ISSUES: JEWISH CAUSES: Solomon's parents were Holocaust survivors and he was born in Brooklyn, where the family has strong ties to the local community. In those days its not like today you pick up a plane and you go to China. Helen Mahemoff feels honoured to be included in this years awards. David Werdiger - Faculty, Family Dynamics - The UHNW Institute | LinkedIn My mashgiach was [Harav] Mordechai Rimmer, ztl, who was a mechutan with Rav Elyashiv, and my Rosh Yeshivah was Harav Avraham Genechovski, ztl. I was so lucky to have such an extremely good boss. Member, Dental Board of Western Australia, 1971. "The future of Judaism in America is the Orthodox" Melbourne man accused of abuse dies in apparent suicide I was the same modern bachur that I am now, he says, yet I had a close connection and unbelievable stories with the Beis Yisrael. But you dont go in to a Gadol and lead him into giving the answer you want., It was a lesson for life, Mr. Werdiger says. I advise HNW families and family offices on intergenerational issues, succession planning, family governance, and conflict management. Board Member, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, 2007-2015. Chief Investigator, 14 grants, since 1985. Member, HSC Examination Committee, Latin, 2000, and 2004. Reb Aharon Leib hardly ate anything. . Administrator of the Year, Australian Sports Federation. There [are] no Yidden there, but hes an ohev Yisrael. Visiting Associate, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 1985-2018. When I used to go to Eretz Yisrael for Yamim Tovim, I used to go pick up Reb Moshe every morning to walk to Ger for davening. Past President, Board of Hebrew Education. Lapid, who leads the Yesh Atid party, is trying to stop Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition . SHLOMO WERDIGER. Honorary Fellow, Design Institute Australia 2020. New South Wales Workers Compensation Commission. Managing Director, Juilliard Group of Companies. Mr. Werdiger is a man who wears many hats. A leader of the Melbourne Orthodox community, Werdiger once said, "If you have to live in the galut, Melbourne is the best place," wrote the Jerusalem Post. My wife and I instilled in them a love for helping others she prefers to stay behind the scenes but shes responsible for the chinuch of our children and everything that we do. Filmed and organised an archival collection of interviews with judges, lawyers and lawmakers who were practising when the Family Law was first enacted in 1976. You have to build these connections. Member of various committees, since 1984. Curriculum Advisory Committee, NSW Department of Education. Everybody understands what we do, because if they have a problem, thats the address that they come to. So theres a tremendous need for askanim. It took years of his lobbying and great efforts to eventually take it to the world stage as an Olympic sport under the banner of United Cyclists Internationale. Ill never forget the scene. In the 2015 BRW Rich 200 , his net wealth was estimated at $732 million, up from $705 . Lets say a pair of shoes should cost 100 shekel; we sell it for 10 shekel. Senior Lecturer, Victorian College of the Arts, 2006-2009. I would like to receive the collive newsletter ; Follow Us! Its not a sport for children. Chief Curator, Melbourne Biennial Lab, Melbourne Festival 2016. We do it in spite, not because. 1. Hes going to become the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Colliers International ACT state chief executive Paul Powderly said he understood the buyer was a private family out of Melbourne. Its not charity. Founder and Director, Centre for Hormone Research, 1994-2013. Seated in his office at his Midwood home on a recent Sunday evening, Mr. Werdiger recounted some of his early exposure to Gedolim, to askanus, and to the impact and imprint left by these experiences on him to this very day. Ruth. To understand Shlomo Werdiger, you must understand his roots, his family, and his connections to Ger and to the Agudah. He leverages acquaintances and elected officials from across the country from Idaho, with its Jewish population of about 2,000 to New York, the Jewish capital of America, to further the interests of that pair of causes. My wife and I both have a special feel for these special neshamos. We worked together; we advocated. Just before Christmas, the Juilliard Corporation acquired a trio of buildings leased to the federal government in Canberra for $75 million. Sale of Tuggeranong DHS offices sets 2015 Canberra record of $75 million This has to do with being Jewish.. Address: L 31 459 COLLINS ST MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 3000 Australia See other locations Phone: . I was able to get sponsorship for the sport so we could take it to many underdeveloped countries, something I am very proud of he said. Volunteer, linen service and tending various gardens. Click Subscribe below to begin the process of becoming a new subscriber. It is so wonderful to love what I do and to be able to use all of this to help other people. Former Board Member, Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne. Director, Global Poverty Project Global Citizen, since 2013. Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair, (Sussan, Sportsgirl, Suzanne Grae), since 2003. She also took on new clients and spent a year working as a server and line cook at Pardes, an . Youre traditional, but your children all marry Jewish people. Chairman, Division of Surgery, 1983-1998. We had articles written about us in the Jerusalem Post, in Haaretz, and more, because thats important. The Beis Yisrael, the second he sent me to Tchebin, arranged for somebody to learn with me. Head of Opera, Victorian College of the Arts, 1996-2005. Manny Waks [1] (born 1976) is an Australian activist. Former Advisory Council Member, Centre for Ethical Leadership. Theres tremendous advocacy needed. There are some askanim who are very active in that. Thats something I feel good about. "It was gutsy," Reb Shlomo concedes, "but it was really the only option. Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant, president of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, said he visited the family on Thursday. They have even bigger aspirations than I. While it is nice to get recognition for Jewish achievers, I am sad to see how few of these obviously highly talented people has so little to show in involvement with Jewish causes. Pastoral Care Worker, Epworth Rehabilitation Brighton, Epworth Healthcare, 2014-2016. Nathan Werdiger survived Auschwitz before making his fortune in property in Australia. Acting Head, Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, 1998-2003. Its hard. Were very politically active. Classical Languages Teachers Association of New South Wales (formerly the Latin Teachers Association), New South Wales Board of Studies (now the New South Wales Education Standards Authority). Chair, Reliance Worldwide Corporation/GSA Group, 1986-2016. You have to do fundraisers for them. Everything has happened to me because I have loved it. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Director, Angel Works Productions, since 2016. Wake up.. Senior Visiting Dermatologist, Adelaide Childrens Hospital, 1974-1984. This didnt cost me a penny. All of my endeavours in this space are entirely thanks to my family, particularly my late father, Nathan, who showed us the way with philanthropy and public service and of course, mywife Shyrla. I said, What more do you want? Director, Tri-Continental Bank, 1990-1992 and Chair, Audit Committee, 1990-1992. 1. Contact 2 . Its something the legendary Rabbi Moshe Sherer and, yblc, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel always told me, he adds. I spoke to the gabbai. He has attended every championship . Chair, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 1990-2002. Raymond Laurence WHITTEN, PointPiperNSW2027. Chair and Founder, Wonderment Walk, Victoria, since 2013. We have hundreds of needy families in Arad, Chatzor, Ashdod and more. Lawyer, Owen Dixon Chambers East, current. We were written up in the secular press. Name. One of my sons-in-law was the driving force behind opening up a new shul in Flatbush that is today a true makom tefillah and Torah in our neighborhood. [I started out i]n shmattes. Member, Global Patrons Council, Art Basel, since 2014. Director, Australian Jewish Funders, since 2009. You deserve it.. My connection with Rabbi Sherer honestly came about through Ger. I have been in the law for over 50 years and have done my best and worked hard. Executive Member, Family Law Section, 2000-2012; Chair, 2005. The Beis Yisrael took the piece of paper; he folded it, put it in his chalatl. The net worth of the wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart, was A$ 28.89 billion; while the net worth of the 200th wealthiest individual, Nigel Satterley, was A$ 540 million . Colorectal and General Surgeon, Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital, 1971-2010. In our work environment, theres a minyan every day and we have kosher kitchens and we try to make a kiddush Hashem every day at work, in all the crazy places we go.. One of my sons runs a fund to send underprivileged children to camp. I sit with Mr. Rieder in the Monsey study of Reb Shlomo Werdiger, chairman of Agudath Israel of America, the highest ranking lay leader within the organization, and the man who signed off on that decision. A son of a Holocaust survivor from Sosnowiecz, Werdiger wears many hats, being in his business position a prominent outfitter of some of the most famous sports teams but at the same time an unstinting philanthropist and kiruv personality. Director, Victoria Park Foundation, since 2010. Artistic Committee, Acclaim Awards Melbourne. However, I give credit to my wife, my life, my flame, my Barb. He puts it on the table. About Us - Olami Member, Syllabus Writing Committee in Classical Greek, 1984-1990, and 1998-2003. Nonprofit Tax Code Designation: 501 (c) (3) Defined as: Organizations for any of the following purposes: religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports . Head of Classics, Ascham School, 1975-1983. Now, when I deal with Gedolim, I know that I have to ask, not tell.. 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Polish-born, Mr Werdiger and his brother Nechemia, two of six children, were the only family members to survive the Auschwitz "selection" process run by infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, the "Angel of Death". Chairmans Medal for services to Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Childrens Hospital, 1997. They gave me a dorm room. About 17 or 18 years ago, I was very lucky. Harold Sharp said: Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get any honour never mind the OAM. Guest Conductor including ABC orchestras and state operas, 1986-1996. So we started something called Keren Werdiger, in which we give out Yom Tov packages on both Sukkos and Pesach. Governor Cuomo came to my house to push through one of the packages of the mandated services thats worth millions of dollars to yeshivos. When I sit in on meetings of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel, I know that the main thing is that you have to listen, and even when you say something, you have to be subservient to their opinion, Mr. Werdiger says. We now have one in Bnei Brak and one in Yerushalayim, and were building a much larger and new one in Bnei Brak. You never close a girls school. He said, How do you do it? I said, How do we do it? 03/ vicki smorgon, val smorgon obe. Sol Werdiger is ready for the big game - Jewish Insider Please email any omissions toawards@jwire.com.au. No. You came to tell me or you came to ask? he says. We visit. It takes time. Member, Rotary Club of Terrigal, since 2017. Member, International Council of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, since 2019. Member, Growth Hormone Advisory Committee, 2000-2008. I am very happy to help in any way I can. They may not be religious, but theyre going to be Jewish. Board Member, Baker Institute, 1995-2005. Thousands of Free Torah Video and Audio Lectures By Hundreds of Rabbis Council Member, Philanthropy Australia, 2000-2002. Board Member, Kooyong Foundation, 2002-2020. Member, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, since 1979 and Member, Specialist Advisory Committee (Paediatric Endocrinology), 2013-2017. Its important today also because in the political arena, you have to host politicians. The Juilliard Corporation, one of Melbourne's largest landlords, was founded by Mr Werdiger's father, Nathan Werdiger, whose estimated wealth of $732 million placed him 70th on this year's BRW . I was and have been able to advocate for women and to help women all over the world. Shlomo (Sol) Werdiger. I said, OK. At least I now know I am in staying Yerushalayim and Im in Tchebin. After his father returned home after World War II, he was knocked back for membership at Melbourne golf clubs. We support. Ill tell you a funny story. Philippa Kelly is the chief operating officer at the Juilliard Group. My boss was very happy to have a woman in charge of the business. EIN: 13-3505439. I have an obsession to do my very best. He came to West Australia from Israel as a migrant in 1957. Leaders of Melbourne's ultra-Orthodox community are pleading with the state government to let them gather in small prayer groups during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, which . When a chosid once told the 2nd Lubavitcher Rebbe that his work in the public space gave him a sense of self-importance, the Rebbe responded, I wish you to be like an onion(humble) but absolutely continue your public work. Reb Yechiel Benzion Fishoff (former chairman of Agudahs Board of Trustees), may he be gezunt, was my closest friend and really my role model in askanus. We have deep Gerrer roots.. Today the chairman of Agudath Israel of Americas Board of Trustees, he relates a very telling anecdote about meeting a Gadol as a bachur that remains his guide when he approaches Gedolim nowadays for direction. "They do not have the confidence of the community. Council Member, (Victorian Golf Association), 2001-2010. Im friendly with his son, Harav Shimshon, shlita, and the whole family. And my other son-in-law has a home that is always open for chessed and [is] a baal haachsania to Gedolim. Member, Western Australia Branch, Australian Dental Association, since 1950, and Honorary Secretary and Bulletin Editor, 1967-1970. The young Ms. Oh a terrific, terrific worker, he emphasizes eventually worked for him for many years until the family moved back to South Korea. It gives him nachas. Carnegie-Wits Alumni Diaspora Programme, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, 2014. Philanthropy Leadership Award, Creative Partnerships Australia, 2016. The event at Central Shule, which farewelled long-time president Shlomo Werdiger and welcomed vice-president Nathan Shafir as his successor, also saw the announcement of former Australian prime minister John Howard and former Canadian PM Stephen Harper as keynote speakers at the UIA gala dinner and women's division breakfast next March. BACKGROUND: Solomon "Shlomo" Werdiger is the founder and CEO of licensed youth sports apparel manufacturer Outerstuff, and his company holds exclusive rights to outfit the top U.S. sports teams. How did you get involved with the Agudah? People were kind to me throughout my life because I am so interested. Sol Werdiger is ready for the big game. You guys never, ever, ever close a yeshivah. So, he and a few Jewish friends got together and started Cranbourne Golf Club. He has lived in Bathurst for 36 years and loves living in a community where he knows everyone. Consultant, Austen Brown Boog Solicitors, since 2012. Conjoint Head, Academic and Mayne Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, since 2003. ANZICS Honour Roll, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, 2011. When I was growing up, I was always in Bluzhev. When I went into business, I was a worker for somebody for many years and I had an opportunity to buy him out. We have a lot of stories like this, Mr. Werdiger says. The club and the shul fulfilled my life, he said. A story circulating last year had it that Mr. Werdiger was asked to dine several years ago with the then-South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Oh Joon. Dr Roger Pillemer commented: I feel delighted and very honoured. You have to understand this has nothing to do with being Orthodox or non-Orthodox. I didnt think of that, Sol. I said, Thats an absolutely serious problem. Jewish Community Call on Yeshivah Board To Resign After Child Sexual You could sit in yeshivah and get a voucher. Are you confident that we have that open door today? I went to Torah Vodaath and I learned by Rav Pam, ztl, but when they opened the Gerrer shtiebel I started davening there.. I said that I came to ask. Donor to the Master of Business Administration Program, University of NSW. She has spent many years fundraising for Jewish causes. Baby Boy! | CrownHeights.info - Chabad News, Crown Heights News At the age of 80, he gave up volunteering at the Perth Chevra Kadisha when it became too physically demanding. Were investing. For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne. Theres CAP money. Trustee, Jewish Museum of Australia Foundation, 2010-2011. Chair, Australian Growth Hormone Advisory Committee, 1999-2002. International Coordinator, Coordinating Office of Paediatric Endocrine Societies, 1989-1995. We advocate in many states. By: Yochonon Donn. Nathan Werdiger (Werdygier) (1923 - 2015) - Genealogy Volunteer, University of Western Australia Visitors Centre. Foundation Committee Life Member, since 1998. . Lifetime Achievement Award for the Promotion of Phlebology in Australasia, Australasian College of Phlebology, 2007. The younger Mr. Werdiger started a successful textile and real estate firm, which encompassed most of the Melbourne business districts properties by the time he passed away two years ago. Visiting Dermatologist, Julia Farr Centre, 1984-2003. Past Chairman, Central Coast Mariners Football Club. Director, Magellan Financial Group, 2006-2014. Somebody came to pick me up in Eretz Yisrael, and he took me straight from the airport to Ralbach [Street], to the beis medrash of the Beis Yisrael. I was in the apparel business. We support Eretz Yisrael. They put in tremendous effort and work. Board Director, Museum of Modern Art PS1, New York, current. Yeshivah has requested a confidentiality We set up huge warehouses all over Eretz Yisrael, so families can buy clothes. Werdiger was best known inside the community as a major benefactor of the Yeshivah Centre and . State Trustees Australia Foundation (Patron). The younger Mr. Werdiger started a successful textile and real estate firm, which encompassed most of the Melbourne business district's properties by the time he passed away two years ago. I walked in the first time to the Beis Yisrael. He would also frequently accompany the Beis Yisrael on his early morning walks through the darkened streets of the Holy City. Can you tell an anecdote or two about those trips? Dr. Irving Lebovics, together with Mr. Shlomo Werdiger, chairman of the board of Agudath Israel of America, is the principal initiator of the revived Am Echad, which includes activists from a wide array of Orthodox organizations: Agudath Israel; Orthodox Union, Young Israel; Chabad; and the Coalition for Jewish Values. After spending three Shabbosos in Yerushalayim when he first came there to learn, Mr. Werdiger made plans to spend the next Shabbos at the home of a childless uncle of his who lived in Ramat Gan, adjacent to Bnei Brak. You cant compare seeing to hearing. Consultant Endocrinologist, Mercy Maternity Hospital, 1990-2018. Former Developer and Promoter, South Bank Structure Plan, Melbourne. Our children live there. Read more, Copyright 2023 -- All Rights Reserved J-Wire -- Contact -- Privacy Policy. Because youve never, ever, ever asked for anything for yourselves. It also owns 459 Collins Street, a 32-storey office tower. Were building. For service to dentistry, and to professional organisations. You do something you like and enjoy. All comments are moderated. Whether its on education or the Foreign Relations Committee. I knew your grandfather for whom youre named!. Consultant Oral Surgeon, Royal Perth Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and Repatriation General Hospital, 1950s-1960s. For the last two decades has concentrated her fund-raising talents on Melbournes Jewish Holocaust Centre. We host the mayor and the governor. Yesterday, the day after Yom Kippur, Shyrla Pakula Werdiger - who presumably would've spent Yom Kippur in the Yeshivah synagogue fasting and repenting for her sins - produced the following rant on the Jews for Justice for Yeshivah's Victims Facebook page: If theyre going to start coming to Eretz Yisrael, youre going to have to check out who your kids are marrying. He was a big baal achsania. The other love of my life, the other askanus, is really the Agudah, which takes also a tremendous amount of time and energy.