BDE: Rabbi Menachem Mendel New, OBM

With great sadness we report the passing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel New OBM, one of the esteemed elder members of the Anash community in Melbourne, Australia. He passed away on Monday, the 20th of Adar, 5786.

Reb Menachem Mendel was born around the year 5690 (circa 1930) to his parents, Reb Yisroel and Rivka New.

Already as a young man prior to his marriage, while still living in Australia, he merited to receive letters from the Rebbe. In those letters, the Rebbe blessed him with success and expansion in his livelihood, linking the blessing with his assistance in helping expand the local Yeshivas Oholei Yosef Yitzchok.

In the year 5722 (1962), he became engaged to his wife, Asia, the eldest daughter of the well-known chossid Harav Isser Kluwgant, who was a relative of the Rebbe.

In accordance with the Rebbe’s guidance in his correspondence, when Reb Mendel purchased a home on Gatlands Street, he temporarily housed the yeshiva in his own home for several months until a permanent location for the yeshiva was secured.

Reb Mendel and his wife Asia played a significant role in the growth and strengthening of the flourishing Chabad-Lubavitch community of Melbourne. Their home was widely known for its exceptional hachnosas orchim, welcoming guests and community members alike.

For seven years, Mrs. Asia New served as president of the community’s donors’ club and was a central activist for many years in the local N’shei U’Bnos Chabad organization.

With the large wave of immigration from Russia beginning in the 1970s, the couple devoted significant effort and energy to helping the new arrivals acclimate and integrate into the local Chabad community. In later years, Mrs. New was also involved in fundraising efforts for the Children of Chernobyl project, for which she merited encouragement from the Rebbe.

Through the family connections of his wife’s family, they merited to maintain a close relationship with the Rebbe’s household.

Together they established a beautiful family of children and grandchildren—shluchim, chassidim, and devoted individuals connected to the Rebbe across the globe.

He is survived by his children: Rabbi Moshe New (Montreal, Canada), Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak New (Atlanta, GA), Rabbi Reuven New (Boca Raton, FL), and Mrs. Sterna New (Melbourne–Singapore).

His wife, Mrs. Asia New, passed away approximately two years ago. Their son, Reb Chaim New OBM, also predeceased him.

Levaya information to be announced.

Shiva information to be announced.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes