Rabbi Freedman was deeply committed to Jewish education and cultural life. As headmaster of the Perth Hebrew School, he modernised teaching methods and composed more than 150 songs to help children learn the core teachings of Judaism. He founded the Perth Hebrew Philanthropic Society, supported victims of the 1903 Kishineff pogrom, and encouraged broad cultural engagement through literature, music, sport, and community events.
Beyond the Jewish community, he contributed widely to Perth’s civic and cultural life, editing the West Australian Craftsman and participating in numerous charitable and educational organisations.
In 1915, Rabbi Freedman was appointed a chaplain in the Australian Imperial Force, serving Jewish soldiers in Gallipoli, Egypt, and France. Known for his compassion, he wrote personally to the families of every Jewish soldier he encountered. In 1916, the British War Office appointed him chaplain to all Jewish servicemen in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. His dedication earned him a mention in dispatches in 1917.
Upon returning to Perth, he was formally recognised as a rabbi by London authorities. The community’s strong protest against his proposed transfer to Sydney in 1920 ensured he remained in Western Australia for the rest of his life.
Rabbi Freedman was a passionate Zionist and served as president of the Western Australian Zionist Association. His leadership extended far beyond the Jewish community, including roles in:
He was also a respected public speaker on literature, history, and social issues.
From 1932 to 1938, Rabbi Freedman served on the Senate of the University of Western Australia. In 1933, he represented Western Australia at the British Empire Service League Congress in London and later joined the Australian delegation to the League of Nations in Geneva, where he spoke on the urgent plight of German Jews.
In 1934, he publicly condemned rising antisemitism in Australia and urged the Federal Government to criminalise racial propaganda. His service and leadership were recognised in 1936 when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.).
Rabbi Freedman was admired for his energy, diplomacy, humour, and unwavering commitment to his community. Known for his monocle, waxed moustache, and love of cricket, tennis, and golf, he built bridges across religious and cultural divides.
He passed away on 24 June 1939 while attending a hospital committee meeting, leaving behind his wife, sons, and a legacy of extraordinary service. More than 2,000 people attended his funeral at Karrakatta Cemetery — a testament to the impact he had on Western Australia.
Today, his legacy lives on in Freedman Avenue in Mount Lawley, home to the Jewish Centre and the Perth Hebrew Congregation, honouring a man who shaped the spiritual, cultural, and civic foundations of Jewish life in Perth.
Rabbi Lieberman is the current Chief Rabbi of the Perth Hebrew Congregation, a position he has held of over 8 years. With a deep commitment to community leadership, Rabbi Lieberman guides congregants of all ages through teaching, mentorship, and pastoral care.
Rabbi Lieberman holds an MSc in Mental Health Psychology and has a particular interest in ADHD, integrating his expertise in mental health with spiritual guidance to support individuals and families in navigating life’s challenges. In addition to his congregational work, he serves as an Army Chaplain with the Australian Defence Force, currently attached to the 13th Engineer Regiment, providing spiritual and moral support to service members.
Known for his engaging storytelling, humour, and his ability to make complex ideas accessible, Rabbi Lieberman blends Jewish texts, philosophy, and contemporary psychology to offer practical insights relevant to everyday life. His approach emphasizes values such as resilience, compassion and purpose, creating meaningful connections both within the Jewish community and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Perth, Marcus Solomon grew up in a home steeped in Jewish communal involvement. His father, Geoffrey Solomon, served as president of the Newcastle Synagogue, instilling in him a strong sense of Jewish identity and responsibility.
As a teenager, Solomon left Perth to complete Years 11 and 12 at Yeshivah College in Melbourne, a formative experience that deepened his commitment to Torah learning. He continued his studies at the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand, before moving to Israel to learn at the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Kfar Chabad. His journey then took him to New York, where he studied at the central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Brooklyn and received rabbinic ordination (smicha).
From the Beit Midrash to the University
Upon returning to Australia, Solomon began teaching at Perth’s Jewish day school while simultaneously pursuing university studies. He initially explored education, arts, philosophy, and politics before ultimately enrolling in law.
In 1991, he graduated from the University of Western Australia with First Class Honours, marking the beginning of a legal career defined by excellence, integrity, and service.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Solomon worked as a solicitor and later became a partner at two prominent law firms, handling complex commercial matters and earning a reputation for intellectual rigour and principled advocacy. He later joined the Independent Bar, where he continued to excel as a barrister.
In 2013, he was appointed Senior Counsel (SC), one of the highest recognitions in the Australian legal profession.
His appointment in August 2021 as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia was widely celebrated—not only as a personal achievement, but as a historic moment for Australian Jewry. He is the first Orthodox rabbi to serve on any Supreme Court bench in Australia, and one of the very few rabbis worldwide to hold such a position.
Rabbinic Leadership and Community Impact
Alongside his legal career, Rabbi Solomon has remained deeply committed to Jewish education and communal life. In 1993, he founded the Beit Midrash of Western Australia, creating a vibrant centre for Torah learning that continues to enrich the Perth community.
He also serves as the senior rabbi of the Dianella Shule (Mizrachi Perth), where his warmth, scholarship, and leadership have guided generations of families.
His dual roles—as a rabbi and a Supreme Court justice—reflect a rare synthesis of Torah values and civic responsibility. In interviews, including his wide‑ranging conversation with Chabad.org, Rabbi Solomon has spoken about the harmony between Jewish ethics and the pursuit of justice, and the privilege of serving both his community and the broader Western Australian public.
A Life of Service, Integrity, and Kiddush Hashem
Rabbi Justice Marcus Solomon’s life embodies the principle of Kiddush Hashem—sanctifying G‑d’s name through exemplary conduct. Whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the synagogue, he is known for his humility, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to community.
His achievements continue to inspire Australian Jews, demonstrating that one can be fully engaged in the modern world while remaining deeply rooted in Torah and tradition.