Latest RARA News

 We're taking the Mitzva Tank to Tasmania today!

 In October 2022, the Goldfields community farewelled one of its most respected figures, Dr Avron Moffson — a devoted physician who served Kalgoorlie for many years with compassion, dignity, and quiet dedication. Deeply loved by his patients and widely regarded as a pillar of the local community, his passing left a profound void.

Just three months prior, Chabad of RARA volunteers had been in Kalgoorlie, and had actually spent half a day trying to track down Dr Moffson, but as fate would have it, they were unsuccessful in getting ahold of him. A short time later, Avron returned his soul to his maker.

In the absence of a local Jewish infrastructure to conduct a full traditional burial, the responsibility was taken up by Perth’s Jewish community. The Jewish Burial Society of Perth, together with  Chabad Of Western Australia, mobilised swiftly to ensure that Dr Moffson would receive the dignity of a proper Jewish farewell.

A group of volunteers undertook the seven-hour journey from Perth to Kalgoorlie, carrying with them not only the practical necessities but also a deep sense of responsibility. Upon arrival, they performed the tahara — the sacred ritual purification — and conducted the funeral in accordance with Jewish law and tradition.

However, one essential element was missing. Without a minyan — a quorum of ten Jewish men — the mourners’ Kaddish, the prayer that affirms faith and honours the deceased, could not be recited.

Determined to complete this final obligation, a decision was made: they would return.

This past Sunday, 3 May, that commitment was fulfilled. Ten men once again made the long journey to Kalgoorlie, ensuring that a minyan would be present. At the gravesite, prayers were recited, and the Kaddish was finally said — not only for Dr Moffson, but for all those buried in the Jewish section of the cemetery whose voices may no longer have anyone to speak on their behalf.

The consecration of the headstone, generously sponsored by the Jewish Burial Society under the leadership of Jonathan Silbert, marked a poignant and meaningful conclusion to the process. The ceremony was led by Rabbi Shalom White of Chabad, bringing both spiritual closure and communal solidarity to the moment.

Gratitude is extended to the volunteers — Ryan, Noah, Ilan, David, Omri, Daniel, Benjie, and Sam — who gave their time and energy to undertake the 14-hour round trip. Their efforts ensured that honour, tradition, and respect were upheld.

In a place far from large Jewish population centres, this act of devotion stands as a powerful reminder: no Jew is ever truly alone. Even across vast distances, community endures — and dignity, even in death, is never forgotten.

A big thank you to Rabbi Shalom White, The Jewish Burial Society of Perth - Perth Chevra Kadisha, as well as members of the Freemason Lodge that made the tremendous trip to be there for a man that had given to so many.

Lag B'Omer is a joyful Jewish holiday observed on the 33rd day of the Omer period, the 49-day count between Passover and Shavuot. It falls on the 18th of Iyar (this year begins at sundown on  Monday, 4th May), marking a break from the semi-mourning customs of the Omer.

"Lag" comes from the Hebrew letters lamed (value 30) and gimel (value 3), totaling 33, with "B'Omer" meaning "in the Omer." It represents a day of celebration amid the Omer's restrictions on weddings, haircuts, and music.

The holiday honors Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the Zohar's author, whose yahrzeit (death anniversary) it marks; tradition holds he revealed mystical teachings that day. It also commemorates the end of a plague that killed many of Rabbi Akiva's students, emphasizing unity and respect (ahavat Yisrael).

Celebrations include lighting bonfires (symbolizing the Zohar's light), pilgrimages to Rabbi Shimon's tomb in Meron, Israel, weddings, boys' first haircuts (upsherin at age 3), and games with bows and arrows. In 2026, it begins at nightfall on May 5.

 We'd like to clarify to our followers that as of 6pm today, no one has donated a private jet to Chabad of RARA. But if you'd like to, we could really do with another 7 seater car!

This is why we do what we do.

No matter the distance, no one should feel alone for the Jewish holidays.

This message says it all:

“I will say this was my best Pesach in years, thanks to you and Chabad.

I usually celebrate alone, or sometimes with a friendly non-Jewish neighbour. There are no local Jewish people here that I know of, and getting around isn’t simple, especially at night. As someone who is visually impaired living in a remote area, I’ve learned to make peace with celebrating on my own, and I truly love my life here in the woods.

But this year was different.

The matzah. The grape juice. The pickles. The gefilte fish, everything. Usually I just have the vegetables I grow myself. But this year was truly special.

And the Passover guide, it was incredible. Such an illuminating addition to the Haggadah.

What a beautiful gift for the holiday. I appreciate everything.”

– Tspora Jensen, North Coast, Tasmania

A special evening of support is coming to the Northern Territory, providing a much needed service to the Darwin Jewish community.

Finding Light After Darkness is a space to come together, reflect, and strengthen one another in the wake of recent events affecting Jewish communities across Australia.

The evening will feature a powerful address by Sheina Gutnick, followed by a guided group conversation in a warm and supportive setting.

In addition, complimentary 40-minute private consultations with visiting Jewish mental health professionals will be available on 13–14 May.

This initiative is about connection, resilience, and ensuring that support is accessible to the Darwin community.

Shabbat Shalom from the Ballarat Shul!

We are joining the service here this week, followed by a lavish Kiddush.

Do you know where and what this building is? And do you know what will be taking place there this weekend?

Today our volunteers visited Archer Park and the Mitzvah House, an installation that has been in place since December to serve the tens of thousands of people that have come through to pay their respects at this hallowed place.

A place where the ultimate evil took place has now become a place for so many to learn about the lives of those that were taken, and a place where thousands of Mitzvos - acts of positivity and connection - have since taken place.

Thank you to the tireless volunteers that stand at the park every day, ready to greet visitors, and thank you to those that have paused to remember, and do a Mitzva in honour of those that were taken so soon.