Judaism, made personal.
Rabbi On Demand was created to meet people where they actually are — secular, curious, spiritual, or just searching. We believe Jewish life is a conversation, not a performance, and that community is built through honest questions, shared meals, and showing up for one another.
The Accidental Rabbi
I’d never planned on becoming a rabbi. In fact, my grandmother was adamant that it wasn’t a job for a “nice Jewish boy” — especially not her grandson! But even from a young age, my love for Jewish life and tradition was undeniable. At just six years old, I was already leading as the child soloist at Sydney’s South Head Synagogue during the High Holidays. That early spark never left. By my teens, I was leading youth and adult services and had become the regular Torah reader (Ba’al Koreh) at the Central Synagogue. Judaism wasn’t just part of my life – it was my language, my rhythm, and my calling.
A Life Changing Encounter
After graduating from Sydney Boys High School and completing a Commerce degree at the University of NSW, I set off on what I thought was a typical post-uni journey. But a chance conversation with a Jewish traveller who had just returned from Bali changed everything. He told me how Jews in Bali couldn’t access even the basics for Passover. That one conversation lit a fire in me. Within days, a colleague and I were on mopeds, travelling around Bali, searching for every Jew we could find. We invited them all to a last-minute pop-up Seder — and over 100 people showed up. It was spontaneous, meaningful, and deeply moving. That night, something shifted. I realised this was what I was meant to do: bring people together, create Jewish moments of depth, and serve wherever I’m needed.
A Calling To Serve
Inspired by that experience, I went on to pursue Rabbinic ordination and dedicated the next 15 years to serving as a community rabbi across Sydney — at the Central Synagogue, Cremorne Synagogue, Maroubra Synagogue, and Mount Sinai College. Together with my wife Chana Raizel and our five children, I poured my heart into building open, joyful, and non-judgmental Jewish spaces. Spaces where people felt seen. Where they belonged — regardless of background or affiliation.
A New Kind Of Community
Today, as the founder of Rabbi On Demand, I travel across Australia - and beyond - to bring meaningful Jewish experiences to life. Whether it’s a pop-up Shabbat on a beach, a wedding on the cliffs of Spain, a Bar Mitzvah in an aged care home, or a difficult end-of-life conversation, I show up where I’m needed. I believe Judaism should meet people where they are. It should be soulful. Accessible. Personal. It should help people feel proud, connected, and part of something ancient, yet completely alive. That’s what Rabbi On Demand is all about. And it’s the greatest honour of my life to do this work.