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Cremorne Synagogue Welcomes Rabbi Mendel and Chaya Slavin as
New Communal Leaders
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Cremorne Synagogue is delighted to announce the appointment of Rabbi Mendel and Chaya Slavin as its new communal leaders, commencing 9 March 2025.

Rabbi Slavin and his family join the community following the dedicated leadership of Rabbi Chaim and Rebbetzin Dina Koncepolski, who have made a profound impact over the past decade. Under their guidance, the synagogue has grown in engagement and spirit, and the community expresses its deep gratitude for their service.

Rabbi Mendel Slavin, raised in Sydney, brings extensive experience as an educator, mentor, and Assistant Rabbi at The Harry Triguboff Centre. He grew up in a home devoted to communal service, with his family founding Our Big Kitchen (OBK), renowned for its food drives and charity initiatives. His passion for outreach, teaching, and guiding individuals has shaped his career, from mentoring youth in the USA to supporting congregants in Sydney.

Chaya Slavin is an experienced educator and musician, currently teaching at Kesser Torah. She has served as a school educator and camp mentor, bringing warmth, energy, and a deep love for education and community engagement.

Together, Rabbi Mendel and Chaya are committed to building a welcoming, dynamic, and spiritually enriching environment for all. Their official first event at the Shul will be Purim in 2025.

Outgoing Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski expressed his confidence in the new leadership, stating:
“We are extremely confident in the leadership of the Slavin family to bring further success and vibrancy to the Shul in their own personal way.”

Cremorne Synagogue President, Jonathan Hamberger, also welcomed the appointment, saying:
“We are excited to welcome Rabbi Mendel and Chaya to our community. Their passion for education, community work, and tikkun olam makes them the perfect couple to lead us into the next chapter of our synagogue’s journey.”

The appointment of the new rabbi comes at a pivotal moment for Cremorne Synagogue, which is currently undertaking the most significant renovations in its 70+ year history. With the benefit of a substantial grant from the former Strathfield Synagogue, Cremorne Synagogue is running a capital appeal to complete these renovations, ensuring that there is a welcoming and beautiful sanctuary for Jewish families and visitors on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.