PERTH, Western Australia — Chabad-Lubavitch is claiming a stake in Western Australia. Moving some 12,000 miles from their home in New York to this outback city, Levi and Chani Wolff and their four-month old daughter have joined with a wave of immigrants and prospectors who now call this place home.

Perth is the largest city in Southwestern Australia. Until recently there were only some 3,500 Jews here. But with the gold rush of the 1980's, and the changing political climate in South Africa which saw many Jews leave there, Perth's Jewish community has surpassed 8,500, most of whom reside in the Perth suburb of Dienala.

Practically before their feet hit the dusty ground the Wolffs were off and running. In their first weeks here they were already welcoming close to 100 people at Shabbat services, and hosting some 40 people in their new home for Shabbat meals.

"We were given the warmest reception," said Rabbi Wolff. "People were pouring into our home from 8:00 in the morning until the evening, bearing welcoming gifts and offering their help."

Perth's Jewish community is full of immigrants, said the rabbi, which is perhaps why they are always ready to extend a welcome hand to the newest arrivals.

And before long, it was the Wolffs who were doing the official welcoming.

Shortly after the young couple moved here, the 400-family Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation tapped Rabbi Wolff to become their spiritual leader, a post he and his wife have devoted themselves to with relish.

Famous for its plethora of gold mines, Southwestern Australia has also become a growing business center. Just two hours by helicopter from the most richly endowed mines, Perth is Australia's fastest growing city. Philanthropist Rabbi Yossel Gutnick, who does much of his business in Western Australia, is a primary sponsor of the Wolffs' work.

Chani Wolff describes Perth's Jewish community as "mostly traditional," in that the rate of intermarriage is low, most Jews keep Shabbat in some way, and many children receive a Jewish education. Nonetheless, the community felt they could benefit from a Chabad presence, and requested that Lubavitch emissaries be sent here.

"Although many Jewish services are available to the community, people have a thirst for a deeper understanding of Judaism, its basic tenets, history and commandments," says Mrs. Wolff.

Toward this end, the Wolffs will be offering classes on many Jewish subjects, from Torah and Talmud, to mystical insight. They are even planning a Chasidic meditation conference on a cruise ship.

Although only in their early twenties, Levi and Chani have traveled to several far-flung places as Chabad emissaries. One Passover found Levi running a seder in Katmandu, Nepal, and one summer found Chani in Russia as a camp counselor. But moving so far away with a long- term commitment is different. Asked how he felt about the distance, Levi Wolff explained, "We looked forward as children to becoming emissaries. Most of our family members are serving all around the world," adding that the Rebbe encouraged such outreach.

Besides, he adds with a smile, "We'll always have Bill Gates." Both Rabbi and Mrs. Wolff's families will be using video-conferencing computer software to keep in close contact. Not exactly the same as face-to-face contact, but it's the next best thing.

And the distance in no way dampens their excitement at starting their "prospecting," to use gold-digger jargon. As Rabbi Wolff puts it, "We too are coming to Perth to harvest gold," he said. "Inside of every Jew resides a nugget of gold, their Jewish soul, and we hope to help people uncover the treasure that lies within them."