Rabbi Michael Alony and the Sydney Central Synagogue, 1976-1984

Journal article

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In Journal Issue

Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal, 23, 4 (2018)

Author P J Powell AbstractThis article is an effort to provide a fuller and more balanced evaluation of the ministry of Rabbi Michael Asher Alony at the Central Synagogue in Sydney between 1976 and 1984 than appears in the official and commissioned history of the Central Synagogue and an article in the Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal by George Keen. This article will analyse the positive contributions which Rabbi Alony made to his congregation and the broader Jewish life in Sydney, the problems associated with his ministry in Sydney, and his dénouement. Rabbi Alony's ministry in Sydney represented the zenith of his career, after which he suffered a professional and personal decline. The article will also provide an epilogue, briefly charting this decline. This is based on a variety of printed materials but also on the notes from telephone conversations, letters and e-mails with and between many people who have interacted with or have known Rabbi Alony through the years, are in organisations he has been connected with, and/or who could provide useful information. I have managed to locate five different résumé, all produced by Rabbi Alony during the 1990s. Given my experience with issues of reliability relating to Rabbi Alony, I have tried to provide my analysis through these personal recollections as well as the archival documents
Year2018
Pages699-721