What We Do - Beth Shalom Auckland

What We Do Life at Beth Shalom

At Beth Shalom, we nurture a meaningful approach to prayer. We welcome your voice and participation at our regular Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat Morning and Holiday services in-person and online.

For more detailed information, please visit our calendar.

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Jewish Life

Birth
Bnei Mitzvah

When young people come of age, we challenge them to learn and teach Torah, to lead the community, and to do good works in the world through the rituals of Bar and Bat Mitzvah. The rabbi and Torah tutor ensure they’re ready not only for the special day, but also for a life of engagement with Judaism. Beth Shalom also offer Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Rabbi Dean would love to speak with you about bar and bat mitzvah, and invites you to be in touch with any questions: Rabbi@BethShalom.org.nz.
Weddings

When couples seek to formalise their relationship through the rituals of marriage, they stand beneath the chuppah together, joyously speaking words of commitment, making kiddush, and smashing a glass. Rabbi Dean is honoured to marry Jewish couples regardless of their sex or gender.
Funerals and Farewells

When life is over, we return our loved ones to the earth through the psychologically-sound rituals of the Jewish funeral – saying goodbye and acknowledging our broken hearts. Through Shiva Minyanim, gatherings facilitated by members of our Burial and Benevolence Society, we gather to share memories and offer comfort. For more information, email secretary@ajbbs.org.nz

Education

Youth

Our young learners and their families come to Yachad – Beth Shalom’s Jewish Learning Programme – a happy place where learning Jewish values, doing good deeds, and understanding Jewish culture all come to life.

Yachad serves children aged 7 – 12, flowing seamlessly into bar/bat mitzvah training, with an additional programme for teenagers. Our curriculum, using internationally respected multimedia learning resources, is tailored to the values and goals of our community. It is quality, dynamic Jewish learning for today.

Come learn with us! For more information, please contact Educator@bethshalom.org.nz
Adult Education

Our Introduction to Judaism course covers the fundamentals of Jewish culture and thought. It’s a requirement for those pursuing conversion, but it’s welcome to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Judaism. In addition, Rabbi Dean offers study opportunities for adults at major holidays.
Conversion Studies

When someone decides to become Jewish, we help them learn about our culture and prepare them for Beit Din – a panel of rabbis from New Zealand, Australia, and Asia who interview the candidate. If those rabbis agree that this person has a Jewish soul, the new Jew immerses in the mikveh and undergoes Brit Milah whenever appropriate. Then, they stand before the Beth Shalom community to be welcomed as one of our own.

In the Community

Community Care

The Community Care team is here to help. If you or someone you know could use a little support, please reach out. We’re able to provide help when you are feeling unwell after sickness, surgery or a fall, needing help filling out forms or getting support at the doctor, finding things a challenge or wanting someone to talk to.

If you know someone who is on their own and maybe feeling a bit isolated, please let us know. We are here to offer comfort with a card, flowers, a meal delivered or simply a friendly phone call.
Prayers for Healing

A group of Beth Shalom members who think of and pray for individuals in our community, who are in need of healing. This is not an organised group or minyan. Simply, caring people who, when made aware of the need, help healing with the power of prayer. We believe that families in distress might receive comfort from the knowledge that this is taking place. If you wish to be part of this group or if you know of someone who is unwell that would appreciate our prayers, please contact Leon Goldwater, 020 403 88054 or ldgoldwater@gmail.com
Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand

Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand is a Jewish, Zionist and Socialist youth movement run by young adults for the Jewish youth of Aoteaora New Zealand (years 3 – 13).
They have three kenim (hubs) across Aotearoa, New Zealand, where they run regular programs for the kids varying in topics. These kenim are; Auckland, Wellington and Svivot (in the regions).
Their primary goal is to provide a basic Jewish education for children who might not necessarily be able to get one elsewhere. They educate informally, meaning that most programs consist of some form of activity, physical or crafts based, followed by a discussion.
They also run bi-annual camps, in the July and January holidays. These are the highlight of the Habonim year and members from all across the country come together for this social and educational experience. Habonim Dror also sends recent high school graduates to Israel for a ten month Shnat Hachshara leadership course. On this programme participants further their Jewish education, meet other Jews from around the world, and receive leadership training to become quality leaders when they return to the New Zealand movement. To learn more, visit www.habo.org.nz.
AUJS (Australasian Union of Jewish Students)
TaMaR

TaMaR (Tnuat Magshimim Reformit) is the worldwide young adult movement for Progressive Judaism, active in 18 different countries.

At the beginning of 2025 we started our very own TaMaR snif (branch) here in Aotearoa. You can get in contact with our leaders at tamarnewzealand@gmail.com, and check out @tamar_olami or @tamar_ausnz to see some of Tamar’s activities.

Our vision is a pluralistic Progressive space where diverse young Jewish adults are empowered to find & create connection to their Jewish identity and Judaism. We aim to provide meaningful and relevant social, cultural and religious activities, and educational opportunities that support participants to become active & capable members of our communities. TaMaR NZ is open to ages 18-35 – if you are a young person wanting to get connected, we would love to hear from you!

Naomi Johnson
Ritual Committee

Naomi and her team plan and coordinate our prayer and chagim services. Email Naomi:

services@bethshalom.org.nz

Sue Pezaro
Auckland Jewish Burial and Benevolence Society

In the event of a death in your family, the burial and benevolence society is available to support and guide you. Email Sue:

secretary@ajbbs.org.nz

Chris Shiller
Community Care Team

The team are available for support of all kinds, to all. If you or someone you know needs us, please email Chris:

shiller@orcon.net.nz or care@bethshalom.org.nz