Before the Speeches, a Visit to Bondi Beach

South African Shluchim Rabbi Yossy and Rochel Goldman’s Australian speaking tour included a moving visit to Bondi Beach and a reunion with Melbourne Rabbi who grew up in their Johannesburg shul.

By COLlive staff

Another speaking tour for senior Chabad Shliach, Rabbi Yossy Goldman, saw him going from South Africa to Australia for Shavuos and beyond.

Caulfield Shul, Melbourne’s largest Orthodox synagogue, invited him to be their featured Scholar-in-Residence for Shavuos. Rabbi Goldman delivered no less than eight talks, between Shul sermons, Shiurim, and Tikun Layl lectures for both the adults as well as Young Adults. Rebbetzin Rochel Goldman gave two talks as well. The response was excellent with rave reviews by audiences of all ages.

Rabbi Daniel Rabin, Senior Rabbi at Caulfield introduced Rabbi Goldman as the “man who made me a Rabbi.” Born in Johannesburg, Rabin recounted that he grew up in Sydenham Shul, Rabbi Goldman’s congregation for 40 years. “Listening to his sermons in Shul had a profound influence on me and I have no doubt that without it I would never have become a Rabbi.” Both Rabbi and Rochel had a great deal of personal nachas seeing how Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Sarah are leading their very important and influential congregation.

Then for Shabbos Naso, the Goldmans flew to Sydney where their very first stop from the airport was Bondi Beach, the site of the terrible massacre where 15 people were murdered in cold blood by terrorists at Chabad’s Chanukah event. They recited Tehillim in memory and were pleased to see Mivtza Tefillin taking place in full force.

Friday night the Goldmans were guests of Rabbi Levi and Chanie Wolf at the beautiful Central Synagogue. Rabbi Goldman delivered the sermon in Shul and then addressed the crowd at a special Shabbos Dinner arranged for the occasion. In his introduction, Rabbi Wolf thanked Rabbi Goldman for mentoring him in the early years of his rabbinical career and expounded on how much it had helped him in those formative years of his Shlichus.

Rabbi Goldman, in turn, responded by saying how proud he is of Rabbi Wolf’s achievements in Sydney and that he is undoubtedly the most successful and long-standing spiritual leader in the history of the prestigious Central Synagogue which is today thriving under his inspired leadership.

On Shabbos morning, the Goldmans were the guests of Rabbi Yanky Berger of Chabad of Double Bay. Again, Rabbi Yossy delivered the sermon as well as a major address on Antisemitism over lunch. According to Rabbi Berger, the congregational response was nothing less than spectacular. Many people said, “we really needed that talk!”

Australian Jewry, and Sydney in particular, are still reeling from the spate of terrible antisemitic attacks they have experienced.

While in Sydney, the Goldmans made a point of visiting Dayan Rabbi Yehoram Ulman at Chabad of Bondi who had organized the Chanukah event at Bondi Beach which ended in such unspeakable tragedy. The late Rabbi Eli Schlanger was his beloved son-in-law who worked very closely with him.

For their final Shabbos in Australia, the Goldmans were back in Melbourne where Rabbi Yossy delivered the drosha in Da Minyan Shul, ably led by Rabbi Moshe and Dina Kahn. During the Kiddush, Rebbetzin Rochel gave the Torah & Tea talk for the ladies to much acclaim.

The Goldmans were delighted to witness first-hand the exciting developments at Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges, the Chabad school in Melbourne which boasts over 1200 students. They found the education provided to be very creative and forward-thinking.

One of their exciting new developments is the introduction of opportunities beyond the strictly academic. Woodwork and metal work instruction is now available too. this is a very practical idea in keeping with the changing times we live in. They are particularly proud that their son, Yisroel (Izzi) is a very active member of the school Board.

On the final Sunday of their trip, they were also pleased to be able to attend the Bar Mitzvah celebration of the twin boys of Rabbi Shmueli and Chasia Feldman and meet their mechutonim, Rabbi Pinchas and Penina Feldman and more members of the family.
Over their visit the Goldmans met many of their friends and former congregants from South Africa who now make their homes in Australia. Some walked very long distances on Shabbos to meet them and to hear them speak.

All in all, it was an inspired trip for Rabbi Yossy and Rochel as well as their many admirers who were moved and inspired by their talks and all their personal encounters.

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