Mandelbaum House in Sydney, Australia, is a Jewish residential college open to both men and women, regardless of religion or nationality, affiliated with the University of Sydney

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...

. The College accommodates approximately 34 residents from all over the world; mainly undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as visiting academics. Opened on 18 February 1996 on a site donated by The University of Sydney, it is the youngest college on campus.

Location

Mandelbaum House is located on the Darlington side of the main campus at the University of Sydney.

History

The founder of the College, Mrs Rachel Lipton (née Mandelbaum) died in March 1978, aged 81. In 1918, she graduated with a BA from the University of Sydney, where she read Latin, English, History, Philosophy and Chemistry. She then taught Latin and English at several schools and subsequently obtained her MA in Latin from the University of Sydney in 1934.
She had been a remarkable woman for her time; a highly articulate, individualistic, forceful non-conformist who valued education and Judaic scholarship.
Mrs Lipton bequeathed her estate for the construction of a college at the University of Sydney, which would be named Mandelbaum House. The college was established in memory of her parents, the Reverend Zalel and Freda Mandelbaum, who had provided spiritual leadership to a number of Australian congregations over many decades. Her second husband, Mr Harry Lipton, subsequently bequeathed his estate for Mandelbaum House as well.
Mandelbaum House opened on 18 February 1996 on a site donated by The University of Sydney.

Jewish Learning

Under the terms of Mrs Lipton’s bequest, the college is intended not merely to be a place of residence for students and scholars, but also to be a focal point for Jewish studies in Australia, and for the study of Judaic thought throughout history. In keeping to this ethos Mandelbaum House hosts seminars and lectures given by prominent scholars and members of the Jewish and university community. Throughout the academic year visiting scholars from various disciplines stay on site at Mandelbaum in guest apartments.

Formal Dinners

Mandelbaum House hosts formal dinners throughout the semester for residents and guest speakers are invited to give a talk to the residents.
Previous guest speakers include:

• Professor Earl Owen – Father of Microsurgery.
• Ronni Kahn - the founder of food rescue charity OzHarvest. Recipient of the 2010 Local Hero Award for extraordinary contributions made by Australians in their local community.
• Brian Schwarz - Chairman of Insurance Australia Group Limited , Deputy Chairman of Football Federation Australia Limited.
• Edward Fernon – representing Australia in the 2012 Olympics in the Modern Pentathlon
  Modern pentathlon
  The modern pentathlon is a sports contest that includes five events: pistol shooting, épée fencing, 200 m freestyle swimming, show jumping, and a 3 km cross-country run...
  
  .
• Eddie Jaku – Holocaust Survivor
• Professor Bryan Gaensler – Astronomer and Young Australian of the Year (1999)
• Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver - First Indigenous person to receive a PhD in medicine from the University of Sydney.