My Shlichus Journey Began 50 Years Ago in Melbourne

Article by Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf: “My journey in Shlichus began exactly fifty years ago, on the 23rd of Iyar, 5735. What I thought would be two years of Shlichus turned into something far greater. That first experience planted the seeds of a lifetime.“

By Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf – Chicago, Illinois

My journey in Shlichus began exactly fifty years ago, on the 23rd of Iyar, 5735. At the time, I had no idea just how far it would take me — or how profoundly it would shape the course of my life.

I was just 19 and a half years old, when I had the incredible zchus to be selected as one of six young Shluchim sent to Melbourne, Australia. Our mission was to learn, teach, and inspire. We were assigned to Melbourne’s Chabad Yeshivah Gedolah, where we worked closely with the bochurim, and also to the Chabad Yeshivah College, where we reached out to hundreds of their talmidim.

What I thought would be two years of Shlichus turned into something far greater. That first experience planted the seeds of a lifetime. Little did I know then, that I would go on to spend close to 5 decades in Chinuch — teaching, guiding, and building — all rooted in the lessons I began learning during the two foundational years of Shlichus in Melbourne.

One of the greatest gifts of that time was not just the talmidim whose lives we touched, but the incredible people we met, Chassidim whose lives were living examples of what it means to serve with heart and soul.

Among the most influential was Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner ע״ה. A towering figure in every sense — he was the principal, Dean, and director of the Yeshivah College and Bais Rivkah schools, serving over 1,200 students, while also leading Chabad outreach organizations and serving as Rov of the Melbourne community. And yet, he made time for us — the young Shluchim — investing hundreds of hours sharing Divrei Torah, personal stories, and guidance that spanned decades, reaching back to the Frierdiker Rebbe as well as his early years with the Rebbe. Just watching how he dealt with people — with strength, clarity, and deep care — taught us what true leadership looks like.

Another unforgettable figure was Reb Zalman Serebryanski ע״ה, the Mashpia of the Yeshivah Gedolah. A Chossid from the old world, he carried the fire of Mesiras Nefesh from Soviet Russia — and yet radiated a gentle love and sensitivity that deeply affected the young bochurim, many of whom had little or no Jewish education background. He didn’t just teach Chassidus — he embodied it. Every word of his, his smile, every farbrengen with him was a masterclass in humility, sincerity, chassidic warmth and Ahavas Yisroel.

During that time, I also encountered the legacy of Reb Moshe Zalman Feiglin, who had lived in the remote farming town of Shepparton in northern Australia. Though he passed away in 1956, his influence was still deeply felt. He raised a large, frum family without a Hebrew day school — relying on a Melamed to teach his children after public school hours.

I once asked his son, Reb Dovid Feiglin, how it was that all his siblings had remained committed Jews while being raised on a farm. His answer was simple, but unforgettable: “We used to be woken up early in the morning by the sound of our father sobbing as he recited Tehillim.” That taught me more than any workshop ever could — about the power of personal example, and the lasting impact a parent can have, even without formal instruction.

We also learned about Hachnosas Orchim and Chessed from two remarkable individuals: Reb Chaim Serebryanski ע״ה and, may he live and be well, Reb Mendel New. Reb Chaim and his wife hosted lavish Kiddushim every Shabbos at their home, welcoming dozens of newly arrived Russian immigrants. Their Shabbos table was a place of physical nourishment and spiritual beauty, where even just seeing a large Chassidic family celebrating could touch hearts. While the meals were taking place, Reb Chaim would often still be in Shul, wrapped in his tallis, preparing a Maamar Chassidus which he would later deliver after Mincha with heartfelt Chassidic warmth.

Reb Mendel New, a successful businessman, and his wife ע״ה were at the forefront of helping Russian immigrants adjust to life in Australia — materially, socially, and spiritually. They were deeply involved in the governance of Yeshivah College and poured their energy into building a stronger Jewish future for the community. I’ll never forget a Seder night, when Reb Mendel — moments before beginning his own Seder — went out into the street to invite more guests, despite an already full table. That night, people were seated up to the outer door of their home. It was a Seder, yes — but it was also a living lesson in Ahavas Yisroel and Hachnosas Orchim.

All of these experiences — and so many more — were not just memories. They were the foundation of everything that followed.

Looking back now, I believe that the Rebbe’s vision for our Shlichus in Melbourne had a dual purpose. Yes, we were sent to teach, to guide, to uplift. But perhaps just as important was that we were placed there to learn from those who came before us — to absorb the wisdom, dedication, and quiet strength of individuals who had already transformed the Jewish landscape of Australia.

In doing so, the Rebbe gave us something immeasurable: not only a mission, but a model. A vision of what it means to lead, to live for others, and to carry the torch of Yiddishkeit forward with love, authenticity, and strength.

Now, 50 years later, I thank Hashem every day for the incredible privilege of being part of this Shlichus — and for the merit of continuing to fulfill the Rebbe’s vision: changing the world, one child and person at a time.