Limmud Oz Melbourne 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.