COSV - Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria

26/04/2026

Honoured to attend this morning’s ANZAC commemorative service at Glen Eira Town Hall, hosted by VAJEX – the Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women.

Later, the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) laid a wreath in solemn remembrance of all Jewish servicemen and women who served with the Australian Army and across the ANZAC forces.

Today we honour their courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy. Lest We Forget.

19/03/2026

Supporting Safe Shabbat & Yom Tov Access in Our Community

The Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) is pleased to support the activation of selected pedestrian crossings within the Eruv to operate automatically on Shabbat and Chaggim.

These crossings are programmed to assist community members in safely navigating our neighbourhood without the need to press buttons, in accordance with halachic requirements. The automated function operates overnight until midnight and recommences at 7:00am.

Activated crossings include:
Balaclava/Orrong
Glen Eira/Kooyong
Glen Eira/Orrong
Kooyong/Balaclava
Kooyong/Glenhuntly
Hawthorn/Glenhuntly
Hawthorn/Balaclava
Hawthorn/Glen Eira
Glen Eira/Bambra
Glenhuntly/Bambra
Glenhuntly/Orrong
Centre/Brady
Bambra/Neerim
Inkerman/Kooyong
Hawthorn/Inkerman
Inkerman/Orrong
Orrong/Alma
Centre/Thomas
Nepean/Thomas
Nepean/Dendy
Nepean/Patterson
Balaclava/Bambra
Malvern/Glenferrie
Hotham/Carlisle/Balaclava
Glen Eira/Hotham
Hotham/Inkerman
Chapel/Alma
Westbury/Alma
Hotham/Alma
Nepean/Inkerman
Nepean/Alma
Inkerman/Westbury
Chapel/Carlisle
Nepean/Carlisle
Chapel/Inkerman
Punt/Union
Inkerman/Alexandra
Centre/Thomas

COSV remains committed to enhancing accessibility, safety, and quality of life for our community.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Shabbat and upcoming Yom Tov.

12/03/2026

https://mcusercontent.com/0455fe98f9956c7bbc29c7785/files/0cd228e9-7a53-62d8-9f6b-ea7ea9724487/Pesach_Guide_2026_v0.pdf

Pesach guide

29/01/2026

Does your Shul contribute to COSV?
All our funding goes to supporting the largest Eruv in the Southern Hemisphere. Pushing prams, taking tallit bags and siddurs, would not be possible without an Eruv. Nor taking food to a friends house or a bottle of wine. Forget the scooters, no way.
Ask your Shul if you are part of the paying community.
Keep the
Eruv
alive.

14/12/2025

The COSV expresses its shock horror and anger at tonight’s Chanukah attack.
BDE.
We extend heartfelt condolences to our family our brothers and sisters, in Sydney who have lost loved ones in this barbaric attack. To those injured we have you in our hearts and prayers. Refuah Shelema. The shock of today’s events is still raw and numbing more needs to be said.
Light your Channukah candle, and light every night. We can not let evil and terror darken our lives.
Am Yisrael Chai

13/10/2025

03/10/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT
Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV)
3 October 2025

The Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) expresses its deep outrage and concern following the disturbing attack on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Such an act of hate, targeting worshippers during sacred prayer, is an assault not only on the Jewish community but on the core values of a civilised society.

This attack is a stark reminder that antisemitism remains a clear and present danger—not only abroad, but here in Australia. We urge political leaders—Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and their respective governments—to take decisive action now to protect Jewish communities. Support must not come as a response to tragedy. It must be proactive, consistent, and unambiguous. Our safety should not require a casualty to be taken seriously.

We extend our deepest thanks to our Community Security Group (CSG) for their tireless and professional service in protecting our synagogues, schools, and communal spaces. Your presence during this High Holy Day period, as always, has been both reassuring and vital.

As we enter the festival of Sukkot—a time of joy, reflection, and vulnerability—we offer warm greetings to the Victorian Jewish community and to our brothers and sisters around the world:
Chag Sameach. May your Sukkot be filled with peace, strength, and unity.

Mark L. Cohen
President

On behalf of the Board of the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV)

MEDIA STATEMENT Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) 3 October 2025 The Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV) expresses its deep outrage and concern following the disturbing attack on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Such a...

18/09/2025

🍎 Shana Tova U’Metuka! 🍯
On behalf of the President and the Board of the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV), we extend our heartfelt wishes to the entire Victorian Jewish community for a Shana Tova — a sweet, healthy, and peaceful New Year.

As we enter 5786, may this Rosh Hashanah bring renewal, resilience, and unity to our families, our community, and Klal Yisrael.

May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety, and countless blessings.

Ketiva v’Chatima Tova – May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.

Warm regards,
The President and Board of COSV

06/07/2025

We pray this was the turning point
Let us hope that all the governments good intentions are now activated, and that East Melbourne, and all our Synagogues in Australia get the attention and security they need, and us the peaceful contributors to Australian society are given the respect and support we deserve.

06/07/2025

Wonderful opportunity for a great Kehila
Rabbinic role