About Us
Since it's establishment in 1998 by young Rabbi Chaim Dov Ber Herzog, Chabad of Melbourne CBD (Central Business District), one of the Mosdoz of the Rebbe has been going from strength to strength reaching out to Jewish business people and young professionals. "Down Under" Melbourne, a quiet city where the weather changes three times a day now hosts a fast growing Jewish Community. As you walk past the tall skyscrapers one along side the other, with the trees in between, that is where you will find Chabad of Melbourne CBD. Chabad's home to downtown Melbourne, Australia

There are lots of Jewish People moving into the CBD and Southbank, there may be as many as 600 Jews currently living there.

Chabad of Melbourne CBD started out firstly with a Luncheon to commemorate the Festival of Purim. The sound of greggars reached far and wide as the Megillah was read to an enthusiastic crowd that was led by Member of Parliament from Caulfield, Ms. Helen Shardey, who brought us greetings from the Premier on the essence of the holiday of Purim. Being new to the community and not knowing what to expect, since it was the first formal function, the organizers were overwhelmed by the crowd that showed up; not realizing how many Jewish people were working in the city area, since the entire Jewish population numbers 50,000 throughout the whole State of Victoria, Australia. This function proved so successful, that it was decided to proceed with regular monthly lectures combined with lunch, which would enable the local professionals and businessmen to share their views and get in touch with their roots.

Chabad of Melbourne CBD has hosted an extensive list of prominent speakers, which have included: Senator the Honourable Rod Kemp (Minister for Arts & Sport), Michael Danby (Federal Minister for Melbourne Ports), State Minister Mr. Tony Lupton, Mrs. Helen Shardey (Shadow Minister for Community Services & Housing) and The Honourable Lord Mayor John So for the City of Melbourne.

Every Friday a co-ordinated group of students from the local Rabbinical Colleges and seminaries go visiting the businessmen and professionals who include Barristers, Queens Council, solicitors, doctors, accountants, stockbrokers, computer analysts and others in the City district. Amongst other things, the students distribute weekly newsletters, put on Tefillin with people and install Mezuzos, as well as dealing with Shabbos and Kashrus related issues.

The Annual Purim parties put on by Chabad of Melbourne CBD have become a smashing success with close to 400 people attending. Ms. Helen Shardey M.P., a State Member of Parliament, in one of her Purim addresses, praised the achievements of the Chabad movement in the City of Melbourne and stressed the importance of bringing business professionals together for such occasions.