Raymond Apple

Early life Born in Melbourne, Apple was educated at the selective Melbourne High School. He was influenced by Rabbi Jacob Danglow and his teacher Dr (1889–1983). He continued his education at the University of Melbourne, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, then at the University of New England in Australia, gaining a Master of Literature degree, and finally at Jews' College (now called the London School of Jewish Studies), where he received a teaching diploma and semikhah (rabbinic diploma). and was a leader of dialogue with Islam.

Other roles Apple was an Australian Army Reserve chaplain for fifteen years, and in 1988–2006 senior rabbi to the Australian Defence Force. He was also a chaplain to the NSW Police.

Apple was prominent in Freemasonry, being a Past Deputy Grand Master, Past Junior Grand Warden, and Past Grand Chaplain of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Retirement Apple retired from his Sydney position in 2005, made aliyah in 2006 with his wife Marian Apple (née Unterman), and lived in Israel until his death.

While based in Jerusalem, Apple served as president of the Israel Regional section of the Rabbinical Council of America between 2016 and 2018.

Apple died in Jerusalem on 19 January 2024, at the age of 88. He was survived by Marian, his wife of 63 years, children Shmuel, Riva, Adina and Benseon, 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Honours Apple was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2004 Birthday Honours, for "service to the community through promoting inter-faith dialogue and harmony, to raising awareness of social justice, ethical and spiritual issues, and to the Jewish community." He has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the Centenary of Federation Medal.

Apple received the honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and Doctor of the University from the Australian Catholic University (2016).

Selected publications Apple wrote a number of books, including:

Apple also published numerous articles on Jews, Jewish history, the Jews in Australia, and various Jewish and interfaith themes. He was the author of "OzTorah", a weekly e-mail service and website presenting insights into the Torah reading, an Ask the Rabbi forum, and articles on Freemasonry, interfaith issues, British Jewish history, and the Australian Jewish community and its history. The OzTorah archives are available on his website at http://www.oztorah.com