R’ Mendel New, 97, OBM

By COLlive reporter

Reb Menachem Mendel New, a pillar of the Melbourne Jewish community and the Lubavitcher mosdos in particular, passed away Monday morning at age 97.

Born in 1928 in Melbourne to his parents, Reb Yisroel and Rivkah New, Gerrer Chassidim who had emigrated to Australia a few years prior, he grew up in a home of Yiras Shomayim and Chessed that later became a center for helping postwar immigrants settle in Melbourne.

With the arrival of the five Anash Shluchim families sent by the Frierdike Rebbe in 1948, he became an integral part of their efforts to build Educational and Communal life in Melbourne, devoting himself tirelessly to raising funds for the Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah schools, in addition to his personal financial support, and serving on the executive committee of the Yeshiva Center for over forty years.

In 1952, he married Assia Kluwgant, daughter of Reb Isser and Chaya Kluwgant, who were one of the Shluchim families.

In a letter to the Reb Isser before their marriage, the Rebbe described their marriage as the foundation of Anash in Australia, comparing it to Shabbos Breishis.

As he began to build his family and textile business, with the arrival of Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner to Melbourne in 1958, sent by the Rebbe to take the helm of the Chabad institutions, his involvement in the Yeshiva Center intensified, as he proudly served as Rabbi Groner’s” right-hand man.”

He also served on the board of the Monterfiore Home for the Aged.

He was the epitome of a “mensch” – A humble and unassuming man of great integrity and character.

Countless people turned to him for his sound counsel and kindness. He never turned anyone away. A steady stream of fundraisers would find their way to his home and business, and he treated them all with dignity and respect, supporting them generously. Many people in need of short- or long-term loans knew they could always turn to him.

He was an extraordinarily proud husband of his wife, Assia, and supported all of her community and charity work, including her concert tours to raise funds for the Children of Chornobyl.

He was very proud of his family, encouraging them to pursue their passions in life while instilling in them a sense of duty to serve the greater community, whether formally or informally.

His passing leaves a deep void and marks the end of an era for the Melbourne Jewish community, where he was a deeply beloved and respected – iconic – member.

His life story, spanning almost a century, encapsulates and embodies the story of Jewish Melbourne and the establishment and phenomenal growth of Chabad Lubavitch over the decades following the Holocaust.

He is survived by his children Mrs. Stera Gutnick, Melbourne, Australia; Rabbi Moishe New, Montreal, Canada; Rabbi Yossi New, Atlanta, Georgia; and Rabbi Ruvi New, Boca Raton, Florida; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. Assia New in 5783 (2023) and son R’ Chaim New in 5776 (2016).

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.