What's On
A New Chapter for Emanuel Synagogue
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM and Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins OAM | Photo: Benjamin Ryan
Thursday, 21 August 2025
After nearly four decades of extraordinary service, Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM will be retiring as Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, marking a significant chapter in the story of Australia’s largest congregation; one of unprecedented growth and transformation.
From 1 July 2026, Rabbi Kamins will transition into the role of Rabbi Emeritus, recognising the unique and enduring contribution he has made to our congregation and the broader Jewish and Australian communities. In this new capacity, Rabbi Kamins will have fewer formal responsibilities while remaining an active participant in synagogue life.
Since he arrived in 1989, Rabbi Kamins has been a defining presence in our community. With a BA in English literature from Stanford, a JD from UC Berkeley School of Law, and rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, he brought with him a deep intellectual tradition, a commitment to pluralism and egalitarian values, and an unwavering belief in Judaism’s relevance to modern life. He was installed as Senior Rabbi in 1999 and has since shaped Emanuel into a community that honours our deep tradition while embracing diversity, innovation, and social justice.
Rabbi Kamins has led our community with great vision, wisdom and integrity, guiding thousands of us through life’s most sacred moments, expanding our ever-evolving offering, and advocating for interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and the preservation of our planet for future generations. Beyond our congregation, the wider community has benefited from his profound impact as a teacher, mentor, and communal leader, and we have been privileged to call him ours.
Recognising the importance of this transition, in 2023, the Emanuel Synagogue Board initiated a robust succession strategy. We explored high-quality candidates both locally and globally, and it became clear through this process that the best leader for Emanuel’s future was already among us, leading and serving our members with exceptional strength and commitment.
We are proud and delighted to announce that Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM will become the next Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, effective 1 July 2026. A widely respected role model, Rabbi Ninio has served us for 27 years with spiritual insight and compassionate leadership. During this time, she has been a strong support and trusted sounding board for Rabbi Kamins. Her influence extends far beyond Emanuel Synagogue. Over the years, she has led the charge for marriage equality, food insecurity, and the rights of the marginalised and underrepresented, and in 2024, she became the first female rabbi to be recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Over the last two years, Rabbi Ninio has consistently and successfully demonstrated her capabilities as Acting Senior Rabbi while Rabbi Kamins took overseas leave, reinforcing the enthusiastic support for Rabbi Ninio from the clergy, the Board and our members. We know she will lead us into our next chapter with immense communal knowledge and great momentum.
This announcement also affirms the continued strength and cohesion of our highly regarded and deeply experienced clergy team. Rabbi Ninio, with Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth, Rabbi George Mordecai, and Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein, will carry forward our mission, together with Rabbi Kamins, in his emeritus role.
Over the coming ten months, we are looking forward to many opportunities for us all to come together in celebration of Rabbi Kamins—including the fast-approaching High Holy Days. This will be Rabbi Kamins’ last as Senior Rabbi and presents a meaningful and memorable opportunity to honour his immense impact and legacy, as we anticipate this exciting next era for our congregation.