My Dear Friend and Rabbi

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My Dear Friend and Rabbi

Alex Ryvchin shares the story of his Bondi community of Russian Jews, their humble beginnings and the warm belonging they discovered with Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

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Bondi Chanukah Massacre (2025)

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Gabrielle via JewishTV iOS December 27, 2025

His is yet another extraordinary example of acceptance without judgment and how this rabbi brought together Russian Jews whose understanding of who they are was limited because of generations of persecution. With the radiance of kindness, knowledge and love, step by step, he worked to teach, to encourage, to instruct and to coalesce them into a vibrant, observant Jewish community.
Many secular Jews know they are Jewish and find themselves feeling lost and unwanted by the larger Jewish communities. Their ignorance and inobservance a stain often preventing them from reaching out and just taking one step in beginning to learn. However, since October 7, many young, secular Jewish men sought out how to put on teffilfin and pray while both soldiers in battle and others kidnapped and placed in the dark horrors of the tunnels cried out to G-d with miracles happening in response.
May this community embrace one another and may G-d provide them with a rabbi whose heart extends out to them in loving radiance and continues guiding this community. May the rabbi's wife, children and extended family feel the love from this community and Jews around the globe as they gather together in honoring this rabbi and continue to let the light of their spirits be a blessing.
All of worldwide Jewry benefits in knowing that in spite of dark, hate filled hearts we continue to come together in support of one another and while exceedingly painful, the world is being alerted to those for whom life is still precious and in whom the spiritual spark of G-d continues in utter defiance of hatred, violence and abject depravity.
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt tribute in recognition of this rabbi and the Jewish community who were honoring Hanukkah and the triumph of the Maccabees and the miracle of light. Reply