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CHABAD NORTH QUEENSLAND
a sub
of Chabad of RARA
Dear Friends,
We are so excited to share with you the newest edition of our newsletter, filled with remarkable stories of transformation, hope, and connection. These stories illustrate the profound impact of Chabad North Queensland's mission to spread the light of Judaism and support every Jewish soul in our region
You will meet Ed, an elderly man who finds solace with his community and feels safe with his rabbi by his side Discover Augustus, a young student who stumbled upon his Jewish heritage despite his mother’s ambivalence and is now eager to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Read about the Army Major who called his chaplain when he needed a Brit Milah for his son, and Rob, a former prisoner who found hope and support in our classes and is now excited to join us in person.
These stories are testaments to the power of human connection and the difference we can make in each other's lives They remind us that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported on their unique journey
We're also thrilled to announce the completion of our brand-new kitchen! This state-of-the-art space will enable us to host more community events, cooking classes, and gatherings, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness Our kitchen is more than just a physical space – it's a hub for connection, creativity, and community building
As we continue to share the light of Judaism and support our community, we rely on your generosity to make this work possible Our annual fundraiser is this Tuesday, and we invite you to be part of these stories by contributing to our mission. Every donation brings us closer to illuminating the path for those seeking connection, guidance, and support Thank you for being part of our community and for considering a donation to our fundraiser
With gratitude and blessings, Rabbi Ari Chabad North Queensland
A LIFELINE OF KINDNESS
Meet Ed, an elderly man who has been confined to a hospital bed for months. Ed's life was turned upside down when he became unable to move without the aid of a wheelchair. The isolation and loneliness that followed took a toll on his spirit. Rabbi Ari, had always had a deep connection with Ed, bringing with him a sense of safety and comfort. Rabbi Ari's visits went beyond mere conversation He became Ed's lifeline, taking him on precious trips outside the hospital walls Simple tasks like visiting the bank or getting a haircut became exciting adventures with Rabbi Ari by his side The depth of their bond was revealed when Ed shared with us, "I'm safe when I'm with you, not with anybody else " These words speak volumes about the trust and affection Eddie has for Rabbi Ari, and is a testament to the power of human connection
NOT YOUR TYPICAL BRIS
As a chaplain in the army, Rabbi Ari Rubin meets many Australian military members and has the opportunity to help Jewish members of the Defence force At last year's orientation, a man came over to Ari and introduced himself as Tim, explaining that his wife was Israeli and they were so excited to be a part of the Jewish community Tim and his wife began joining for Shabbos meals, enjoying the opportunity to have a Jewish experience When Chelli was pregnant with a boy, she asked the Rubins to help organise the bris Brisses are a rare occurrence in North Queensland, and it's even more rare to be brissing the son of a serviceman Thanks to your generosity, Tim and Chelli welcomed their baby boy into Judaism in the most spectacular way.
As we launch our annual appeal, we invite you to join us in supporting initiatives that bring comfort and joy to our community's most vulnerable members Your contribution will help us continue to provide vital services, ensuring that individuals like Eddie receive the care and companionship they deserve Together, let's create a network of kindness that wraps around our community, providing a sense of safety and belonging for all.
Support our Annual Appeal and help us make a difference in the lives of individuals like Ed.
Chabad Cairns organized a memorable Brit Milah for a family's son, creating a special moment despite being away from their families The family expressed gratitude for being part of the Jewish community and feeling at home with Chabad FNQ
PROVIDING A HELPING HAND
The worst flooding Cairns has ever experienced had resulted in multiple Jewish families losing their homes and belongings, due to water and mud damage, loss of basic services and dangerous hazards, including stray crocodiles When category two Cyclone Jasper became an almost stationary, monsoon-like tropical low pressure system earlier this year, the area copped another 600mm of rain in downpours in 48 hours, until conditions eased. The city’s airport was closed for days due to inundation. The hardest hit suburbs were Machans Beachs, Holloways Beach, and Yorkey’s Knob, a short drive north of the city centre
Between 10 and 20 Jewish families had been affected in some way, some having no insurance
At Chabad, we were lucky, as only our fence and a storage shed were damaged, which is nothing compared to others.
One family, the Taylor-Rays, shared: ““We were woken up on Sunday morning by a call to evacuate, but it was too late for us, as floodwaters surrounded us ” The family of 5 lost the home they were renting in Yorkey’s Knob in chaotic circumstances and ended up being picked up by Rabbi Ari on the side of the road when their car they had thought had survived, broke down on them. We got them settled with clothes and necessities to get through the next few days.
At Chabad NQ we were working around the clock, reaching out to the close-knit Cairns Jewish community, via calls, WhatsApp and the Chabad North Queensland Facebook site
We connected impacted families with others in the community who were eager to help with packing and cleaning, or those who were able to donate funds, clothing, and non-perishable food.
In addition, we went driving around town to collect people who had lost their car and offer them assistance wherever needed.
One such individual, Myra Gold, ended up living in the Chabad House for close to a month until she was able to secure suitable living arrangements with her insurance provider
Myra’s house is still under renovation and many of her belongings are being stored at Chabad North Queensland
Despite the situation she was in, Myra stated that she is keen to make a donation to help other Jewish people impacted by the floods.
A VISIT TO FAMILY BROUGHT HER HOME
When Louise Cremer arrived in Cairns from Glasgow, Scotland, to visit family, it was important for her to find a local Jewish community during her stay “Once I got in touch with Rabbi Ari and the Rebbetzin, I have not looked back,” reflected Louise “From Sunset to Shabbat, from a Single Malt to Havdalah, it has been a pleasure to spend Shabbat, Yomtovs and Simchas with such a warm and welcoming Community.” After meeting the Jewish community in Cairns, Louise felt like she had met a new family and began the sponsorship process to immigrate permanently to Australia Although it might take some time for Louise to become a legal resident of Cairns, at Chabad, she’s already part of the family and an integral part of the weekly Shabbat experience. Louise is always eager to contribute and never arrives empty-handed, showing up each Shabbat with a bottle of Scotch for the community and using her skills as a hairdresser to keep the Rubin kids looking neat and groomed!
ONE YOUNG BOY HAS HIS PASSION REAWAKENED
Every donation to Chabad North Queensland is more than just a contribution; it's an opportunity to create moments of connection with Hashem one mitzvah at a time
This past Gimmel Tammuz, we experienced a moment that showcased the profound impact your support can have. Rabbi Laibl Wolf, a distinguished speaker, joined our local Jewish community for an inspiring weekend, marking 30 years since the Rebbe's passing It was a historic moment for Cairns; it was the first time we hosted such an esteemed speaker, and the event was nothing short of transformative
The weekend began with a special Friday night meal, followed by a Shabbos day gathering that drew a large crowd, all eager to connect and learn On Sunday, the community came together once more for a powerful event There was a beautiful video about the Rebbe, and Rabbi Wolf spoke about seven traits of leadership that we can all learn from the Rebbe's life
Among the attendees was a young boy who had recently celebrated his bar mitzvah. He shared a personal story that truly captured the power of inspiration Although he had received tefillin as a gift for his bar mitzvah the previous year, he hadn't put them on since that day But something changed for him during the Gimmel Tammuz event He was so inspired by Rabbi Laibl Wolf's words and the atmosphere of the gathering that he made a heartfelt commitment to start putting on tefillin more regularly. He even asked Rabbi Ari to visit his home and show him how to properly put them on again
This is the powerful ripple effect that your donations create Each dollar you give supports events like these, which spark moments of inspiration that can lead to a lifetime of mitzvahs. Your contribution is not just money it's the catalyst for someone reconnecting with their neshama, for a young boy committing to a mitzvah, and for keeping the flame of Yiddishkeit alive in our community
Thank you for being part of this journey Together, we can continue to create these moments of connection, one mitzvah, one moment of inspiration at a time. Please consider supporting Chabad North Queensland today or on Aug 27 when we launch our annual matching campaign, to help us make more stories like this possible
A JOURNEY OF REDISCOVERY: IRENE'S PATH BACK TO COMMUNITY
Irene's journey began in Glasgow, where she grew up with a strong sense of faith and community However, when her children moved to Cairns, she felt compelled to follow, leaving behind the familiar comforts of her Jewish roots As her children married and started new families, Irene found herself increasingly disconnected from her faith That was when Chabad NQ entered her life, gently guiding her towards community events and gatherings. Though hesitant at first, Irene would often remark, "I'm not religious," implying that each visit was a one-time exception. But the unwavering kindness and acceptance with which she was greeted each time, slowly chipped away at her reservations Recently, Irene shared a profound revelation with Rabbi Ari: "Although I have abandoned the religion, the religion hasn't abandoned me." This poignant statement marked a turning point in her journey She began to realize that her faith was still a part of her, waiting to be rekindled. Irene's transformation is nothing short of remarkable She now looks forward to attending minyan for each of her relatives' yahrtzeits, and eagerly anticipates more frequent visits to Friday night dinners. Her connection to the community is blossoming, and she's finding solace in the traditions and rituals of her past
Irene's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reconnect with our roots. Through the Rubins compassion and dedication, Irene has found a sense of belonging and purpose
As we launch our annual appeal, we invite you to support initiatives that bring people like Irene back to their faith and community Your contribution will help us continue to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, where everyone can rediscover their connection to Judaism
Support our Annual Appeal and help us nurture the spirit of community and inclusivity.
A LIFELINE FOR EVERY JEW TO CONNECT, GROW, AND LEARN
When you partner with Chabad of Cairns, you give every Jew, regardless of background or experience, the opportunity to connect with their faith, grow spiritually, and learn more about their heritage Rob was a man who spent years in a nearby prison His journey toward reconnecting with Judaism began when Rabbi Rubin visited him, offering a lifeline of hope and spiritual connection Slowly, he became more involved in his Jewish identity. Rabbi Rubin would bring him whatever he needed to grow in his faith a Jewish calendar, a yarmulke, a Tanach, and other items essential for observing mitzvot. Each small gesture was a step toward Rob reclaiming his Jewish neshama, even within the harsh confines of prison
A couple of weeks ago, Rob was released from prison. The first thing he did upon gaining his freedom was head to the mikvah With no kosher mikvah in Cairns, Rob went to the beach to immerse himself as a symbolic act of renewal Though he now has access to many yarmulkes, Rob still wears the one Rabbi Rubin gave him during his time in prison. It's not the finest yarmulke, but to him, it's more than just a piece of cloth it's a symbol of the strength that kept him going behind bars, a reminder of the faith that sustained him. Now that he's free, Rob is fully embracing his Yiddishkeit He attends every Torah class, eager to learn and grow His enthusiasm is palpable, and his story is a powerful example of how Chabad NQ offers every Jew the chance to reconnect with their roots, no matter where they've come from or what they've been through By supporting Chabad, you're making it possible for people like Rob to find their way back to Judaism, discover their heritage's beauty, and grow in their faith. Your donation is more than just a financial contribution it's an investment in the spiritual lives of Jews in North Queensland, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive
Please help us continue to be there for every Jew who needs us.
WHEN IT'S MEANT TO BE
Rabbi Eli Gutnick, a certified sofer (scribe) in Melbourne, has long supported Chabad NQ He's seen many incredible stories of divine providence through his years of supporting the Jewish community of FNQ. For Eli, giving is as much about receiving as it is about giving He shared an extraordinary story of hashgacha pratis (divine providence), where his good friend Tom Jacob reminded him of the blessings and value of giving to sustain and bolster Jewish life and experiences for others
In March 2017, just a few weeks before Shabbat Parshas Zachor, certified sofer (scribe) Rabbi Eli Gutnick, received a call from a dear friend, Tom Jacob. Eli and Tom had always shared a close relationship, and over the years, Eli had helped Tommy acquire a few Torahs Tom, known for his quiet yet generous nature, often assisted those in need, especially those who couldn't afford tefillin or mezuzos, in partnership with Rabbi Eli Gutnick
On this particular day, Tom informed Eli that the Jewish community in Cairns didn't have a Sefer Torah and urgently needed one for Parshas Zachor, a chiyuv d'orayso (a biblical obligation) Tom wanted to buy them a cheap, second-hand Sefer Torah. However, Eli advised against it, explaining, "In my experience, used Torahs are often in poor condition, especially those that are older or pre-war. They may have been refurbished, but that's often just a temporary fix, and without a sofer (scribe) in Cairns, it wouldn't be practical to rely on such a Torah " Instead, Eli suggested that Tom purchase a basic, new Sefer Torah, which wasn't much more expensive than a good second-hand one. Eli gave him an offer he couldn't refuse, and Tom agreed They decided to have the siyum (completion ceremony) of the Sefer Torah on Tu B'Av, an auspicious day, which that year fell on a Sunday. In the meantime, Eli arranged for a temporary Sefer Torah to be sent to Cairns for Parshas Zachor to be used until the new Torah was completed in August 2017 Fast forward to Gimmel Tammuz that June, between the time Tom ordered the Torah and the planned siyum. A Jewish chaplain, who visits inmates to help with their religious needs, contacted Eli. The chaplain told him about a Jewish prisoner becoming more observant and keeping Shabbos and kashrus, but he didn't have tefillin The chaplain asked if Eli knew anyone who could donate or subsidize a pair of tefillin.
Usually,Eliwouldturntoafewpeopleinthecommunityforhelp,including Tom However,withTomalreadysponsoringtheSeferTorah,whichwas morethanheinitiallyplannedtospend,Elifeltitwasn'trighttoaskhimfor more HedecidednottoaskTomandtoldthechaplainhedidn'thaveanythingfornowbutwouldkeeptrying.
ThemorningofGimmelTammuz,Eliwasoutwithhiswifeforbreakfast whenhereceivedacallfromMendyGroner.MendyaskedifEliknew anyoneinneedofapairoftefillin Atfirst,Elicouldn'tthinkofanyone,butthenherememberedtheJewishprisoner Thisfeltlikeincredible hashgachapratis(divineprovidence) Mendytoldhimsomeonewouldbe intouchsoontoworkitout
Justthreeminuteslater,Eli'sphonerangagain,anditwasTom He soundedurgentandsaid,"Youhavetolistentothis.I'vebeenupallnight withthisfeeling—likeIneedtodoamitzvahspecificallywithtefillinfor someonewhodoesn'thavethem,especiallyforGimmelTammuz."When tElitoldhimabouttheJewishprisoner,Tomimmediatelyofferedtopayfor hetefillin
EliexplainedthathehesitatedtoaskbecauseTomwasalready givingsomuchfortheSeferTorah,butTomgotupsetandsaid,"You shouldalwayscallme.Pleasedon'tdeprivemeofmymitzvos I'lltellyouifI can'thelp,butneverhesitatetoask"
Elithencalledthechaplainandtoldhimthat,outoftheblue,someonehad offeredtodonateapairoftefillin.Itwasanincrediblecaseofhashgacha pratis Althoughthechaplainhadtogothroughsomehurdlestogetpermissionfromtheprisonauthorities duetotheleatherstraps they eventuallyallowedit
Reflectingontheexperience,whilecelebratingPesach2024inCairns, withtheRubinsandthelocalcommunity,whileusingTom’sTorahforKriya teachday,Elisharedthelessonhelearned:"Youneedtodowhatyou'vegot odo.Don'tworrysomuchaboutwhatpeoplearegoingtothink Doyour part,andG-dwilltakecareoftherest"
The massive community Seder in Cairns, where 180 Jewish souls gathered to celebrate together
Eli at Chabad North Queensland with Tom’s Sefer Torah during the daily Minyanim on Pesach
The Torah dedication in Cairns
A LIFELINE FOR EVERY JEW TO CONNECT, GROW, AND LEARN
Weeks before Pesach, Rabbi Ari Rubin was in the local Coles, checking out their small Kosher for Passover section, when a moment unfolded that underscores the importance of Chabad NQ in supporting Jewish life in the community.
As he stood in line, a woman approached him with her son, inquiring about the kosher section. Rabbi Rubin pointed her to the Pesach setup near the freezer section and casually asked if she was Jewish. She quickly clarified that she was asking on behalf of her brother, who was visiting. Rabbi Rubin, seizing the opportunity to connect, invited them both to the community's upcoming Passover seder, which would host 200 people The woman declined, mentioning her brother's short visit and tight schedule Rabbi Rubin extended another invitation to join them for a Shabbat meal, but the timing didn't align
As Rabbi Rubin walked to his car, he noticed the woman's son running towards him The young man, only 16, confided that he was going through a period of introspection about his faith Despite never having a bar mitzvah, he felt a strong desire to reconnect with his
Judaism and asked if Rabbi Rubin could help He thought he had never adequately given his own religion a chance and was eager to explore more Rabbi Rubin's response was immediate and heartfelt: "Of course, I can help " A few months later, the young man celebrated his bar mitzvah with Chabad North Queensland
This story is just one of many reasons why Chabad is so vital. The continuous Jewish presence that Rabbi Rubin and his family maintain provides opportunities for every Jew in the area to connect with their heritage opportunities that might not exist otherwise. Whether it's a casual encounter in a grocery store or a life-changing decision to embrace one's faith, Chabad is there, ready to support and nurture every Jewish soul.
By donating to Chabad NQ, you are making more moments like this possible. You are ensuring that every Jew, no matter how far they may be from a larger Jewish community, has the chance to reconnect with their faith Your support keeps the flame of Judaism burning brightly in Far North Queensland, transforming lives, one encounter at a time
Will you help continue this vital work? Join our annual campaign and be part of making more Jewish moments happen
A REMINDER OF G-D'S LOVE
For Naomi, Chabad has been a beacon of light that drew the Jewish community together. "Their ability to...share their lives and their home with hundreds of Jewish people never ceases to amaze me," Naomi shared. "Their ability to serve our community with such dedication, love and humility is a rare gift. I'm always grateful for the peaceful feeling in the air whenever I am with Chabad," Noami said. "They resonate G-d's love and make you feel welcome and cherished. Rabbi Ari always amazes me with his kindness and ability to make every person he speaks to feel G-d's presence "
s much as she loves the spiritual meaning and knowledge she has gained at Chabad, Naomi also loves the atmosphere and delicious food, expressing amazement for Mushkie "Growing her family and raising her children with Ari while somehow organising so many events and feeding us so many delicious meals - is supernatural Mushkie has blessed us with her culinary skills, catering to our community from day one "
A NEW PAIR FOR DANIEL
Daniel Ehrenreich is a Melbourne boy who moved up to Cairns with his partner just about 2 years ago They quickly fell in love with the quiet, slower lifestyle North Queensland has to offer, with a perk of beautiful weather and scenery to top it off With Phoebe undergoing a conversion process, the pair soon became regulars at Chabad, joining events and helping wherever they can Phoebe can frequently be found helping Mushkie in the kitchen, while the two engage in cheerful conversation, and Daniel is entertaining the kids around the corner Daniel and Phoebe have weekly classes with Rabbi Ari as part of the conversion process, which they both thoroughly enjoy Although Daniel grew up in a thriving Jewish Community, attending Jewish school for some of his younger years, he is learning so much and deepening
For Naomi, it's the little things that make a difference the incredible atmosphere and hospitality Having no family nearby and having a place where she is always welcome is, in her words, "a wonderful blessing" empowering her to celebrate Purim, Pesach and all of the holidays with a community There are a variety of classes
his understanding and connection to Torah and Mitzvot So much so, that when they came to the topic of Tefillin recently and it came to light that Daniel has never owned a pair of his own, he decided he wanted his own pair so he can fulfil this special daily Mitzvah! The Cairns community recently celebrated Daniel receiving his new pair of Tefillin on a beautiful Sunday morning with a special brunch “My connection with the Divine has grown strong over the last 15 years and these Tefillin are a symbol of that connection” Daniel shared with his Cairns family who came to celebrate the occasion with him.
Who doesn't love making Challah with friends?
Studying for the
Setting up candles for our 180 Seder attendees
Sukkot in Townsville
Making learning fun @ Hebrew School!
JCU students bake Challah!
Beit Hamikdash learning in honour of Tisha B'av
Rabbi Ari and Udi doing some pre Pesach shlepping
Challah Bake for Israel
David manning the BBQ on Lag Baomer
Delicious spread at a social event
Gorgeous Challah cover craft @ Hebrew School!
international JewQ Torah Learning Competition!
Jewish pride on the Cairns Esplanade
Chanukah in Townsville Leaving Egypt @ Hebrew School
Burning the Chametz Erev Pesach
WELCOME TO Chabad North Queensland’s Brand New Kitchen!
As the doors open to Chabad North QLD's stunning new kitchen, the aroma of warmth and hospitality wafts out, inviting the community to gather, connect, and savor the flavours of togetherness This state-of-the-art culinary hub is more than just a kitchen – it's a symbol of growth, vitality, and how even in the furthest corners of this earth, the flame of Judaism is burning as bright as ever
This week, the kitchen will host its inaugural Shabbat meal, welcoming over 60 guests to share in the joy and warmth of the occasion For a few weeks now, the anticipation for the building to be completed is palpable amongst the community members Each time someone visits the Chabad House, the first thing they ask is “how is the kitchen coming along?” This is because the Chabad North Queensland kitchen is more than just a place to cook food
It is a sanctuary of connection, comfort, and joy. It's a space where strangers become friends, and new faces become family. It is where Challah is kneaded and braided, bringing the tastes of Shabbat to Jewish souls who immediately feel at home. Where chicken soup steams and brings with it a warmth only a Yiddishe Neshama can comprehend. The kitchen is the heart of the Chabad House, where many deep, meaningful conversations take place about purpose, G-d and connection From this space, Chabad NQ provides Kosher catering services to visitors and tourist, nourishes its many weekly Shabbos guests and brings Jewish concepts alive during our fun and exciting Hebrew School lessons, where food activities are by far a favourite!
It is where 200 honey cakes are made and distributed to Jewish homes around the region in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, hundreds of Hamantashen are baked each year, yom tov meals are prepared for hundreds of Jewish people and the aroma of warmth, acceptance and home is permanent
We are so excited for our new and improved facilities to help us take our activities to a whole new level!
Thank you to the Fried and Fraid families and the Spotlight Foundation for spearheading this project!
Our new kitchen is a testament to the growth and vivaciousness of our community. We look forward to sharing many celebrations, moments, and memories with our friends and community.
