Rabbi Ninio assumes senior role

One of Australia’s largest Jewish congregations is making big changes to its rabbinic leadership.

Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio is set to become the Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, succeeding Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, who will retire after nearly four decades of service.

The transition will take effect in July next year, when Rabbi Kamins will assume the role of Rabbi Emeritus after 36 years with the congregation, including 27 years as Senior Rabbi since his installation in 1999.

Rabbi Ninio, who has served Emanuel Synagogue for 27 years, will make history as the Progressive synagogue’s new Senior Rabbi.

In 2024, she became the first female rabbi to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia, recognised for her advocacy for marriage equality and the rights of marginalised communities.