Jewish experiences on your doorstep
People can book a Jewish experience or schedule a virtual chat with Rabbi Friedman through the Rabbi on Demand website, which offers milestone ceremonies, house warmings and private classes.
After leading the congregation at Maroubra Synagogue for eight years, Rabbi Yossi Friedman recognised a gap in which Jewish people who were not affiliated with a specific rabbi or synagogue were being left behind.
Rabbi Friedman, who is also a chaplain in the Royal Australian Air-Force (RAAF), began Rabbi on Demand as a response to this gap as well as the large number of Jewish people who did not return to synagogues after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rabbi on Demand offers personalised Jewish ceremonies and experiences accessible for Jews of all walks of life, with the aim of strengthening Jewish identity and the broader community.
“It really gives people the chance to choose their level of engagement, how they wish to engage with their Judaism … They can choose the services that they require, and the rabbi will come to you,” Rabbi Friedman told The AJN.
People can book a Jewish experience or schedule a virtual chat with Rabbi Friedman through the Rabbi on Demand website, which offers milestone ceremonies, house warmings and private classes.
“If you’re having a special occasion, a wedding or anniversary, and you’d like to have a special Friday night service at home for your family, or a specific group of guests, the rabbi can come and lead that service or experience in your home,” Rabbi Friedman said.
“Essentially, [Rabbi on Demand] is not watering down Judaism by customising it, but rather it’s repackaging the gold, [Judaism’s] essence and deep spirituality, and making it more accessible, relevant and meaningful to people.”
Rabbi Friedman recently led a pop-up Friday night service at a Bronte home, leading to monthly services held on rotation and a growing WhatsApp group of Jewish locals from Bronte, Tamarama and Clovelly.
Rabbi Friedman hopes to provide a number of services and experiential packages throughout the High Holy Days this year.
“We’re still in that early phase, where we’re taking lots of inquiries, and trying to figure out what it is that people actually want,” Rabbi Friedman said.
“I’m just excited to be offering something new in the community, and to see if this will have an impact on the broader Jewish community.”
Visit rabbiondemand.com.au or follow Rabbi on Demand on Facebook facebook.com/rabbiondemand/
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