Membership
Our Community
Who are we?
Temple David is a vibrant Progressive Jewish congregation in Perth, Western Australia. We are committed to providing an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusiveness in which to worship and study in a manner consistent with the tenets of Progressive Judaism.
We aim to promote a culture that is inviting and respectful, in a community where all Jews are accepted and feel a sense of belonging.
Founded in 1952, Temple David is the only progressive (reform) Jewish congregation on the west coast of Australia. Despite the challenges associated with its small size, relative isolation and often transient population (including many periods in the past without a rabbi), the community has maintained a dedicated core of volunteers who take a leading role in co-ordinating services, education, and community outreach. Temple David celebrates every Shabbat and festival, provides ceremonies for all Jewish life cycle events, runs a successful religion school for its youth and offers a wide variety of formal and informal opportunities for members of all ages to learn and socialise.
Our History
The Establishment of Temple David.
In 1951, Dr. Ronald Taft, an active member of Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne, joined the Psychology Department of the University of Western Australia. Dr. Taft recognised that the support for Progressive Judaism in Western Australia would come from the new rather than the older members of the Community, and especially from the Central European Jews who had fled the Nazi Regime between 1933 and 1938, and had settled in W.A.
In April, 1952, a meeting was convened in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Gottschalk, to investigate the possibility of conducting periodical Progressive Services. On 5th May 1952, a further meeting was held, attended by 40 people, and it was decided to establish the “Liberal Jewish Group” and to hold services in a suitable hall.
On 18th July 1952, the Inaugural Sabbath Eve Service was held in the Women’s Service Guild in Sherwood Court, attended by 100 worshippers. Rabbi Dr. Herman Sanger of Temple Beth Israel, Melbourne, visited Temple David and conducted a Service in August, 1952 that attracted 300 worshippers. From February, 1953, Manchester Unity Hall was chosen for a new venue to accommodate the ever increasing number of worshippers. On the 20th June 1954, the Congregation purchased 34 Clifton Crescent, and converted this property into a synagogue, school and social centre. On the 18th June 1956, Rabbi George W. Ruben became the first Rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Group. The Group then changed its name to what it remains known today as - Temple David.
The growth of the Congregation was rapid, and its premises proved far too small for High Holyday Services. Consequently these services had to be held in the North Perth Town Hall. This prompted the Congregation to build a sanctuary and a school on the property. The Foundation Stone was laid on the 22nd July 1962, and the building was dedicated on the 27th October 1963. By 1972, the Congregation was thriving and had close to 600 members, with a Hebrew school of 140 children. It once again had to expand the premises by building a social hall, permanent caretaker’s quarters, a new boardroom and office facilities.
Our Volunteers
Not only does Temple David have a dedicated Board of Management, but our teamwork comes to the fore with a range of committees and individual volunteers assisting with all facets of Temple life.
Do you have useful skills? Of course you do! If you have a little spare time, we are always happy to welcome new volunteers, and it is a great way to get to know other members and make a positive contribution to the growth of our community. If you are interested to learn more, please contact the office.
Our Administration committee looks after the Judaica Shop, security, building maintenance and general office administration.
Our Ritual committee makes sure everything is organised for Shabbat and festival services, adult education and conversion classes, and arranges for lay-leaders to take services in the Rabbi's absence.
Our Bikkur Cholim team are the friendly face and voice of our community to those who are elderly or unwell, visiting the sick and organising regular events in the Maurice Zeffert home.
Our Marketing and Membership committee co-ordinates PR, advertising, contributions to the Jewish media and welcoming of new prospective members.
Our Fundraising co-ordinator and her team of helpers organise a number of fantastic annual events including the the New Year gift boxes.
The Netzer committee oversee fundraising throughout the year to help our youth attend interstate Netzer camps in the summer, and to assist with those wishing to go on Shnat.
Members of the Temple David Religion School (TDRS) committee co-ordinate the staffing and curriculum of our successful Hebrew school.
We also have members who help with Finance and Catering.
