Sydney rabbis gather in Parramatta
Rabbinical leaders from across Sydney gathered at Parramatta Synagogue for the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales (RCNSW) ‘s second annual retreat.
Rabbis at the retreat with Scott Morrison (centre)
The retreat, held this week, included a series of wide-ranging sessions, all essential to the spiritual and practical facets of rabbinical responsibilities.
Rabbi Shua Solomon, the RCNSW president, stated that “a highlight of the retreat was the participation of Rabbi Yosef Rimon from Israel, who is regarded as one of the preeminent rabbinical scholars of our time.” Rabbi Rimon is the chief rabbi of Gush Etzion and an internationally acclaimed “posek” of Halacha. He also runs many organisations dealing with education, training nurses and assisting soldiers. Rabbi Rimon’s sessions delved deep into Jewish law and pastoral care, offering insights drawn from his extensive experience in supporting numerous individuals in Israel following the events of October 7th. His stories provided profound lessons on resilience and community support.
The retreat also featured an in-depth session with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who spoke on the topic of ‘Faith in the Public Sphere.’ This session offered a unique look at how religious beliefs can intersect with public life, emphasizing the challenges and responsibilities of keeping one’s faith while in leadership positions. Morrison spoke about how his faith inspired his leadership, deep appreciation of the Jewish community, and his support for Israel.
The retreat not only strengthened the bonds among Sydney’s rabbinical community but also enriched the collective understanding and approach to the various dimensions of their roles.
Rabbi Solomon thanked Parramatta’s Rabbi Cohavi and shul president, Michael Morris for “welcoming us and allowing us to use their facilities. He said: “Coming to Parramatta has enabled Rabbis from throughout Sydney to see a Jewish community in Western Sydney that we may not otherwise experience.
These gatherings are considered crucial in fostering a cohesive approach to leadership within the community, providing both seasoned and emerging rabbis with the guidance needed to navigate their responsibilities effectively.”
