New Shluchim to the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Rabbi Oshy and Liba Goodman have been appointed as the new Shluchim to serve the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

A booming area boasting many popular tourist attractions and miles of beautiful beaches, the Sunshine Coast has also experienced a massive population growth in the past decade.

Chabad RARA, founded by Saul and Beverly Spigler in 2000, has been visiting the region for over 20 years. In more recent years, a need has been identified to place a family there permanently to serve the needs of the growing population.

Rabbi Oshy and Liba arrived with their three young daughters Mushka, Rosa and Chana shortly before Pesach this year, and have since strengthened existing relationships, and created many new ones.

They are based at the “Beis Nissim Chabad House”, located in the popular Bokarina area, and just metres from the waterfront.

Some new initiatives that have been very successful include a monthly women’s get-together event, as well as a Sunday Cheder every week.

Community members enjoy Shabbat meals every week, and through these meals, many have been introduced to other Jewish families that they did not even know of.

Classes on a wide range of Jewish topics are also being held, with great interest from the community.

The Goodman’s also coordinated a successful day camp during the recent school holiday break, providing a week full of Jewish activities for more than 25 children.

Every Shabbat, guests have stayed over at the Chabad House, ranging from Israeli backpackers to entire families that are visiting the area. These gusts are able to experience a real Shabbat, and have developed close ties with the Goodman’s.

This week, the Chabad House will host its first monthly Shabbat Minyan, something that many of the locals have been asking to take place.

Rabbi Oshy grew up in Manchester, England, and spent time studying in New York and Israel, and has years of experience working in the Former Soviet Union as well as in Ukraine, leading summer camps and youth programs.

Liba is from Moscow, Russia, and spent time in seminary in Israel. She has made strong connections with many of the young families in the Sunshine Coast.

To support this new Shlichus, please make a donation today at chabadofrara.org/donate and leave a note “Sunshine Coast”.