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.

“Rabbi Kamins has guided us with great vision, wisdom and integrity,” said Emanuel Synagogue president Grant McCorquodale.

“His leadership has enriched our congregation, strengthened interfaith dialogue, championed social justice and inspired generations.”

Rabbi Kamins, who will turn 70 during the transition period, cited family considerations in Los Angeles as part of his decision to step back from formal leadership, while maintaining his connection to the community.

“Having completed 36 years as rabbi at Emanuel Synagogue, and with such gratitude for who our community is, I know that now is the time, with the blessing of the board, to transition to becoming our synagogue’s first Emeritus Rabbi,” Rabbi Kamins said.

“Rabbi Ninio is deeply respected for her breadth of wisdom, experience, compassion and proactive courage,” McCorquodale said.

“She will lead us into our next era with immense communal knowledge, experience, momentum, strength and vision, building on Rabbi Kamins’ great legacy while shaping Emanuel’s future.”

Rabbi Kamins’ achievements have been hailed New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper.

“I applaud Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins for his tireless leadership and incredible work, and congratulate him on his next chapter as Emanuel Synagogue’s first Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Kamins has been a teacher and leader for many, stretching back many years, and his contribution to the synagogue and the wider community is immense.

Kamper congratulated Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio as she steps into her new role and said he looks forward to working with her and Emanuel Synagogue as Minister for Multiculturalism.”

Rabbi Ninio described her 27-year partnership with Rabbi Kamins as walking beside him through celebrations, mourning and inspiration.

“I am so honoured that the leadership of our community will be handed to me and I hope together we can continue to dream, create and build a congregation grounded in our shared values, where everyone can find a home,” she said.

The transition will be marked by celebrations throughout the coming months, including Rabbi Kamins’ final High Holy Days as Senior Rabbi.

The existing clergy team of Rabbis Kaiserblueth, Mordecai, and Zwarenstein will continue serving alongside Rabbi Ninio.