Sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Rabbi Nochum and Rebbetzin Fruma Schapiro arrived in St Ives in 1989 to establish Chabad North Shore. As a newly married couple, they brought with them an unwavering enthusiasm and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life and enriching the Jewish community on the North Shore.
Rabbi Schapiro received his Rabbinic ordination and Dayanut (qualifying him to serve as a judge on a Beth Din) in New York. Since settling on the North Shore, he and Rebbetzin Schapiro have initiated a wide range of programs and activities for all ages. Their passion for Yiddishkeit, genuine care for others, and strong leadership have been a source of inspiration, making a lasting impact on the community.
Rabbi Schapiro is widely respected for his dynamic and inspirational sermons and Shiurim. In addition to his teaching, he is always available to support the individual needs of community members, offering wisdom and comfort to countless Jews across Sydney. As President of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia, Immediate Past President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, and Australian Director of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), he plays a vital role in shaping Jewish education and leadership.
Rebbetzin Schapiro trained as a teacher in Melbourne and New York and has over 35 years of experience educating children, teenagers, and adults. Her Bat Mitzvah and post-Bat Mitzvah classes have profoundly impacted the lives of young girls, providing them with direction, meaning, and a strong Jewish identity. She fosters personal connections with each of her students, guiding them with care and wisdom on their journey toward maturity and responsibility.
Her renowned Shiurim for women cover a wide range of topics, empowering Jewish women to strengthen their relationships, deepen their faith, and navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence. Approachable and compassionate, Rebbetzin Schapiro also provides counseling and support for individuals facing personal challenges, offering practical advice, guidance, and a listening ear.
Beyond their teaching and leadership roles, both Rabbi and Rebbetzin Schapiro are the driving forces behind Chabad North Shore, ensuring that it remains a warm, welcoming, and vibrant center for Jewish life. Their dedication to Torah, education, and the Jewish community continues to inspire and uplift all those who walk through Chabad’s doors.