Chabad-Mizrachi Shul Opens

When asked how to define the Hamayan Shul in Melbourne, Australia, its president Joel Gerschman has a hard time answering.

“A visitor once asked me, “Are you guys Chabad or Mizrachi, or what?” I answered, “Kind of neither, kind of both.”

At the inauguration ceremony this Sunday, Gerschman said the shul “doesn’t fit neatly within conventional categories. Its comprised of a diverse array of people from every walk of life united by a common mission: to daven to Hashem.”

This event was attended by many Rabbonim from across the spectrum of the Melbourne Rabbinate, and Member of Parliament, Mr. Micheal Danby.

It also welcomed a new Torah in memory of the six slain Jews at the Chabad House in Mumbai, India. It was donated by a kind anonymous donor.

Rabbi Mordechai Szmerling, spiritual leader of Hamayan, brought in the Sefer Torah, wrapped in a special mantel on which the names of the Kedoshim embroidered.

Dr. Isaac Balbin, a senior lecturer at RMIT University and Alcoa Australia who travels often to India, spoke about Rabbi Gabi and Rivki Holtzberg HY”D.

A video message from the mourning father Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg of New York was shown.

The mechitza was then drawn and Hakofos were given out, accompanied by very lively and emotionally charged dancing.