Mazal Tov and a very happy birthday 70th to our founder and President, Mr Saul Spigler!
Forty-seven years ago, three young university students, Saul, together with Hershel Herbst and Yossi Loebenstein, headed out into regional Australia in a converted motorhome, looking to connect with Jewish people living in regional areas.
This monumental trip connected with over 100 far-flung Jewish families, and laid the foundations of what today is Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia.
In June of 2000, the organisation was officially launched, and since then, Saul has been involved in every aspect of it, from sending volunteers to reach new areas, to fundraising for our annual budget, and to hosting the annual Jewish Discovery Weekend Shabbat lunch.
Inspired by the vision of the Rebbe, Saul, together with his wife Beverly, have created an organisation that truly cares for every Jewish person, wherever they may be.
Many sleepless nights have been spent furthering Chabad of RARA's work from the Spigler's residence on Pearson Grove in Melbourne.
Please join us in wishing Saul a hearty Mazal Tov! May this year be full of blessings and good things, and may the reach of Chabad of RARA continue to every corner of Australia.
Saul has requested that in honour of this special day, more Mitzvot - good deeds - be performed throughout regional Australia. Pick up the phone, call a friend that needs it, wrap Tefillin, or prepare for Rosh Hashana. Whatever it is, do one more Mitzva today.