Temple Shalom Gold Coast began when a group of progressive Jews gathered in a Chevron Island home (owned by Mr and Mrs Len Spray) in October 1976. Prior to this, there was no official forum for progressive Jews to gather, worship, commemorate and celebrate. There were 30 congregants present for the first service.

The congregation had no Sefer Torah but after a fundraising campaign, we were able to secure a Holocaust scroll, rescued from the Nazis. The Spray family set aside a corner of their house for the Scroll, with Friday night services held weekly, led by Len Spray.

It was decided that a more permanent place of worship should be sourced. Mrs Sylvia Lacey offered a home she owned for use as a Temple. The house was renovated with a Bimah and Ark. The premises opened on 26 August 1977. Sir Bruce Small and his wife were present at the official opening, among many other dignitaries.

This location was used for 3 years. Many Jewish events were shared, such as Bar Mitzvahs, High Holy Days and a communal seder held annually. When it was decided to purchase our own premises.

Through the efforts of the Board of Management and donations from the congregation, a building was constructed.

Temple Shalom’s new Building was consecrated on 23rd May 1982. Over 400 people attended the opening, including the Gold Coast Mayor, Rabbi Richard Lampert and Cantor Michael Deutsch.

Ten years later on June 16th 1992, Rabbi Uri Themal dedicated the new Sanctuary Building in the presence of Gold Coast City Mayor Lex Bell.

This is definitely not the end of our story, it is hardly a blink of the eye in the Jewish timeline. Our community is determined to sustain and grow into the future, and although members often remember the ‘good old days’, our vision is firmly fixed on the future.

There is a story in the Talmud about Honi and the carob tree. Honi, in his old age, is seen planting a carob tree and is asked why he would do such a thing when it is unlikely he will live long enough to see the tree bear fruit. Honi’s answer is that our ancestors before us planted trees so that we would have their fruit, “why shouldn’t I do the same for the generations to come?”

We all owe the Temple Shalom Foundation Members a huge debt of gratitude for having the vision to plant the seed that has grown into what we have today, and we, the present day members, with Rabbi Cohen and Rebbetzin Gila’s spiritual leadership, are entrusted to nurture this ‘tree’ for future generations.