1971 - present

In the basement of the Yeshiva Centre on Flood Street Bondi, lies a huge community kitchen touching the lives of those in need. Our Big Kitchen (OBK) was founded by Laya and Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin in February 2005. It started off as a small project helping an unwell community member by providing meals and has expanded into an industrial sized kitchen providing 120,000 meals (in 2020) to numerous non-denominational charities and shelters throughout the Sydney community.

Laya & Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin, have been community-focused and driven in the development of the OBK. They sourced businesses to support their venture and in 2009 inspired tradespeople to volunteer their time and skills to build the kitchen in tough terrain. Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin, also adorned the hard hat himself during the build. Laya spends her time cooking at OBK most days along with the numerous volunteers including those with varying abilities. The mainly vegetarian based meals, such as curries, stews and soups meet Halal and Kosher standards are sourced from food rescue organisations such as Second Bite.

Laya, a mother of eight children, is also involved in other community organisations such as, Our Big Celebration which collects and distributes party decorations at no charge; a wig library for women who have lost their hair due to illness; and is co-founder of Gift of Life, a bone marrow registry. She is recognised for her contribution to the community and has received many awards.

Courtesy of Our Big Kitchen.