Clergy
Rabbi Levi Wolff – Chief Minister & Rebbetzin Chanie Wolff
Rabbi Levi Wolff was raised in a warm and welcoming family in New Jersey, USA. His education encompassed many years of concentrated studies, both textual and philosophical, simultaneously extending well beyond the classroom in an active capacity.
As a dedicated student and Rabbi-in-training, he travelled extensively to Jewish communities around the globe, volunteering his services and skills, all-the-while learning from the many and varied cultural traditions he encountered.
All of his focused learning culminated in his respected rabbinical ordination in 1996 from Rabbi Pinchas Hirschprung, then Chief Rabbi of Canada.
In 1997 Rabbi Levi, his wife Chanie and baby daughter left New York and embarked on their mission in Western Australia, where he was appointed director of Chabad WA and senior minister of Perth’s Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation.
In 2001, Rabbi Levi accepted the position of chief minister at The Central Synagogue in Sydney, the largest synagogue in the Southern Hemisphere. Rabbi and Chanie are a dynamic team at the helm of this Modern Orthodox spiritual hub, both masterfully juggling the sensibilities and challenges of today in real time, while remaining loyal to the timeless values of Torah-true Judaism.
Rabbi Levi is a spiritual mentor to many and runs a plethora of programs: from educational life cycle courses to adult education classes to shiurim to Central’s Bar Mitzvah Academy and more. Rabbi delivers soulful sermons on Shabbat, and addresses thousands of congregants over the Jewish High Holiday season.
Rebbetzin Chanie forms a “Central” position in our community’s life, creating comprehensive and tailored programs such as the Bat Mitzvah Academy, offering one-on-one counselling as a sought-out mentor to many. Chanie and Rabbi run pre-marital sessions together, preparing young brides and grooms, not only for the big day, but for Jewish married life well beyond.
Contributing as a regular columnist for print media, Rabbi Levi also beams out his insightful messages via social media platforms, all of which are widely circulated and appreciated by a worldwide audience.
He is guided by the commandment, “Love your fellow as yourself,” striving so all feel – not merely welcomed – but spiritually elevated.
Rabbi and Chanie are blessed with six children, two sons-in-law and are delighted to wear an additional hat – that of bubbe and zaide!
The good work continues.
Rabbi Levi Wolff- Chief Minister & Rebbetzin Chanie Wolff
Rabbi David Freedman
Rabbi Freedman entered the rabbinate in 1973 and has consistently served various congregations with distinction and devotion in both London and Sydney for almost half a century. Rabbi David first joined our shul in 2009, primarily to aid in the area of pastoral care offering spiritual, emotional and social support, in addition to assisting Rabbi Wolff whenever and wherever needed.
If members of our Central Family are unwell, Rabbi David is available to visit patients in hospital and he carves out time in his week to make home visits; he also connects with congregants via other convenient technological mediums.
Rabbi David has previously lectured in Medieval Jewish History at Sydney University and in Jewish Law at the University of New South Wales. He offers insightful sermons in Rabbi Wolff’s absence and publishes a widely read Dvar Torah each week which is so helpful to so many, along with conducting ongoing Shiurim exploring modern Jewish history and more.
Rabbi David, along with his wife, Ruth, cherish time with their children and grandchildren in both Sydney and Perth.
Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt
Rabbi for young adults and young families.
With a heart full of passion and a vision for connection, Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt brings a unique blend of spiritual leadership and modern Jewish living to the Central family.
Rabbi Yosef was raised in Los Angeles and received his Rabbinical ordination in Israel. He spent 8 years in clergy and non-profit work, during which he ran an orphanage in Ukraine and founded a non-profit organization in Israel.
He has spent a decade in the financial services industry and currently runs a private credit fund.
Rabbi Yosef’s wife Sara (maiden name Deitz), a Bondi native, is an accomplished Senior Project Manager in the Department of Education. Together with their children Mem, Aliya, Ariel, Eden and cavoodle Buddy, they call Bondi home.
Rabbi Yosef firmly believes that at the core of human existence lies a yearning for meaningful connections. Whether it be with God & spirituality, community & family, personal growth, or social and professional, these connections are what truly enrich our lives.
His goal at The Central Synagogue is to nurture and grow our community alongside Rabbi Wolff and the Central team by offering diverse opportunities for individuals to connect with themselves, with Judaism and our community in ways that are relevant and meaningful to them.