Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM to Retire as Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, Australia’s Largest Congregation, After Nearly Four Decades of Distinguished Service

After nearly four decades of extraordinary service, Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM will be retiring as Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, marking a significant chapter in the story of Australia's largest congregation; one of unprecedented growth and transformation.

From 1 July 2026, Rabbi Kamins will transition into the role of Rabbi Emeritus, recognising the unique and enduring contribution he has made to the congregation and the broader Jewish and Australian communities. In this new capacity, Rabbi Kamins will have fewer formal responsibilities while remaining an active participant in synagogue life. 

Since he arrived in 1989, Rabbi Kamins has been a defining presence in the Emanuel Synagogue community. With a BA in English literature from Stanford, a JD from UC Berkeley School of Law, and rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, he brought with him a deep intellectual tradition, a commitment to pluralism and egalitarian values, and an unwavering belief in Judaism's relevance to modern life. He was installed as Senior Rabbi in 1999 and has since shaped Emanuel into a community that honours deep tradition while embracing diversity, innovation, and social justice.

"Rabbi Kamins has guided us with great vision, wisdom, and integrity," said Grant McCorquodale, Emanuel Synagogue President. "His leadership has enriched our congregation, strengthened interfaith dialogue, championed social justice, and inspired generations. We are profoundly grateful for his deep dedication, inclusive values and active service."

Rabbi Kamins has led with vision, wisdom and integrity, guiding thousands through life's most sacred moments, expanding our ever-evolving offering, and advocating for interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and the preservation of the planet for future generations. Beyond the congregation, the wider community has benefited from his profound impact as a teacher, mentor, and communal leader.

Recognising the importance of this transition, in 2023, the Emanuel Synagogue Board initiated a robust succession strategy. They explored high-quality candidates both locally and globally, and it became clear through this process that the best leader for Emanuel's future was already among them, leading and serving their members with exceptional strength and commitment. 

Emanuel Synagogue is proud to announce that Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM will become the next Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, effective 1 July 2026. A widely respected role model, Rabbi Ninio has served Emanuel Synagogue for 27 years with spiritual insight and compassionate leadership. During this time, she has been a strong support and trusted sounding board for Rabbi Kamins. Her influence extends far beyond Emanuel Synagogue. Over the years, she has led the charge for marriage equality, and the rights of the marginalised and underrepresented. In 2024, she became the first female rabbi to be recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.

"Rabbi Ninio is deeply respected for her breadth of wisdom, experience, compassion, and proactive courage," said Grant McCorquodale, Emanuel Synagogue President. "She will lead us into our next era with immense communal knowledge, experience, momentum, strength and vision, building on Rabbi Kamins' great legacy while shaping Emanuel's future."

This announcement also affirms the continued strength and cohesion of the Emanuel Synagogue clergy team. Rabbi Ninio, with Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth, Rabbi George Mordecai, and Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein, will carry forward the Synagogue's mission, with support from Rabbi Kamins, in his emeritus role.

Over the coming ten months, the community can look forward to many opportunities to celebrate Rabbi Kamins—including the fast-approaching High Holy Days. This will be Rabbi Kamins' last as Senior Rabbi and presents a meaningful and memorable opportunity to honour his immense impact and legacy, as Emanuel Synagogue anticipate this exciting next era for its congregation.
 

Additional Quotes

"Having completed 36 years as rabbi at Emanuel Synagogue, and with such gratitude for who our community is, I know that now is the time, with the blessing of the board, to transition to becoming our synagogue's first Emeritus Rabbi, with great pride and confidence in Rabbi Ninio succeeding me (in every meaning of the word) as Senior Rabbi. As I approach my 70th birthday and with growing family in Los Angeles, I look forward to having more time with them while continuing to maintain my deep, personal relationship and presence with the members of our community in the years ahead. These are extremely challenging times for our people, for our planet, for humanity, and we have much about which to think and speak these Yamim Noraim, my last ones as Senior Rabbi."  

- Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM

"It has been my honour and privilege to walk beside Rabbi Kamins for 27 of his 36 years with our congregation. He has connected with many generations, celebrated with us in moments of joy, held us when we mourned and inspired us with his vision for our synagogue, for Judaism and for the world. He is a mentor, a wise guide, a teacher and a friend. I am so honoured that the leadership of our community will be handed to me and I hope together we can continue to dream, create and build a congregation grounded in our shared values, where everyone can find a home."

- Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM

About Emanuel Synagogue

Founded in 1938, Emanuel Synagogue is Australia's largest Jewish congregation, known for its pluralistic, egalitarian, and inclusive approach to Jewish life. With a rich heritage and a commitment to innovation, Emanuel serves as a spiritual home to thousands and a leader in interfaith and social justice initiatives.
www.emanuel.org.au
 

Media Contact

Melba Proestos
Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: 02 9389 6444
Email: melba@emanuel.org.au

Interview Opportunities

Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins OAM
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM
Grant McCorquodale, Emanuel Synagogue President
 

Materials

Photos can be downloaded here
Photo credit: Benjamin Ryan