This is Hamayan | Melbourne's Singing Minyan

About our Rabbi & Rebbitzin

Rav Marcus Rosenberg is the Rabbi and community leader of Hamayan.

Rav Marcus was born in Melbourne and attended Yeshiva College and Monash University, completing degrees in Economics and English. He studied Smicha at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel and received ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and Rav Yoni Rosensweig. Rav Marcus studied education at Michlelet Herzog and completed the shlichut training programs of World Mizrachi and Amiel. He is a Jewish Studies teacher at Leibler Yavneh College. Rebbetzin Lidi studied at Yavneh in Melbourne, Midreshet Lindenbaum, Nishmat and Matan in Israel and currently teaches the Bat Mitzva program at UJEB.

In the face of the challenges that the entire community is experiencing post-Covid, we look forward to the community richly benefiting from Rav Marcus’s innovative ideas, strong leadership skills, warm persona, vast knowledge of all things related to Judaism and his musical acumen. From dynamic Shiurim that will also be professionally streamed online, to augmenting Hamayan’s famous inviting atmosphere and musical davening, to increasing communal kumzitzes and other musical events, we are looking to bring the Hamayan spirit to life through everything Rav Marcus has to offer.

In true Hamayan fashion, we will IY”H celebrate this momentous occasion with an inaugural Kumzitz, please stay tuned for details.

The Hamayan Board.

About Hamayan

The aim of Hamayan is to be a shule where everyone feels welcome and where a tapestry of Jews open their hearts through prayer and singing, in the vibrant and uplifting atmosphere of melodies. Strengthening the bonds of love and friendship between all Jews. In this spirit each individual who joins with the kehila is inspired to grow and deepen their connection with Hashem.

Hamayan which means in Hebrew, the Well(spring) and pronounced “Ha’ma’ayan”, came into existence in the summer of 2000 by some chevre who wanted a really good place to pray on Shabbat, they began to embark on a journey trying to achieve an ideal unique minyan. Of course the highlight of the week at Hamayan continues to be the special shabbat davening inspired by modern and traditional Jewish tunes. The journey to date has involved many many people. We have farewelled many members who are now living in Israel and continue to be in touch with them which generates a strong connection between the Israeli community and the Melbourne community. Also through our consistent hosting of many Jewish singers and musicians both locally and internationally, Hamayan continues to be a unique place in Melbourne which is inclusive and has something to offer for the wider Jewish community.

We have many functions that run through the year both at the shule and at people’s homes. These include: Melave Malka’s with the community and also hosting many international guests, festival functions, all night Shavuot learning, Tisha B’Av service, Midnight slichot service, Simchat Beit Hashoeva, Simchat Torah Dinners, Chanuka Parties, regular Rosh Chodesh musical hallels, yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim celebrations and much much more.

Our community come from many different backgrounds and range in age from a few days old to elderly members into their 80s. Some have years of experience in yeshivot and seminaries while others are trying to pray for the very first time. Some members are from Israel and other countries while others have lived in Melbourne all their lives. Some are going deeper into their Jewish life while others are converting and discovering a whole new world. We have proud Chassidim from the wide range of streams and we have proud Misnagdim and we acknowledge that ultimately we all just want a meaningful place to connect to HasHem. It is through this harmony of inclusivity and diversity that people continue to be inspired and enjoy participating in the services and functions.