By T Dayman
One hundred and fifty Zoom participants assembled online on a recent Sunday, to witness the unprecedented interview and meeting of the respective judges; Judge Ruchel Freier of New York, and Rabbi Justice Marcus Solomon of Perth, Australia.
Chabad Double Bay’s Rabbi Yanky Berger commenced the program, leading viewers in prayer, and asserting that the judges are the members of our global Jewish community that ‘make us all very proud.’
Sydney N’Shei U’Bnos Chabad’s Mrs. Shternie Althaus efficaciously conducted the interview, prompting all the questions we might want to know about the judges.
Rabbi Shua Solomon concluded the program, son of Rabbi Justice Solomon, agreeing that this was a convention of ‘amazing and inspiring people.’
Sporting the accolades, ‘Most Influential Jew’, ‘Top 10 Political Story of the Year’ and first woman to hold public office, Judge Freier is the Chassidic wife, mother and judge that attributes her success to taking it, ‘one day at a time.’ After all, time is, ‘like money’ – ‘it’s not how much you have, it’s how you spend it.’
In addition to her professional achievements, the mother of six, also established ‘Ezras Noshim’ an all-female Jewish volunteer ambulance service. A stellar example of education and profession in her community, Judge Freier is also associated with a slew of charitable funds and organizations.
Affording her audience more seasoned advice in accomplishing a successful life, as she has, Judge Freier believes in prayer in order to, ‘make the right choices’ and ‘faith,’ that, ‘gives [her] the background and strength to do [her] job every day.’
On the other side of the globe, the Australian Jewish and Chassidic communities have their own ambassador to the civil courts. Solicitor, activist and judge, Rabbi Justice Solomon expresses his noble ethos and approach to his work, citing the Torah’s ‘laws of natural dignity afforded to litigants.’ That is, an upright regard for the parties’ status as being ‘created in the image of G-d.’
With utmost respect and honor, it is little wonder that Judge Solomon has reached the heights of the Australian judiciary system. Nevertheless, and despite these magnificent attainments, Rabbi Justice Solomon allocates time in his extremely busy schedule to maintain his role as rabbi of the Dianella Shule, and teach cheder students.
Rabbi Justice Solomon also alerts his audience to education’s import and the grave mistake in lack of support and investment in supporting teachers. The illustrious rank of teachers has been overlooked or forgotten, and Rabbi Justice Solomon presents a ‘call to action’ for a new injection, financially and resourcefully, to re-establish this cornerstone in our communities. His message is accordant with the theme of the Zoom interview, which announces clearly the dual values of education and hard work.
Mrs. Shternie Althaus highlights the power and illumination that Judges Solomon and Freier present, respectively; a ‘light unto the nations at opposite ends of the world’ and an ultimate in ‘Kiddush Hashem.’
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AUDIO: Spotify
I studied with him for a year in Chovevei Torah, I’m for ever indebted to Chaim New z”l for pairing us up, and it was a true pleasure, he’s a very serious person with a great mind, utilizes his time well and has hatzlocho. I believe that it was the only year that I learned as the Rebbe Rashab writes,
עסוקי שמעתתא אליבא דהילכתא , I wish him much success.