Rev Kowadlow

1975 – Congregation was delighted to endow the Rev. Kowadlow Bursary at Mount Scopus College to mark the occasion of our Emeritus Chazan being honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of Member of the British Empire 1974.
Possessed with a natural humility, Rev. Kowadlow was a Sae’ach B’chelko, one who was satisfied with his lot in life. He ministered in a pastoral sense for more than 50 years as a tender, a shepherd who cheered, consoled and helped countless Jews. Before coming to St Kilda he served in Perth and at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. He was a Kol Bo, multi-faceted, a shochet, chazzan, mohel, teacher and minister, reflecting the all-round needs in those days of the smaller congregation.
His career as such is identified with the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, where he became affectionately known as “Kowadie”. He excelled as a teacher where his tolerant personality warmed many to Judaism. His teaching career continued well into his seventies when gradually he eased himself from these responsibilities.
His work in the community is exemplified by his labours on behalf of the sick and he founded the Bikur Cholim, sick visiting society.
Rev. Kowadlow led the Congregation in prayer for 40 years. He possessed a small beautifully modulated voice, and his articulation was clear. He and Mrs Kowadlow were always involved in choral production plays for children and concerts in which their talents delighted the Congregation and community.