Call 359 7937 or (027) 433 9745 for more details.

Jan
21
Wed
Behold the Man: In search of the Historical Jesus
Jan 21 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

TWO MILLENNIA ago the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate derisively declared, “Ecce Homo” – “Behold the Man!” Today Christians around the world are being quickened to look afresh at the Jewish Sage, Jesus of Nazareth. With the restoration of Israel, the remarkable advances in archaeological discoveries and biblical studies, and the unprecedented cooperation of Jewish and Christian scholars investigating the Hebraic background to the life and teachings of Jesus – all this gives fresh and impressive glimpses into his life.

“Behold the Man!” is a 12-part bible study that reconstructs the historical and cultural context in which Jesus lived. This study is ideal for those just starting out in understanding the Hebraic roots of Christianity.

The study is written by Dr Dwight Pryor, founded the Centre for Judaic-Christian Studies in 1984 and served as its president until his death in 2011. He was a founding board member of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research in Israel. Dr Pryor held a Bachelor of Arts degree, with Special Distinction, in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma, extensive postgraduate studies in Philosophy and Judaism from the University of Texas, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Centre for the Study of Biblical Research.

The study will be held every Wednesday, beginning on 21 May at 7.30pm at 5 Oaktree Lane, Bishopdale, Christchurch. The subsidised workbook will cost $10 per copy. Call 359 7937 or (027) 433 9745 for more details.

Aug
12
Sat
CANCELLED: CHRISTCHURCH: Stan Goodenough: August 12, 7pm @ Grace Vineyard Church
Aug 12 @ 7:00 PM

CANCELLED:  Folks, unfortunately recently implemented visa requirements have meant that Stan does not have the necessary visas required to enter Australia.  This has meant that the NZ leg of his speaking tour has been cancelled.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Coming of the Kingdom of Heaven: How God used the ANZAC nations to help prepare the way for the King.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Stan has lived in Israel for half of his life even though he was born to a Gentile couple serving on the mission field in the small kingdom of Swaziland. Following three years volunteering on Israeli collective farms in the 1980s, he worked as a political reporter for the South African newspaper, The Daily Dispatch – where his pen had its training during apartheid’s waning years. He has traveled to various nations, speaking to Christians about developments in Israel. In 2011 he was accredited by the Israel Ministry of Tourism as a tour guide, and takes individuals, small groups, families, busloads and helicopter-loads of Christians around God’s Land. Stan has lived in Israel for half of his life even though he was born to a Gentile couple serving on the mission field in the small kingdom of Swaziland. Following three years volunteering on Israeli collective farms in the 1980s, he worked as a political reporter for the South African newspaper, The Daily Dispatch – where his pen had its training during apartheid’s waning years. He has traveled to various nations, speaking to Christians about developments in Israel. In 2011 he was accredited by the Israel Ministry of Tourism as a tour guide, and takes individuals, small groups, families, busloads and helicopter-loads of Christians around God’s Land.

Sep
23
Sun
AGM @ Northwood Villa Clubrooms
Sep 23 @ 2:00 PM

It’s that time of the year.  If you would like to nominate another member for the committee, please send your nomination to our secretary, Rebecca (contact details below).

After the AGM we will be showing a hilarious episode of “Yes Prime Minister”, the episode when PM Jim Hacker discovers what his Ministry of Foreign Affairs really thinks about Israel.

Please bring a plate of finger food.  Of course, please exclude any pork and seafood products.

Sep
19
Thu
CHRISTCHURCH: “ASK ME ANYTHING” (AMA) SESSION WITH RABBI ARIEL TAL: SEPT 19 @ Sumner Community Centre
Sep 19 @ 7:30 PM

CHRISTCHURCH:

“ASK ME ANYTHING” (AMA) SESSION

WITH

RABBI ARIEL TAL

RABBI OF THE WELLINGTON JEWISH COMMUNITY

19 SEPTEMBER 2019

Following the massacres, it’s clear that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of minorities in our community.  With that lack comes uncertainty, anxiety and even fear.  Unfortunately we humans often respond with prejudice and intolerance.  One of those minorities is the Jewish community and those who adhere to Judaism.

We are honoured to host Rabbi Ariel Tal to join us for an “Ask Me Anything” session where he will take questions from the floor.

Rabbi Ariel Tal is an experienced educator, Rabbi and marketing expert, serving in positions in both North America and Israel. Rabbi Tal has a education degree from Ohalo College in the Golan Heights, Israel, Rabbinical Semicha from Israel Chief Rabbinate, and is a Personal Coach through Da’at U’Tevuna School in Rechovot, Israel. He has taught at the Netivot HaTorah Day School in Toronto, Kibbutz Lavi Primary School and the educational organisation Livnot U’Lehibanot.

With such wide experiences, Ariel is well able to answer questions on Judaism, Jewish life in Israel, the Diaspora and New Zealand.

Ever wondered what Judaism stood for? What it says about the meaning of life? What Judaism says about how the world ends?

A Jewish perspective on the Middle East Conflict and Palestinian Arab relations? What Jews outside of Israel think of the Middle Eastern situation?

What impression New Zealanders have made on Ariel and his family? His thoughts on New Zealand culture and what its like to live in Wellington?

That’s just a few questions you could ask him.

A rare opportunity to publicly quiz a Jewish Rabbi in person.

Where: Sumner Community Centre, 14-16 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch.

When: 7.30pm, Thursday, September 19.

Admission: A plate of finger food. Please avoid pork and seafood products. A collection will be taken to help defray expenses.

Feb
28
Sun
CHRISTCHURCH FEBRUARY GATHERING FEB 28: The Iran Nuclear Deal @ Halswell Centre
Feb 28 @ 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

CHRISTCHURCH FEBRUARY GATHERING: THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

2.30pm, Sunday, February 28

Hao Rm, Halswell Centre,
341 Halswell Rd, Christchurch

From 6:30 am Sunday, February 28, Christchurch will be in a Level 2 Lockdown. Under Level 2 rules, attendance will be limited to a maximum of 100.

NZ Friends of Israel invites you to a discussion on the issues arising from renewing the Iran nuclear deal.

            • What was the original nuclear deal?
            • What was learnt from it?
            • What are the risks to Israel if Iran successfully develops a nuclear weapon?
            • What can be done about it?
            • What can we do about it?

Admission: Bring a plate of finger food, please no pork or seafood products.

May
4
Sat
CHRISTCHURCH: Golda the Movie Saturday May 4, 4.45pm @ Silky Otter, Wigram
May 4 @ 4:45 PM – 6:30 PM

CHRISTCHURCH: We’re organizing a group to go and see Golda Meir at the Wigram Silky Otter Theatre at 5pm on Satuday. See you there! Just turn up and buy your ticket. 5pm is the beginning of the session time, so you might like to turn up a little earlier.

May
30
Thu
CHRISTCHURCH: Israel Briefing & AGM: May 30. @ Hao Room, Te Hapua Halswell Centre
May 30 @ 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

 

There has been a lot happening with Israel and Antisemitism since our last meeting.  To name a few:

  1. The ICC prosecutor announces he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
  2. ICJ orders Israel to stop Rafah assault.
  3. Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognize Palestine as a state.
  4. A Christchurch teachers decides to go on a hunger strike hoping to pressure NZ’s government to push harder for a ceasefire.
  5. The US completes its kitset wharf and additional aid flows into Gaza.
  6. New evidence shows Hamas is diverting the aid so that it can profit by selling it on the black market.
  7. The Rafah assault continues in earnest.  Hamas is starting to show more enthusiasm for a ceasefire.

After the briefing and Q&A we will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM), a pivotal event in our calendar. Here’s why you should attend:

  1. Transparency and Accountability: The AGM provides a transparent platform where we share our achievements, challenges, and financial performance. Your participation ensures accountability.
  2. Shape Our Future: Your voice matters! At the AGM, you can contribute ideas, vote on key decisions, and help shape our strategic direction for the coming year.
  3. Community Bonding: Connect with fellow members, volunteers, and our passionate team. Forge new relationships and celebrate our collective impact.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 7.30pm, Thursday, MAY 30.  Hao Room, Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Rd, Christchurch.

Together, let’s continue our mission of fighting racism and intolerance through raising awareness of Jewish history and culture. We look forward to seeing you!

DOWNLOADS

  1. AGM notice and agenda
  2. Proxy Form
  3. Annual Report
  4. Current Constitution
  5. Proposed Constitution
Jun
15
Sat
WELLINGTON: Limmud NZ: June 15-16 @ TBC
Jun 15 – Jun 16 all-day

Limmud

Limmud is a cross-communal ‘festival of learning’ which last year attracted over 25000 participants to its events, held across five continents, in almost forty countries. It started in the UK 30 years ago where the annual five-day event now attracts 2,500 people from across the religious spectrum and boasts 350 presenters offering some 900 sessions.

Limmud aims to enable each participant to go one step further on their own Jewish journey.   One of the key principles behind what has now become an international cross-communal movement is that we all have something to contribute and can learn from each other.  Presenters are treated as part of the community, they are volunteers like those who organise the events and all are rewarded by the opportunity to learn from each other.  Becoming Limmud NZ makes us part of an exciting worldwide movement.

Limmud has core principles that we feel reflect our community. The catchphrase behind Limmud is “Every Jew should be a student and everyone can be a teacher”. This seems very much to capture what our organizing committee believes, and we are eager for more local presenters to put themselves forward and to encourage people to volunteer. Even an hour will make a huge difference to the success of the first Limmud conference on 18/19 August.  Expanding Jewish horizons, empowering individuals to contribute to their community and enabling connections to be made between individuals and across communities are the values behind Limmud International and behind Limmud NZ. We also love the emphasis on ensuring all participants feel equally respected and comfortable at Limmud, no matter which shul they go to, or don’t go to.  All Limmud events will be strictly kosher to enable participants to eat and enjoy together.

Limmud, of course, means learning and it is about learning but not in a formalized way. The great thing about the format is it is “pick and mix”. Each session runs for an hour, and there are five different streams to choose from.You just pick what you want to go to – discussion of an ethical dilemma with local and international experts, an intimate text study, a film discussion, or sessions relating to parenting issues. If you need a break for a session, grab a coffee and schmooze. The only thing we can’t do for you is arrange for you to be at two sessions at once – although some sessions are repeated.

Keep these dates free, more information to come.