Gold Coast shul’s rabbi in jeopardy
THE Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation is making an urgent appeal for donations in an effort to avoid cutting the rabbi's salary.
NAOMI LEVIN
IT may be the high season in Surfers Paradise, but the Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation has been forced to send out an urgent appeal for support.
The synagogue relies on a small handful of benefactors for much of its revenue, but donations are dwindling, and the fundraising fall means the shul is seriously considering slashing the rabbi’s salary.
“One of our benefactors, for personal reasons, cannot afford to support us financially as much as he used to,” Gold Coast shul president David Rebibou explained.
The AJN also understands that another of the congregation’s major donors passed away in recent years and the next generation of his family has reduced its annual donation.
The loss of support, which has left the shul with a $90,000 shortfall, means the synagogue may be required to cut Rabbi Nir Gurevitch’s salary.
“We don’t know if the rabbi will accept it, or look for another position,” Rebibou said of the congregation’s full-time spiritual leader.
Rabbi Gurevitch’s contract expires on February 12 and the president said the shul must raise the required money before that date.
“I am a big supporter of the rabbi … we would like to keep him.”
A crisis meeting was held recently and the decision was taken to contact community members —- not just in Queensland, but also interstate —- for assistance.
“We sent something like 400 pledges,” he said. “When people from Sydney and Melbourne come to the Gold Coast, there is a shul to service their needs, in terms of the synagogue, kosher food, services, Shabbat.”
Surfers Paradise has had its own Orthodox congregation for 52 years, serving both the local community and interstate visitors to the popular holiday destination. As well as regular minyans and Shabbat services, the synagogue also has a mikvah and community hall.
Rebibou said the congregation is strong, it is just in need of financial assistance.
“We’ve increased our membership, but a big drop in income like this is difficult.”
To support the Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation, contact (07) 5570 1851.
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