Rabbis Tour Australia to Reconnect with Jews

The Standard

Rabbis Zalmy Shemtov (left) and Mendy Begun are touring the area to visit isolated Jews and help them reconnect with their roots and heritage.

A pair of young roving rabbis are visiting Warrnambool to reconnect isolated Jews to their roots and heritage this week.

Zalmy Shemtov, from Uruguay, and Mendy Begun, from Brazil, are travelling through the country as part of the non-profit organisation Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia. Mr Shemtov said since arriving in Warrnambool they had located three Jews in one day, simply through word of mouth.

“One of them we met up with and chatted about life and Judaism, and he invited us to see some whales from his home tonight,” he said.

“We generally always see the same reaction — they are surprised we’ve come and pleased to see us.

“Sometimes just seeing us makes them feel reconnected to Judaism.”

He said in the places they were visiting there were no synagogues where Jews could meet.

“We visit isolated Jews, bring Judaism to them and reconnect them to their heritage to help any way we can. Mostly they are secular Jews and we’re not here to make them Hasidic.

“Every small thing counts so we’re here to bring them one step closer to wherever they want to go.”

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released last month, less than 100 people in the south-west region speak Hebrew at home.

17 Comments

  • rara!!

    Chabad of RARA is a truly inspirational organisation. Kol Hakovod for all the amazing work that you guys do!!!

  • ozzie

    Go Chabad of Rara!!!
    You guys are amazing!!!!
    Keep up all the good work you continue to do year round!!!

  • menachem

    Without Chabad of Rara thousands of Jewish people in remote parts of Australia, would have no connection to their heritage at all!!!
    You guys are an inspiration to all of us!!!!

  • ydden

    to # 5 and # 7

    meanwhile you are in the beach or the mountains with your hats and short hair, enjoying your 3 weeks vacation,these young rabbis are giving their summer vacation up for YDden

  • Chabad of RARA supporter

    I agree with #8. Are the other guys for real, seriously!!!
    You people are an embarressment and out to just shtech for no
    real reason. These guys are doing an amazing job and bringing The Rebbe and all those people around them such yiddishe nachas and pride. To those people that support Chabad of RARA, Kol Hakavod and may you and the organisers always continue with the love and passion that you have.
    Good for you.

  • im not judging

    lets be dan lekaf zechus! & only focus on the positive

    but just as a ip for future bachurim in similar situation

    if ur stuck with a picture (for whatever reason) that is less than mentchlich or befitting for a shiliach representing the rebbeh
    than use photoshop or submit a pic of yourselves of a prviouse time period where u look more aprapo

    to end on a positive note!

    while respect to the Rebbeh is important even in dress! the most important thing is that they are DOING THE REBBE’S WORK!! and for that they do deserve credit regardless of lesser imperfections!

  • Berditsheever

    Its nice to see that even Bachurim who struggle with chasidishe attire will still do shlichus! kol hakavod!

    who says shlichus is limited to full fledged ultra chasidish peole alone?

    halevay more chabad-lite-ers followed his example & did shlichus too!

  • chaya and mendel

    go mendy!
    we are proud of you!!!! any time you want to come back to playa we are waiting for you!!!!!

    chabad of playa del carmen, mexico

  • to #11 Bardichuver

    well said! thx!

    halevay more chabad-lite-ers followed his example & did shlichus too!

  • Standard

    Rara always takes the most talented out there. I wonder how they do it? Maybe it’s the trip to Australia :D