Practical guidance for NSW Police

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest. It begins before sunset each Friday and concludes after nightfall on Saturday.
For observant Jewish people, Shabbat creates a deliberate separation from the working week. It is traditionally centred around family, prayer, synagogue and shared meals, and can involve refraining from activities defined as work under Jewish law.

Shabbat traditions

Candle lighting

Candle lighting marks the beginning of Shabbat and traditionally takes place shortly before sunset on Friday.

Kiddush

Kiddush is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice, traditionally at the beginning of the Friday-night and Shabbat-day meals.

Challah

Challah is the traditional bread used at Shabbat and festival meals, over which a blessing is recited.

Havdalah

Havdalah is the ceremony that marks the conclusion of Shabbat on Saturday night.

What Police should know

Shabbat observance can become relevant in quite practical ways during a Police interaction.
An observant person may be reluctant to use a phone, write or sign a document, drive, operate electrical equipment or carry an item during Shabbat.
This does not mean Police requirements don’t apply. Rather, where circumstances allow, understanding the religious issue may make it possible to find a practical way of meeting both needs.
For example, if something isn’t urgent, it may be possible to arrange for a document to be signed after Shabbat. If immediate Police action is required, that should be explained clearly.

Emergency situations

Jewish law places the preservation of human life above almost all other religious obligations. Restrictions associated with Shabbat do not prevent necessary action where life or safety is at risk.

Jewish festivals

Jewish festivals occur throughout the year and may involve synagogue attendance, prayer, family gatherings, special meals and restrictions similar to Shabbat.

Click here to see the Jewish Calendar. It is recommended to check it often to make sure not to book something on one of those days.

VIEW JEWISH CALENDAR ›

Did you know?

Jewish days begin at sunset. This means Shabbat and festivals begin the evening before the date shown on many standard calendars.

Kosher refers to the Jewish dietary laws that govern what foods may be eaten, as well as how food is prepared and handled. Levels of kosher observance vary, so if Police are providing food or assisting someone with meals, the simplest approach is to ask about their requirements.
Kosher food is generally divided into three categories: meat, dairy and pareve (doesn’t contain meat or dairy.) Meat and dairy are kept separate, including during preparation, and kosher meat and poultry require specific preparation and certification. Pork and pork derivatives are not kosher, and shellfish is not kosher. Fish must have both fins and scales.
Pareve foods contain neither meat nor dairy and can include foods such as fruit, vegetables, grains and eggs, subject to kosher requirements.

What Police should know

If food is being provided to a Jewish person, don’t assume that vegetarian, vegan or otherwise restricted food will automatically be suitable. Ingredients, certification, preparation and handling can all be relevant.
If you’re unsure, ask the person what they are able to eat or contact the Jewish Police Chaplain for guidance.

Looking for kosher products or establishments?

Use the NSW Kashrut Authority for current kosher product, certification and establishment information.

NSW Kashrut Authority

For an up-to-date list of kosher restaurants, cafés, bakeries, caterers and other certified establishments, visit the Kashrut Authority’s searchable directory. It can be searched by location and establishment type.

FIND A KOSHER ESTABLISHMENT ›

Other food options available from Kosher Establishments around NSW, can be found here www.ka.org.au/establishments

Did you know?

Kosher isn’t simply about avoiding certain foods. The way food is prepared and handled can also determine whether it is considered kosher.

Need help sourcing kosher food?

If you need assistance arranging kosher food for someone in your care or during a Police matter, contact the NSW Police Jewish Chaplain.

Jewish religious objects may be encountered on a person, among personal belongings, in a home or within a synagogue or Jewish institution.

Kippah / Yarmulke

A kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a skullcap traditionally worn by Jewish men. For many it is an everyday expression of religious observance and respect for G-d.
Where operationally possible, allow a person to keep their religious head covering on. If it needs to be removed for identification, search or another legitimate reason, explain why and provide appropriate privacy where possible.

Tefillin

Tefillin are two small black leather boxes containing handwritten Torah passages, attached to long leather straps. They are traditionally worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer.
They are sacred objects rather than ordinary accessories.
Where possible, avoid unnecessary handling or placing Tefillin on the floor. If they need to be inspected or moved, explain what is required and allow the owner to assist where appropriate.

Tefillin and tallit and Sidur Prayer.

Tallit

A tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl, traditionally worn during prayer. It has special fringes, known as tzitzit, attached to its corners.
A person may also wear a smaller fringed garment beneath or over their clothing throughout the day.

Mezuzah

A mezuzah is commonly seen attached to the doorpost of a Jewish home, room or building.
Inside the case is a handwritten parchment containing passages from the Torah. It is therefore a religious object rather than simply a Jewish decoration.
Police entering a property don’t need to interact with it. If it must be moved or removed for operational reasons, it should be treated respectfully.

Torah Scroll

A Torah Scroll contains the Five Books of Moses handwritten in Hebrew on parchment and is among the most sacred objects in Judaism.
If Police encounter a Torah Scroll during an incident, avoid unnecessary handling and seek guidance before moving it where circumstances allow.

Menorah / Chanukiah

A menorah is a Jewish candelabrum. During Chanukah, a nine-branched version known as a Chanukiah is lit over eight nights.
This can be relevant where Police encounter candles or flames within a Jewish home or community setting during Chanukah.

Kiddush Cup

A Kiddush cup is used for the blessing over wine or grape juice on Shabbat and Jewish festivals. It may have both religious and sentimental significance.

Tzitzit

Tzitzit are ritual fringes attached to a four-cornered garment. They may be visible hanging beneath a person’s shirt or jacket.
They are religious garments and should be treated respectfully during searches or other Police procedures.

Other Jewish Customs & Appearance

Beards, sidelocks and other aspects of appearance can have religious significance. There are also periods of Jewish mourning during which people may refrain from shaving or cutting their hair.

Jewish religious practice can include boundaries around physical contact between unrelated men and women.
This may mean a person doesn’t shake hands or initiate other physical contact with someone of the opposite gender.
A declined handshake is not intended as disrespect.
Where possible, ask before initiating physical contact. If physical contact is required as part of a lawful Police procedure or for safety, explain what is required and proceed respectfully.

Religious modesty can influence clothing, physical contact and attitudes towards privacy.
Women: Some married Jewish women cover their hair with a wig, scarf or hat. Observant Jewish women may also dress modestly by covering their elbows, collarbones and knees.
Men: Some Jewish men wear a kippah (skullcap), tzitzit (religious fringes) or other clothing associated with religious observance.
During searches or circumstances requiring clothing or religious coverings to be removed, privacy and sensitivity can make a significant difference where operationally possible.

Police may encounter religious objects including Mezuzot on doorways, religious books, prayer items, Shabbat candles or a kosher kitchen. There is generally no religious requirement preventing Police from entering a Jewish home when they lawfully need to do so. Where possible, religious objects should be recognised and treated respectfully, and unnecessary handling or interference avoided.

Shabbat and Jewish festivals may create additional considerations.
For example, if Police need access to surveillance footage, electronic devices, documents or other information during Shabbat, an observant Jewish person may be reluctant or unable to operate electronics, write, sign documents or perform certain other activities themselves.
This does not prevent Police from carrying out necessary duties. Where the matter is not urgent, ask the person whether there is a practical way to accommodate their observance. If immediate action is required, explain clearly what is needed and why. If there is uncertainty, the NSW Police Jewish Chaplain can provide guidance.
For more information about Shabbat and practical considerations for Police, see Shabbat & Jewish Festivals →

Prayer can form an important part of a person’s daily routine, particularly at certain times of the day.
Where it doesn’t interfere with Police requirements or safety, allowing a reasonable opportunity to pray can help accommodate religious observance.

Religious objects used during prayer may include a prayer book, Tallit and Tefillin.

Observant Jewish men typically pray three times a day. If someone is required for an extended period, please check whether they need time to pray.

Jewish tradition recognises an obligation to respect and comply with the civil law of the country in which a person lives.
Jewish religious law can still influence personal practice, but it doesn’t replace Australian law.
Where a particular religious issue creates uncertainty during a Police matter, contact the Jewish Chaplain for guidance.

Sydney Beth Din

The Sydney Beth Din is a Jewish Rabbinical Court that deals with matters of Jewish law.
Its role can include religious divorce, conversion, questions of personal Jewish status and other matters governed by Jewish religious law.
The Court Rabbis, offer their services on a voluntary basis, embodying a dedication to their responsibilities and the Jewish community they serve.

To contact the Sydney Beth Din

Office number: 0481 853 613

General Inquiries: secretary@bethdin.org.au

Jewish tradition places significant importance on treating a deceased person with dignity and respect.
There is also a strong religious preference for burial to occur as soon as reasonably possible.
For families, delays involving the release of the body, post-mortem examinations or coronial processes can therefore carry an additional religious and emotional weight.
This does not override Police, legal or coronial requirements.
What it means practically is that, where possible, early communication with the family and Jewish Chaplain can help everyone understand what is required and whether religious concerns can be accommodated.

Jewish tradition places importance on the integrity of the body and respectful treatment from the time of death until burial.
Where circumstances allow:

• Minimise unnecessary handling.
• Maintain privacy and dignity.
• Avoid unnecessary disturbance of the body.
• Be aware that blood, tissue and body parts can have significance in relation to burial.
• Contact the Jewish Chaplain where advice is required.

Autopsy and post-mortem examination can raise significant religious concerns because of the importance Judaism places on the integrity of the deceased and prompt burial.
However, legal and coronial requirements remain paramount.
Where a post-mortem is being considered or required, involving the Jewish Chaplain early can assist with communication between Police, the Coroner and the family.

Coronial Matters / Chevra Kadisha

Jewish tradition places significant importance on treating a deceased person with dignity and respect and on burial taking place as soon as reasonably possible. Post-mortem examinations, coronial processes and delays in releasing the deceased can therefore have particular religious significance for Jewish families.

Police and coronial requirements always remain paramount. Where possible, early communication with the family, the Jewish Police Chaplain and the Chevra Kadisha can help everyone understand what is required and whether religious considerations can be accommodated.

Chevra Kadisha

The Chevra Kadisha is the Jewish burial society responsible for caring for the deceased and arranging burial in accordance with Jewish tradition.

Where Police or the Coroner are involved following a death, the Chevra Kadisha may liaise with the family and relevant authorities regarding the care and release of the deceased and arrangements for burial.

Sydney Chevra Kadisha
Phone: 02 9363 2248
Email: info@sck.org.au

Jewish burial traditionally takes place as soon as practicable after death.
The Chevra Kadisha, or Jewish burial society, assists with caring for the deceased and arranging burial.

If Police are involved following a death

1. Follow all required Police and coronial procedures.
2. Establish whether the deceased/family wishes Jewish burial practices to be observed.
3. Where appropriate, contact the NSW Police Jewish Chaplain.
4. Liaise with the relevant Jewish burial organisation where required.
5. Be mindful that timely release of the deceased can be particularly important to the family.

VIEW JEWISH BURIAL INFORMATION ›

Contact the Sydney Chevra Kadisha for more information.

Phone: 02 9363 2248

Email: info@sck.org.au

Find practical resources on Jewish death, burial and mourning, including prayers, funeral and Shiva guidance, bereavement support, and information for hospitals and nursing homes. The Sydney Chevra Kadisha also provides useful forms and guidance relating to post-mortem examinations and funeral arrangements.

Jewish mourning practices can begin immediately following burial and may include a seven-day period known as Shiva, during which close family members traditionally remain at home and receive visitors.
Police dealing with a recently bereaved family may therefore encounter a home with many visitors, religious practices, prayer services and changes to normal routines.

A Police Remembrance Service is a solemn ceremony held to honour and remember all police officers who have died while serving their communities. It pays tribute to their courage and sacrifice, provides a space for reflection and remembrance, offers support and healing to their families and colleagues, demonstrates community solidarity, and raises awareness about the risks faced by law enforcement officers.

It serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and promotes unity between the police force and the community.

2012 – First ever NSW Police Remembrance Day service held in a synagogue

2015 – Props to our cops

2016 – Police Shabbat

2019 – Thanking our cops

2021 – Police Remembrance Service

Police clubs and resources worldwide

We are steadfast in our belief that knowledge and empathy are the cornerstones for building strong bridges between communities. To achieve this, Police Associations worldwide proactively engage with police personnel through dynamic workshops, comprehensive training sessions, and enlightening seminars that offer invaluable insights into Jewish traditions, beliefs, and customs. By nurturing a profound understanding of the Jewish faith, these initiatives are geared towards dispelling misconceptions and cultivating an atmosphere of genuine respect and appreciation.

Shomrim – New York, USA:

Shomrim is a volunteer based organisation that is on call 24/7, actively working to prevent crime and increase safety for the whole community, by working closely with the police, inter-community leaders and other agencies.

Shomrim has been at the forefront of recognising and addressing issues to build stronger relationships between the diverse communities and government agencies, not only winning the respect of the police and politicians throughout the city, but also international acclaim for our unprecedented success. Learn More

Jewish Police Association – UK:

The Jewish Police Association (JPA) is an organisation in the United Kingdom that represents Jewish police officers, staff, and volunteers within the police service. It aims to provide support, networking opportunities, and advocacy for Jewish individuals working in law enforcement. The JPA works to foster positive relationships between the Jewish community and the police, while also promoting cultural awareness and understanding within law enforcement agencies. Learn More

International Police Association – Israel Branch:

The International Police Association (IPA) is a global organisation that brings together law enforcement professionals from around the world. The IPA serves as a platform for police officers, law enforcement staff, and retired officers to connect, exchange experiences, and promote international understanding and cooperation within the field of policing. Learn More

Jewish members of Police may balance the responsibilities of policing with religious and cultural practices including Shabbat, Jewish festivals, prayer, kosher food and periods of mourning.

Chaplaincy can provide a point of connection for Jewish Police officers and their families, whether they are seeking religious guidance, community connection or support during significant moments in their lives.

It can also help connect NSW Police more broadly with Jewish communities, Rabbis, synagogues and community organisations when cultural or religious guidance is needed.

This may include:

Religious and cultural guidance

Support with questions relating to Jewish traditions, Shabbat, festivals, prayer, kosher food or religious practices.

Community connection

Helping Police members connect with a Rabbi, synagogue or Jewish community where appropriate.

Significant life events

Support and guidance around bereavement, funerals, mourning, family events and other significant moments.

Support during difficult circumstances

A confidential point of connection when a Police member or their family is going through a challenging time.

For specific support → Contact the NSW Police Jewish Chaplain

Explore Jewish perspectives on themes relevant to policing, including:

• Justice and responsibility
• Leadership and service
• Protecting life
• Community responsibility
• Ethics and integrity
• Supporting people through difficult circumstances

Rabbi Mendel Kastel is available to provide guidance and support, including around Jewish traditions, bereavement, significant life events and culturally sensitive situations.
The Chaplaincy can also help connect people with the right Rabbi, synagogue or community service when further support is needed.rnContact Rabbi Mendel Kastel

02 9386 0770

chaplaincy@jewishhouse.org.au

CONTACT THE CHAPLAIN →

A range of Jewish community organisations provide specialist support:

• Jewish House — Provides crisis support, safe and transitional accommodation, mental health and wellbeing services, financial assistance and practical support for people experiencing difficult circumstances.
• Hatzalah Sydney — A community-based emergency medical response service providing rapid first-aid and medical assistance within the community.
• CSG NSW — Provides security and safety support for the NSW Jewish community, with a presence at synagogues, schools, community institutions and events. CSG also monitors threats and provides a 24/7 community response network CSG NSW

• JewishCare NSW — Provides social and community support to individuals and families, including assistance for people experiencing personal, family or financial difficulties.
• Montefiore — Provides residential aged care, home and community services and support for older members of the Jewish community and their families.
• Wolper Jewish Hospital — Provides specialist healthcare, rehabilitation and related health services in a Jewish community setting.
• COA Sydney — Supports seniors through social connection, activities, meals and community programs designed to help older people remain connected and engaged.

Kosher Food Pantry (Abraham’s Tent)

Jewish patients and families can access kosher food pantries and Jewish resources at:

St Vincent’s Hospital | Prince of Wales Hospital | Royal North Shore Hospital | Hornsby Hospital | Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – (Please add the logos and the logos to link to the hospitals)

Resources include kosher food, prayer books, Shabbat items and other Jewish religious items.

If you need help locating a cupboard or accessing Jewish resources during a hospital stay, please contact Jewish House Chaplaincy or Abraham’s Tent.

Email: support@abrahamstent.org.au
Phone: 0434 96 1818

Looking for religious guidance or a connection to Jewish community life?

Find a local Rabbi or synagogue, or contact the Chaplain for assistance.

FIND A RABBI OR SYNAGOGUE →

If someone is experiencing financial hardship, housing instability or other practical difficulties, the Chaplaincy can help connect them with appropriate support.

Jewish Police members and their families can also contact the Chaplaincy for confidential support, religious guidance, bereavement, significant life events or connection with the Jewish community.

If you’re unsure which service is appropriate, contact the NSW Police Jewish Chaplain and we can help point you in the right direction.

02 9386 0770

chaplaincy@jewishhouse.org.au

CONTACT THE NSW POLICE JEWISH CHAPLAIN

• Chabad.org

• NSW Jewish Board of Deputies

• Executive Council of Australian Jewry

• Kashrut Authority

• CSG NSW

• Jewish Calendar

• Find a Rabbi or Synagogue