Who are we?

Rabbi Gary J. Robuck

Rabbi Robuck was born in Cleveland, Ohio and earned his undergraduate degree in Jewish Studies from Ohio State University. He was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1988 and was admitted to the Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative).

In 1988 Rabbi Robuck with his wife, Jocelyn and son David came to Australia where ‘Rabbi Gary’ served first as Assistant and then as Associate Rabbi until 1992, during which time, daughter Shoshana and son Aaron were born.

While in Chatswood, Rabbi Robuck reached out to interfaith couples through the Times and Seasons program and assisted in the creation of Sasson v’ Simcha a service for youth.

Rabbi Robuck has been recognised for his deep commitment to Klal Yisrael and for his creative innovations in worship and programming. His work in the pulpit and classroom and his pastoral skills combine a love and respect of traditional Judaism with a forward-looking approach to Jewish life.

As the rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Tikvah in Beachwood, Ohio (the congregation he left to come to Australia) Rabbi Robuck was well-known for his lively and thought-provoking sermons. He has written guest editorials that have appeared in The Cleveland Jewish News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and The Australian Jewish News. His first, book, Notes from the Rabbi’s Desk was published in June 2003. Rabbi Robuck was the Founder of “Face to Face”, an award-winning Holocaust Education program, reaching out to non-Jewish teens and is Past President of the Greater Cleveland Board of Rabbis.

A pianist and vocalist, he and Jocelyn have frequently appeared on stage performing concerts for various charitable agencies.

Rabbi Robuck has, since his arrival in Australia, initiated many new projects: Close Encounters of the Jewish Kind, an outreach to area school children; the Roz Sinclair Community Walk for Israel; his Totally Excellent Torah and Travel Camp and with Janet Granek – Kesher Lanoar, a new approach to post b'mitzvah aged students. During this time, educational pathways for our members have been established through the North Shore Night School, Chevrah Torah lunches and the Melton program, now offered at NSTE each Tuesday evening.

Rabbi Robuck remains quite active musically and each High Holy Days joins Benny Kaplinski as the Shaliach Tzibbur (Cantorial Soloist).

Since 2005 Rabbi Gary has served as principal of the Hebrew and Religious School. He is pleased to serve on the Executive of the SZC and to sit on its Israel Advocacy Committee.

Rabbi Gary can be contacted on rabbigary@nste.org.au
 

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