Perez to stay on at Maroubra

OUTGOING Maroubra Synagogue Rabbi Chaim Perez has agreed to stay on until a replacement is found, after the board failed to find an appropriate replacement rabbi.

The AJN reported two weeks ago that the shul was trialling three shortlisted candidates for the position.

However, the shul’s president Cedric Meyerowitz sent a letter out to congregants last week, informing them that no candidates were successful.

“Following a detailed and lengthy review process, conducted by the board of management, I wish to inform you that the board has decided that no appointment be made at this time and that the search process should continue,” he wrote.

The decision had not been taken lightly, and also community feedback had been “carefully considered” in the decision, he wrote.

When contacted by The AJN this week, Meyerowitz confirmed that the shul’s board had decided to restart the search process, but was unable to provide any more specific information.

He declined to comment on the three candidates that had been trialled.

But he said Rabbi Perez’s decision to stay on in the interim had definitely given the board some “breathing space”.

“He’s got the kehillah at his heart,” Meyerowitz said.

“He’s been there for almost 25 years, so he wants to make sure that when he leaves it’s in good hands, and in somebody’s hands.”

The board was hopeful it would “find somebody this year”, he added.

When contacted by The AJN, Rabbi Perez was unable to say how long he would remain at the shul.

“It could be three months, it could be six months, it could be eight months, I don’t know,” he said.

“I’ve been with the community for 24 years and I want to make sure that everything continues, services continue as per normal.”

Rabbi Perez announced his intention to step down in November last year, citing that he could not conduct services to the best of his ability anymore.

“I love my congregation and I think they love me. I’ve had the most enjoyable 24 years,” he said at the time.

GARETH NARUNSKY

Outgoing Maroubra Synagogue Rabbi, Chaim Perez.