Rabbi Shmuel & Rivki Karnowsky inducted as Senior Rabbi & Rebbetzin of Elwood Shule
18 October 2015 – Over 250 members, family and friends, gathered at Elwood Shule for the induction of Rabbi Shmuel & Rivki Karnowsky by Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick. Rabbi Karnowsky is the 4th Senior Rabbi appointed in the last 70 years. The service was conducted by Chazan Aaron Max.
In his welcome speech, Mark Kuran, President of the Shule, highlighted the positive impact made by Rabbi & Rebbetzin Karnowsky over the last few years.
Rabbi Gutnick in his address, nostalgically reflected on his long time association with Elwood Shule and blessed Rabbi & Rebbetzin Karnowsky with strength and courage to successfully lead the congregation into the future.
Rabbi Karnowsky then addressed the congregation, first thanking his family and the community for their support over the years. He then outlined his vision going forward by linking the Parsha of the week and the name of the Synagogue, Beit Avrohom -To continue to build a Congregation in which any and every Jewish person feels welcome and comfortable and a part of our family. A Shule in which every experience should be enriching and meaningful.
He stressed that his ethos will always be one that is fresh and modern, applicable to the times, yet always keeping in mind from where we have come – as a people and as a community.
Rabbi Karnowsky was then blessed by his father who came in from London for this special occasion.
The service concluded with Adon Olam led by Yaakov & Mendy Karnowsky.
A lunch buffet followed the service in the Karafka hall.