Australian Orthodox Rabbis Called Ministers

I’m looking at the website for the Central Synagogue of Sydney, Australia.

Rabbis in the mainstream Orthodox synagogues of Great Britain are also called “ministers” and they used to wear robes like Reform rabbis in America.

“Minister” is a Protestant term. An English-language term. There’s no Jewish basis for calling our rabbis “ministers”. Rabbis have traditionally not dressed in robes.

The title of “minister” is just so goyish and English and Protestant. Rabbis do not deserve such a term.

I bet no Chabad rabbi in Australia is called “minister”.

In France, where Jews are discouraged from publicly wearing a yarmulke and any identifying clothing for fear of getting hurt by Muslims or shunned by the French, Chabadniks still go around dressed like Chabadniks.

Here’s an excerpt:

Rabbi Levi Wolff – Chief Minister

Rabbi Levi Wolff and his wife, Chanie, are both originally from New Jersey, USA where they both grew up and completed their studies. In 1996, the Wolff family with their two young children, moved to Perth, W.A. where served for 5 years as senior minister at Perth’s Northern Surburbs Hebrew Congregation.

Rabbi Levi and Chanie Wolff joined our synagogue in August 2001.They came to us as a youthful and energetic young couple and have won the hearts of many in their years in Sydney. The Wolff family has also grown in numbers to a total of 3 boys and 3 girls.

Rabbi Wolff is the driving force behind the growth, warmth and soulful energy that Central is renowned for.

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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