‘A giant of Australian Jewry’ mourned
Perth Hebrew Congregation paid to tribute to Rabbi Shalom Coleman's incredible legacy.
Australia’s eldest rabbi, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Dr Shalom Coleman, has been remembered as a “towering figure” in his home city of Perth and honoured with tributes from rabbinical leaders in Sydney and Melbourne.
Rabbi Coleman, who passed away in Perth over the weekend aged 106, led a revival of Jewish life there, establishing synagogues, schools and kosher services.
Perth Hebrew Congregation paid to tribute to his incredible legacy.
“Rabbi Coleman was a towering figure in the life of our community, a visionary leader whose dedication, wisdom, and tireless efforts shaped and strengthened our congregation and wider Perth Jewish community over many decades,” Rabbi Dan Lieberman said.
“Rabbi Coleman’s deep Torah scholarship, boundless compassion, and unwavering commitment to Jewish life and values left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. We simply would not have the vibrant, resilient, and dynamic community we cherish today without his leadership, innovation and strength.”
Rabbinical Association of Australasia president Rabbi Nochum Schapiro called Rabbi Coleman’s life “a testament to dedication, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his community and to the Jewish people”.
“His leadership was not just in the pulpit, but in every aspect of communal life … His presence brought comfort and strength to all who encountered him, and his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those whose lives he touched,” he said.
Rabbinical Council of NSW president Rabbi Shua Solomon said, “Although on the other side of the country, Rabbi Coleman’s wisdom, integrity and fearless pursuit in upholding the values of Yiddishkeit were felt in Sydney and throughout Australia.”
Rabbinical Council of Victoria president Rabbi Moshe Kahn called Rabbi Coleman “a giant of Australian Jewry”, whose “leadership, vision, and dedication to Jewish life left an enduring legacy … His commitment to education, community building, and civic responsibility set a standard for us all.”
Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council executive director Colin Rubenstein eulogised Rabbi Coleman as “a man of letters and a man of the people”.
“A diminutive man with a giant stature and indefatigable spirit who will be sorely missed,” he said.
Born in Liverpool on December 5, 1918, Rabbi Coleman received many accolades as an esteemed rabbi, for his military service, academic achievements, as an author and editor, and for his services to the broader community.
During WWII he served in the British Royal Air Force as a wireless operator and gunner and was a recruiting officer for the Jewish Brigade Group. After the war, he was ordained as Rabbi and served as a Rabbi in South Africa, at Sydney’s South Head Synagogue and as Chief Rabbi of Perth Hebrew Congregation from 1965 until his retirement in 1985, and as an honorary Rabbi at the Maurice Zeffert Centre for the Jewish Aged.
He was also a military chaplain in both South Africa and Australia.
Active in the broader community, he taught at the University of Western Australia, was vice-chairman of Save the Children’s Fund, a Grand Master to the Freemasons, a Member of the Murdoch University Senate, patron to the Family Association of Australia, chairman of the Perth Dental Hospital Board, and a member of the Karrakatta and Pinarroo Valley Cemetery Boards.
He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1977 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990.
Rabbi Coleman is survived by his children Martin and Romaine, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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