Keys to New Chabad Center in Australia Brought to 770

By COLlive staff

The Jewish community of Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia celebrated a historic milestone on Wednesday as they officially delivered the symbolic key of their newly completed magnificent Chabad Center to the Rebbe.

In an emotional ceremony, Shliach Rabbi Yehoram Ulman and his wife Rebbetzin Shternie Ulman were joined by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Merkos 302 as they presented the key on the Rebbe’s desk.

“This act represents more than just the culmination of years of dedication and effort—it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the Rebbe’s vision of spreading Torah, mitzvot, and ahavat Yisrael throughout the world,” said Rabbi Ulman.

A Promise Fulfilled
The story of this key begins decades ago with a remarkable moment that came full circle today. Rabbi Yosef Goldstein, the father-in-law of Rabbi Ulman, visited the Rebbe for a blessing for the success of the Chabad House which Rabbi Ulman was building. In a now well-known video of the encounter, Rabbi Goldstein presented the Rebbe with the news of the new center, referring to it as “a gift for the Rebbe.”

The Rebbe responded humbly, saying, “For me? It’s for Hashem.” Yet, in the Rebbe’s unique way, he added, “You can tell your son-in-law that I’ll be there as well.”

Today, as the key to the Ulman’s brand new center was symbolically handed over, the words of that blessing took on new meaning. This center is a gift to the Rebbe and, as the Rebbe emphasized, to Hashem—a space dedicated to Torah, tefillah, and community, where G-dliness can dwell and illuminate countless lives.

From Humble Beginnings to a Global Statement
The journey of the Bondi Chabad House began modestly, in a small building serving a growing community. Over the years, through the tireless efforts of shluchim, donors, and supporters, it has grown into a world-class center, situated at 105 Wellington Street.

This new center is not just a beautiful building; it is a hub for Jewish life in Bondi. With spaces dedicated to learning, prayer, and connection—including a stunning library of Jewish books, dynamic youth programs, and educational initiatives—this Chabad House stands as a testament to the Rebbe’s vision of creating a home for every Jew.

“Rabbi Goldstein’s words echo in our hearts as we mark this moment,” Rabbi Ulman said. “The Rebbe’s assurance, ‘I’ll be there as well,’ resonates deeply. It reminds us that this center is infused with the Rebbe’s spirit and guidance, serving not only as a physical space but as a spiritual beacon for generations to come.

“As we look to the future, the new Chabad Center stands ready to welcome Jews of all ages and backgrounds. Whether through evening yeshiva sessions, JLI classes, or programs for children and teens, this building is designed to be a place where everyone feels at home,” Rabbi Ulman said.

“Today, as we handed over the key, we reaffirmed our dedication to the mission: to create a space where every Jew feels welcome and where the light of Torah and mitzvot shines brightly. May this center bring blessings to all who enter and serve as a fitting gift for the Rebbe and, as the Rebbe reminded us, for Hashem.”