Maroubra shul rabbi resigns
MAROUBRA Synagogue’s Rabbi Elie Farkas will quit his post in July to return to North America, less than two years after joining the shul.
MAROUBRA Synagogue’s Rabbi Elie Farkas will quit his post in July to return to North America, less than two years after joining the shul.
In a message distributed to congregants, the rabbi expressed a heavy heart as he told how family challenges in Canada and the United States had made it extra difficult for him and his young family to be away.
“Our intent was very much to make this our home for the rest of our career … [but] being so far from family ultimately proved more challenging than originally anticipated,” he said.
“This distance … left me torn between my responsibilities here and to my family overseas.
“Also, with the birth of our son, who my parents have never gotten to meet, among other reasons, we came to the decision we needed to return.”
Rabbi Farkas said he and Rebbetzin Yael Farkas have loved their time at the shul.
“We have loved meeting you, building relationships with you and trying to lead you towards a greater connection to Hashem,” he said.
“We loved the classes, the Shabbat and festival meals, the social events, the shmoozes at the kiddushes and becoming part of a very special kehillah.”
He expressed gratitude for all that the congregation and community had done for his family.
“You welcomed us so wholeheartedly into the community, and you were there for us when we really needed your assistance,” he said.
“Thank you for making our children feel so loved and at home. Ultimately it is you, the people, we will miss most.
“We say goodbye with hugs and beautiful memories. We say farewell with wonderful friendships that will hopefully survive over long distances and that we will cherish forever.”
Shul president Daryl Robinson praised Rabbi and Rebbetzin Farkas for their achievements during their short time at the synagogue.
“The rabbi has worked with full commitment, care and devotion for our kehillah and has introduced a number of new programs and initiatives,” he said.
“We appreciate the rabbi and rebbetzin’s work ethic and genuine love for the community. The entire family will be missed by us all.”
He told The AJN the synagogue is currently in the process of trying to secure the services of a rabbi for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, after which a formal search for a new long-term rabbi will begin.
A farewell kiddush will be held on June 28.
GARETH NARUNSKY
Maroubra Synagogue’s Rabbi Elie Farkas will quit his post next month to return to North America. Photo: Henry Benjamin
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