A special man, a special chumash

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Wearing a yarmulke and holding a Chumash given to him by the late Sir Zelman Cowen, Josh Frydenberg was sworn in this morning as Australia’s Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia.

Josh Frydenberg, Governor-General General Sir Peter Cosgrove…and a special chumash

It was the third time the 44-year-old Liberal politician had used the chumash to be sworn in to a government position but the first time as member of the Federal cabinet.

Sir Zelman and Lady Anna Cowen

The cabinet reshuffle was a result of the change in Australia’s political leadership when Malcolm Turnbull was elected Prime Minister by the Liberal Party last week following a challenge to former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

In this morning’s ceremony, Frydenberg was sworn in by Australia’s Governor-General General Sir Peter Cosgrove, representing HM The Queen.

In 2013, Frydenberg was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to then Prime Minister Tony Abbott. He was to use it for second time in 2014 when made Australia’s assistant treasurer.

Sir Zelman Cowen, who died in 2011 was Australia’s second Jewish Governor-General a position he held from 1977 to 1982. He was known to be a mentor to the budding young politician who became a cabinet minister today.

Josh Frydenberg takes the oath

Frydenberg was born in Melbourne where he resides today within his blue riband seat of Kooyong. Like Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, his electorate is home to a large Jewish community.

The new Minister, who has represented Kooyong since 2010, was educated at Melbourne’s Bialik College and Harvard University.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has written to most of the new cabinet but had a special message for Frydenberg.

ECAJ president Robert Goot and executive director Peter Wertheim wrote: “Both personally and on behalf of the Australian Jewish community, we wish to convey our heartiest Mazal Tov on your promotion to the Cabinet as Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia.

The entire Jewish community takes immense pride in your achievement.

We very much look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship we have had with you in dealing with a wide range of policy areas of concern to our community.

Minister Frydenberg and the Governor-General

We extend our best wishes to you personally and to your government in the important tasks that lie ahead in leading our wonderful country, and pray that the work of your hands will be favoured with the blessings of the Almighty.

From everyone at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, we wish you every success in your new role.

Wishing you a Gmar Hatimah Tova.”

The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council’s Mark Leibler, Dr Colin Rubenstein and Jeremy Jones also wrote to the new Minister.  “It gives us great pleasure to write to congratulate you on your appointment as Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia. This is an achievement for which you and your family should be justifiably proud.

You have been a great ambassador for the Jewish community which takes further pride in your current promotion. In your time in Parliament, you have demonstrated leadership, intelligence and integrity and this promotion is a fitting recognition of your talent, ability and hard work.

AIJAC has enjoyed a long and constructive relationship with the Coalition and we look forward to continuing
to work closely with you and your colleagues in government.

We wish you the very best as you serve our country in your key portfolios.”

Josh Frydenberg is married and has one daughter.