A very warm welcome for Kehillat Masada’s new rabbi
Visitors from Adelaide and the Eastern Suburbs joined 400 members of Sydney’s Kehillat Masada, for an emotional and inspirational welcome Shabbat and inauguration for Rabbi Natti and Rebbetzin Deb Friedler.
Rebbetzin Deb and Rabbi Natti Friedler with Yedidya, Achiya and Odeya
Welcoming all back to the synagogue for the first time in such large numbers since the start of the pandemic president Howard Sher reminded the community of the unique warmth and hospitality for which Kehillat Masada is renowned. He made the point that in the short time the Friedlers have been in St Ives they have already managed to “connect, build an open and warm home, and make deep and meaningful connections”.
Rabbi Gad Krebs, the former Rabbi of Kehillat Masada spoke “as a congregant” of his enthusiasm for the continued growth of the community and his support for the new Rabbinic team as he and his family continue to stay members of Kehillat Masada.
Rabbi Moshe Gutnick of the Sydney Beth Din and Rabbi David Blackman of the Jewish Learning Centre both spoke about the connection to the Parsha of the week and the way the Friedlers’ passion and warmth shine through and how the lessons of leadership from Moshe in the parsha were so apt for celebrations taking place.
Rabbi Friedler addressed the congregation and thanked all those who had made their family feel so welcome and at home. He encouraged the community to re-engage with the myriad of activities that will begin to be offered in the next few weeks and spoke of his and Rebbetzin Deb’s deep desire to connect with community members and ensure their continued spiritual growth and sense of belonging.
Kehillat Masada is the largest modern orthodox synagogue on the North Shore and continues to play a critical role in the Sydney Jewish community. With three daily minyanim, which continued almost uninterrupted over the summer Covid period, multiple weekly learning and engagement opportunities, a world-class Bar and Bat Mitzvah program and activities for children and youth of all ages the synagogue continue to be one of the most dynamic and active in Sydney.
A warm welcome
