Our Team

Rabbi Shimi Althaus is a warm and uplifting presence, deeply devoted to Torah and to bringing joy and meaning into everyday Jewish life. With sincerity and heart, he creates connection through warmth, humility, and genuine care for others.

Shterna Althaus is a New York-born marriage and family therapist and mentor based in Sydney, known for her compassionate guidance in relationships, communication and personal growth. She also founded Soul Cafe, a women’s learning community and podcast that brings Torah-infused insight to everyday life and wellbeing.

Rabbi Davey Blackman brings exceptional depth, warmth, and insight to Torah learning, originally from South Africa shaped by over a decade at Yeshivat Har Etzion as a close talmid of Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein. With a rare blend of intellectual breadth, integrity, humour, and personal warmth. He currently serves as a Rabbi and community leader in Cape Town, South Africa.

Deborah Blackman is an engaging and thoughtful voice who guides parents through sensitive and complex issues with clarity, compassion, and insight. Her warmth and practical wisdom create a supportive space for meaningful conversation and growth.

Shoshana Eisner is the founder of Operation Golda, a grassroots initiative she built to rapidly mobilise volunteers and resources in support of Israel and Israelis in need. Through hands-on leadership, she has driven the delivery of critical aid, flights, accommodation and community care across Israel.

Rabbi David Freedman originally from the UK has served the Jewish community particularly in the Central Synagogue for nearly fifty years with wisdom and warmth. An expert in Jewish history and law, he brings depth and clarity to his teaching. At the retreat he offers gentle Torah, guidance and support throughout Yom Tov, drawing on a lifetime of rabbinic leadership and scholarship.

Rabbi Moshe D. Gutnick is a distinguished Australian Orthodox rabbi, senior member of the Sydney Beth Din and President of the Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand, known for his deep commitment to Jewish law and community leadership.

Rabbi Dr. Ari Lobel is currently a lecturer in Classical Hebrew and Judaism Curriculum at the University of Sydney. He also teaches the HSC Classical Hebrew course at both Moriah College and Kesser Torah College. He formerly served as a writer/editor for the Artscroll Talmud, Mishnah and Midrash series.

Ambassador Amir Maimon is Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, bringing decades of diplomatic and defence experience to strengthening the Australia–Israel relationship. He is a strong advocate for Israel and an active supporter of the Jewish community across Australia.

Dr Renee Mill is a senior clinical psychologist who integrates evidence-based therapy with the values and rhythms of Jewish life. Her approach supports emotional wellbeing in a way that aligns with Torah, family and community, offering warm guidance to individuals, couples and families.

Elyse Schachna is the President of Zionism Victoria, a leading voice for the Jewish-Zionist community in Victoria, advocating for stronger engagement with Israel and proactive responses to antisemitism and hate. She is a law lecturer and community leader dedicated to uniting organisations, elevating the next generation of Jewish leadership, and shaping public policy on behalf of her community.

Dr. David Adler is a founding member and former President of the Australian Jewish Association, where he led the organisation for nearly a decade as it became a prominent and influential voice for the Jewish community and Israel. He remains an active public commentator on antisemitism and key political issues in Australia.