Launching HaShoresh: the netzer house

Dear friends,

We are delighted to announce that Netzer is moving into an independent space in Melbourne. A long awaited dream, we are thrilled to be actualising what has been part of Netzer's long-term vision for 43 years.

The process of identifying the specific needs within the community, exploring all possible options and pursuing them has been a long one. A Melbourne Mazkirut priority since early 2021 with ongoing federal support, we are grateful for the thorough encouragement of PJV, community individuals, and every Progressive Synagogue and institution in Victoria.

HaShoresh (the Root) is a part of the Beth Weizmann Community Centre. Based in the heart of Caufield, it will provide us with infrastructure (security and maintenance) and allow us to connect with other community organisations.

We acknowledge that HaShoresh sits on the land of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation and that sovereignty was never ceded. We intend to Pay the Rent accordingly and are grateful for the opportunities our community has access to on what always was and always will be Aborginal land.

At HaShoresh, Netzer will at least triple its current programming for chanichim/ot (participants) in Melbourne. Most importantly, it will provide a space in which our Netzer community and Progressive Jewish youth will have total ownership and agency over.

HaShoresh will also be an integral space for federal seminars. We are excited to host our first federal event at HaShoresh in late September; our Hadracha (leadership) seminar for Year 10 & 11 chanichim/ot from across the country.

The space will not only serve as Netzer's Moadon (space), but will include programming for both youth and young adults across the community, and all PJV affiliates and partners. We believe that this element of the project has the potential to be a game-changer for our community's youth and young adult engagement.

Netzer having its own space does not mean we are leaving our Synagogues in any way. We plan to continue having a strong presence in our Progressive Shules, whose ongoing support over the years we are so grateful for.

We can't wait for you to join us in our new home!

B'racha,

Noa Abrahams, Federal Mazkira (Chairperson)

Toby Zayontz, Melbourne Mazkir (Chairperson)

Avishai Conyer, Sydney Mazkir (Chairperson)