About Us

We are committed to halachah (Jewish law) and tradition from a Masorti perspective that honors our time and circumstances. Our approach to Judaism reflects an ongoing relationship with God and an ever-unfolding understanding of God's will. We see our religious obligations as a blessing in every moment.

We foster strong Jewish values, connection, and commitment to Jewish living through spiritually uplifting services, pride in our heritage, lifelong education for all generations, tzedakah, and tikkun olam.

Values

We are a People : We believe in the centrality of Israel in Jewish life and consciousness, and in the unity of the Jewish people worldwide.

We Welcome : We are a welcoming, caring, and compassionate community.

We Acknowledge : We acknowledge the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our synagogue stands, and stand in solidarity with them as sovereign peoples who have never ceded sovereignty. We pay our respects to their Elders—past, present, and emerging.

We Connect : Fostering connections between people, God, and the world is at the heart of everything we do.

We are Traditional and Inclusive :  We are committed to Jewish law, tradition, and spirituality within an egalitarian, diverse, and inclusive environment. We embrace all individuals, couples, and families, welcoming Jewish people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, and abilities to participate fully in traditional Jewish practice and draw close to Torah.

We Live Torah : We embody the philosophy and teachings of the Masorti (Conservative) movement.

We Learn : We offer lifelong transformative learning for all members, children and adults alike.

We Act with Integrity : We act with clear intention and demonstrate accountability.

We are Leaders : We demonstrate leadership while listening with humility.

We Take Action : We enact our values through volunteerism, social action, tzedakah, and tikkun olam.

Conservative/Masorti Movement

Where Tradition and Modernity Meet

Kehilat Nitzan is associated with Masorti Australasia and Masorti Olami, the World Council of Conservative Congregations.

Masorti offers Jews a unique approach to Judaism through a robust and traditional Judaism firmly rooted in Torah and Mitzvot and fully integrated into modern-day lives. Masorti Judaism distinguishes itself by examining the values of egalitarianism, pluralism, tolerance and democracy alongside traditional historic sources. Men and women are encouraged to be active in all areas of the synagogue.

The worldwide Masorti movement had its beginnings in the liberalising Germany and Europe of the 19th century and became popular in the United States, where it is called Conservative Judaism.

Masorti in Hebrew means ‘traditional’ and Masorti Judaism is indeed traditional Judaism practiced in a spirit of open-minded enquiry and tolerance. Masorti Judaism accepts the binding force of Jewish law (halakha) but understands that Jewish law has always developed in response to the circumstances and context of the time.

More information about Masorti Australasia can be found here and resources are listed below.

• American Jewish University providing digital Jewish learning to our communities  
• Worldwide Conservative/Masorti Leadership Statement On President Herzog's Framework
• Statement From the Zionist Federation Of Australia