Rabbi Yossi
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you need a rabbi, a connection, or a community, just reach out. We’re ready when you are.
Weddings, Bar Mitzvah, Birth
