What's On
Rabbis
Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM
Senior Rabbi
“Pursue justice. Act with lovingkindness. Walk humbly with God.” – Micah 6:8
These words are the driving force behind Rabbi Kamins’ work in leading community and living a Jewish life. An advocate for First Nations justice, refugees, animal rights and environmental protection through a Torah perspective, he reads Torah as our ancestral story and the beginning of our contemplating the infinite and its manifestation in our lives.
In his downtime, you’ll find Rabbi Kamins outdoors – enjoying the beach and mountains, long hikes and his garden, as well as reading, music (from the ACO to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), wine and whiskey, and life itself.
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio
Senior Associate Rabbi
Rabbi Ninio was ordained in 1998 when she became the seventh Australian-born progressive rabbi and the third Australian-born female rabbi. Rabbi Ninio joined Emanuel Synagogue in 1998 and is the congregation’s first female rabbi.
She is interested in midrash and liturgy and has a passion for storytelling. Rabbi Ninio believes in the centrality and importance of community, and providing a place where people feel valued, included and treasured.
Rabbi Ninio is married, has one child and she loves Israeli dancing and “trashy” TV.
Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth
Rabbi Kaiserblueth is a world traveler, having spent time in the United States, Argentina, Israel, and the United Kingdom. He was born in Puerto Rico and is married with 3 children.
He was ordained in 2010 from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and has dedicated his rabbinate to making the texts and rituals of our tradition relevant and accessible to those he teaches, trying to always be influenced by the words, “ivdu et hashem b’simcha, serve God with joy” (Ps 100:2).
For thirteen years, Rabbi Kaiserblueth served as a chaplain in the United States Navy Reserve. Then in January 2023, continuing the theme of living a life of service, Rabbi Kaiserblueth was appointed to the Royal Australian Navy as the first Jewish Chaplain in its history. Rabbi Kaiserblueth enjoys cooking, travel, and anything to do with aeroplanes!
Rabbi George Mordecai
After serving as the cantor at congregations throughout the USA, Rabbi George Mordecai returned to Emanuel Synagogue. George weaves his rich cultural heritage into his work as both a cantor and performer plus has over 20 years’ experience in building community.
He is well known to many in our community having grown up in Sydney. In addition to his musical and liturgical expertise he is an engaging educator. George infuses his teaching with a deep sense of spirituality and historical perspective, always mindful of the needs and aspirations of his students.
Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein
Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein has been involved in Jewish community and communal organisations for over 30 years. He completed three years of rabbinical studies in South Africa through SAJTS. In late 2015 Sam assumed his role in the clergy team and has also been trained and certified in Clinical Pastoral Education.
Sam completed his rabbinical studies through the Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary and was ordained in December 2022.
Sam has a keen interest in technology and new gadgets and is invested in enhancing Jewish life, learning and engagement through both technology and personal connection.
He has a firm belief that while buildings provide the facilities for us to pray and gather, it is connection with others that makes us a community.
Rabbi Dr Orna Triguboff
Dr Orna Triguboff has a Ph.D. from the University of Sydney, in Jewish studies, specializing in Kabbalah. Rabbi Triguboff is also a meditation and yoga teacher. She was ordained in 2010 with the Jewish renewal movement. Rabbi Triguboff is passionate about expressing one’s Jewish identity in creative ways.
At Emanuel Synagogue, she leads Jewish renewal services and teaches classes such as Torah commentary, Jewish meditation and various aspects of Kabbalah.