Kesser Torah College Honors Former Adversary

A month and a half after historic reconciliation between the former adversaries, a plaque unveiling ceremony was held recently at Sydney’s Kesser Torah College, under the leadership of Rabbi Meir Moss, in tribute to Head Shluchim Rabbi Pinchus and Rebbetzin Pnina Feldman.

The event was chaired by Rabbi Michoel Gourarie, Director of Bina and KTC Board member. Rabbi Gourarie welcomed the crowd, which included members of KTC’s Board of Management, teachers and communal leaders.

Rabbi Gourarie spoke about the impact of Chabad under Rabbi Feldman’s leadership on the development of so many Jewish Organisations in Sydney, saying that much of the good work being done now by many independent organisations can be traced to Rabbi Feldman’s original efforts. Rabbi Gourarie referred to himself as an example, having been brought to Sydney 25 years ago by Rabbi Feldman.

Kesser Torah College President Mr Meir Moss then addressed the gathering, “Rabbi Feldman has had a profound influence on the Sydney Jewish Community. Yeshiva College, which was his baby for over 30 years, would never have grown and had the influence it had without him. His personal individual struggle to finance what was a black hole of Calcutta was testament to his tenacity, resolve and determination to ensure that Yiddishkeit continued to survive and flourish in the difficult environment of Sydney.” said Mr Moss.

“We would like to salute that dedication and determination and I hope we can all take a page from Rabbi Feldman’s book in that regard.”

“The Team at Kesser Torah College have worked very hard to build on the foundations set by Rabbi Feldman. We believe that we have created a school that we can all be proud of that strives for excellence in education in both kodesh and chol. We have an outstanding Principal supported by our Team of capable and dedicated staff. I think we all agree that it is critical for the growth of Yiddishkeit in Sydney that KTC goes from strength to strength. We wish Rabbi and Rebbetzin Feldman arichas yomim veshonim tovos with the strength to continue their involvement in Yiddishkeit in Sydney in peace and cooperation with all parts of the community.”

Mr Moss then officially unveiled the plaque, which reads: “Dedicated to Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM Dean and Spiritual Leader of The Yeshiva Centre, Honorary life president of the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales, longest serving principal of YeshivaCollege and founding Campus College Dean at the Dover Heights site. And to Rebbetzin Pnina Feldman, founder and first principal of Yeshiva Girls High School”

Rabbi Feldman thanked Mr Moss for his kind words and addressed the gathering, saying that in remembering the past it is important to note that he and his Rebbetzin came to Sydney because of the inspiration and guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. This was subsequent to Rebbetzin Feldman’s father, Rabbi Chaim Gutnick, being encouraged by the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe to stay in Australia after the Holocaust and help build Yiddishkeit here. It was with the blessing and direction of the Rebbe that the Yeshiva was developed, and indeed the teachings and spirit of the Rebbe continue to motivate the current leaders of KTC, including Board members Mr Meir Moss and Mr Dovid Dietz.

Rabbi Feldman thanked Rebbetzin Feldman for her unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to the needs of the community, even before her own. He thanked a number of people for their assistance in the purchase and development of the Dover Heights Campus, including generous and unprecedented support by Yeshiva Life Governor Mr Harry Triguboff AO. Rabbi Dovid Slavin played an invaluable role in encouraging and facilitating that support. Rabbi Feldman also thanked members of his family and others in attendance including Dr Sam Friedman OAM, Mr Paul Stephenson and Mr Jack Fisher.

Rabbi Feldman concluded by quoting Talmudic passages about the the blessings showered upon people when living in peace and harmony, and paid tribute to Rabbi Michoel Gourarie and Rabbi Yossi Feldman for facilitating the peace agreement with KTC.

Rabbi Yossi Feldman wrapped up the formal proceedings with a Birchat Kohanim, reciting the original priestly blessing from the Torah. He also thanked KTC Vice President Mr Carl Reid OAM for his efforts and involvement in bringing the parties together.