RABBI SHMUEL & REBBETZIN RIVKI KARNOWSKY
WELCOME!
Rabbi Shmuel and Rebbetzin Rivki Karnowsky have led Central Shule since September 2022, bringing warmth, energy, inspiration and a deep commitment to Jewish life and community.
Born and raised in London, England, Rabbi Shmuel studied at Rabbinical Colleges in London, Israel and the United States, receiving his Rabbinical Ordination (Semicha) in 2004 from the West Coast Rabbinical Seminary in Los Angeles. Prior to joining Central Shule, Rabbi Shmuel led the Elwood Shule Community for fifteen years, first as Outreach Rabbi and then as Senior Rabbi.
Rabbi Shmuel is passionate about helping people find meaning, purpose and connection through Judaism. His work includes teaching Torah, delivering sermons and classes, guiding people through life’s milestones and challenges, and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with Jewish life.
Beyond the Shule, Rabbi Shmuel serves as a volunteer Chaplain with Victoria Police, is a volunteer first responder with Hatzolah Melbourne and is actively involved in communal and interfaith initiatives. He is also passionate about wellbeing, resilience and mental health, and enjoys running, fitness and spending time outdoors.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Rivki grew up in a warm and welcoming Jewish home and completed her studies in Melbourne and Israel. A dedicated educator and community leader, she combines her love of teaching with a genuine passion for helping others grow, feel supported and strengthen their Jewish identity. Her warmth, empathy and practical approach have made her a trusted source of guidance and encouragement for many within the community.
At Central Shule, Rivki leads women’s programming, coordinates the Bat Mitzvah program, supports brides in preparation for marriage and provides guidance, encouragement and a listening ear to women and families in the community.
In addition to her role as Rebbetzin, Rivki is a respected high school teacher at Beth Rivkah Ladies College, where she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation.
Together, Rabbi Shmuel and Rivki are committed to helping people of all ages find meaning, connection and belonging through Judaism, while fostering a vibrant and inclusive community rooted in Torah, care and Jewish pride.
They are blessed with five wonderful children, Yaakov, Mendy, Reuvi, Shaina and Menucha, who are very much a part of Central Shule life.
RABBI YITZHOK ISAAC RIESENBERG
Emeritus Rabbi Yitzhok Isaac Riesenberg was the founding Rabbi of Central Shule in 1998 and his leadership saw phenomenal growth, from a fledgling community of a handful of South African immigrants to becoming one the largest and most vibrant Shules in Australia.
Together with Rebbetzin Sheyna they served the community with wisdom, compassion and devotion from 1998 to 2022. In 2022 they handed over the position of Senior Rabbi & Rebbetzin to Rabbi Shmuel & Rivki Karnowsky.
In recent years Rabbi Riesenberg has established The Lantern Foundation, an organisation committed to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and the promotion of tolerance through the dissemination of core biblical values.
