SYDNEY BENJAMIN 1912-2009
DENNIS BENJAMIN
SYDNEY Benjamin OAM was born on September 13, 1912 and lived a full life until passing away on Wednesday June 24, 2009.
Syd was a family man, religious Jew, businessman, author, actor, photographer, charity worker, social organiser, teacher of public speaking in Rostrum, high-ranking Freemason, world traveller and fanatical Saints’ supporter, to name a few of his interests.
As president for 10 years of the Jewish Young People’s Association (JYPA), he introduced many to their future life partners. This was the major Jewish social club in the 1930s and 1940s, which attracted thousands to its events. It was at JYPA that he met his wife Belle.
Syd was charity worker for many organisations, both Jewish and non-Jewish, and was honorary secretary for 16 years to the congregational committee of the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies.
He was an organiser of pastoral tours to Australia in 1952 and 1962 by the then chief rabbi of the British Commonwealth, Rabbi Dr Sir Israel Brodie. He was also a co-founder of the Victorian Ezra Association for mothers and babies in Israel.
In 2005, Syd received an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the community, particularly the Jewish community, Freemasonry and Rostrum.
Syd and Belle loved to help new immigrants settle in Australia and actively encouraged them to get involved in the community.
Syd had lifelong passions for Freemasonry and Rostrum. He taught public speaking every week at Rostrum until his death and was the first Jewish person appointed as a Freeman of Rostrum.
In recognition of his service to Rostrum as a teacher and critique for more than 70 years, he was awarded the silver medal, being only the fourth Australian recipient of this honour.
Syd had a photographic memory and loved giving Masonic recitals, always with an actor’s flair.
Syd worked in the family menswear business with his son Graeme for 13 years. They never had an argument and Syd consistently taught and applied honesty and integrity. He was a huge innovator in menswear and, among other things, introduced denim jeans, opened the first formal hire store and was also one of the first to dress a range of television variety shows.
Syd cherished his religion for the peace it brought him, and was proud of his Judaism. He loved St Kilda Synagogue, which he always attended with a warm smile.
Travelling was another of Syd’s passions and he was always enthusiastic to speak with anyone about the 60 countries he had visited.
The St Kilda Football Team kept Syd motivated all this year. He was possibly the Saints’ oldest supporter and barracked for them for more than 91 years and no doubt would have been at the matches for the rest of the 2009 season.
After Belle’s passing five-and-half years ago, his family respected his decision to live by himself. With support from family, especially his daughters-in-law and carers, he thrived by continuing to involve himself in all aspects of life until his death at the age of almost 97.
Syd was surrounded by his four children, nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild, who he loved and who all miss him and his warm smile.
Syd was devoted to his late wife Belle and his family, and showed kindness to all who met him. He was a charming gentleman, who leaves a legacy of service to the community and a family who adored him.
Dennis Benjamin is Sydney Benjamin’s son.
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