Rabbi Mendel KASTEL, Bondi NSW 2026
Rabbi Mendel Kastel
For service to the community through social welfare bodies, and to youth.
Service includes:
Chief Executive Officer, Jewish House, since 2008. (A non-denominational, not-for-profit organisation offering accommodation, counselling services and basic essentials for people in crisis).
Founder, Point Zero Youth Services, since 1997.
Board Member, Waverley Youth Services (WAYS), 2000-2015.
Founder and Board Chair, J-Junction, current.
Launched, ‘Yes We Can’ Campaign, in conjunction with Coles, food drive for the needy, 2009 and ongoing.
Founder and Active role, ‘Students on the Streets’ (SOS), ongoing.
Rabbi, Great Synagogue, Sydney, 1993-2008 and Rabbinic Fellow, since 2015.
Past President, New South Wales Rabbinical Council.
Chaplain, New South Wales Police Force, since 2002.
Chaplain, various organisations including:
Sydney’s St Vincent’s Public Hospital.
Wolper Jewish Hospital.
Prince of Wales Private Hospital.
Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Awards and recognition includes:
Recipient, Local Hero award, Waverley Council, 2015.
Recipient, Woollahra Council Award, 1999.
Recipient, Wentworth Communal Award.
Recipient, B’nai B’rith Community Award.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel is a well-loved member of the Sydney community. He sees his award in the perspective of the organisation he leads. He told J-Wire: “Personally, I am very humbled. But I hope the award will present the opportunity to particularly raise the profile of Jewish House and to give some focus on the plight of the homeless.”