About – East Melbourne Synagogue

About Us

The beautiful East Melbourne Synagogue was founded in 1857. Its story is the story of the origins of Melbourne Jewry.

Today, ‘The City Shul’ is re-emerging as a vibrant Jewish hub. For our growing community – the young families moving back to the CBD and the inner North; the university students; the interstate and international visitors, as well as those who work in the city – our shul is a place to be immersed in Jewish culture, thought and history; a place to pray, learn, connect, receive welfare support services and pastoral care.

Our Rabbi

Dovid is an Aussie, a great bloke and a Rabbi. No matter your religious orientation his streetwise, down to earth approach will make you feel comfortable and spiritually enriched. Born in Sydney, Rabbi Dovid Gutnick studied at Yeshivah College in Melbourne before attending the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand, Rabbinical College of Canada and Yeshivah Ohr Elchonon in Los Angeles. He received his s’micha (rabbinic ordination) at the Rabbinical College of America in New Jersey. Like his father and grandfather before him, Dovid proudly serves in the Australian Defence Force Reserves as the army’s Jewish Chaplain. The Rebbetzin, Rachel, takes an active role in the synagogue, its congregation and its excellent functions. They have 5 wonderful sons.

Our Congregation

Our Shul in East Melbourne is a historically significant Jewish place of worship and the only one in the central city area of Melbourne. It is a vibrant, central hub for Jewish activity, culture, learning, social action, the arts, and much more; a place where everyone is welcome. Although our services are conducted in a modern orthodox style our members have a wide range of religious orientations. We are an inclusive and welcoming Shul and invite you to join us for Shabbat, festivals and our many events.

Our President

Danny Segal has been the driving force behind the East Melbourne Hebrew congregation for many years. He bring good humour, optimism and warmth to the Shul and makes every member and visitor feel like a personal friend. Occasionally he can be persuaded to perform with his music partner Paul Glass their well known and loved klezma music routines. His wife Jenny is also actively involved in the Shul as are their two adult children.

East Melbourne Synagogue

About Us

Our Rabbi

Our Congregation

Our President

With thanks to our major supporters

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