
About
The Chabad House for the Israeli traveler in Melbourne — a warm home, a listening ear, and wholehearted help for anyone and everyone, not for profit.
Chabad House for the Israeli Traveler, Melbourne
The Chabad House for the Israeli traveler in Melbourne was established (like each of the thousands of Chabad Houses around the world) by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, King Moshiach, with the goal of helping each and every person, in every matter both material and spiritual alike, not for profit.
Thanks to the Chabad House's deep involvement in the local Jewish community and the close ties it has built with key people in the community, opportunities have arisen to guide and help travelers, workers, students, and immigrants in a wide range of areas: visas, jobs, housing, studies, health services, useful information, government, lawyers, accountants, and making connections in the local community — including a unique gift package of coupons and discounts at local stores and businesses, available at the Chabad House.
In 2016 the Chabad House moved to its new and spacious home at 173 Balaclava rd, and by Divine providence, that very day the first traveler arrived who had received a work permit as part of the 1000 work visas the Australian government granted to Israelis under the Working Holiday visa — which brought large numbers of travelers to the land of the kangaroo and to the Chabad House to receive assistance in all matters, and in particular in finding employment within the Jewish community and beyond it.
The Chabad House has a lively gathering lounge with a coffee-and-cake corner, couches, WiFi, a computer and printer, a listening ear, a ping-pong table and board games, and a variety of events throughout the week — including a weekly barbecue gathering on Monday evenings, fascinating and practical workshops for life on Wednesdays, and more.
The highlight of the week — indulgent Shabbat and holiday meals in a warm and open atmosphere with a mix of Israelis, young people from the local community, and Jewish travelers from around the world.
You are always welcome to reach out about anything to Rabbi Dudu and Sara Leider and the emissaries, who will be glad to help wholeheartedly anyone and everyone.
Who we are
You can always reach out to Rabbi Dudu and Sarah Lider and the emissaries — they'll be glad to help with all their heart.
Our story
- ●1997Tammuz 5757
Two young Chabad emissaries arrived in Melbourne on a mission from the Rebbe. On Balaclava Road they met five Israeli travelers — and the first Shabbat dinner was born. Within weeks it grew from 5 to 20 to 100 travelers.
- ●20045764
Dudu, Sarah and little Mendel landed in Melbourne on the Rebbe's mission, through an amazing story — and began expanding help for travelers across many areas.
- ●2005
Moved to a home on Carlisle Street, in the heart of Melbourne's Jewish neighborhood, to better serve travelers' needs.
- ●2016
Moved to the new, spacious home at 173 Balaclava Rd. That very day the first traveler arrived with a work permit under the Working Holiday visas — bringing waves of travelers.
- ●2020
With COVID and the expansion of activity to the local community — the new website was launched, and services were broadened for when the borders reopen.
- ●Today
The role has grown. In recent years it's not just Shabbat meals and travel tips — it's a safe home and real care for the people who walk through the door: someone to talk to, support through hard moments, and a place to belong.