Clergy
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.
A message from Rabbi Wolff
As Chief Minister and spiritual head of The Central Synagogue, I have the honour of leading the services and providing support to my congregants. I have the priviledge of officiating at and joining in with celebrations and at other times being able to offer assistance to those coping with life events that may require strength and fortitude of spirit.
Together with my wife Chanie and my six beautiful children, I am truly blessed to be a part of this unique and exuberant congregation. Despite this being such a large congregation, the feeling of “family” is apparent and the roots of unity run deep. Our congregants have a sense of commitment and generosity that has allowed us to expand and grow in the extension of new classrooms, libraries and facilities in which we can offer education, stimulation and learning. It also allows us to maintain and preserve our beautiful sanctuary.
I pray that Hashem may grant me the wisdom and strength to continue to lead my devoted congregation, to provide guidance, support and spiritual growth and comfort to those in need. With blessings for the rebuilding of the Jewish people’s ultimate sanctuary in the Holy Land.
Rabbi David Freedman - Pastoral Care
Rabbi Freedman entered the rabbinate in 1973 and has served various congregations with distinction in London and Sydney. Rabbi David joined our shul in 2009, primarily to help in the area of pastoral care and to assist Rabbi Wolff. He visits Jewish patients in hospitals each week and will make himself available for specific hospital or home visits.
In addition to his duties for The Central Synagogue, he lectures in Medieval Jewish History at Sydney University and in Jewish Law at UNSW. Rabbi David with his wife Ruth moved to Bellevue Hill in 2007 and cherish time with their children and grandchildren in Sydney, Perth and London.
Rabbi Yossi Friedman - Youth Rabbi
After completing a commerce degree at UNSW, Rabbi Yossi received his smicha from the Tzemach Tzedek Rabbinical College in Bondi. He was the Ba’al Koreh (Torah reader) at our shul for 4 years before marrying Chana Raizel. Their family has now extended to include a daughter. Rabbi Yossi was appointed as the first Youth Rabbi of our shul in 2009, as it was felt that the youth, being an integral sector of our congregation, required more specific attention and education. He and his wife, Chana Raizel, run the Youth Services on Shabbat as well as many other creative programs for the youth of all ages at Central. Rabbi Yossi and Chana Raizel are known for their cheerful smiles and open home.