Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Hakohen GutnickĀ has passed away at the age of 94 in Melbourne.
He was born in Russia in 1924 and his family moved three years later to what is now Israel before going to London.
In 1948 Ā he was sent on a rabbinical mission to Melbourne whereĀ he married Devorah FeiglinĀ in 1952.
He became involved in the Yeshiva teaching Ā there for 50 years.
In 1952, he was appointed the rabbi of Caulfield Hebrew Congregation which eventually became the largest shul in Australia.
The synagogue’s current spiritual leader Rabbi Ralph Genende told J-Wire: “As founding rabbi of Caulfield Shule he was a man of vision and energy. He was a long serving loyal rabbi, ensuring the place of the Shule as one of leading congregations in Melbourne. He carried out countless life-cycle events reaching across the community in times of joy and celebration as well as in times of sadness and loss.
As current Rabbi I appreciate his tireless efforts and appreciate the personal and family sacrifice in this relentless position on behalf of the Shule and community in general.ā
He is survived by his children RabbiĀ Motty Gutnick inĀ Melbourne, RabbiĀ Meyer Gutnick in New York,Ā Ā RabbiĀ Moshe Gutnick in Los Angeles and RabbiĀ Yossi Gutnick in Melbourne, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Rabbi ×”× was also head of the Melbourne Beth Din.
A position now held by his esteemed nephew Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick.