Rabbi reaches for the skies

RABBI Yossi Friedman, who last week became the newest chaplain for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), said he’s excited to meet the people that put their lives on the line to defend our country.

“I’m ready to step up to the challenge and offer them advice on a range of issues in my role as chaplain,” the 27-year-old told The AJN.

“This role means that I will get to know the soldiers by going to the base on a regular basis to give spiritual, religious, moral and ethical advice.”

The rabbi will focus his time and efforts on the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) and said his first job will be to identify the Jewish servicemen and women in the RAFF.

“I’ll join them on exercises, and hopefully for festivals, to build up a level of trust they can feel comfortable enough to approach me.”

Rabbi Friedman had to undergo fitness trials, which included push-ups, sit-ups and running tests, before his enlistment ceremony last week.

He said that he wants to represent the Jewish community in the RAAF and, at the same time, represent the RAAF in the Jewish community. “At my congregation at the Cremorne Synagogue we held a fantastic Anzac Shabbat this year with dignitaries and soldiers present. One of the ­reasons I decided to take this role is because I’m excited for our community to explore the Australian traditions”

Senior rabbi of the ADF Rabbi Ralph Genende said that he is delighted that Rabbi Friedman accepted the role. “Jewish chaplaincy has a long and proud tradition of more than 100 years in the ADF and Rabbi Friedman will continue that because he is very compassionate, tolerant and has a good understanding of diversity.”

JOSHUA LEVI

Rabbi Yossi Friedman. Photo: CPL Veronica McKenna/Australian Defence Forces.