Fifteen years of connection and growth
Rabbi Glasman described his partnership with his Rebbetzin Sara as central to everything they have achieved.
Rabbi Yaakov and Rebbetzin Sara Glasman have marked 15 years of leadership at St Kilda Shule.
With approximately 1500 members, St Kilda Shule is among Australia’s largest congregations and has served the Jewish community for 155 years. Yet for Rabbi Glasman, its greatest strength lies in its warmth.
“What I love most about St Kilda Shule is that it’s a kind place,” Rabbi Glasman said. “I love the congregation, I love the staff, I love the board, I love the chazzan and choir and best of all, everyone gets along so beautifully.”
Over the years, St Kilda Shule has welcomed successive governors and governors-general, political leaders and many other senior dignitaries. Despite its prominence, Rabbi Glasman believes the congregation remains very down to earth.
“There is no sense that one person matters more than another,” he said. “Whether someone is a distinguished guest, a long-standing member, a visitor or attending for their very first time, they are welcomed with open arms.”
Rabbi Glasman said he is especially proud that many conversion candidates have chosen St Kilda Shule as their spiritual home.
“It provides a soft landing,” he said. “People feel accepted, supported and included from the moment they arrive.”
The congregation has also developed a strong reputation for music, hosting services, concerts and special events, including the recent appearance of renowned Israeli cantor Shai Abramson.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Rabbi Glasman described his partnership with his Rebbetzin Sara as central to everything they have achieved.
“Far more important than where you are is who you are with,” he said. “Sara likes to work under the radar whereas I am a more public figure. I have been blessed every day to share this journey with Sara and with the St Kilda Shule community.
“They say that when you love your job, you never work a day in your life. In that sense, I have never worked a day in the past 15 blissful years!”
Shule president Silviu Itescu said, “Rabbi Yaakov and Rebbetzin Sara Glasman have provided dynamic and inspiring leadership to the St Kilda Shule community over the past 15 years, guiding it forward to be one of the leading and most vibrant congregations in Australia. Rabbi Glasman is renowned for both his powerful oratory and his exceptional pastoral care.
“We deeply appreciate the wonderful contributions of Rabbi Yaakov together with Rebbetzin Sara in nurturing a warm environment where all members of the St Kilda Shule community are genuinely welcomed and valued.
“Under their leadership the congregation will continue to grow and strengthen for many years to come.”