Ark Centre
in Hawthorn East, AustraliaCategory: Attraction
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7 Cato St, Hawthorn East VIC 3123, Australia Print route »
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The Ark Centre is a modern Orthodox synagogue located in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn East. It was formed as a breakaway congregation from Kew Hebrew Congregation.The Ark was first set up and run out of Bialik College, under the leadership of Yoram Symons, who had the role as the synagogue's Magid, although it was in no way affiliated with the school. Under the stewardship of Symons and the current rabbi, Sheur Reti-Waks, they relocated to their current location in Cato St.The Ark Centre is one of a number of conversion programs in Victoria. This was originally arranged as an alternative to the existing Melbourne Beth Din program. Other alternatives are offered by Rabbi Meir Rabbi and Rabbi Yaron Gottlieb. The Ark Centre does not appear on the Israeli Chief Rabbi's list of recognized conversion courts. In trying to deal with this situation, Their rabbi, Shneor Reti-Waks joined the Rabbincal Council, and the Ark agreed to suspend any conversions for 12 months while the Beth Din determined their legitimacy. Ultimately the conversions were rejected by the Beth Din, even though they did not provide any proof of illegitimacy on the part of the Ark.The Ark also courted controversy when there were a number of marriages where there were suspicions that they did not conform to halachic standards. The matter was resolved between the Rabbincal Council of Victoria and Reti-Waks.In addition to their commercial kitchen, Ark offers other non-religious services such as mindfulness and yoga.Reti-Waks on behalf of the Ark has signed letters in support of marriage equality, and against the Australian government's treatment of refugees.
