New Shluchim Will Service 6-Hour Stretch of Coastline

By COLlive reporter

Known for its relaxed beach culture, the Sunshine Coast of Queensland in Australia is experiencing a boom both economically, and in its tourism draw. The stunning Australian shoreline and adventurous hinterland, coupled with its proximity to Brisbane, is attracting young families, holidaymakers, and backpackers by the hundreds.

The local Jewish community is also on the rise.

For the past few decades, the Sunshine Coast and its surrounding areas have welcomed many Chabad of RARA representatives a few times a year. Students from Yeshivah Gedolah in Melbourne would visit yearly to organize a public Pesach Seder. Rabbi Levi Jaffe of Chabad Brisbane has also been involved, teaching classes and holding various activities.

Over time, it became clear that the Jews of the Sunshine Coast require a permanent Chabad presence in the area. Facilitated by Mr. Saul Spigler, president of Chabad of RARA, Rabbi Jaffe of Chabad of Brisbane and Rabbi Yossi Rodal, director of Chabad of RARA, new Shluchim were appointed.

Rabbi Mendel and Esty Khutoretsky and their two young sons, Yisrolik and Yaakov Yosef, arrived in January to run the Sunshine Coast Chabad and provide for the community’s needs.

From Kosher food to life cycle events, the celebration of Jewish holidays, educational programs for children and adults, and whatever else may arise in a growing, thriving community, the new Shluchim will be on it.

For the Jewish holiday-goers, backpackers, businessmen, and other visitors to the region, the new Sunshine Coast Chabad will serve as a kosher haven, providing kosher meals and a seat at an unforgettable shabbos table.

The community is known for its eager and active participation in everything Jewish. Through friendship and Torah guidance, the Khutoretskys will work together with the Jews of the coast to further develop the accepting and proud community.

As a branch of Chabad of RARA and under the auspices of Chabad of Brisbane, the young family will also service a six-hour stretch of coastline, from the Sunshine Coast to Gladstone up North, and three hours inland as well, with the rural city of Toowoomba being a major center.

The Khutoretskys join a growing team of RARA shluchim and will build on their success. With Rabbi Ari and Michal Rubin in Far North Qld and the Khutoretskys based in the Sunshine Coast, the entire coastline of sunny Queensland, north of Brisbane, will now be a haven for Judaism.

To support the new Shluchim, visit chabadofrara.org/donate (and note “Sunshine Coast”)