Rabbi Zalman Kastel AM

Rabbi Kastel was raised in the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic tradition in the racially divided Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, New York. Originally viewing the world through the lens of his community’s traditions, his perspective transformed in 2001 following meaningful encounters with Christian and Muslim communities.

As a Hasidic Rabbi, Rabbi Kastel continues to teach Bible study at Chabad House North Shore in Sydney. He was ordained after extensive study in the UK, Australia, and the US, and holds a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of New England, Armidale.

His journey of interfaith cooperation has been marked by moments of laughter, challenge, and growth, as he works to bring positive experiences of diversity to young Australians. In recognition of his significant contributions to interfaith and intercultural understanding, Rabbi Kastel was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020.