Chabad of Melbourne CBD

Functions Purim 2003 Purim 2004 Sukkot 2004 Chanuka 2004 Sukkot 2005 Chanuka 2005 Purim 2006 Evening with Rabbi L. Groner Evening with Rabbi C. T. Groner Sukkot 2006 Chanuka 2006 Purim 2007 Sukkot 2007
  Simchas Beis Hashoeva Rabbi Skobac
  “The DaVinci Code”
   A Jewish perspective Chanuka 2008 Lunch & Learn
  Guest Rabbi Zvi Telsner
  Dayan of the Yeshiva Centre

Daily Shuir
@ 1.15pm
Level 3 - 343
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Lunch Served

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Purim At The Shul
Chabad Jewish Centre

The Shule Chabad Jewish Centre a division of Chabad of Melbourne CBD held their Purim Function in Caulfield this year a nice size crowd enjoyed the reading of the Megillah complete with the noise of tamborines to obliterate the hearing of Hamans name.And Featuring Steve Bedwell Comedian ,TV Host, Producer & Author

Rabbi Chaim Herzog the Shliach gave a speech on the minhagim of Purim and the order of reading the Megillah.

A delicious catered seudah and live music and dancing was enjoyed by all who attended.

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Chanukah at Parliament House

The Chanukah Menorah was lit in the Victorian Parliament House by the Shliach of Chabad of Melbourne CBD, in attendance were the Deputy Premier of Victoria Rob Hull and leader of the Opposition Ted Baillieu, as well as other ministers and members of Parliament and leaders of the Melbourne Jewish Community.

The celebration started with the speech by the master of ceremonies Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant explaining the significance of the Pronouncement of the Miracles taking place in Parliament demonstrating the freedom of religion prevailing in Australia in con- trast to the suffering of the Jews throughout the generations while residing in other countries. Rabbi Kluwgant then invited the head Shliach of the Chabad of Melbourne CBD, Rabbi Chaim Herzog to speak. Rabbi Herzog at length explained the evovement of the festival of Chanukah. Rabbi Herzog explained that this festival teaches us of the need to ensure that the light overshadows the darkness especially when the deeds of the terrorists may their memory be erased make the darkness so plain to see.

He then invited the Deputy Premier of Victoria to address the gathering, in his speech he praised the the work of Rabbi Herzog and his assistants, who aid him in his work on behalf of Chabad, encouraging Melbourne Jewry and by that encouraging the entire population of Victoria. He also told the gathering that Jews resided in Victoria even before Australia became a nation and that the first synogogue in Victoria was situated in the centre of town not far from where they were now gathered, in Parliament House. It was built by Jews who were already then leaders in Australia.

The leader of the Opposition Ted Baillieu was then invited to speak, he told the gathering that in relation to Parliament House, this house demonstrates that freedom and democracy arrived here 160 years ago, which like Chanukah demonstrates the victory of light over darkness, therefore it's appropriate that it be celebrated in this building, Mr. Baillieu spoke of his trip to Israel, where he visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Centre, in which the darkness and suffering which the Jews endured was so obviously noted, therefore the festival of Chanukah will bring light on the nations to ensure no repetition of such events could occur. Finally he commended the work of Rabbi Herzog in promoting the festival of Chanukah.

The main speaker for the night, Rabbi Yossel Gutnick was then invited to the podium to address the gathering, he spoke of what the Rebbe told the then Israel UN Ambassador, now Prime Minister, Benyamin Nethanyahu. The Rebbe told Mr. Nethanyahu that the hall where he was working in the UN, was full of darkness and he should light a small candle to nullify the darkness on Chanukah the small candles nullify the darkness in the world. Rabbi Gutnick also thanked Rabbi Herzog the head Shliach of the highly successful Chabad of Melbourne CBD and master organiser of this evenings event.

They then lit the Chanukiah and Chazan Shimon Walles entertained the guests with songs. The evening concluded with a cocktail party and music by the Neganim Group.

Simchas Beis Hashoeiva

and

The Daily Succos Party

Chabad of Melbourne CBD hosted a range of Succos events with leading dignitaries and government officials. Tourist from around the world, local business men and students of one of Melbourne’s largest day schools came to partake in the festivities. The treasurer of Victoria Mr John Lenders along with Federal Government MP Mark Drefus addressed the crowd. They spoke about spreading the holiday message especially in such public and prominent places.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski

Audio Visual Lecture

The Shul – a Chabad Jewish Centre located in the center of Caulfield hosted an Audio Visual Lecture with Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski.

A crowd of over 100 people were greeted by the The Shul’s Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog who enlightened them about the Centre’s services and activities That have been ongoing for the last 3 ½ years.

Rabbi Dr. Twerski was introduced by Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld, Dean of the Yeshivah Schools of Pittsburgh, Pa. He stated that Rabbi Dr. Twerski received his medical degree from Marquette University. Dr. Twerski is the founder and medical director emeritus of Gateway Rehabilitation Center, a drug and alcohol treatment system in Pennsylvania, cited Nationally as one of the best drug and alcohol treatment centers by Forbes magazine. A frequent lecturer on a broad range of topics, including stress, self-esteem, spirituality as well as chemical dependency, Dr. Twerski has also written over 60 books and articles.

Tonight’s topic was, “ Together We Can Fill The World With Light.” Praying for good health, unity and peace. Rabbi Dr. Twerski said by doing Mitzvohs one is being rewarded accordingly. He stated the worst violation of mitzvoth a person could do is Idolatry the worshipping of other G-ds. He said that it is possible to be lax in the observance of one or more mitzvoth, but if person is lax in Unity, loving another person as you would yourself, that could be their undoing. A clal – an all encompassing rule, every mitzvah of the Torah relates to loving a fellow Jew.

As we approach Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur – we must love another as yourself – must not hate or be envious, Must care for one another and give each other the benefit of the doubt.

He told a story about 2 good friends who went to attend the funeral of another. One went to buy a flower pot before going to the cemetery, the other asked, “how can you do something so inappropriate?” The first said that the person had died of a contagious disease and I didn’t want the authorities to burn his teffilin so I bought the flower pot. I told them if they gave me the teffilin I would dispose of them. The only way to dispose of teffilin is to bury them, and they have to Be buried in a ceramic case. I picked up the flower pot in order to bury my friend together with his tefflin. He said that after hearing this story he would never be critical of another person without giving him the benefit of the doubt. The message of Unity is that you cannot experience full love without Unity.

Rabbi Herzog thanked everyone for coming to the lecture at The Shul which is a division of Chabad of Melbourne CBD.

He announced that Rosh Hashana Services would be held on both nights and days of the holiday and wished everyone a good year.

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.

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 for more.

Lunch 'n Learn

Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan

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.

Lunch 'n Learn

Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman

Chabad of Melbourne CBD hosted a Business Luncheon at the Chabad House this Wednesday.

The speaker Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman was introduced by Chabad CBD’s shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog. He said that Rabbi Trugman and his family had been involved in Jewish education for 30 years.

In 1988 Rabbi Trugman took the position of Regional Director of NCSY in Denver, Colorado where he created a new region. The Trugman family were devoted students of Rabbi Shlomo Carlbach (OBM) and have incorporated his music, teaching, and spirit into the exciting programs they have been running for students and the general community in the USA and Israel for the last 30 years.

Rabbi Trugmans topic was “The Role of Business and Money in Jewish Life”. He relayed many stories about bringing the physical and spiritual worlds together for the good of man. One story was of a rich man who had much gold and silver decorating his home and particularly his Shabbos table. The man had a habit of bringing home people who did not enjoy the level of comfort that he had and also people who were poor. These people felt very uncomfortable entering his home because of his riches, but he and his family were extremely warm and kind to them and he told the people the reason for all this silver on the table is for your enjoyment so please eat and drink and partake of my Shabbos table, because it is really yours.

Another story was of two men going to a Rabbi and telling him that a particular parcel of land belonged to them.

The Rabbi lay down on the ground putting his ear to the soil and stood up and said that the men belonged to the land not the other way around.

There was an intermission for Mincha and because there were two Aveilim there had to be two Minyonim but the crowd of professional and business people was more than large enough to accommodate. After mincha Rabbi Trugman continued with his very enjoyable address

Unxpected Visitor

Sam Lipski of the Pratt Foundation

PURIM in the CBD 2009

The largest Purim celebration in Melbourne took place yesterday At Chabad CBD, with hundreds of business men and women in Attendance. The Mayor and Government Politicians joined in the Celebration.

The event began with a mass mivtzah tefillin by the Tmimim of Machon Smicha, afterwards Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog officially Opened the celebration with inyonei d’yoma, stressing that the Megillah is timely for all generations including ours and we must Stand proud in our Yiddishkeit as Mordechai and Esther did in their Time.

The multi-cultural Minister assisting the Prime Minister the Honourable James Merlino representing the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told the Assembled that the Victorian Government is proud to host this Purim Party, and announced that a new budget allowance for all religions inculuding Jewish was just passed. He commented on the shofar blowing at the Memorial For the bushfire victims had made a great impression on all.

The Honourable Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle thanked Rabbi Herzog for Organizing the Holiday events, throughout the year, Purim at the Melbourne Town Hall, Succos in the Melbourne City Square, and Chanukah at Parliament House,etc. And hopes that he will be invited to future celebrations. He amused the audience With a few Jewish jokes.

The megillah was then read and the proceedings were concluded with a catered Buffet seudah and live music

Chabad of Melbourne's Central Business District
Menorah Lighting and Cocktail Party at
Victoria's Parliament House Australia

The Chabad House of Melbourne's Central Business District directed by Rabbi Chaim Herzog held its annual Menorah Lighting and Cocktail Party at the Victorian State Parliament House on the second night of Chanukah. Victoria's Premier John Brumby and the Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu were in attendance as well as many other politicians, community leaders and members of the community.

The master of ceremonies Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant opened the evening with inspiring words on how the fact that we are able to light the Chanukah Menorah in Parliament proves how the Government supports and helps Jews to keep their traditions and celebrate their religion. Rabbi Herzog then addressed the audience on the importance of lighting up the darkness – even after the tragedy of Mumbai – we must now continue to light up the world even more so – that not one place in this world shall remain dark with hate and intolerance.

Premier Brumby spoke on the State of Victoria's tolerance and welcoming of all peoples in the spirit of multiculturalism. Premier Brumby expressed his happiness at joining in the Chanukah celebrations as a demonstration of how Australia, and Victoria in particular, value their Jewish citizens and their Jewish culture and their right to freedom.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu spoke about the importance of the festival of Chanukah – how it has been celebrated for almost 2,000 years – and how the Victorian Parliament respects and celebrates all cultures and their ancient traditions.

Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Groner of the Yeshivah Centre then spoke about how Chanukah celebrates Unity – he addressed the Premier and State Opposition Leader who are unified in their support of Victorian Jewry. Rabbi Groner also explained the Seven Noachide Laws at length to the participants.

The Menorah was then lit by Rabbi Herzog and Chazzan Yechezkel Braun sang Haneros Halalu and Maoz Tzur. Many Jews from Melbourne's city-centre and many professionals and businesspeople participated in this annual event which was followed by a Cocktail party.

Sukkah in the City Sqaure

Thursday the first day of Chol Hamoed in the Diaspora, Chabad of Melbourne Central Business District directed by Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog held a luncheon and lecture in their large Sukkah in City Square. Many business people and professionals who work in the area used this opportunity to 'bentch' Lulav and Etrog in the morning and various schools including 'King David School' (a Progressive school) visited with their classes.

The highlight of the Sukkah exhibition which lasts all Chol Hamoed, was the luncheon which was attended by Melbourne's Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor and Rabbi Levi Mochkin, Rabbi Herzog thanked the Lord Mayor and the City of Melbourne for their continuous support for the past four years that the Sukkah exhibition has been held and asked the Lord Mayor to speak.

The Lord Mayor spoke at length about how Melbourne is a multicultural city that is made up of people who speak over 200 different languages and every religion. The Lord Mayor spoke of how the Sukkah represents unity - where everyone is welcome to live in harmony. He spoke of how lucky we are to live in Melbourne, a city where people of all denominations also live with tolerance. Afterward, Rabbi Herzog invited the Deputy Lord Mayor to speak. The Deputy spoke of how he appreciates the merit he has to help Rabbi Herzog to open this Sukkah which demonstrates that everyone can coexist and work together for greater good. He also spoke of how he is proud to help members of the Jewish community by giving them more opportunities to fulfill the Mitzvah Sukkah while at work.

Rabbi Levi Mochkin then addressed the participants explaining the Chassidic messages behind Sukkot according to the Rebbe's teachings. Rabbi Mochkin also pointed out that this Sukkah in Melbourne's Central Business District is one of thousand of Sukkot that are open to all over all the world. After these speeches and Divrei Torah, the participants were invited to wash and sit down to fully catered luncheon in the Sukkah.

Corporate Fraud in the Eyes of Torah

Law Lecture at Chabad of Melbourne's Central Business District Today Chabad of Melbourne's Central Business District, under shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog, hosted a lecture for Jewish lawyers and professionals on the topic of "Corporate Fraud in the Eyes of Torah". The first guest-speaker Mr. Ian (Yisroel) Waller, a prominent barrister and lawyer, spoke of how Australian law defines corporate law and its implications. Second guest-speaker Rabbi Dr. Shimon Cowen spoke of how Jewish law defines corporate fraud and its implications for Jewish businesspeople. The lecture featured a break in which a minyan for Mincha was held (as it is each week) and the lecture continued with a 'Question & Answer" session. This popular and fascinating lecture was attended by many of Melbourne's prominent law professionals, businesspeople and other Jews local to the area.

Inspiration and Divrei Torah at Chabad of Melbourne CBD

Chabad of Melbourne CBD holds a Mincha minyan daily at their premises in Melbourne's Central Business District. Last week on Monday, Mr. Motti Dominitz of Mosdot Shiloh addrssed the participants at the Minyan at a lunch and learn lecture. Mr. Dominitz spoke at length about the Mesirut Nefesh that the Jews who live in Shiloh must have on a daily basis in order to protect the precious site where the Mishkan stood for hundreds of years and in Yehudah and Shomron. The next day on Tuesday the Admor M'Stropkov (Stropkover Rebbe) farbrenged with participants about various Chidushei Torah that the Alter Rebbe has taught. Both events were well attended and enjoyed by the various professionals and businesspeople who work in the city and appreciate any chance to 'chap' a mincha and a shiur.

Rabbi Leibel Groner lectures at Chabad of Melbourne 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.

Gimmel Tammuz in Melbourne's
Central Business District, Australia

Rabbie Yosef Minkowitz, Principal of Beth Rivkah Montreal, who was Melbourne's guest speaker for Gimmel Tammuz spoke today before businesspeople and professionals at the Chabad of Melbourne CBD directed by Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog. Rabbi Minkowitz highlighted how the Rebbe's visions and words about what would occur in Eretz Yisroel, always came into effect. The Rebbe announced the good - that no one should fear the outcome of the Six-Day War and indeed there was victory. The Rebbe also forewarned about the danger of considering (and even more so the actual) giving away land to broker 'peace deals' and indeed we have unfortunately witnessed the tragedies suffered as a result of not heeding the Rebbe's words. Rabbi Minkowitz also spoke about the Rebbe's stance on 'prisoner exchanges and release'. After the lecture, a minyan for Mincha was held. Shortly after the organizers and participants were informed of the passing of the Head Shliach of Melbourne Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner A"H and the event was dedicated for his Aliyas Neshomoh.