Meet the Chabad House of Cheltenham

In most businesses in Cheltenham, a southern heartland of manufacturing Melbourne, trade thins out and carparks empty over the lunch time period.

Not so at Valiant Enterprises. In fact there’s a steady stream of people, noticeably mainly male, who advance on Valiant right during this time. The carpark fills up as the young lady at reception warmly directs the sizeable crowd upstairs.

Valiant’s expansive showroom is located there, as well as its conference and boardrooms.

But thats not where the crowd is heading. It’s making its’ way to a small hall fitted out with furniture and accessories you would normally not find in your everyday corporate or business premises.

You have come to the Chabad House of Cheltenham, an oasis of time and place in the otherwise hectic day of all those entering its doors.

Its a Shule, a study hall and a dining room all rolled in one. Its a Chabad House like none other, and a “Time Out” station totally unique to Melbourne.

You have come to daven Mincha, have a shiur or just to chat with its director and shaliach Rabbi Ari Arenstein. A native South African now living in Melbourne, Rabbi Arenstein has always dreamed of being a Chabad shaliach and making a difference to the lives of his fellow Jews. Now he is doing exactly that – servicing the religious needs of businessmen and residents in a fast growing area encompassing Cheltenham, Moorabbin, Oakleigh, and the southern surrounds.

Although currently housed within the vast Valiant complex, Rabbi Arenstein is looking forward to the day when the Chabad House outgrows its current reside and establishes itself in its own abode. In the meantime, Rabbi Arenstein is busy visiting people in their homes and workplaces, speaking to families about kashrut, mezuzah and other mitzvot and encouraging them to actively participate in Jewish lifecycle events.

But it is the regular lunchtime events and the highly acclaimed monthly Lunch ‘n Learn that amazes everyone. That so many people take time-out to davven Mincha with a Minyan in the very middle of a business day is truly inspiring. And its not just the next door neighbors out for a walk. Men drive from all surrounding suburbs to participate. And afterwards, there’s always a snack, a quick shiur or just a brief chat with friends.

The highlight of the month is the Lunch ‘n Learn, attracting men and women from businessess all over the area. Featuring a guest speaker and a hearty lunch, the one hour event is always packed and continually growing.

During Chol Hamoed Succos, the Chabad House sukkah was packed every lunchtime, with men and women coming from all the surrounding areas to enjoy a lavish lunch supplied by the Chabad House. The highlight was a Bar-B-Que Lunch and Learn which attracted a standing room only crowd.

Rabbi Arenstein is currently working on several projects, among them a series of unique Shabbaton experiences where families in the area can meet other families around a Shabbat table and a series of educational programmes for all age levels.

If you live or work in the area, connect with Rabbi Arenstein. He’ll meet you at your business, at home or over a cup of coffee anywhere. Certainly not your everyday Rabbi, but certainly very unique and well worth the meet.

And think about taking some time out during the day at the Chabad House of Cheltenham – the nibbles are good, the networkings great and who knows – you might even learn something!