FAIRFIELD– Congregation Ahavath Achim has announced the appointment of Rabbi Yirmiyah Moldovan as the Orthodox shul’s new spiritual leader.

Moldovan grew up in Sydney, Australia, around the corner from the Bondi Beach, a world famous destination for surfers. A graduate of local Jewish day schools, Moldavan earned a degree in accounting and finance from the Unviersity of New South Wales and was employed as a financial analyst before directing his attention to Torah study in Jerusalem.

While living in Jerusalem for 11 years, Moldovan attended Yeshivas Ohr Somayach, Mir Yeshivah, and The Jerusalem Kollel. Among other things, he also became qualified as a sofer (scribe) and a kashrut supervisor.

“Rabbi Moldovan impressed all of us with his outstanding religious knowledge and qualifications as well as his wonderful ability to communicate that knowledge with individuals of greatly varied backgrounds,” said the synagogue’s president, Dr. Barbara Tuckel, in announcing Rabbi Moldovan’s appointment. “Our Search Committee spent countless hours to find the perfect fit for our synagogue. Our entire membership is grateful for its hard work.”

Rabbi Moldovan and his wife, Hadassah, are the parents of three children.

During the congregation’s two-year search for a new spiritual leader, Rabbi Ephraim Meth of New York has served as interim rabbi.

“We are very grateful that Rabbi Meth has been able to assist us as we move forward in our growth,” said Tuckel. “He has provided us with beautiful learning experiences, inspiring talks and great insights.  We wish him and his family all the best as he continues his career in New York.”