The Rabbi & Rebbetzin
Rabbi Shmueli Feldman, aged 39, hails from Bondi, and embodies the legacy of a fifth-generation Australian Rabbi. His reputation as a prominent community leader is backed by a wealth of accomplishments. A fervent orator, singer, and entertainer, Rabbi Feldman possesses a diverse range of Rabbinic and Post-Rabbinical qualifications, including Semicha, Safrut, Shechita, and Chazzanut. These credentials are a testament to his extensive studies and professional experiences across Australia, the U.S.A, South America, Russia, Ukraine and Israel. Moreover, he holds tertiary qualifications in Leadership and Management, as well as Education and Care.
Rebbetzin Chasia Feldman, 38, received a BA in Education from Michlelet Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem and is an accomplished teacher and program coordinator, gaining experience in Israel, Russia, Ukraine, New York and in Sydney. The popular and dynamic Rebbetzin also established woman’s classes in Sydney which still prevail today.
Rabbi Feldman is distinguished by his approachability, personable demeanour, and infectious sense of humour. Fluent in several languages, he adds a multi-dimensional facet to his interactions. In 2006, Rabbi Feldman joined in marriage with Chasia Kiel in Jerusalem. Their pursuit of academic advancement led them to further immersion in studies in Israel before embarking on a shared mission to Australia as representatives of Chabad Lubavitch – the pinnacle global outreach movement within Judaism.
In January 2013, following an extensive international search, The Feldmans were formally appointed as the leaders of Chabad in the ACT by Rabbi Aharon Serebryanski, Of Blessed Memory, the Former Director of "Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch", Chabad's educational arm in Australia. Their appointment followed Rabbi Dan & Rebbetzin Naomi Avital concluding their tenure in Canberra. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Avital served the ACT community for three years as the first resident Rabbi and Rebbetzin in Canberra’s history.
For the past decade, Rabbi Feldman has admirably served as the Senior Rabbi and Chairman of Chabad ACT, making history as Canberra’s longest-serving Rabbi.
In this capacity, his achievements extend beyond the realm of religion, including his dedicated efforts in nurturing the Jewish community and enriching the lives of residents and visitors in Canberra and its surrounding areas. He also serves as a volunteer Chaplain with Canberra and Region’s Hospitals and Universities. He has further garnered acclaim as a staunch advocate for Jewish and social causes, playing a pivotal role in coordinating and presenting at communal events attended by Australia's political and multicultural leaders, as well as the Diplomatic community.
Notable highlights of his Canberra journey include the establishment of annual Chanukah events in Federal and State Parliaments, the coordination of a milestone event marking the conclusion of the first-ever Torah in Parliament House, and his appointment as a judge on the Australian of the Year Awards panel. Beyond these, Rabbi Feldman's contributions encompass being a keynote speaker at various large conferences spanning a spectrum of community groups and organisations. His expertise is sought by television and radio stations for commentary on diverse religious topics and matters affecting the multicultural fabric of society.
Remarkably, Rabbi Feldman has been at the forefront of pivotal moments, including his lead role in fostering multifaith solidarity between the Australian Jewish and Muslim communities after the Christchurch tragedies. He also held the mantle of being the keynote speaker on peace at the UAE Embassy and other Embassies preceding the Abraham Peace Accords. His legacy extends to being the first Rabbi to officiate a State funeral in Canberra, the first Jew to be invited to deliver the keynote address for the UN Harmony Day at Parliament House and the first community leader to keynote the Harmony Day event welcoming new citizens at the famous Albert Hall, Canberra, alongside the Federal Immigration Minister. Further underlining his achievements, he was voted by the National Rabbinate onto lead positions on prominent boards such as the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia and the newly established Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond the realm of leadership, Rabbi Feldman has pioneered educational and humanitarian initiatives spanning all age groups within the ACT and surrounding regions. His contributions encompass the establishment of an award-winning community centre, a Synagogue, preschool, various social welfare programs including Canberra’s only Kosher & Halal foodbank, and Canberra's inaugural Jewish primary school. Prior to his stewardship in Australia’s capital, he spent his formative professional years from 2007 at Sydney's Yeshiva Centre, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Yeshiva College Bondi. During this period, he served as the General Manager of the Yeshiva Centre and Deputy Principal of Yeshiva College.
Rabbi Shmueli and Rebbetzin Chasia Feldman, along with their seven children, recently embarked on a new chapter in Melbourne. As of February 2022, Rabbi Feldman has taken up the esteemed roles of Rabbi and Chazzan at the prestigious Kew Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne, while continuing to lead Chabad ACT, a testament to his ongoing commitment to building and serving communities across the nation.