Chabad of RARA Celebrates 20 Years

Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia recently marked 20 years of operation.

Founded in June of 2000 by Mr. and Mrs. Shaul Spigler, the organization has reached out to thousands of Jewish people living in remote and rural areas around Australia. These families and individuals are far from any Jewish Center, and for most. Chabad of RARA is their only connection to Judaism.

“RARA has changed my life,” says Chrissie Grant, who now goes by Dassy. Dassy lives in Shepparton, Victoria and did not know she was Jewish until she saw the now-famous “Outback Rabbis” documentary on Australian TV. “It has given me a sense of belonging, identity, validation and community that I have never had before. I have learned so much and am able to participate in meaningful rituals and holidays that help me connect with my spirituality.”

Dassy just one of the many thousands impacted by Chabad of RARA’s outreach work.

In recent years, the organization has upped its game, and now has four full-time couples working to reach Jewish people wherever they may be.

There’s Rabbi Menachem and Shevi Aron at RARA HQ based in Melbourne, Rabbi Yossi and Malki Rodal in Newcastle, NSW, Rabbi Mendel and Esty Khutoretsky in the Sunshine Coast, QLD, and Rabbi Ari and Mushky Rubin in Cairns, QLD.

Chabad of RARA regularly brings down bochurim, both local and from overseas to embark on the famous “RARA Trips”, where they spend up to 8 weeks on the road, traveling around the country in the famous RARA Mitzvah Tank and visiting families.

To date, more than 1.5 million kilometres have been traveled in search of meeting up and finding Jewish people.

Click here to download the report on 20 Years of Chabad of RARA
Chabad of RARA - 20 years

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