New rabbi ‘humbled and honoured’

RABBI Moshe Givental said he is “humbled and honoured” to be joining the Jewish community in Sydney.

The board of North Shore Temple Emanuel (NSTE) announced the appointment of Rabbi Givental as assistant rabbi/director of Meah Hebrew and Religion School.

Rabbi Moshe will work closely with Senior Rabbi Nicole Roberts. Rabbi Givental was ordained in 2017 by Hebrew College in Massachusetts as a rabbi with a Masters in Jewish education. He also has a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. He has served several congregations in Massachusetts during and after his studies and, more recently, he has been involved in teaching Jewish studies, tutoring b’nei mitzvah students and providing spiritual direction, rabbinic counselling and life coaching from his base in Detroit, Michigan.

Rabbi Roberts said: “I am so pleased to welcome Rabbi Moshe to our community. He makes a meaningful connection with everyone he meets and is wonderfully engaging with Hebrew school students and adult learners alike. I look forward to serving together with him in the months and years to come.”

NSTE president Julia Selby said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Rabbi Moshe to our community, bringing his rabbinic, educational and counselling experience to our services and programs.”

Rabbi Moshe is assuming the role vacated by Rabbi Misha Clebaner, who along with Anabelle and their Australian-born son, Ayalon, will be returning to the US towards the end of June.