Kadimah 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to Kadimah!

This conference is about taking your Jewish education to the next level.

We’re moving forward, looking to the future, advancing our learning and pushing forward the conversation about what it means to live a meaningful Jewish life.

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8:00am AEST

Year 11 Registration, Breakfast and Optional Tefillah (GPS & Traditional)

Saturday July 11, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am AEST

H116

Saturday July 11, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am AEST
H116

Other

8:30am AEST

Year 12 Registration & Breakfast

Saturday July 11, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am AEST

H116

Saturday July 11, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am AEST
H116

Other

8:45am AEST

Year 11 Introduction

Saturday July 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am AEST

K309

Saturday July 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am AEST
K309

Other

9:00am AEST

Year 11 Keynote address by Lillian Kline

Saturday July 11, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am AEST

K309

Speakers

Lillian Kline

Lillian Kline is a purpose-driven leader in social impact, philanthropy, and community advocacy. She is Head of Philanthropy at the Victor Smorgon Group, Chair of The Flourish Journey and Flourish Girl, and the founder of Project A, a grassroots initiative established in the wake... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am AEST
K309

Keynote

Session Style Lecture

9:15am AEST

Year 12 Keynote address by Jeremy Liebler

Saturday July 11, 2026 9:15am - 9:50am AEST

K321

Speakers

Jeremy Leibler

Jeremy Leibler is a lawyer and President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, an elected representative of the Australian Jewish Community.

Saturday July 11, 2026 9:15am - 9:50am AEST
K321

Keynote

Session Style Lecture

10:00am AEST

The secret of our success: Why we Jews are unstoppable

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

H226

In this session, I'll investigate what role Jews played in the development of the film and television industry, and why Jews created modern popular culture as we know it today.

Speakers

Itzik Sztokman

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
H226

Arts and Culture

10:00am AEST

From Passion to Purpose: Building a Career that Matters (what I wish I knew in Year 12)

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

HB40

In this engaging and honest session, Lillian Kline shares her journey from law and human rights to philanthropy, social advocacy, and community leadership. With stories from the field and reflections on the choices that shaped her path, Lillian offers practical insights for students who want to build meaningful lives and careers, even when the path is anything but linear.

Speakers

Lillian Kline

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
HB40

Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Jewish Deathcare

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

H224

The Jewish approach to death and dying. The role of the Chevra Kadisha and the responsibility of the community. The challenges facing the Chevra Kadisha. Halachic insights.

Speakers

Simon Weinstein

Born and raised in Melbourne. Completed high school at Yeshiva College. Attended Bnei Akiva, went on a Bnei Akiva gap year program and continued on to be a Madrich serving on their management committee for 3 years. Studied Marketing at Holmesglenn. Married with 4 children, 3 of whom... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
H224

Community and Identity

Session Style Lecture

10:00am AEST

How to respond to the pledge of ‘never again’ after the Shoah

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

HB36

This lecture will examine the genocide in Rwanda and discuss the global consequences. It highlights how Israel has taken concrete measures to help survivors, in particular Rwandan orphans, to overcome the aftermath of this horrific tragedy.

Speakers

Sue Hampel

Sue Hampel OAM is a well-known public speaker and lecturer. She holds a Masters degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and is the co-President of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. Sue has been recognised for her teaching and community service by receiving numerous awards including... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
HB36

Holocaust

10:00am AEST

From Disputes to Decisions: The Global Power of the ICJ

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

HB39

Speakers

Rabbi Justice Marcus Solomon

Rabbi Justice Marcus Solomon is the first Orthodox rabbi to serve as a Supreme Court Justice in Australia. He has studied Jewish thought at Yeshivot in Australia, Israel, and at “770” in New York under the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Passionate about education, Rabbi... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
HB39

Israel

10:00am AEST

The Gomo Plan for Peace in the Middle East

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

HB32

Who are the Palestinians and where did they come from? Prepare to be shocked, confused, and to have all of your pre-existing beliefs brought into question. This session is not for the faint of heart.

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
HB32

Israel

10:00am AEST

Writing a Burning Book: The Secret Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

H219

From the sealing of the ghetto in 1940 through to its destruction in 1943, a small team of researchers in Warsaw documented their experiences. This record became the single largest and most comprehensive history of the Holocaust—created during the Holocaust itself.

Speakers

Dr Simon Holloway

Dr Simon Holloway serves as Manager of Community and Corporate Programs at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, where he designs and delivers programs for adult learners, tertiary students and workplace groups. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Melbourne University, where he teaches Early... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
H219

Israel

11:00am AEST

Break

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am AEST

Other

11:15am AEST

Adoption in Judaism: a personal story

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

H226

A personal story of adoption into a Jewish family and an overview of adoption in Judaism

Speakers

Ora-Tali Korbl

Ora-Tali grew up in South Africa and moved to Australia in 2003. She graduated from Carmel School in Perth and moved to Melbourne after meeting her husband Noam on MTA. They have 2 sons and a daughter.Ora-Tali studied Law/Arts at Monash University, majoring in Security, Terrorism... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
H226

Community and Identity

11:15am AEST

Israel and the Geopolitics of the Middle East

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

HB39

This session explores how the traditional model of the ‘Palestinian / Israeli Conflict’ fails to accurately illustrate the new wider context Israel finds itself in across the Middle East. We will explore Israel’s new role in a reorientated region and try to predict possible futures.

Speakers

Dan Sztrajt

Dan Sztrajt is the first alumnus to serve as Principal of Mount Scopus Memorial College, bringing a deep personal connection and decades of experience to the role. A passionate advocate for community and education, Dan served as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor for the City of Glen Eira... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
HB39

Israel

11:15am AEST

Parallel Fronts: 330 days together and apart *Year 12 only session

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

H116

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

Gabi Grabin

Gabi Grabin is an Israeli educator and co-founder of Mechinat Kol Ami, a leadership academy dedicated to strengthening connections between Jewish youth worldwide and Israeli society. He is also a Major in the IDF Reserves, serving as a company commander in Sayeret Carmeli. Since October... Read More →

Sara Ribner-Grabin

Sara is the former Director of Professional Development at The Jewish Agency’s Adelson Shlichut Institute, where she led training and ongoing development for Israeli emissaries (Shlichim) worldwide. She previously coordinated the Summer Camp Shlichut Program, strengthening partnerships... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
H116

Israel

11:15am AEST

Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

H219

This talk is an introduction to the history of Jewish mysticism. We will discuss its most important texts, people, and ideas. Prepare for a journey to the depths of mystical speculation.

Speakers

Alec Sachs

Alec is a Scopus graduate and former member of the Co-Curricular Jewish Education team. He studies law and politics during the day and Jewish history and texts at night.

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
H219

Philosophy and Spirituality

11:15am AEST

Rationality and Faith

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

HB36

Speakers

Rabbi Professor Sam Lebens

Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens is a professor of philosophy at the University of Haifa. In addition to his work on the philosophy of Judaism, he has published articles and books on a range of topics, from the philosophy of literature to the work of Bertrand Russell.

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
HB36

Philosophy and Spirituality

11:15am AEST

Is Megillat Rut the Original Cinderella Story?

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

HB32

Speakers

Shula Lazar

Shula is the principal of Carmel School in Perth. Prior to that she was Deputy Principal and Head of Jewish Studies (Secondary) at Leibler Yavneh College. Shula has a Master of Education (Gifted and Talented), a Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Economics. She has also completed... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
HB32

Text and Tradition

11:15am AEST

The Rabbi, the lawyer, the Indigenous Elder and the goanna - what can we learn?

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST

HB40

Speakers

Rabbi Justice Marcus Solomon

Saturday July 11, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm AEST
HB40

Text and Tradition

12:10pm AEST

Move sessions

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:10pm - 12:15pm AEST

12:15pm AEST

Decoding the Community: Identifying Roles of Groups Members for Effective Influence

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST

HB32

What really drives a group and the people in it? In this session, we’ll break down what makes groups tick: who takes charge, who follows, and why. Through real-life stories from politics, army, and everyday communities, we’ll explore how personal goals, power dynamics, and relationships shape the group vibe and how to spot the movers and shakers behind the scenes.

Speakers

Gabi Grabin

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST
HB32

Arts and Culture

12:15pm AEST

Becoming Jewish: a Journey of Faith

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST

HB39

Speakers

Tzippy Lowinger

Tzippy Lowinger grew up on the beaches of Australia and moved to the city to study and be an early childhood educator. As an educator and parent, she believes children should be valued for the people they are now, not just what they will become.

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST
HB39

Community and Identity

12:15pm AEST

Built to Care: A Jewish Blueprint for Dignified Kindness

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST

HB36

We all know we’re meant to give, but what does real Jewish giving actually look like? In this session, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how C Care started, and how ancient Torah values like tzedakah and chessed can be lived in a way that’s personal, powerful, and deeply relevant today.

Speakers

Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson

Shlomo Nathanson was born and raised in the United States, and in 2008, he moved to Australia with his wife, Rivki. From a young age, Shlomo has been deeply passionate about Jewish community life and creating meaningful, lasting connections.In 2015, Shlomo joined the Melbourne Hebrew... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST
HB36

Community and Identity

12:15pm AEST

Jewish-Israel-Female; Who am I?

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST

H226

Who am I as a Jewish-Israeli (or Australian) woman, and how do my roots, culture, and experiences shape my identity today? In this interactive session, we’ll dive into what it means to grow up at the intersection of tradition, nationality, and womanhood—and explore how each of us fits into the bigger story.

Speakers

Sara Ribner-Grabin

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST
H226

Community and Identity

12:15pm AEST

Tales from the inside; What it's like to take Politicians to Israel

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST

HB40

This session will explore the unique experiences and insights gained from leading delegations of Members of Parliament, journalists, and public figures to Israel in the aftermath of October 7. We’ll discuss how the attacks reshaped the region’s narrative, the emotional impact on visitors, and the broader implications for international engagement and policy.

Speakers

Joel Burnie

Joel is the Executive Manager at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. Joel has many senior roles in the Australian Jewish community including the President of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students and an office bearer for the Zionist Federation of Australia. Joel has... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST
HB40

Israel

12:15pm AEST

How to find God in half an hour - or your money back!

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm AEST

H224

An interactive introduction to the rich and diverse world of Jewish meditation.

Speakers

Rabbi Noam Sendor

Noam Sendor is an educator at Leibler Yavneh College and The Rabbi at Blake Street Hebrew Congregation. He is also the singer in the Alter Jazz Ensemble, a pioneering project with Adam Starr, which merges ancient Jewish melodies with Jazz and soul music. Most importantly, he is a... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm AEST
H224

Philosophy and Spirituality

1:15pm AEST

Lunch and Optional Mincha

Saturday July 11, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm AEST

H116

Over lunch, take the opportunity to continue conversations with each other and our various guest presenters.

Optional Mincha will be happening at 1:45pm.

Saturday July 11, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm AEST
H116

Other

2:00pm AEST

Is disability inclusion just a nice thing to do? Or is it something we are obligated to do?

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST

H224

We all know that disability inclusion is a ‘nice’ value. But what does it look like and is it something that the Torah demands of us? Come and explore these ideas with me using Torah sources as well as personal reflections.

Speakers

Keren Zelwer

Keren Zelwer is a mum of 3, including a daughter with special needs. This has propelled her to be a disability advocate.

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST
H224

Community and Identity

Session Style Discussion

2:00pm AEST

Israel’s History in an Hour

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST

HB32

Speakers

Matti Borowski

Matti has been a passionate Jewish educator for close to two decades. He completed his Law, Arts and Education degrees at Monash University and his Masters in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He has spent many years living and learning in Israel and served... Read More →

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST
HB32

Israel

2:00pm AEST

Faith and Science

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST

HB36

Speakers

Rabbi Professor Sam Lebens

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST
HB36

Philosophy and Spirituality

2:00pm AEST

Medical Ethics & Judaism/Halacha

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST

HB39

Speakers

Rabbi Avi Bart

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST
HB39

Philosophy and Spirituality

2:00pm AEST

From Sinai to Today: The enduring essence of Judaism

Saturday July 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm AEST

H226

What makes Judaism not just a religion, but a powerful and enduring way of life? In this thought-provoking session, Arik Singer explores the timeless essence of Judaism—its core values, spiritual depth, and relevance in the modern world. Drawing on Jewish philosophy, tradition, and identity, this talk will challenge students to rethink what it means to live an authentic Jewish life today.

Speakers