Rabbi Moshe Feller at Chabad CBD
Rabbi Moshe Feller is a senior Shliach (Chabad-Lubavitch emissary); he has been reaching out to fellow Jews in his native Minnesota since the early 1960′s. In particular, he is famous for always carrying a pair of Tefillin wherever he goes, adopting the American Express Card motto “Don’t leave home without it!”
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Rabbi Chaim Herzog Melbourne Rabbis in group photo
Rabbi Zalman Gutnick at Chabad CBD
Rabbi Gutnick lunch and learn at Chabad of Melbourne CBD Rabbi Zalman Gutnick spoke today at the Chabad of Melbourne CBD about “The Secret to Jewish Unity”. He began with the famous teaching on the pasuk “Vayichan shom yisroel neged hohor”, loosely translated as “The Jewish people camped opposite the mountain”. However the word “vayichan” literally translates as “and he camped” in the singular tense. Rashi the most famous commentary explains that the Jewish people were like one man with one heart, now this took place when the Jewish people arrived at Mount Sinai on Rosh Chodesh Sivan.
This was and is the preparation to receive the Torah- Jewish unity. How do Jewish people unite- through the Mitzvah of Ahavas Yisroel, to love your fellow Jew as your-self, which is in-fact the main principle of the entire Torah. The Gemmora tells us the story of the convert who came to Shamai and asked him to teach him the entire Torah on one foot and he pushed him away, then he went to Hillel who told him “what you do not like done to yourself do not do to others, the rest of the Torah is an explanation”. Based on the Mishna in Pirkei Avos “Any Torah which does not have work together with it, will eventually become nulled” he explained that “work” is referring to Ahavas Yisroel. One has to “work” on himself to love a fellow Jew. It’s not enough to help another Jew only when he comes to you for help, rather a Jew has to be G-Dly, which means to emulate the ways of Hashem by initiating favours and looking out for other people who are in need of help. The entire Torah was given to make peace in the world and the Mishna says one has “love peace and chase after peace”
A Jew has the capacity to do this because he has a G-Dly soul which is a part of G-d, even if he doesn’t feel it it’s there, it just has to be revealed. Reb Elimelech of Lizensk once said “hear what is being said in the heavenly Yeshivah, one has to love a complete rasha as much as a complete Tzadik”, because even a rasha has a G-dly soul- it just has to be revealed. He concluded with an interesting point. The first Beis Hamikdosh was destroyed because of the three cardinal sins- forbidden relationships, bloud-shed and idolatry. The second Beis Hamikdosh was destroyed because of baseless hatred. The first exile lasted only seventy years whilst this exile has lasted almost two thousand years! The way to end this exile is through increasing in Ahavas Yisroel for no reason and then we will merit the coming of Moshiach right now!
Rabbi James Kennard at Chabad CBD
SHAVOUT THE TIME WE DON’T CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN
The Shliach of Melbourne CBD Rabbi Chaim Herzog introduced Rabbi James Kennard the Principal of Mount Scopus Jewish Day School, Mt. Scopus happens to be the largest Jewish Day School in the Southern Hemisphere they have 1800 students. Wednesday’s Pre – Shavous talk was titled , “Shavout The Time We Don’t Climb The Mountain”.
The Shliach of Melbourne CBD Rabbi Chaim Herzog introduced Rabbi James Kennard the Principal of Mount Scopus Jewish Day School, Mt. Scopus happens to be the largest Jewish Day School in the Southern Hemisphere they have 1800 students. Wednesday’s Pre – Shavous talk was titled , “Shavout The Time We Don’t Climb The Mountain”.
Rabbi Kennard said that often when we think of Spirituality you think of climbing up, but Shavous we don’t climb. Hashem said make a boundary around the Mountain and none should cross this boundary.
The people can come down but no one must go up. There is the physical part of life and the spiritual side of life that doesn’t mean that one should cut themselves off from the physical side but what it does mean is to create kadusha in all that we do, be it physical or of course in spiritual there is nothing to create it’s already there. For instance the basic physical act of using the conveniences becomes a holy act because of the bracha we say afterwards.
The large mid-week crowd was entralled by the session, which was followed by lunch and Mincha
Rabbi Avraham Glick at Chabad CBD
Moshiach: Debunking Some of the Miconceptions and Clarifying Conceptions
The Chabad of Melbourne CBD were very honoured to have Rabbi Avraham Glick the acting Principal of Yeshivah College as their speaker this week at one of the Lunch and Learn sessions.
The Chabad of Melbourne CBD were very honoured to have Rabbi Avraham Glick the acting Principal of Yeshivah College as their speaker this week at one of the Lunch and Learn sessions.
The topic was Moshiach: Debunking Some of the Misconceptions and Clarifying Conceptions. This session had a standing room only filled audience as many people find the subject quite confusing. Rabbi Glick said that many different contradicting facts about Moshiach lead to confusion. He told the audience that he would use Rambam’s Perspective for his talk, which are laws (Halahah) pertaining to the coming of Moshiach. People are under the misconception that there will be lots of changes in our every day lives, Rambam saids that nothing will change with one exception the Jewish People will be allowed to practice their religion as they please no one will rule over us..
What about the Prophesies– Rambam said there will be Peace and Harmony in the world, no more wars, no hatred, no jealousy. The Beis Hamigdash – The Holy Temple Rambam saids that the Moshiach himself will build it. Rambam saids it will be a natural change nothing will be extreme. The crowd seemed very content that the coming of Moshiach would not bring extreme changes to their lives and were able to partake in a delicious lunch which was followed by question time. The Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog thanked Rabbi Glick for his time and crowd pleasing talk and continued taking questions from the floor since people were very interested in what Rabbi Glick had to say.
Rabbi Laibel Groner, Secretary of the Rebbe at Chabad CBD
Rabbi Laibel Groner, Secretary of the Rebbe, lectured at Chabad of Melbourne CBD, the Chabad of Melbourne’s inner city district, directed by Rabbi Chaim Herzog. At the lunchtime lecture, Rabbi Herzog introduced Rabbi Groner who worked closely with the Rebbe for forty years and who could share thousands of ideas and teachings learnt from such close contact with the Rebbe. Rabbi Groner did not disappoint his captive audience. Rabbi Groner recounted countless stories demonstrating how the Rebbe would do his utmost in every situation that he faced, to help each Jew – even Jews who had never heard of the Rebbe or had no known connection. Rabbi Groner recounted stories of how the Rebbe would ask of others to help their fellow Jews materially or spiritually. Rabbi Groner told intriguing stories of how the Rebbe took great interest in helping non-Jews who came to him for assistance and guidance. Rabbi Groner’s talk concluded with him telling his captivated audience about the Rebbe’s daily schedule and day-to-day life, how his entire being was for the greater good and the masses of his Chassidim and world Jewry. Tens of participants were inspired by Rabbi Groner’s lecture and enjoyed the catered lunch served.
Rabbi Yitzchak Yehuda Yaroslavsky at Chabad CBD
Rabbi Yitzchak Yehuda Yaroslavsky the Moro Diasro and the Mazir Bais Din of Chabad Rabbis of Israel visited Chabad of Melbourne CBD where Rabbi Chaim Herzog is the shliach, the Rabbi davened Mincha and Farbrenged with a group of business people.
Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan at Chabad CBD
Chabad of Melbourne CBD was honored to have Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan address their
Businessman’s Luncheon this week.
The Shliach of the Chabad House, Rabbi Chaim Herzog introduced Rabbi Kaplan of Baltimore, Maryland. He said that, “Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan is no stranger to Melbourne, having attended the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand in the early 1970’s”. Rabbi Kaplan is now the Director of Chabad Lubavitch Maryland region and has established 20 Chabad Centers and the Lubavitch Yeshivah of Baltimore. He sits on the World Board of Chabad. Together with his Rebbetzin, he is the Rabbi of the Shul in Baltimore. He features on weekly radio Programs and is the host of an award winning cable TV show – Diane, Mike and the Rabbi.
Rabbi Kaplan’s topic today is “G-d But I Can’t See You!”
Rabbi Kaplan started his talk by saying that sight is very different to hearing. With hearing unless the volume of an object is turned on loudly you cannot hear it. Hearing is not tangible. Sight on the other hand is tangible because there is the certainty of actually seeing the object or scene.
A wise man sees what is going on but has the intellect (mind) to see and comprehend what is taking place as well. Example: Metal is an inanimate object – such as a car, a person can see the car but must to told that it has a motor and can move. (Sight and Mind)
The power of History – Make a miracle for me (split the sea). If you have to continuously see the miracles than you don’t believe in Him. The History of the Jewish people continuing to survive is a miracle in itself.
The Rebbe and New Technology- Television-Radio-Computers- the Internet, etc. The ultra- Chassidim in Israel believe that these things are an abomination. The Lubavitcher Rebbe saw these things as a world of opportunity – to use these things to educate Jews to become Observant Jews – his vision was to make this modern day technology to be used to see G-d. Wise people see G-d.
The Shliach Rabbi Herzog thanked Rabbi Kaplan for his inspiring and thought provoking words and invited the sizeable audience to partake of a beautiful catered luncheon
Rabbi Mendel Gluckowsky at Chabad CBD
“Keeping focus in a clouded world”
Rabbi Gluckowsky Speaks
Chabad of Melbourne CBD hosted Rabbi Mendel Gluckowsky of the Chabad Rabbinical Council of Israel and Chabad Rabbi of Rechovot, Israel, at its daily Businessman’s Luncheon, in honor of Gimmel Tammuz.
Rabbi Gluckowsky Speaks
Chabad of Melbourne CBD hosted Rabbi Mendel Gluckowsky of the Chabad Rabbinical Council of Israel and Chabad Rabbi of Rechovot, Israel, at its daily Businessman’s Luncheon, in honor of Gimmel Tammuz.
Rabbi Gluckowsky spoke on the topic of “Keeping our focus in a clouded world”
After being introduced by the Shliach, Rabbi Chaim Herzog, Rabbi Gluckowsky related many stories illustrating the point that many people these days have certain misconceptions of different aspects in life, he explained the reason for these misconceptions as well as a proper way to channel ones outlook in life to help make the world a better place through Torah and Mitzvot.
The talk was followed by the daily Mincha minyan for businessmen.
Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet at CBD
Chabad of Melbourne CBD had the privilege of hosting Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet of Toronto, Canada at its Businessman’s Luncheon today the topic was, “The 21st Century: Does Jewish Law Have a Place in the Corporate World”. The audience was entranced and provoked by Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet’s handling of the topic, where question time began after the break for Mincha. The Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog had to conclude question time after a record hour because the businessman and women had to return to their offices bearing in mind that this was their lunchtime break.of the CBD
Chabad of Melbourne CBD had the privilege of hosting Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet of Toronto, Canada at its Businessman’s Luncheon today the topic was, “The 21st Century: Does Jewish Law Have a Place in the Corporate World”. The audience was entranced and provoked by Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet’s handling of the topic, where question time began after the break for Mincha. The Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog had to conclude question time after a record hour because the businessman and women had to return to their offices bearing in mind that this was their lunchtime break.
Chabad of Melbourne CBD had the privilege of hosting Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet of Toronto, Canada at its Businessman’s Luncheon today the topic was, “The 21st Century: Does Jewish Law Have a Place in the Corporate World”. The audience was entranced and provoked by Rabbi Dr. Jacob Emanuel Schochet’s handling of the topic, where question time began after the break for Mincha. The Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog had to conclude question time after a record hour because the businessman and women had to return to their offices bearing in mind that this was their lunchtime break.
Head Shliach of Bangkok Visits Chabad of CBD
Lunch ‘n Learn
Head Shliach of Bangkok Visits Chabad of CBD
Chabad of Melbourne CBD were honored to have Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, Chief Rabbi of Thailand as their guest Speaker today for their Businessmen Luncheon.
Head Shliach of Bangkok Visits Chabad of CBD
Chabad of Melbourne CBD were honored to have Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, Chief Rabbi of Thailand as their guest Speaker today for their Businessmen Luncheon.
Rabbi Chaim Herzog, the Shliach of Chabad of Melbourne CBD welcomed Rabbi Kantor and said that he was sent to Thailand by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson OBM in May 1993 and now has 9 other Emissaries helping him in his holy and inspiring work.
Rabbi Kantor told stories about his shlichus there. He said that being a schliach is not a 9 to 5p.m. position. A Shliach must have unconditional love for another Jew (Achavas Yisroel) and be available to the people all waking hours. The audience, some who were members of the local religious Jewish community who had grown up with the Rabbi, who was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia were entranced by the stories that he told, so much so that after the daily Mincha Service they returned
Rabbi Gavriel Zinner at Chabad CBD
World Renown Posek
Rabbi Gavriel Zinner
Visits Chabad of Melbourne CBD
Rabbi Gavriel Zinner who is in Melbourne to test this years newly graduated Rabbis at The Machon Chaim dropped in for an inpromptu visit at the Chabad of Melbourne CBD totally surprising its shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog. Rabbi Zinner is the Director of the “The Univeral Directory of Torah and Hesed Institutions”. This Institute runs a data base of 2000 Reliable Torah Institutions all over the world. Rabbi Zinner has written over 40 Seforim and had them all published many times, amongst them the acclaimed work Notei Gavriel which consists of 30 volumes. Rabbi Gavriel Zinners ranks among the most sough after halacha experts in today’s time. Naturally the group at Chabad of Melbourne CBD were very honoured to be able to hear the great Posek Rabbi Zinner
Rabbi Gavriel Zinner
Visits Chabad of Melbourne CBD
Rabbi Gavriel Zinner who is in Melbourne to test this years newly graduated Rabbis at The Machon Chaim dropped in for an inpromptu visit at the Chabad of Melbourne CBD totally surprising its shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog. Rabbi Zinner is the Director of the “The Univeral Directory of Torah and Hesed Institutions”. This Institute runs a data base of 2000 Reliable Torah Institutions all over the world. Rabbi Zinner has written over 40 Seforim and had them all published many times, amongst them the acclaimed work Notei Gavriel which consists of 30 volumes. Rabbi Gavriel Zinners ranks among the most sough after halacha experts in today’s time. Naturally the group at Chabad of Melbourne CBD were very honoured to be able to hear the great Posek Rabbi Zinner
Sukkot in Melbourne CBD at City Square
Sukkot in Melbourne CBD
Chabad of Melbourne CBD celebrated the first public Simchas Beis Hashoeva in Melbourne’s CBD. The Shliach, Rabbi Chaim Herzog, said the evening was attended by Jews from a cross section of the community including overseas and interstate tourists. The night which started off with torrential rain and gusts of wind miraculously turned great when the rain completely stopped and the wind blew out to sea. A crowd of 400 people ventured out children in hand from all over Melbourne to join in the Sukkot activities which consisted of a program of live music, a chazzan singing and hot BBQ foods. The night also featured a special treat of a chassidishe fire juggler and face painting courtesy of the Melbourne Friendship circle. Rabbi Herzog said that next year he would invest in building an even larger sukkah to take in the possibility of rain and an even larger crowd.
On Tuesday, Chabad of Melbourne CBD hosted their annual Sukkot luncheon in the centre of Melbourne’s business district in their Sukkah located in the City Square on Swanston St. A catered lunch was attended by business professionals who work and live in the city. There were also some tourists in attendance. The Mayor of Melbourne Cr. John So and Federal Minister of Melbourne Ports Michael Danby a strong supporter of Israel and local Jewish issues were in attendance. The Shliach of Chabad Melbourne CBD, Rabbi Chaim Herzog, was very honoured in having Rabbi Tzvi Telsner, the newly arrived Dayan of the Yeshivah Centre, as his Guest Speaker.
Rabbi Leibel Groner
An Evening with Rabbi Leibel Groner
Secretary to the Lubavitcher Rebbe for over 40 years
In front of a capacity crowd Rabbi Leibel Groner addressed the topic of Israel – “Piece for Peace?!”, Ariel Sharon’s Last Words to Me. The evening was organised by Australian Friends of Lubavitch and was chair by it’s Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog. Rabbi Groner discussed the theme of “Shleimus Haaretz”, explaining the Rebbe’s attitude towards this issue from the view points of halacha and security.
Secretary to the Lubavitcher Rebbe for over 40 years
In front of a capacity crowd Rabbi Leibel Groner addressed the topic of Israel – “Piece for Peace?!”, Ariel Sharon’s Last Words to Me. The evening was organised by Australian Friends of Lubavitch and was chair by it’s Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog. Rabbi Groner discussed the theme of “Shleimus Haaretz”, explaining the Rebbe’s attitude towards this issue from the view points of halacha and security.
Rabbi Groner also described his visit to Gush Katif last year and his last meeting with then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Rabbi Groner illustrated the outstanding love the Rebbe had for every Jew with a series of stories and anecdotes.
At the end of the evening infront of a packed house with standing room only Rabbi Herzog moderated over the many questions the audience directed towards Rabbi Groner.
