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{{Short description|Australian-Israeli rabbi (1935–2024)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox Jewish leader
{{Infobox Jewish leader
|honorific-prefix = [[Rabbi]]
|honorific-prefix = [[Rabbi]]
|name = Raymond Apple
|name = Raymond Apple
|honorific-suffix =
|honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|size=100%|country=AUS|AO|RFD}}
|title =
|title =
|image = Rabbi_Dr_Raymond_Apple.jpg
|image = Rabbi_Dr_Raymond_Apple.jpg
|caption =
|caption =
|denomination=[[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]]
|denomination = [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]]
|synagogue =[[Great Synagogue (Sydney)]]
|synagogue = [[Great Synagogue (Sydney)]]
|synagogueposition =Emeritus Senior Rabbi
|synagogueposition = Senior Rabbi
|organisation=
|organisation =
|organisationposition =
|organisationposition =
|began =
|began =
|ended =
|ended =
|predecessor = Rabbi Dr Israel Porush
|predecessor = Rabbi Dr [[Israel Porush]]
|successor = Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence
|successor = Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence
|semicha = [[London School of Jewish Studies]]
|semicha = [[London School of Jewish Studies]]
|rabbi =
|rabbi =
|rank =
|rank =
|other_post =
|other_post =
|birth_name =
|birth_name =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1935|12|27|df=y}}
|birth_date = {{birth date|1935|12|27|df=y}}<ref name=jwire/>
|birth_place = [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]]
|birth_place = [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], Australia
|death_date =
|death_date = {{death date and age|2024|1|19|1935|12|27|df=y}}
|death_place =
|death_place = [[Jerusalem]], Israel
|buried =
|buried =
|nationality = Australia, [[Israel]]
|nationality = [[Australia]]n, [[Israel]]i
|residence = Israel
|residence = Israel
||occupation =
|occupation =
|profession = Rabbi
|profession = Rabbi
|employer =
|employer =
|website = {{URL|http://www.oztorah.com}}
|website = {{URL|http://www.oztorah.com}}
}}
}}


'''Raymond Apple''' {{post-nominals|size=100%|country=AUS|AO}} {{post-nominals|size=100%|country=AUS|RFD}} (born 27 December 1935) is an [[emeritus]] senior [[rabbi]]. He was the Senior Rabbi of the [[Great Synagogue (Sydney)|Great Synagogue of Sydney]] between 1972 and 2005.<ref name=sunh>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/02/06/1107625057722.html |work=The Sun-Herald |title=Farewell to the rabbi of tolerance |date=7 February 2005 |first=Sarah |last=Price}}</ref> In this role, he was one of Australia's highest profile rabbis and the leading spokesman for [[Judaism]] in [[Australia]].<ref>''The Australian'', "Apple spells out core values as he departs after 32 years" 7 February 2005, accessed through EBBSCO'S Australia and New Zealand Reference Net</ref><ref>[http://www.chiefrabbi.org/rabbinate/cabinet/apple.html Chief Rabbi's Cabinet - Rabbi Raymond Apple]</ref>
'''Raymond Apple''' {{post-nominals|size=100%|country=AUS|AO|RFD}} (27 December 1935 – 19 January 2024) was an Australian and Israeli rabbi who worked in England and Australia and retired to Israel. He was the Senior Rabbi of The [[Great Synagogue (Sydney)|Great Synagogue of Sydney]] between 1972 and 2005.<ref name=sunh>{{cite news |url= http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/02/06/1107625057722.html |work=The Sun-Herald |title=Farewell to the rabbi of tolerance |date=7 February 2005 |first=Sarah |last=Price}}</ref> In this role, he was one of Australia's highest profile rabbis and the leading spokesman for [[Judaism]] in Australia.<ref>''The Australian'', "Apple spells out core values as he departs after 32 years" 7 February 2005, accessed through EBBSCO'S Australia and New Zealand Reference Net</ref><ref>[http://www.chiefrabbi.org/rabbinate/cabinet/apple.html Chief Rabbi's Cabinet – Rabbi Raymond Apple]</ref>


== Early life==
== Early life==
Born in [[Melbourne]],<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/rn/verbatim/stories/2002/481992.htm ABC Radio National Verbatim], 9 December 2002</ref> Apple was educated at the selective [[Melbourne High School (Victoria)|Melbourne High School]]. His [[rebbe]] was Dr {{ill|Samuel Billigheimer|de|Samuel Billigheimer}} (1889-1983).<ref>[https://www.oztorah.com/2008/02/dr-billigheimer-in-australia/#.Wk5Le0tx1TY Dr Billigheimer in Australia (OzTORAH)]; [https://www.oztorah.com/2013/02/the-german-rabbinate-abroad-australia/#.Wk5OIEtx1TY The German rabbinate abroad — Australia (OzTORAH).]</ref> He continued his education at the [[University of Melbourne]], where he graduated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, then at the [[University of New England, Australia|University of New England]] in Australia, gaining a Master of Literature degree, and finally at Jews' College (now called the [[London School of Jewish Studies]]), where he received a teaching diploma and [[semikhah]] (rabbinic diploma).<ref name=whoswho />
Born in [[Melbourne]],<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/rn/verbatim/stories/2002/481992.htm ABC Radio National Verbatim], 9 December 2002</ref> Apple was educated at the selective [[Melbourne High School (Victoria)|Melbourne High School]]. He was influenced by Rabbi Jacob Danglow and his teacher Dr {{ill|Samuel Billigheimer|de|Samuel Billigheimer}} (1889–1983).<ref>[https://www.oztorah.com/2008/02/dr-billigheimer-in-australia/#.Wk5Le0tx1TY Dr Billigheimer in Australia (OzTORAH)]; [https://www.oztorah.com/2013/02/the-german-rabbinate-abroad-australia/#.Wk5OIEtx1TY The German rabbinate abroad — Australia (OzTORAH).]</ref> He continued his education at the [[University of Melbourne]], where he graduated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, then at the [[University of New England, Australia|University of New England]] in Australia, gaining a Master of Literature degree, and finally at Jews' College (now called the [[London School of Jewish Studies]]), where he received a teaching diploma and [[semikhah]] (rabbinic diploma).<ref name=whoswho />


Apple has received a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) ''honoris causa'' from the [[University of New South Wales]] and Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) from the [[Australian Catholic University]]. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the [[University of Sydney]] and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni award of the University of New England.
Apple received a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) ''honoris causa'' from the [[University of New South Wales]] and Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) from the [[Australian Catholic University]]. He was also an Honorary Fellow of the [[University of Sydney]] and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni award of the University of New England.<ref name=ARRA/>


==Religious leadership==
==Religious leadership==
Between 1960 and 1972, Apple served London congregations at [[Bayswater Synagogue|Bayswater]] and [[Hampstead Synagogue|Hampstead]] before returning to Australia to take up the role of senior rabbi at the Great Synagogue in Sydney.
Between 1960 and 1972, Apple served London congregations at [[Bayswater Synagogue|Bayswater]] and [[Hampstead Synagogue|Hampstead]] before returning to Australia to take up the role of senior rabbi at The Great Synagogue in Sydney.<ref name=ARRA/>


In Sydney he also served as a [[dayan (rabbinic judge)]] and registrar for the Sydney [[Beth Din]].
In Sydney he also served as a [[dayan (rabbinic judge)]] and registrar for the Sydney [[Beth Din]].<ref name=ARRA/>


Interfaith dialogue has been a lifetime interest of Apple and one which he pursued in Australia.<ref name=sunh /> He is a patron and a former joint president and chairman of the [[Australian Council of Christians and Jews]] and also a life member and former chairman of the New South Wales Council. He founded the Christian-Jewish Luncheon Club in Sydney,<ref>[http://ccjaustralia.org/en/?area=New%20South%20Wales Australian Council of Christians and Jews]</ref> and has been a leader of dialogue with [[Islam]].
Interfaith dialogue was a lifetime interest of Apple and one which he pursued in Australia.<ref name=sunh /> He was a patron and a former joint president and chairman of the [[Australian Council of Christians and Jews]] and also a life member and former chairman of the New South Wales Council. He founded the Christian-Jewish Luncheon Club in Sydney,<ref>[http://ccjaustralia.org/en/?area=New%20South%20Wales Australian Council of Christians and Jews]</ref> and was a leader of dialogue with [[Islam]].


==Other roles==
==Other roles==
Apple was an [[Australian Army]] Reserve [[chaplain]] for fifteen years, and in 1988-2006 senior rabbi to the [[Australian Defence Force]].<ref name=whoswho /> He also served, for two terms, as chairman of the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services, the first Jewish representative to hold this office. He was awarded the Reserve Force Decoration and the Australian Defence Medal.<ref>[http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=100631 Rabbinical Council of America]</ref> He was also a chaplain to the NSW Police.
Apple was an [[Australian Army]] Reserve [[chaplain]] for fifteen years, and in 1988–2006 senior rabbi to the [[Australian Defence Force]].<ref name=whoswho /> He also served, for two terms, as chairman of the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services, the first Jewish representative to hold this office. He was awarded the [[Reserve Force Decoration]] (RFD) and the Australian Defence Medal.<ref>[http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=100631 Rabbinical Council of America]</ref> He was also a chaplain to the NSW Police.<ref name=ARRA>[https://oztorah.com/about/ About Rabbi Raymond Apple], accessed January 27, 2024</ref>


Apple is prominent in [[Freemasonry]], being a Past Deputy Grand Master, Past Junior Grand Warden, and Past Grand Chaplain of the [[United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory]].<ref>[http://www.greatsynagogue.org.au/Community/OurMinisters.aspx Our Ministers - Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple AO RFD] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217052137/http://www.greatsynagogue.org.au/Community/OurMinisters.aspx |date=2011-02-17 }}, [[Great Synagogue (Sydney)]], accessed 5 April 2010</ref>
Apple was prominent in [[Freemasonry]], being a Past Deputy Grand Master, Past Junior Grand Warden, and Past Grand Chaplain of the [[United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory]].<ref>[http://www.greatsynagogue.org.au/Community/OurMinisters.aspx Our Ministers – Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple AO RFD] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217052137/http://www.greatsynagogue.org.au/Community/OurMinisters.aspx |date=17 February 2011 }}, [[Great Synagogue (Sydney)]], accessed 5 April 2010</ref>


==Retirement==
==Retirement==
Apple retired from his Sydney position in 2005,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/farewell-to-the-rabbi-of-tolerance-20050207-gdkn3o.html |title= Farewell to the rabbi of tolerance |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=7 February 2005 |accessdate=23 July 2020}}</ref> made [[aliyah]] in 2006 with his wife Marian Apple (née Unterman), and has lived in [[Israel]] since then.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ajn.com.au/news/news.asp?pgID=3440 |work=Australian Jewish News |title=Rabbi Apple to headline inter-faith conference |date=10 June 2007 |first=Nicole |last=Breskin |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811073135/https://www.ajn.com.au/news/news.asp?pgID=3440 |archivedate=11 August 2008 }}</ref>
Apple retired from his Sydney position in 2005,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/farewell-to-the-rabbi-of-tolerance-20050207-gdkn3o.html |title= Farewell to the rabbi of tolerance |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=7 February 2005 |accessdate=23 July 2020}}</ref> made [[aliyah]] in 2006 with his wife Marian Apple (née Unterman), and lived in [[Israel]] until his death.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ajn.com.au/news/news.asp?pgID=3440 |work=Australian Jewish News |title=Rabbi Apple to headline inter-faith conference |date=10 June 2007 |first=Nicole |last=Breskin |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811073135/https://www.ajn.com.au/news/news.asp?pgID=3440 |archivedate=11 August 2008 }}</ref>


While based in Jerusalem, Apple served as president of the Israel Regional section of the [[Rabbinical Council of America]] between 2016 and 2018.<ref>[http://www.jwire.com.au/american-position-for-jerusalem-based-ex-sydney-rabbi/ American position for Jerusalem-based ex-Sydney rabbi]</ref>
While based in Jerusalem, Apple served as president of the Israel Regional section of the [[Rabbinical Council of America]] between 2016 and 2018.<ref>[http://www.jwire.com.au/american-position-for-jerusalem-based-ex-sydney-rabbi/ American position for Jerusalem-based ex-Sydney rabbi]</ref>


Apple died in Jerusalem on 19 January 2024, at the age of 88. He was survived by Marian, his wife of 63 years, children Shmuel, Riva, Adina and Benseon,<ref>[https://www.australianjewishnews.com/rabbi-raymond-apple-passes-away-in-jerusalem/ Rabbi Raymond Apple passes away in Jerusalem – Rabbi Apple was emeritus rabbi of The Great Synagogue , a respected scholar and a prominent figure of The Australian Rabbinate.]</ref> 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.<ref name=jwire>[https://www.jwire.com.au/an-icon-passes-rabbi-raymond-apple-passes-away-in-jerusalem/ An icon dies – Rabbi Raymond Apple passes away in Jerusalem]</ref>
==Death==
He died in Jerusalem on the 20th January 2024. <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatSynagogueSydney/posts/pfbid0nSrpxSe7BJwapdxoZoVQ8Njm7RFNgpgrJ2RUBdgge6jqrjcqNkoFVaR4rsXWHP7Ll]</ref>


==Honours==
==Honours==
Apple was appointed an [[Officer of the Order of Australia]] (AO) in the [[2004 Queen's Birthday Honours (Australia)|2004 Birthday Honours]], for "service to the community through promoting inter-faith dialogue and harmony, to raising awareness of social justice, ethical and spiritual issues, and to the Jewish community."<ref>[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1056745 It's an Honour, "Raymond Apple"]</ref> He has also received the [[Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal]] and the [[Centenary of Federation Medal]].<ref name="topaward">[http://www.jwire.com.au/rabbi-to-receive-top-award-from-catholic-university/ Rabbi to receive top award from Catholic University], retrieved 16 September 2016.</ref>


⚫
Apple received the [[honorary degree]]s of Doctor of Laws from the [[University of New South Wales]] and [[Doctor of the University]] from the [[Australian Catholic University]] (2016).<ref name="topaward">[http://www.jwire.com.au/rabbi-to-receive-top-award-from-catholic-university/ Rabbi to receive top award from Catholic University], retrieved 16 September 2016.</ref> He was also an Honorary Fellow of the [[University of Sydney]] and received a Distinguished Alumni award from the [[University of New England (Australia)|University of New England]].<ref name=whoswho>Crown Content, ''Who's Who in Australia'' 2007 page 150</ref>
Apple is an Officer of the [[Order of Australia]] for his services to the community, as well as holding the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal and the Centenary of Federation Medal.<ref>[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1056745 It's an Honour, "Raymond Apple"]</ref>

⚫
He has received the [[honorary degree]]s of Doctor of Laws from the [[University of New South Wales]] and [[Doctor of the University]] from the [[Australian Catholic University]] (2016).<ref>[http://www.jwire.com.au/rabbi-to-receive-top-award-from-catholic-university/ Rabbi to receive top award from Catholic University], retrieved 16 September 2016.</ref> He is also an Honorary Fellow of the [[University of Sydney]] and has received a Distinguished Alumni award from the [[University of New England (Australia)|University of New England]].<ref name=whoswho>Crown Content, ''Who's Who in Australia'' 2007 page 150</ref>


==Selected publications==
==Selected publications==
⚫
Apple wrote a number of books, including:

⚫
Apple has written a number of books, including:
* {{cite book |title=Biblical people |year=2021 |publisher=Mandelbaum House and AuthorHouse |location=Sydney and Bloomington |pages=168 p |isbn=9781665592529 |url=https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/826617-biblical-people}}
* {{cite book |title=Biblical people |year=2021 |publisher=Mandelbaum House and AuthorHouse |location=Sydney and Bloomington |pages=168 p |isbn=9781665592529 |url=https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/826617-biblical-people}}
* {{cite book |title=New Testament People: A Rabbi's Notes |year=2016 |publisher=AuthorHouse |location=Bloomington |pages=236 p |isbn=978-1-52462-994-6 |url=http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000973670}}
* {{cite book |title=New Testament People: A Rabbi's Notes |year=2016 |publisher=AuthorHouse |location=Bloomington |pages=236 p |isbn=978-1-52462-994-6 |url=http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000973670}}
Line 83: Line 82:
* {{cite book |title=The Hampstead Synagogue 1892-1967 |year=1967 |publisher=Mitchell Vallentine |location=London |pages=120 p |url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/417373}}
* {{cite book |title=The Hampstead Synagogue 1892-1967 |year=1967 |publisher=Mitchell Vallentine |location=London |pages=120 p |url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/417373}}


He has also published numerous articles on Jews, Jewish history, the Jews in Australia, and various Jewish and interfaith themes. He is the author of "OzTorah", a weekly e-mail service and website presenting insights into the Torah reading,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/parashah-insights/ | title=OzTorah » Parashah }}</ref> an Ask the Rabbi forum,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/ask-the-rabbi/ | title=OzTorah » Ask the Rabbi }}</ref> and articles on Freemasonry,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/freemasonry/ | title=OzTorah » Freemasonry }}</ref> interfaith issues,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/interfaith-issues/ | title=OzTorah » Interfaith Issues }}</ref> British Jewish history,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/british-jewry/ | title=OzTorah » British Jewry }}</ref> and the Australian Jewish community and its history.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/australian-jewry/ | title=OzTorah » Australian Jewry }}</ref> The OzTorah archives are available on his website at http://www.oztorah.com
Apple also published numerous articles on Jews, Jewish history, the Jews in Australia, and various Jewish and interfaith themes. He was the author of "OzTorah", a weekly e-mail service and website presenting insights into the Torah reading,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/parashah-insights/ | title=OzTorah » Parashah }}</ref> an Ask the Rabbi forum,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/ask-the-rabbi/ | title=OzTorah » Ask the Rabbi }}</ref> and articles on Freemasonry,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/freemasonry/ | title=OzTorah » Freemasonry }}</ref> interfaith issues,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/interfaith-issues/ | title=OzTorah » Interfaith Issues }}</ref> British Jewish history,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/british-jewry/ | title=OzTorah » British Jewry }}</ref> and the Australian Jewish community and its history.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.oztorah.com/category/australian-jewry/ | title=OzTorah » Australian Jewry }}</ref> The OzTorah archives are available on his website at http://www.oztorah.com
<ref>https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatSynagogueSydney/posts/pfbid0nSrpxSe7BJwapdxoZoVQ8Njm7RFNgpgrJ2RUBdgge6jqrjcqNkoFVaR4rsXWHP7Ll</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Apple, Raymond}}
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[[Category:1935 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:21st-century Australian rabbis]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian rabbis]]
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[[Category:Religious Zionist Orthodox rabbis]]
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[[Category:Australian Catholic University people]]

Latest revision as of 11:22, 6 June 2024

Rabbi
Raymond Apple
AO RFD
Personal
Born(1935-12-27)27 December 1935[1]
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died19 January 2024(2024-01-19) (aged 88)
Jerusalem, Israel
ReligionJudaism
NationalityAustralian, Israeli
DenominationOrthodox
ProfessionRabbi
Jewish leader
PredecessorRabbi Dr Israel Porush
SuccessorRabbi Jeremy Lawrence
ProfessionRabbi
Websitewww.oztorah.com
PositionSenior Rabbi
SynagogueGreat Synagogue (Sydney)
ResidenceIsrael
SemikhahLondon School of Jewish Studies

Raymond Apple AO RFD (27 December 1935 – 19 January 2024) was an Australian and Israeli rabbi who worked in England and Australia and retired to Israel. He was the Senior Rabbi of The Great Synagogue of Sydney between 1972 and 2005.[2] In this role, he was one of Australia's highest profile rabbis and the leading spokesman for Judaism in Australia.[3][4]

Early life

[edit]

Born in Melbourne,[5] Apple was educated at the selective Melbourne High School. He was influenced by Rabbi Jacob Danglow and his teacher Dr Samuel Billigheimer [de] (1889–1983).[6] He continued his education at the University of Melbourne, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, then at the University of New England in Australia, gaining a Master of Literature degree, and finally at Jews' College (now called the London School of Jewish Studies), where he received a teaching diploma and semikhah (rabbinic diploma).[7]

Apple received a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) honoris causa from the University of New South Wales and Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) from the Australian Catholic University. He was also an Honorary Fellow of the University of Sydney and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni award of the University of New England.[8]

Religious leadership

[edit]

Between 1960 and 1972, Apple served London congregations at Bayswater and Hampstead before returning to Australia to take up the role of senior rabbi at The Great Synagogue in Sydney.[8]

In Sydney he also served as a dayan (rabbinic judge) and registrar for the Sydney Beth Din.[8]

Interfaith dialogue was a lifetime interest of Apple and one which he pursued in Australia.[2] He was a patron and a former joint president and chairman of the Australian Council of Christians and Jews and also a life member and former chairman of the New South Wales Council. He founded the Christian-Jewish Luncheon Club in Sydney,[9] and was a leader of dialogue with Islam.

Other roles

[edit]

Apple was an Australian Army Reserve chaplain for fifteen years, and in 1988–2006 senior rabbi to the Australian Defence Force.[7] He also served, for two terms, as chairman of the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services, the first Jewish representative to hold this office. He was awarded the Reserve Force Decoration (RFD) and the Australian Defence Medal.[10] He was also a chaplain to the NSW Police.[8]

Apple was prominent in Freemasonry, being a Past Deputy Grand Master, Past Junior Grand Warden, and Past Grand Chaplain of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.[11]

Retirement

[edit]

Apple retired from his Sydney position in 2005,[12] made aliyah in 2006 with his wife Marian Apple (née Unterman), and lived in Israel until his death.[13]

While based in Jerusalem, Apple served as president of the Israel Regional section of the Rabbinical Council of America between 2016 and 2018.[14]

Apple died in Jerusalem on 19 January 2024, at the age of 88. He was survived by Marian, his wife of 63 years, children Shmuel, Riva, Adina and Benseon,[15] 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.[1]

Honours

[edit]

Apple was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2004 Birthday Honours, for "service to the community through promoting inter-faith dialogue and harmony, to raising awareness of social justice, ethical and spiritual issues, and to the Jewish community."[16] He has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the Centenary of Federation Medal.[17]

Apple received the honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and Doctor of the University from the Australian Catholic University (2016).[17] He was also an Honorary Fellow of the University of Sydney and received a Distinguished Alumni award from the University of New England.[7]

Selected publications

[edit]

Apple wrote a number of books, including:

  • Biblical people. Sydney and Bloomington: Mandelbaum House and AuthorHouse. 2021. pp. 168 p. ISBN 9781665592529.
  • New Testament People: A Rabbi's Notes. Bloomington: AuthorHouse. 2016. pp. 236 p. ISBN 978-1-52462-994-6.
  • Enemies and Obsessions: More Memories and Musings. Bloomington: AuthorHouse. 2014. pp. 138 p. ISBN 978-1-49699-223-9.
  • Eighty Days and Eighty Nights: Wise Words for Everyday. Bloomington: iUniverse. 2012. pp. 64 p. ISBN 978-1-47594-654-3.
  • Education by Degrees: Masonic Notes. Bloomington: AuthorHouse. 2012. pp. 86 p. ISBN 978-1-4772-2334-5.
  • Let's Ask the Rabbi. London: AuthorHouse. 2011. pp. 316 p. ISBN 978-1-4567-7269-7.
  • Freemasonry: Studies, Speeches and Sensibilities. Sydney: The Museum of Freemasonry. 2010. pp. 181 p. ISBN 978-0-9807584-0-5.
  • Episodes and Eccentrics: More tales of The Great Synagogue. Sydney: The Great Synagogue. 2010. pp. 79 p. ISBN 978-0-9592404-3-6.
  • To Be Continued: Memoirs and Musings. Sydney: Mandelbaum Publishing. 2010. pp. 222 p. ISBN 978-0-9804722-1-9.
  • The Great Synagogue: A History of Sydney's Big Shule. Sydney: UNSW Press. 2008. pp. 342 p. ISBN 978-0-86840-927-6.
  • The Jewish Way: Jews and Judaism in Australia. Sydney: The Great Synagogue. 2002. pp. 72 p. ISBN 0-9592404-2-X.
  • The Jews. Making Australian society. West Melbourne, Vic.: Thomas Nelson Australia. 1981. pp. 112 p. ISBN 0-17-005566-3.
  • The Hampstead Synagogue 1892-1967. London: Mitchell Vallentine. 1967. pp. 120 p.

Apple also published numerous articles on Jews, Jewish history, the Jews in Australia, and various Jewish and interfaith themes. He was the author of "OzTorah", a weekly e-mail service and website presenting insights into the Torah reading,[18] an Ask the Rabbi forum,[19] and articles on Freemasonry,[20] interfaith issues,[21] British Jewish history,[22] and the Australian Jewish community and its history.[23] The OzTorah archives are available on his website at http://www.oztorah.com

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b An icon dies – Rabbi Raymond Apple passes away in Jerusalem
  2. ^ a b Price, Sarah (7 February 2005). "Farewell to the rabbi of tolerance". The Sun-Herald.
  3. ^ The Australian, "Apple spells out core values as he departs after 32 years" 7 February 2005, accessed through EBBSCO'S Australia and New Zealand Reference Net
  4. ^ Chief Rabbi's Cabinet – Rabbi Raymond Apple
  5. ^ ABC Radio National Verbatim, 9 December 2002
  6. ^ Dr Billigheimer in Australia (OzTORAH); The German rabbinate abroad — Australia (OzTORAH).
  7. ^ a b c Crown Content, Who's Who in Australia 2007 page 150
  8. ^ a b c d About Rabbi Raymond Apple, accessed January 27, 2024
  9. ^ Australian Council of Christians and Jews
  10. ^ Rabbinical Council of America
  11. ^ Our Ministers – Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple AO RFD Archived 17 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Great Synagogue (Sydney), accessed 5 April 2010
  12. ^ "Farewell to the rabbi of tolerance". Sydney Morning Herald. 7 February 2005. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  13. ^ Breskin, Nicole (10 June 2007). "Rabbi Apple to headline inter-faith conference". Australian Jewish News. Archived from the original on 11 August 2008.
  14. ^ American position for Jerusalem-based ex-Sydney rabbi
  15. ^ Rabbi Raymond Apple passes away in Jerusalem – Rabbi Apple was emeritus rabbi of The Great Synagogue , a respected scholar and a prominent figure of The Australian Rabbinate.
  16. ^ It's an Honour, "Raymond Apple"
  17. ^ a b Rabbi to receive top award from Catholic University, retrieved 16 September 2016.
  18. ^ "OzTorah » Parashah".
  19. ^ "OzTorah » Ask the Rabbi".
  20. ^ "OzTorah » Freemasonry".
  21. ^ "OzTorah » Interfaith Issues".
  22. ^ "OzTorah » British Jewry".
  23. ^ "OzTorah » Australian Jewry".
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