A number of Caulfield Hebrew Congregation members are concerned that the shul’s popular senior rabbi, Rabbi Daniel Rabin, is at risk of leaving for the United States.
The group has gathered more than the 50 signatures required to force a special general meeting as part of a push to remove the shul’s president and board amid concern about the future of Rabbi Rabin.
CHC member Raphael Sztrochlic circulated an email and petition to members. The petition has now secured the 50 signatures required under the congregation’s rules of association to force a special general meeting at the shul.
The stated aim is to “secure the Rabins for a long-term contract with a new board”. The current board was elected last year.
Sztrochlic wrote in his email that “members are distressed at the current situation concerning the employment of Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Sarah Rabin”. They are concerned that the new board has failed to secure the Rabins for the long term.
Rabbi Rabin has reportedly flown to Texas to participate in services and be interviewed for a rabbinic position at the United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston.
The group wants the current board removed and replaced by a new board led by former president Robert Weill, who would serve as president until elections in 2027. It also wants the new president to secure the Rabins under a new contract.
Sztrochlic said it was “a shock to the members of the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and the wider Melbourne Jewish community” that a circulated flyer had disclosed Rabbi Rabin’s candidacy for the Houston role.
The CHC president’s weekly email announced that new contracts had been negotiated with the chief cantor and assistant cantor but that no new contract was in place for the rabbi and rebbetzin.
The Rabins’ contract expires in October. Sztrochlic said the congregation was “in disbelief” that the board had failed to secure a new five-year contract with the rabbi and rebbetzin.
The group is concerned that Rabbi Rabin sought an alternative position because of a breakdown in his relationship with the current board.
Sztrochlic wrote: “Rabbi Rabin works seven days a week, even though he is entitled to a day off. He is deeply respected as the prime source for revitalising Caulfield shul.
“Both the Rabbi and Rebbetzin have become the heart and soul of Caulfield shul and are loved for their unending support of all members. In its entire history, the congregation has not previously engaged a Rebbetzin, let alone one who has inspired the involvement of women in the activities of the shul.
“They are, together, world-class leaders of the Melbourne Jewish community.”
Sztrochlic told JWire: “Since this has become public, a significant number of congregants are withholding payment of their annual membership and seat fees, pending the outcome of the reappointment of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rabin.
“If funds are not received by the due date, this will result in a financial crisis, putting the future of Caulfield Shul in jeopardy.”
Sztrochlic wrote: “It is understood that lawyers for each side are involved in the ‘negotiations’.”
CHC president Dr Howard Zeimer wrote to members saying Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Sarah were “currently on personal leave overseas”. He asked members to “refrain from relying on rumours or unverified information”.
Zeimer said the board had been in ongoing discussions with the Rabins about renewing their contract and that the talks were well advanced.
He said the discussions had been conducted “in a constructive and respectful spirit”, adding: “We remain fully supportive of them and their family.”
Robert Weill told JWire: “I would have preferred all this to have remained ‘in house’. However, one good thing about it now being in the public arena is the huge outpouring of love and respect for the Rabins, not just from CHC members but from a huge number of people around the country and internationally whose lives have been touched by this amazing couple.
“Although the contract negotiations seemed to be at an impasse for a period, I’m confident that this will end well and Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Sarah will be signed up to a mutually agreeable contract very soon.”
However, Sztrochlic told JWire that the issue “did not come up at the board meeting last night”.