Limmud Oz Melbourne 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the program for Limmud Oz Melbourne 2025!

Join us for an immersive weekend festival of Jewish ideas and culture, with >100 presenters and sessions to choose from.
From Ben-Gurion to bagels, Yentl to yoga, we always have something for everyone. Limmud is an opportunity for you to cultivate a personal Jewish experience and learn from presenters you might never come across otherwise.

Tickets are available here

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9:30am AEST

The ABCD's of the future of Israel and Palestine: articulating four potential options for the future, and assessing the chances for each

Sunday June 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict is enormously complex, and multiple ideas have been suggested for its future, but these ideas basically boil down to one of four distinct options, each of which begins with the letter A, B, C or D. No spoilers, but in the session, we'll uncover what those letters stand for, explore each of the options, consider their pros and cons, and look at the forces, both Israeli and Palestinian, pushing in each direction.

Speakers

Alex Sinclair

Alex Sinclair is an educational consultant and adjunct lecturer at Hebrew University. His first book, Loving the Real Israel, was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, and his debut novel, Perfect Enemy, was published in 2023. Undergraduate and graduate degrees from Balliol... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Everything Israel

9:30am AEST

A Jewish roadtrip through Nineteenth-Century Yemen

Sunday June 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am AEST

M1.02 - Rm 10

In 1869, a European-Jewish professor arrived in Yemen to study its ancient ruins and hired a local Yemenite Jew as his guide. The two travelled together for a year, crossing mountains and deserts, and meeting Jews and Muslims of all kinds, before having a falling out. This talk explores the unusual Jewish communities that they encountered, and how they responded to the challenge of meeting Jews with very different cultural values from their own.

Speakers

Alan Verskin

Alan Verskin is the Samuel J. Zacks Chair of Jewish History at the University of Toronto. He has held academic positions at Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Rhode Island. He researches the history of the Jews of the Islamic world, Ashkenazi-Sephardi... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am AEST
M1.02 - Rm 10

History and memory

10:45am AEST

School band rocks

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

RG Hall - Rm 12

Speakers

Adam Starr

The MKS was created in 2024 to expand the knowledge and enjoyment of Klezmer music in the Melbourne community and Australia, and to make a global contribution to the Klezmer world.

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
RG Hall - Rm 12

Arts and culture

10:45am AEST

Sitting on the couch with Lenny Bruce and the Kotsk Rebbe; Jewish humour and the thirst for truth

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

Join storyteller, humorist and Neuro Diverse advocate Tal Spinrad as we sprint through the forest of Jewish Humor in search of that most elusive of creatures….truth. Explore how for nearly 4,000 years we Jews have been bending reality until it looks back upon itself revealing hidden truths. Language and subject warnings….not for the faint of heart.

Speakers

Tal Spinrad

Tal Spinrad, educator/storyteller, is the Kulanu Project, Inclusion Advocacy Manager for The United Jewish Education Board. A Jewish Educator with close to four decades of international experience, Tal combines the passion of Ezekiel with the humour of Mel Brooks.

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

Arts and culture

10:45am AEST

Yiddish theatre and American popular music

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

SG.10 - Rm 5

This talk will present the influence of Jews in American Theatre in the 1930s and then show how Jewish topics are part of Broadway from Fiddler on the Roof to Falsettos. I will show a three-step process: first, Jews created musical with utopian ideals to express their desire to be American Jews, without Jewish content; second, showcasing Jewish life in that despite the challenges Jewish tradition remains; third, American Jewish life is full of challenges

Speakers

Mark Kligman

Mark Kligman is the Mickey Katz Endowed Chair in Jewish Music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He is Professor of Ethnomusicology, Musicology and Humanities. In 2020l he was appointed Director of the Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience.

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
SG.10 - Rm 5

Arts and culture

10:45am AEST

Bibi the betrayer (boged)! - at least as claimed by about half of the Israeli population 🤔

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

SG.11 - Rm 6

A mind boggling phenomena is at work in Israel - about half of its population claim to believe that their Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu is a traitor (boged in Hebrew)!? According to this bold claim, Bibi is supposedly only waging the unnecessary war in Gaza so he can retain his seat as Prime Minister of Israel. This session seeks to open the floor for a passionate discussion about what the ramifications of this claim mean.

Speakers

Emmanuel Gruzman

Research Affiliate, Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation @ Monash University

Emmanuel is a fascinated student of human curiosities - especially the Jewish ones. Having first obtained an Orthodox Rabbinical Degree in Israel he later graduated his Social Science doctorate at Monash University about Jewish migrant communities in Melbourne. Emmanuel currently... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
SG.11 - Rm 6

Everything Israel

10:45am AEST

Parallel fronts- 330 days together and apart

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

M1.03 - Rm 2

On October 7th, we, like all of Israel, embarked on an unexpected journey. Each of us took command on our own front—Gabi as a reserve company commander, and Sara as a mother, woman's community leader, and unwavering source of support. Together and apart, we’ve faced the journey of our lives, rediscovering partnership, parenthood, personal growth, challenges and faith. This lecture explores the tension between comfort and conviction—and how our choices define who we are.

Speakers

Sara Ribner-Grabin

Sara is a Jewish educator and social worker with extensive experience in leadership development, youth mentorship, and global Shlichim training. She directed professional development at The Jewish Agency, worked with at-risk youth, and served in international Shlichut roles. Sara... Read More →

Gabi Grabin

Gabi Grabin is an Israeli educator, IDF reserve officer, and social entrepreneur. He co-founded Mechinat Kol Ami, fostering global Jewish-Israeli connections. A seasoned leader in Jewish education, Gabi now directs Next Gen at the ZFA in Melbourne, where he resides with his family... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
M1.03 - Rm 2

Everything Israel

10:45am AEST

Creative ways to build memory today: How I rebuilt the Gentilli family story

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

RG.04 - Rm 11

This initiative aims at sharing with the audience multiple creative ways to rebuild the memory of Holocaust victims and how I effectively connected with Italian youth, 80 years after the Shoah, recounting the Gentilly family story.

Speakers

Denis Passalent

Born in Udine (Italy) and moved to Venice to start his tertiary education at Cà Foscari University in Linguistics. After attending a Harvard Summer School in Renaissance Art and Interracial Literature, Denis completed his Masters at Université Aix-Marseille in French Literature... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
RG.04 - Rm 11

History and memory

10:45am AEST

Writing life as a Jew

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Join Michael Gawenda in conversation about where his writing takes him these days and about the new readership that has found him.

Speakers

Michael Gawenda

Michael Gawenda is one of Australia’s best-known journalists and authors. In a journalism career spanning more than four decades, Michael has been a political reporter, a foreign correspondent based in London and in Washington, a columnist, a feature writer and an editor. He has... Read More →

Mandi Katz

Mandi Katz is a Melbourne-based governance professional in the financial services industry by day, and a Jewish community activist the rest of the time

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Modern Jewish world

10:45am AEST

The October 7 2023 progrom was neither new or unexpected. What is unique is how it has affected the Melbourne Jewish Community 1

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

SG.08 - Rm 4

Latent anti-semitism has always existed in Australia. Nevertheless the progrom of October 7 2023 has especially traumatised the Australian Jewish Community. Why is this so? And why have Jewish University students been especially targetted.

Speakers

John Zeleznikow

John Zeleznikow is a Professor of Law and Technology who is a pioneer in using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence and Law. He has conducted research and written about the4 Israeli-Palestinian dispute and the Holocaust. His parents ran Cafe Scheherazade

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
SG.08 - Rm 4

Society and politics

10:45am AEST

What is woke ideology and why is it bad for the Jews?

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

SG.12 - Rm 7

The last 40 years have seen the destruction of liberal philosophy, based on the rule of law and "Judeo-Christian" values. Priority has been given to groups that are considered victims, and there has been a rewiring of history from the modern school to colonial/settler history. To understand ordinary Westerners and students and support Gaza one needs to understand their belief system and how it brings a completely different perspective on the world.

Speakers

Melinda Jones

Melinda Jones is a human rights lawyer and the immediate past president of National Council of Jewish Women Australia. She is widely recognised as a thought leader and is the author of 11 books and over 50 academic articles. She's currently working on a book - weaponising words against... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
SG.12 - Rm 7

Society and politics

10:45am AEST

Chains of dilemma: Judaism, ethics and hostage deals

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

What did the Rabbis have to say about hostages, ransoms and negotiating with terrorists? How did the Obamas end up quoting from Talmud when announcing hostage releases? How is Israel navigating these terrible unchartered waters.... unless of course these horrific times have strong precedents in Jewish history. Come along to delve together into history, ethics, text and trouble.

Speakers

Jeremy Stowe-Lindner

Jeremy is Principal of Bialik College, a pluralist Jewish school of 1150 children. Jeremy was previously London’s Jewish Community Secondary School’s founding Headteacher. A fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and an MBA graduate, Jeremy is a history teacher... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Text and Philosophy

10:45am AEST

Not in God's Name: Confronting religious violence - why are religion and violence so intertwined and (how) can they be disentangled?

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

M1.02 - Rm 10

Not in God’s Name is Rabbi Sacks’ argument against the concept of what is termed ‘Religious Violence’. Indeed, the second title of the book ‘Confronting Religious Violence’ argues against the notion itself. This session explores and critiques Rabbis Sacks’ three main foci of argumentation: firstly, religious literature and normative practice; secondly, philosophical thought; and lastly, cultural, social and political movements — each of which either generate or perpetuate this violence.

Speakers

Lindsay Simmonds

Dr Lindsay Simmonds is a Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) where she has lectured for over 20 years. In 2024, she completed a three year project at the London School of Economics (LSE), UK, where she led research on Israeli and Palestinian women peaceb... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
M1.02 - Rm 10

Text and Philosophy

10:45am AEST

Talmudic stories: from history to literature

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

For centuries, scholars viewed Talmudic stories as historical and biographical accounts of the sages' lives and deeds, forming the basis of rabbinic and Jewish history. Recently, however, researchers have adopted a literary approach, seeing these stories as closer to didactic fiction meant to teach morals and values rather than record events. This session will explore why scholars moved away from the biographical-historical perspective and the implications of this shift for our understanding of Talmudic history.

Speakers

Jeffrey Rubenstein

Professor, New York University

Dr. Jeffrey L. Rubenstein is Professor of Talmud at New York University. He received his B.A. from Oberlin College, his M.A. from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from the Columbia University. His scholarship focuses on Talmudic stories, the development of Jewish law... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Text and Philosophy

12:00pm AEST

The Jewish genre book challenge

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

SG.08 - Rm 4

Do you love reading? Is Jewish important to you? What does it mean for a book to be Jewish? Reading challenges have become a way of spicing up your regular reading, and a Jewish book challenge is a very exciting possibility. If you like to read and talk about books this session is for you. Please bring along a book that you are prepared to swap so everyone will come away with a new book

Speakers

Danielle Jones-Resnik

A professional public speaker having given over 350 speeches and run numerous speech training programs over a prodigious decade with Toastmasters International. Daniellee has been involved with the Jewish community and been a passionate reader of Jewish books her whole life.A psychologist... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
SG.08 - Rm 4

Arts and culture

12:00pm AEST

Arab citizens of Israel, a community in crisis

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

The Palestinian Arab minority of Israel has plunged into a double crisis in the aftermath of October 7. There’s an atmosphere of fear amid an ongoing crackdown against Arab citizens of Israel who speak out against the war, prompting self-censorship and fears of being jailed and losing their jobs, as some already have. And within their towns and cities an epidemic of homicides rages on, reflecting a rise in heavily armed crime organisations and years of systemic inequality.

Speakers

Dina Kraft

Dina Kraft is a journalist and co-author of the best-seller, "My Friend Anne Frank". She is Israel Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, former opinion editor at Haaretz English, and co-hosts the podcast, Groundwork, about Israeli and Palestinian activists. She writes about... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Everything Israel

12:00pm AEST

Australian Jewish stories

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

M1.02 - Rm 10

Australia has a rich history of Jewish contribution - come and hear about the vivacious Sydney Jewish Feminist Ruby Rich (1888-1988) and the highly celebrated framer of the Constitution, High Court judge and Governor General Sir Isaac Isaacs (1855-1948). Their life stories provide illuminating parallels to current issues in Australian Jewish life.

Speakers

Kim Rubenstein

Professor Kim Rubenstein is a lawyer, academic, author, distinguished human rights advocate and champion of equal opportunity and active citizenship. She is a Professor in the Faculty of Business Government and Law at the University of Canberra and an Honorary Professor at the ANU... Read More →

Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess

Cohava Rubenstein Sturgess graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2023 with a BA (Hons) in History. Her thesis ‘Ruby Rich: A Transnational Jewish Australian Feminist’ explored the themes of feminism, Jewishness and mobility in Rich’s life. She is currently undertaking... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
M1.02 - Rm 10

History and memory

12:00pm AEST

Medicine, Nazism and the Holocaust

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

SG.10 - Rm 5

The intimate relationship between medical practitioners and the development of the inhumane policies of Nazi Germany is generally poorly understood. But topic should be taught to student health practitioners during medical ethics units to product history-informed morally resistant practitioners.

Speakers

Jack Green

Jack Green is a dermatologist who is the president of the Australasian Jewish Medical Federation(Vic.). This is the organisation connecting and advocating for Jewish health practitioners and has been busy in context of fighting antisemitism in healthcare in Australia since October... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
SG.10 - Rm 5

History and memory

12:00pm AEST

My Holocaust story as a Zionist

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

M1.03 - Rm 2

Speakers

Dita Gould

Dita is a Holocaust survivor and the author of the book "The Girl in the Lion's Mouth". She's a speaker, and has been an art dealer in Melbourne for 40 years.

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
M1.03 - Rm 2

History and memory

12:00pm AEST

We should all be hoarders: the Cairo genizah

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

The discovery of the Cairo Genizah has given us priceless (often hilarious) insights into how generations of Jewish people lived throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. Let's explore what the Genizah is, why it's so cool, and some of the funnier excerpts found within it.

Speakers

Shoshana Gottlieb

Shoshana is a writer and Jewish educator from Sydney who makes jokes on the internet. When not thinking of new ways to (lovingly) make fun of Judaism, she's watching romantic comedies. You can find her on Instagram @JewishMemesOnly and Twitter @TheTonightSho. Her mother thinks she... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

History and memory

12:00pm AEST

Jewish meditation and Kabbalah wellbeing

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

SG.12 - Rm 7

Why not find a Jewish way to be spiritually uplifted and revitalised? in this session you will gain tools from the Kabbalah for uplifting the soul, improving sleep and feeling relaxed. We will explore original ancient texts with English translation as well as experience techniques of meditation and relaxation in the framework of Jewish mysticism. You will be empowered to practise these tools after the festival at your own convenience.

Speakers

Orna Triguboff

Dr. Rabbi Orna Triguboff teaches Kabbalah and Jewish Meditation. She has a doctorate in Jewish Mysticism from Sydney University and is also a yoga teacher. She is the founder of Neshama Life, an organization dedicated to teaching Jewish Spirituality both online and in person.

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
SG.12 - Rm 7

Mind body and soul

12:00pm AEST

Listen your way to peace

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

RG.04 - Rm 11

Donna has been running listening circles with Jews and Palestinians for decades. Since October 7, she has run them for her community very regularly, being called in to run them for traumatised communities. Listening to each other can provide comfort, greater understandings, and renewed unity.

Speakers

Donna Jacobs Sife

internationally renowned and awarded storyteller, writer, Jewish educator, program director Together for Humanity, peace activist. past columnist for AJN

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
RG.04 - Rm 11

Society and politics

12:00pm AEST

The politics of antisemitism

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Antisemitism – anti-Jewish animosity, rhetoric, and violence – has increased dramatically in recent years. At the same time, confusion over its definition has led to misunderstandings and, in some cases, cynical political exploitation of the charge. In this lecture, Joshua Shanes will review the history of antisemitism, the myths and lies that lay at its heart, with a particular focus on its contemporary political exploitation in the United States.

Speakers

Joshua Shanes

Joshua Shanes is Professor of Jewish Studies and Director of the Center for Israel Studies at the College of Charleston. He has published widely on modern Jewish politics and religion - as well as antisemitism and contemporary American politics - in a wide range of academic and popular... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Society and politics

12:00pm AEST

What does the Bible say about Hhmosexuality?

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST

M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

The “abomination” passage in Leviticus 18 and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 are the two main biblical texts that come to mind when thinking about biblical attitudes toward homosexuality. We will explore the history of how these two passages have been interpreted, beginning already in the biblical period itself.

Speakers

Idan Dorshav Dershowitz

Idan Dorshav Dershowitz joined the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation (ACJC) at Monash University in 2024. He was previously Director of the School of Jewish Theology at the University of Potsdam. He is the author of "The Dismembered Bible" and "The Valediction of Moses."

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Text and Philosophy

12:00pm AEST

The art of disagreement and dialogue

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm AEST

SG.11 - Rm 6

Explore the art of constructive disagreement and dialogue through Jewish wisdom and modern psychology. Uncover ancient and modern insights on respectful debate and the power of disagreement and doubt to foster growth and wellbeing. Discover tools to bridge differences, foster understanding, and enrich dialogue. Join us to transform conflict into growth and connection!

Speakers

Shamir Caplan

Shamir serves as Rabbi at Mount Scopus Memorial College, as well as Rabbi of Beit Aharon Congregation on Mayfield Street, East St Kilda. He has a Masters in Family Therapy, and is particularly interested in interfaith dialogue. He is married and has three children.

Daniel Heller

Daniel is the Kronhill Senior Lecturer in East European Jewish History at the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University, and an Adjunct Professor at McGill University (Montreal, Canada)

Sunday June 8, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm AEST
SG.11 - Rm 6

Text and Philosophy

1:15pm AEST

New trends in food and wine in Israel

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST

RG.04 - Rm 11

In the last few years, and despite the war in Gaza, Israel has become a powerhouse of food and wine. What is Israeli cuisine? What is happening in the restaurant world in Israel? When it comes to wine, there are more than 300 wineries in Israel and the quality has improved dramatically. There is now a move to more Mediterranean varieties and more white wines.

Speakers

Linda Gradstein

Linda Gradstein is the correspondent for Voice of America which is an international broadcasting network funded by the US government which reaches more than 320 million people around the world in dozens of languages. She is also the Israel correspondent for CBS Radio in the US. In... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST
RG.04 - Rm 11

Everything Israel

1:15pm AEST

The colour of Jews in a white Australia

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST

RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

From the beginning of colonisation, Anglo-Australian Jews aligned themselves with ‘white Australia’. But as persecuted Jews began to flee Russia for new shores in the 1880s, Jewish racial desirability came into question. This session will explore the ambivalent and conditional positioning of Jews in the white/non-white dichotomy of 19th and 20th century Australia, and (tentatively!) draw some conclusions about Jewish belonging in Australia today.

Speakers

Sarah Charak

Sarah is a lawyer, history nerd and Jewish educator in Sydney. Her Honours thesis analysed the impact of the white Australia policy on Australian Jewish identity. She has studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum, Nishmat and Drisha and worked in educational and communal roles for Bnei... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST
RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

History and memory

1:15pm AEST

From trauma to tomorrow: A look at Jewish and Israeli identity post-October 7th

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Jewish identity is often shaped by the Holocaust and other painful episodes of our history; October 7th has only increased the trauma that weighs upon us. How do we respond to trauma as a people? How do we liberate our collective narrative and self-understanding from its sociological and religious chains? We will study some classical and modern Hebrew texts and traditions to help us grapple with these questions.

Speakers

Alex Sinclair

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Modern Jewish world

1:15pm AEST

The power of listening: healing across divides

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST

M1.02 - Rm 10

Since October 7 and the war in Gaza, trauma has rippled far beyond the Middle East - fueling polarisation, stereotyping, and an inability to see the pain of the other. The Bridge Builders Social Cohesion Program offers a powerful alternative. At its heart is The Narrow Bridge, an award-winning film where bereaved Israelis and Palestinians listen with compassion. Join this dynamic pilot workshop - and help shape a vital, healing resource for schools, universities, and communities.

Speakers

Esther Takac

Esther is a child and adult psychologist, an author who has published three books and an emerging filmmaker. Her first feature documentary THE NARROW BRIDGE screened at the 2022 Jewish International Film Festival and she was over the moon when it won the Audience Award!

Tony Heselev

Tony Heselev is a journalist and financial counsellor. After viewing THE NARROW BRIDGE he was inspired to develop the Bridge Builders team that uses the documentary to nurture respectful conversations across divides.

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm AEST
M1.02 - Rm 10

Society and politics

1:30pm AEST

These are her names: remarkable Jewish women you should meet

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST

SG.12 - Rm 7

Our narrative of Jewish history is dominated by leaders and scholars who are male. Yet there are many outstanding female figures who contributed to our story in varied and significant ways. This session offers an introduction to many of them across a range of fields and centuries.

Speakers

Sidra Moshinsky

Sidra Kranz Moshinsky is the newly appointed Director & CEO of the Jewish Museum of Australia. She is also a writer, researcher and educational leader, having taught and led at Jewish schools, and is a founder of the Jewish Educators Network. Sidra is a contributor to The Jewish Independent... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST
SG.12 - Rm 7

History and memory

1:30pm AEST

The extent of antisemitism in Australia: a review of the evidence

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST

SG.08 - Rm 4

Varying views are held of antisemitism in contemporary Australia. This presentation will provide a critical analysis of quantitative approaches to the measurement of antisemitism: the reports of Julie Nathan and Dr Andre Oboler; surveys of the experiences of Jewish university students; general community attitudes as indicated by the Scanlon Foundation social cohesion surveys; and the lessons, if any, from the 2025 federal election

Speakers

Andrew Markus

Andrew Markus AO FASSA is Emeritus Professor in Monash University’s Faculty of Arts and is past-Director of the University’s Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation. He was a leading researcher on the Gen08 and Gen17 Jewish community surveys and between 2007 and 2021 on the... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST
SG.08 - Rm 4

Society and politics

1:30pm AEST

Talmud in a nutshell

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST

M1.03 - Rm 2

In this session, we will explore the Talmud in its historical context: What is it? When and where did it originate? What is it trying to do? Join Raphael Dascalu for a whirlwind tour across empires, cultures, and languages, to unravel the mysteries at the heart of rabbinic Judaism.

Speakers

Raphael Dascalu

Raphael Dascalu is a Melbourne-based researcher, translator, and educator. In addition to yeshiva studies, he studied at the Hebrew University (MA) and the University of Chicago (PhD). He is an Adjunct Research Associate at Monash University, and founder of Beit Midrash Oz.

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST
M1.03 - Rm 2

Text and Philosophy

1:30pm AEST

What does the Torah say about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST

M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

An in depth discussion about war and conflict, through discussing the story of Dinah, the daughter of Ya'akov and Le'ah (Bereshit/Genesis 34), and exploring what meaning we might find in the Biblical narrative as we continue to grapple with war and conflict in contemporary times.

Speakers

Ilan Bloch

Ilan Bloch is the Director of Jewish Life and Learning at The King David School.

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST
M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Text and Philosophy

1:30pm AEST

Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan - Torah, Kabbalah, the Holocaust, Sholem Aleichem: themes and connections

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm AEST

SG.10 - Rm 5

Many words and lyrics by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan are drawn from Jewish religious and Jewish historical sources, in particular, the Holocaust and the Tanach. By examining selective words and lyrics, plus relevant quotes from both ‘artists’ and analysts of their work, we will see how their Jewish backgrounds contributed essential elements to some of their most famous works. We will hear some Yiddish from Leonard and a bit of Hebrew from Bob.

Speakers

Myer Bloom

Myer Bloom is a former teacher, university tutor and interviewer of Holocaust survivors. He has published two books, occasional short articles and has delivered papers on Jewish themes at four academic conferences. His Jewish research includes visits to Jewish historic sites in Eastern... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm AEST
SG.10 - Rm 5

Arts and culture

2:45pm AEST

Learn some Klezmer with the Melbourne Klezmer School

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

Learn some Klezmer repertoire, style and tradition in a warm and inclusive workshop environment. You will learn material and concepts aurally, by singing along with the founders of the Melbourne Klezmer School, Amy Zakar Banner and Adam Starr. Instruments welcome, but not required!

Speakers

Adam Starr

The MKS was created in 2024 to expand the knowledge and enjoyment of Klezmer music in the Melbourne community and Australia, and to make a global contribution to the Klezmer world.

Amy Zakar Banner

Amy Zakar (violin) is a second-generation musician and educator of Hungarian/Transylvanian/Jewish descent. Born in New York, Amy played her first Catskills-Yiddish revue at age 8, and has taught instrumental music at KlezKamp, Klezkanada, and Yiddish New York. Amy performed with... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

Arts and culture

2:45pm AEST

How does our community support the status quo?

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

SG.08 - Rm 4

In this session, through a combination of discussion, case studies and reflection, we will explore the implicit and explicit ways in which the Australian Jewish community supports the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank. Discussions around the occupation and Israel-Palestine can often be difficult, with little room for nuance or questioning. We want to provide a space to share stories and experiences and learn more about the issue.

Speakers

Russell Goldblatt

Russell was born and raised in Boorloo/Perth and now calls Naarm/Melbourne home. Russell is an experimental physicist and is currently an active member of Emet.

Isabella Satz

Isabella is a lawyer, living in Naarm/Melbourne and is an active member of Emet.

Hannah Sharp

Hannah Sharp is a government lawyer, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia and active in the Jewish Community. Hannah was a leader in Habonim Dror Australia from 2011- 2016 and has been an active member of Emet since 2021.

Talia Slonim

Talia Slonim is an environmental lawyer, living in Naarm/Melbourne and is an active member of Emet.

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
SG.08 - Rm 4

Everything Israel

2:45pm AEST

Can a dog be Jewish?

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

M1.02 - Rm 10

When Julie Szego and her non Jewish partner welcomed a new puppy into the family she wanted to name it after her father's childhood dog. Her partner refused. The dispute got her digging into little-told histories of dogs during the Holocaust. In the aftermath of October 7, which brought new stories of canine suffering and resistance in Israel, she’s again grappling with the question of “Jewish dogs.”

Speakers

Julie Szego

Julie Szego is a freelance writer and an independent journalist who publishes on Substack.

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
M1.02 - Rm 10

History and memory

2:45pm AEST

Fighting for the enemy: Jews who fought for the Nazis

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

RG.04 - Rm 11

Some Jews not only survived 'out in the open' both in Nazi Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe, but actively thrived. In this session we look at how Jews could live openly under the Nazi hammer, and how - and why - some chose not only to survive, but to actively fight on the side of their Nazi overlords.

Speakers

Jeremy Stowe-Lindner

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
RG.04 - Rm 11

History and memory

2:45pm AEST

Second generation Holocaust legacies: reconciling rejected faith and personal perspectives

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

SG.12 - Rm 7

Thistledown Seed is a story about redemption, linking to family heritage and culture and finding one’s own identity when intergenerational trauma has led to a deafening silence about family following the devastating losses inflicted by the Holocaust. In this session I will explore what motivated me to write my memoir when so much has already been written about my family.

Speakers

Louise Helfgott

Louise Helfgott is an award-winning writer with a PhD in Creative Writing. Thistledown Seed: was published 2022 by Brandl and Schlesinger and shortlisted Dorothy Hewett Awards, 2018, WA Premier’s Book Awards 2023. Potchnagoola: commissioned and staged by the Katharine Susannah... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
SG.12 - Rm 7

History and memory

2:45pm AEST

Jewish mindfulness

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Cultivating an intention of a ‘conscious way of being‘ within our very earthly life is at the heart of Jewish mindfulness. This was the Neo-Hasidic Zadeket Yemima Avital's understanding of our Tikkun. Yemima’s concept of Midah has a lot in common with the Buddhist term of equanimity. We will draw on the wisdom of the heart from this special woman through poetry and selected readings, and contemplate how this is helpful in painful times.

Speakers

Zohar Safra

I grew up in Israel during the 1980s in a progressive congregation. After living in Jerusalem, Spain, and Kili, I immigrated to Australia with my family in 2011. I live in the Northern Rivers, working as a registered nurse in palliative care and facilitating Yemima's study groups... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Mind body and soul

2:45pm AEST

120 years has come and gone: what's with the Bundists right now?

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

SG.11 - Rm 6

For much of the almost 100 year history of the Bund, its end has been predicted as imminent. In this session three new generation Bundists share what it means to be Bundist in 2025 and what meaning, future and place the Bund has in their Jewish lives.

Speakers

Layla Carmeli-Wolski

David Slucki

David Slucki is the Director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, and the Loti Smorgon Associate Professor of Contemporary Jewish Life and Culture at Monash University. He is a historian who has written widely on Jewish life after the Holocaust, focusing particularly... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
SG.11 - Rm 6

Modern Jewish world

2:45pm AEST

Emotional men and proactive women - how women shape Jewish history

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Lindsay will examine several connected stories in Shmot / Exodus in which men react, and react poorly, whilst their sisters, daughters or wives enact strategies to alleviate distress or death. In each of the scenarios the individual impacts entire communities and the question of how we use our leadership for good is a major undercurrent of this textual exploration.

Speakers

Lindsay Simmonds

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Text and Philosophy

2:45pm AEST

The narrative art of Talmudic stories

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

In this session we will study the narrative art of Talmudic stories, with close attention to structure, wordplay, irony, figurative language and the use of biblical verses. We explore how the Talmudic storytellers communicated their didactic messages and how stories relate to their Talmudic contexts, including the relationship between Talmudic law and story.

Speakers

Jeffrey Rubenstein

Professor, New York University

Sunday June 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Text and Philosophy

4:00pm AEST

Leonard Cohen: the greatest Jewish modern poet, singer and writer

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

The Jewish Museum of NY called Leonard Cohen the novelist, poet and singer-songwriter who inspired generations of writers, musicians and artists. He was an extraordinary poet of the imperfection of the human condition, offering means to be fully alert to the complexities and desires of both body and soul. He supplied melancholy observations on the state of the human heart, in songs like Chelsea Hotel, Suzanne, Bird on a Wire and Hallelujah.

Speakers

Helen Webberley

Helen lectured in history and art history (1625-1925) at a TAFE until retirement when Covid started. She still writes a history blog twice weekly and still helps history students (including the grandchildren) with their essays.Art and Architecture, mainly

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Arts and culture

4:00pm AEST

The four sons and their stories

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

RG.04 - Rm 11

Join Gabrielle on a journey through Jewish storytelling using multiple haggadot from different times to explore how each generation has built upon the structures of previous generations to create a uniquely Jewish intergenerational, multi sensory educational experience.

Speakers

Gabrielle Shroot

Gabrielle is a long-standing collector of books, ideas and arguments. She has strong opinions about what makes a great Seder, what makes a great story, and how to deliver both to engage the audience and build identity.

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
RG.04 - Rm 11

Arts and culture

4:00pm AEST

Yiddish revolutionary and resistance songs

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Each Yiddish protest-revolutionary-resistance song we have is a rich sociological and historical document, an “ear-witness” to struggles long forgotten but nonetheless important to our cultural heritage.

Speakers

Tomi Kalinski

Yurele Tomi Kalinski is a Melbourne-born pianist, performer and teacher conducting a life-long love affair with mameloshn.

Mir Kumen On Choir

Reyzl Zylberman, a member of Mir Kumen On Yiddish choir since its inception, is Principal of Sholem Aleichem College.

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Arts and culture

4:00pm AEST

The state of two states: why now is the urgent time for peace

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

SG.08 - Rm 4

This session will explore why we need to embrace the Israeli Initiative, a peace plan developed by NIF partners, Mitvim and the Berl Katznelson Foundation, in order to end this endless cycle of violence, return the hostages and build a lasting and enduring peace. It will explore how the It's Time peace coalition is building a groundswell of support for the peace movement, even at a time of polarisation and war.

Speakers

Michael Chaitow

Michael is the executive director of NIF Australia. Prior to this, he was was director of digital strategy in NIF’s New York office and before that, led J Street’s campus engagement. Michael has worked as media adviser to the Hon. Linda Burney MP, and as a climate organiser for... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
SG.08 - Rm 4

Everything Israel

4:00pm AEST

Everything you wanted to know about Jewish sex (but were afraid to ask)

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

SG.11 - Rm 6

What does the Torah really say about sex, pleasure, and desire? In this open and thought-provoking session, we’ll explore the Jewish view of sexuality as a sacred and joyful part of life. Drawing on Torah sources and Jewish philosophy, we'll challenge myths, uncover the spiritual side of pleasure, and discuss how intimacy is a vital part of a holy life. Bring your questions — even the ones you thought you couldn’t ask.

Speakers

Miriam Dolnikov

From Moscow to Israel, USA, Sydney, and now Melbourne, Miriam’s journey has been guided by a passion for connection, growth, and healing. As a psychosexual therapist, she empowers individuals and couples to create strong relationships and fulfilling intimacy, weaving Torah wisdom... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
SG.11 - Rm 6

Mind body and soul

4:00pm AEST

Ashamed to Admit podcast live

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

SG.12 - Rm 7

Are you interested in all the chewy Jewy topics often not covered in the current newscycle? Join TJI's Dashiel Lawrence, your third cousin Tami Sussman and some experts who'll be addressing all the ignorant questions you're too ashamed to ask .... in a special live recording of the podcast Ashamed to Admit!

Speakers

Dash Lawrence

Dr Dashiel Lawrence is The Jewish Independent’s inaugural Executive Director and is half of the hit podcast Ashamed to Admit. He is the co-editor of two books, People of the Boot: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Australian Jews in Sport and Australia and Israel: A Diasporic, Political... Read More →

Ralph Genende

Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM is the Interfaith and Community Liaison at the Australia Israel and Jewish Affairs Council. He is also Senior Rabbi to Jewish Care Victoria.

Allison Conyer

Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Israel since March 2024, Rabbi Allison Conyer brings extensive experience in Jewish education, interfaith dialogue, social action and a deep commitment to Israel and community engagement. With her extensive training in psychology (Masters) she brings expertise... Read More →

Tami Sussman

Tami is a Sydney-based creative with a background in comedy. She's the writer behind TJI's 'Sex and the Shtetl' column and co-host of the podcast Ashamed to Admit. Tami is the author of the Tiny Tradies series and So That Happened, plus a festival moderator, consultant, editor & workshop... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
SG.12 - Rm 7

Modern Jewish world

4:00pm AEST

The Israelisation of American Judaism

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

We will explore how the Zionist idea has fared in the United States over the past century. Despite common misconceptions, it has actually had a varied and often controversial history. Ultimately, the key to understanding its importance falls on its religious meaning far more than any purely political idea, and particularly on its connection to the idea of the "state" rather than any Zionist ideology per se, hence the rising popularity of the term "Israelism".

Speakers

Joshua Shanes

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

Modern Jewish world

4:00pm AEST

Beyond the scoreboard: safeguarding Jewish participants in sports

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

M1.02 - Rm 10

This session delves into the often-unseen realities faced by Jewish athletes/players and their parents at all levels of competition. Do ethical/integrity-related rules in sport work effectively for Jewish participants? How can we ensure a truly welcoming and safe sporting environment for all Jewish participants – both in Jewish contexts and general contexts? And why does it matter? We'll critically examine the existing ethical and legal frameworks that apply to sports and explore the real life challenges faced by Jewish athletes, including issues of child safeguarding, bullying, violence and antisemitism.

Speakers

Jacquie Seemann Charak

Jacquie is a lawyer at Thomson Geer in Sydney. She enjoys bringing her experience in employment/discrimination/sports/education law to Jewish contexts. Jacquie is currently Chair of Integrity at Maccabi Australia; a committee member of the NSW Jewish Educators of Tomorrow project... Read More →

Ashley Browne

Ashley Browne is a respected Australian sports journalist. Currently, he serves as the editor of the AFL Record and frequently appears on SEN 1116. He previously held the position of national editor of the Australian Jewish News and co-edited ‘People of the Boot: The Triumph and... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
M1.02 - Rm 10

Society and politics

4:00pm AEST

Holy mischief: Jews and Muslims continue to gather since October 2023. the power of disruptive dialogue

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

M1.03 - Rm 2

In an era marked by rising xenophobia and deepening social divides, ‘SpeedDate a Muslim’ & 'Listening Circles' emerge as radical acts of community healing. Join Hana and Abe as they explore how simple, respectful conversations can dismantle prejudice, fostering genuine human connection, exploring how ‘SpeedDate a Muslim’ & 'Listening Circles' impact participants & implications for community engagement. Learn how we disrupt prejudice with compassion, confront injustice through open dialogue and transform social anxiety and fear into meaningful connection.

Speakers

Abe Schwarz

Abe's been immersed for 30 years+ in Community Engagement, Political Activism, Social Policy and Education, particularly with Intercultural, Multifaith and First Nations community initiatives.Motivated by meeting the Dalai Lama and Chief Rabbi Sacks, obtaining the 2020 Apology from... Read More →

Hana Assafiri

Hana has dedicated her life to breaking down barriers that prevent women from thriving. She opened the iconic Moroccan Soup Bar in 1998. A fearless advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and intercultural understanding, Hana has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
M1.03 - Rm 2

Society and politics

4:00pm AEST

Likhlukhit - the woman who was so ugly her husband divorced her: a Talmudic exploration of beauty, the male gaze and female agency

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

In the Talmud we meet Likhlukhit, a woman who was so ‘ugly’ that her husband made a vow he would no longer be married to her. In an attempt to save her marriage, Likhlukhit presents her case to the Rabbis who try to find a single redeeming feature of her appearance. In this session, we will explore Likhlukhit’s plight and consider questions around beauty, the male gaze and possibilities for female agency.

Speakers

Adina Roth

Adina Roth is Director of Jewish Life at Emanuel school and a clinical psychologist. She received semicha from Yeshivat Maharat and is passionate about b’nei mitzvah and teaching girls to lein. She also loves teaching texts using Midrash, literature, psychoanalysis. Adina’s married... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Text and Philosophy

5:15pm AEST

Big Macher Trivia: the Jewish-themed quiz

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

Quizraelites: time to use your Yiddishe kop for Limmud Oz’s Jewish-themed trivia quiz! We'll have rounds on Judaism, Israel, Australian Jews and Jews around the world, with fun bonus rounds. In chad gadya, which three items come between the ox and the dog? Can you name the eldest daughter in Fiddler on the Roof? Create a team or we'll find teammates for you! The winning team will be crowned Limmud Oz's Big Machers for 2025.

Speakers

Dane Stern

Dane has two life passions – Limmud and trivia. He was previously on Limmud Sydney’s advisory board, co-chaired the Limmud Fest retreat and has appeared on three TV quiz shows. Dane chairs the Shoah Remembrance Committee at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and works in data analytics... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
MG.04 - Rm 1 (MPR)

5:15pm AEST

Jewish spiritual ecology – a Torah of the earth

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

SG.12 - Rm 7

My paper will focus on how Jewish Spiritual Ecology and Tikkun Olam contribute to the Climate Crisis and Ecological Challenges we face at this time. The Jewish tradition acknowledges Creation as Sacred. The Universe created by the Creator Being was observed to be Good! The first humans were told to take of Creation. ‘All I have created, I created for you.do not destroy it,.. for there is no-one to come after to you repair it.'

Speakers

Ben-Zion Weiss

Ben-Zion Weiss (PhD) a former lecturer at WSU, mentor of Dances of Universal Peace, community educator in social ecology, meditation, yoga, drama, ESOL, cross-cultural conflict and peace. He’s an energy healer, author, poet, musician. His PhD is on anti-racism drama education. He’s... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
SG.12 - Rm 7

5:15pm AEST

'Any requests for your favourite song?' David Rothberg - singer/keyboard player of Jewish and popular music

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

In this session, I will perform well known songs - Jewish and secular and I am happy to play (if possible ) requests of your favourite songs from my large repertoire.I will intersperse the playing with anecdotes about a lifetime of music performing - particularly in the aged care sector.

Speakers

David Rothberg

I am a keyboardist/singer of Jewish and Secular music with over 30 years experience playing in bands, duos and solo. My sister Laiya and I are frequent performers in our duo “Sibling Revelry”. I regularly play in aged care facilities and other venues with all styles from contemporary... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

Arts and culture

5:15pm AEST

The life and liturgical music of Syrian Jews

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

RG.04 - Rm 11

Syrian Jews in Brooklyn number 70,000 constituting the largest group of Syrian Jews in the world. This tight knit community defies American narratives of Jewish success. With through financial success they build a stronger more cohesive community with the religious institutions and organizations. This session, based on Kligman’s doctoral research, will highlight the life of Syrian Jews in their traditions and liturgical music. Visual, audio and video examples will show their unique customs and traditions.

Speakers

Mark Kligman

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
RG.04 - Rm 11

Arts and culture

5:15pm AEST

Covering the war: challenges and opportunities

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

SG.10 - Rm 5

Linda has been a journalist for three decades but covering the Gaza war has been different than any previous conflict. Journalists were not able to enter Gaza which made coverage difficult. Also, the home front was the same as the war front with missiles landing all over Israel. The fact that hundreds of Israelis were being held hostage in Gaza had never happened before.

Speakers

Linda Gradstein

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
SG.10 - Rm 5

Everything Israel

5:15pm AEST

Jerusalem If I Forget You - Jerusalem's seam lines

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

SG.08 - Rm 4

This session explores the key points of friction among Jerusalem’s diverse and often divided communities—Arabs, Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), and secular Israelis. By examining flashpoints such as the Sheikh Jarrah evictions, the Karta Parking Lot riots, and the controversy surrounding the “eruv mehudar” (enhanced Shabbat boundary), we will analyze how these events reflect deeper ideological and cultural conflicts. The session will also delve into the competing visions and narratives of what Jerusalem represents to different groups.

Speakers

Ilan Bloch

Ilan Bloch is the Director of Jewish Life and Learning at The King David School.

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
SG.08 - Rm 4

Everything Israel

5:15pm AEST

Kol Nidrei controversy: a millennium of Jewish arguments about the famous Yom Kippur prayer

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

Kol Nidrei is one of the most well-known Jewish prayers, but it has also been one of the most frequently banned and censored. Beloved by the Jewish community as a whole, rabbis have historically fretted about its project of cancelling people’s oaths and obligations. This presentation explores a millennium’s worth of Jewish arguments about the prayer and its future.

Speakers

Alan Verskin

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
RG1.17 (ensemble room) - Rm 8

History and memory

5:15pm AEST

Wehrwolf

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

SG.11 - Rm 6

A dog, lion, and cat lead us to the depth of Nazi depravity in this tale of Hitler and the supernatural. in the last days, huddled in his bunker, addled on drugs, Hitler believed he could win the war with his troop of elite soldiers, the Wehrwolves. That there is dark humour in the behaviour of the top Nazis does not diminish the horrors unleashed - the systematic cleansing of millions considered unfit by the Nazis.

Speakers

Eugene Shafir

70y.o Melbourne born from Holocaust survivor Warsaw born father and Bialystock mother, Melbourne High School educated, secular Zionist. Businessman, entrepeneur, restaurant owner and reviewer turned fiction writer during covid lockdown,

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
SG.11 - Rm 6

History and memory

5:15pm AEST

70 faces: reading queerness into Torah study

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Discover a new and exciting face of Torah! In this session, we will learn some Torah together (all levels welcome), and seek to understand how and where queerness can be seen within the text. How can our understanding of the stories, our traditions, and ourselves be made more meaningful?

Speakers

Shoshana Gottlieb

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
M1.05 (Informal) - Rm 3

Text and Philosophy

5:15pm AEST

Myth and Mishnah

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST

M1.03 - Rm 2

The Mishnah is the oldest rabbinic law code. Although it is primarily concerned with practice, every now and then it slips into a different mode: Myth. It tells stories with a view to teaching the reader something about our place in the world or how one should live. In this session, we will explore some striking examples of mythic teachings in the Mishnah, and attempt to unravel some of their implications.

Speakers

Raphael Dascalu

Sunday June 8, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm AEST
M1.03 - Rm 2

Text and Philosophy

6:30pm AEST

Sunday concert: Me + 1 - Jewish instrumental music

Sunday June 8, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST

RG Hall - Rm 12

Instrumentalists Josh Moshe, Yuval Eshcar, Rachel Moshel, Simon Starr, Adam Starr, Daniel Mougerman and Amy Zakar Banner will each perform an original composition as well as an interpretation of a favourite piece of Jewish music. Different combinations of musicians will be heard throughout the evening.

Speakers

Simon Starr

Simon Starr is a Melbourne musician who is passionate about Jewish music.

Amy Zakar Banner

Rachel Moshel

Josh Moshe

Joshua Moshe is an award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Melbourne, known for his deeply expressive sound and genre-crossing sensibility. Raised in a Jewish family in South Africa and New Zealand, Joshua grew up immersed in both synagogue melodies and the jazz and rhythm-driven... Read More →

Yuval Ashkar

Yuval Ashkar’s music is a testament to his multicultural heritage, blending influences from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Europe. His profound connection to Middle Eastern traditions is reflected in his soulful compositions and performances.

Daniel Mougerman

Pianist/keyboardist and producer, Daniel Mougerman is one of Melbourne’s most in-demand musicians. He is the keyboardist for Melbourne favourites, The Bamboos, co-leads the 11 piece Afro-Cuban band, La Influencia and plays keyboards for a number of Melbourne arKsts including: Rita... Read More →

Adam Starr

The MKS was created in 2024 to expand the knowledge and enjoyment of Klezmer music in the Melbourne community and Australia, and to make a global contribution to the Klezmer world.

Sunday June 8, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST
RG Hall - Rm 12

Arts and culture

6:30pm AEST

Anne Frank's memory keeper: documenting the story of Hannah Pick-Goslar

Sunday June 8, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST

RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

A detailed description of what it was like to collaborate with Hannah Pick-Goslar on her memoir in the final months of her life. Hannah grew up next door to Anne Frank and was one of her closest friends, their families and lives in Amsterdam closely interwoven. It was Hannah who first discovered the Frank family had vanished from their home in July 1942 and the two girls had a chance, short-lived reunion in Bergen-Belsen.

Speakers

Dina Kraft

Sunday June 8, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST
RG.03 (theatrette) - Rm 9

History and memory