About us

Mandelbaum House is the Jewish residential college at the University of Sydney. It is a “home away from home” for 38 Australian and international student residents.  It was established in 1996 through a bequest of Rachel Lipton, a graduate of the University, in order to build a college that would house students and provide kosher food on campus.  The mix of religous and cultural backgrounds and fields of study amongst our residents provide valuable inter-cultural connections.

We host lectures and seminars given by prominent scholars and members of the Jewish and university communities. Throughout the academic year, visiting scholars from various disciplines stay in our guest apartment.

We also provide short-stay accommodation for students and other visitors, during the summer break (mid December-mid February).

History

Rachel Mandelbaum

‘Mandelbaum’ means ‘almond tree’. It’s also the family name of our founder.

Rachel Mandelbaum (later Lipton) graduated from the University of Sydney in 1918. She then taught Latin and English and received her MA in Latin from the University of Sydney in 1934.

Mrs Lipton died in 1978, bequeathing her estate to build a college at the University of Sydney 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 to the college as well. Mandelbaum House opened in 1996 with accommodation for 30 residents from all over the world.

Rachel Mandelbaum was a remarkable woman, particularly for her time — an articulate, independent non-conformist who valued education and scholarship.

We’re proud to continue her legacy.