Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebryanski (January 4, 1905 - June 15, 1991) was one of the emissaries sent by the Rebbeim to rejuvenate the Jewish community in Australia. He was born in the town of Breyhan on the 8th of Tevet, 1905, to Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Mrs. Nechama. In 1924, he began studying at the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in Kharkov.

During his studies at Tomchei Temimim, in late 1925, he was called to serve in the Russian army. On Simchat Torah of 1926, he sought a blessing from the Rebbe Rayatz to be exempted from military service. The Rebbe advised him to be a true servant of Hashem, promising that if he followed his words, he would be exempted from the Russian army.

In 1927, he was appointed as a member of the spiritual staff of Tomchei Temimim in Kharkov. Later, when he reached marriageable age, he married Mrs. Bracha, sister of the renowned mashpia Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas.

At the outbreak of World War II, like many Chassidim, he fled deeper into Russia, eventually arriving in Samarkand, where he continued his studies at a yeshiva established by Chassidim.

He left Russia in 1947 during the "Great Escape." During the operation, he and his friend Yitzchak Goldin were stationed at various points in Poland where trains carrying Chassidim arrived. They provided for the Chassidim’s basic needs and guided them to various transit camps outside of Soviet territory, ensuring their safety. In 1949, the Rebbe Rayatz sent him to revive Jewish life in Australia.

Throughout his work in Australia, he received numerous responses and guidance from the Rebbe at every step. Over the years, he built a Jewish empire of Torah and charity institutions across the country.

He passed away on the 3rd of Tammuz, 1991.

In 2012, Chassidic writer Rabbi Avraham Rainitz began publishing chapters of Rabbi Serebryanski’s life story and activities in the Beis Moshiach weekly magazine. In total, about 60 chapters were published in the series.

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