Simchas Policy

We are delighted for you and your family to celebrate your Simchas with us. We would like to share a few pointers to help ensure a smooth and happy occasion within the Shule community.

For a Barmitzvah or wedding, we expect you will be meeting with the Rabbi as you make your plans. For a wedding or Barmitzvah it will be necessary to bring your parents' Ketubah, your birth certificate and other relevant documents (such as passport for weddings and where applicable conversion document). Please ensure that your preferred dates are booked into the Shule calendar. We will make every effort to accommodate your preferences, but double bookings may arise, and we ask for your co-operation should the sharing of call-ups, Kiddush spaces, etc becomes necessary.  The shule office staff will make every effort to inform you as early as possible should this situation arise.

Please click here for an Aliyah Request Form asking you for the names and contact information of those whom you'd like called up. We have allowed for priority requests as we cannot always accommodate the number of honours you may wish for.

Your simcha is a wonderful opportunity to show support and encourage the support of your friends and family for Caulfield Shule. Our Shule relies on the generosity of its members, seat holders and ba'aleh simcha (those having family celebrations) to provide its crucial programs and initiatives in the areas of education, social programs, youth activities, seniors' support, and Jewish continuity.

Please note that we expect the minimum Aliyah donation by your guests should be $54. The Aliyah donation by Ba'aleh simcha is expected to be a minimum of $180. We would ask that you discuss this matter with your guests before the Simcha. Please note that you can "buy the Bimah" - that is restrict the majority of the Aliyot to your own call-ups, at a cost of $1,000, (with no solicitation of your guests).

To celebrate your Simcha by undertaking the Mitzvah of Tzedaka, the following donations would assist the Shule greatly:
   Donating a siddur $50
   Donating a machzor $54
   Sponsoring Friday night l'chaim $100

Important Information regarding Smachot at Caulfield Shule
• If you are not planning to hold your kiddush at our Shule, a fee will be charged to contribute to an open kiddush for congregants (see booking form for current prices). 

• Barmitzvah bookings – These can only be taken from Caulfield Shule members. For those non-members, application forms for Barmitzvah bookings must be accompanied by a membership application form. This needs to be completed and lodged for the Barmitzvah booking to be registered in the Caulfield Shule calendar.

• All wedding ceremonies taking place at the Caulfield Shule need to be approved by our senior rabbi, Rabbi Ralph Genenede and be conducted by one of the rabbinical team, Rabbi R. Genende, Rabbi M. Krasnjanski or Rabbi P. Heilbrunn.

• The involvement of any other Rabbis, guests or witnesses is welcome, but at the discretion of the Caulfield Shule Rabbi who is conducting the ceremony.

• For any wedding reception or Barmitzvah reception at which Caulfield Shule Klai Kodesh (Spiritual staff) are asked to attend, catering must be certified kosher under the supervision of Kosher Australia. If this is not the case, the Rabbi will not participate at the reception.

• It is expected that all brides and other guests who are part of the chuppah or ceremony or witnesses standing near the Chuppah are appropriately and modestly attired during wedding ceremonies at which Cauflield Shule rabbis officiate. If a bride is inappropriately dressed she could be asked to cover herself with a shawl (provided by the rabbi).

SIMCHAS OUTSIDE NORMAL SERVICE TIMES

Caulfield Shule strongly encourages members and congregants to celebrate their simchas during the normal service times, as publicised from time to time. This develops a sense of community and allows all in attendance to share in the joy and happiness of the day. Reflecting this philosophy there is no charge to members for the services for the Shule, Rabbi and Chazan with respect to a Barmitzvah, Batmitzvah, bris and the call-up of a Chatan during normal service times.

Should a member or congregant still desire to celebrate a simcha outside normal service times, this will be accommodated by Caulfield Shule wherever possible, at the rabbi's discretion, on the condition that it does not clash with normal services, existing hall bookings, existing Shule bookings and operational requirements. When the service requires the use of a Torah, a Caulfield Shule Rabbi, Chazzan or a member of the Caulfield Shule executive must be present.

In the event that a Caulfield Shule Rabbi or Chazzan is not available then a suitable person, subject to Caulfield Shule ratification, should be nominated who will supervise the halachic integrity of the service. All services are to respect the Ashkenazi tradition of the Shule, as set out in the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation Inc constitution.

Additional costs may be levied by Caulfield Shule for the items, amongst others, as listed below:

    Shule hire
    Hall hire
    Rabbi costs
    Chazan costs
    Torah Reader costs
    Gabbai costs
    Security costs