The COSV Today

The Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria Limited (COSV) is the formally incorporated roof body for the Victorian Orthodox Synagogues in Victoria.

The main objective of the COSV is to represent the interests of Shules in the State of Victoria and to be and to act as the central Authority for the coordinating and administering of religious life within the Orthodox Jewish Community in Victoria.

The management of the COSV is entrusted to a Board of Management elected by the Member Congregations and provides the opportunity for the lay leadership to raise issues of mutual concern.

Background Of The COSV

Until very recently, the COSV was a comparatively informal body which facilitated occasional meetings of Congregational Presidents, took responsibility for the Melbourne Kosher Meals on Wheels service, arranged combined services for Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim and, generally represented Melbourne's Orthodox Community at public events and forums.

In 1990, under the leadership of Peter Cohen, the COSV acted decisively in preventing the Hobart Hebrew Congregation (the oldest active Shule in Australasia) joining the Progressive Movement and with the involvement of the Synagogues in Melbourne and with the objective of bolstering Jewish life in Tasmania, the COSV organized weekend Shabbatonim in Hobart on a regular basis.

In 1996, under the leadership of Romy Leibler, the COSV became an effective voice within the Jewish Community and was revitalized and transformed into a new structure.

COSV Finances

At present, the Income of the COSV is derived primarily from three sources:

• By way of a membership affiliation fee based on a levy currently $25 for each Seat holder within the member's Synagogue.
• Funds received from private donations including the possibility of making contributions to the COSV in the form of Corporate Sponsorship and by becoming a Gold, Silver or Bronze Patron.
• Advertising on this website.

We welcome donations. If you are interested in making a donation contact Jack Feldman the COSV Treasurer.

Further information concerning any of the activities of the COSV should be directed to Henry Frenkel the COSV Executive Director on (03) 9527 7219 or mobile: 0434 531 338.