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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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Thursday, July 16
 

8:15am AEST

Year 11 Registration, Breakfast and Optional Tefillah (GPS & Traditional)
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:15am - 8:30am AEST
H116

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:15am - 8:30am AEST
H116
  Other

8:45am AEST

Year 11 Introduction
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am AEST
K309

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am AEST
K309
  Other

9:00am AEST

Year 12 Registration & Breakfast
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am AEST
H116

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am AEST
H116
  Other

9:00am AEST

Year 11 Keynote address by Josh Frydenberg
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am AEST
K309

Speakers
JF

Josh Frydenberg

Former Treasurer of Australia and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party.
Josh held the nation's purse strings during one of the greatest crises in modern history: the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the architect of the JobKeeper payment, a program that saved millions of Australian jobs an... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am AEST
K309
  Keynote

9:30am AEST

Year 12 Intro
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:30am - 9:50am AEST
K321

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:30am - 9:50am AEST
K321
  Keynote

10:00am AEST

8 most important moments in Jewish history
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H219
Learn about discuss and debate the most pivotal moments in Jewish history that shaped us as a people and reframed our past and forged out future. Discover your role and responsibility to share the Jewish story for generations to come
Speakers
avatar for Matti Borowski

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H219
  Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Adoption in Judaism: a personal story
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H208
A personal story of adoption into a Jewish family and an overview of adoption in Judaism
Speakers
avatar for Ora-Tali Korbl

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H208
  Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Becoming Jewish: a Journey of Faith
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H212
Join Tzippy for a candid conversation about her journey to Judaism, her experiences over the past 17 years, reflections on antisemitism, and the challenges she has faced in faith and Orthodox life.
Speakers
avatar for Tzippy Lowinger

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.
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H212
  Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Demystifying Death & Dying: What Happens When a Community Cares for Its Own
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H216
The role of the Chevra Kadisha within Jewish life. Who is the Chevra Kadisha? What does the Chevra do and how? The nature of responsibility and caring for community. Drawing on real life experiences to highlight the importance of the work and the challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Simon Weinstein

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H216
  Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Innovation - Shaping the Future of Jewish Life
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H207
Just like Uber transformed transportation and Airbnb changed the way we vacation, we too can revolutionise how we engage with and connect to Jewish tradition, culture, values, wisdom, and text.

With creativity and courageous leadership, we can imagine new innovations for a dynamic and connected Jewish life in Melbourne,  addressing the unique challenges and seizing the opportunities we face in this difficult time.

If you're ready to envision bold, new ideas to Jewish experiences and create something truly inspiring, this workshop is for you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to think about what may be possible!
Speakers
avatar for Tracie Olcha

Tracie Olcha

Tracie is CEO at The Australian Jewish Funders (AJF), a membership organisation of Jewish social investors and activists.  She works closely with individuals, families, philanthropic foundations and a multitude of organisations throughout Australia, the US, Israel and Asia to promote... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H207
  Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Zionism Is Bigger Than You Think: Rediscovering the Ideas Behind the State
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H206
Most people think Zionism is about sovereignty, security, and political identity — but political Zionism is only one part of a much wider story. From Hasidic thought to secular cultural renewal, from early socialist idealism to the writings of thinkers like Ahad Ha’am, Martin Buber, Rav Kook and others, Zionism has always been a laboratory for exploring what a Jewish collective can become. This session opens up the broader spiritual, cultural, and philosophical currents that shaped Israel and continue to animate it today. By widening the lens, we discover resources within the Zionist canon that can help us move beyond the current crisis and imagine a richer future for Jewish life.
Speakers
avatar for Alick Isaacs

Alick Isaacs

Dr. Alick Isaacs is an Israeli scholar, author, and peace builder known for his pioneering work combining Jewish theology, political philosophy, and conflict resolution. He is the Co-Director and Co-Founder of Siach Shalom (Talking Peace) and a faculty member at the Hebrew University... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H206
  Israel

10:00am AEST

Built to Care: A Jewish Blueprint for Dignified Kindness
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H209
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
avatar for Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H209
  Text and Tradition

10:45am AEST

Break
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am AEST

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am AEST
  Other

11:00am AEST

Can you trust yourself to make good decisions?
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H207
How do we show up when we are contemplating complex questions, and how can we be so sure we are right (and they are wrong) when we are sitting around the table? We will put ourselves and our brains to the test to work out who we can trust. (Beware: mind games included.)
Speakers
avatar for Adele Stowe-Lindner

Adele Stowe-Lindner

Adele Stowe-Lindner has worked in and for the charity sector for the past 20 years, in homelessness, refugees, welfare benefits, education and now leadership training. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Jewish studies), Masters of Anthropology & Community Work, and a Masters of Leadership... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H207
  Community and Identity

11:00am AEST

Is disability inclusion just a nice thing to do? Or is it something we are obligated to do?
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H212
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
avatar for Keren Zelwer

Keren Zelwer

Keren Zelwer is a mum of 3, including a daughter with special needs. This has propelled her to be a disability advocate. 
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H212
  Community and Identity

11:00am AEST

Decoding the community – Identifying Different Roles Within a Group for Effective Influence
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H216
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, the army, and everyday communities, we’ll explore how personal goals, power dynamics, and relationships shape a group’s culture - and how to identify the movers and shakers behind the scenes.
Speakers
avatar for Gabi Grabin

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H216
  Israel

11:00am AEST

How to respond to the pledge of ‘never again’ after the Shoah
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H208
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
avatar for Sue Hampel

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H208
  Jewish History

11:00am AEST

Writing a Burning Book: The Secret Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H209
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
avatar for Dr Simon Holloway

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H209
  Jewish History

11:00am AEST

Optional Judaism? Women and the Mitzvot They Don’t “Have” to Do
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H206
Why are women traditionally exempt from many time-bound mitzvot, and what does that exemption mean in a modern egalitarian world? Through classic and contemporary Jewish texts, we’ll explore questions of obligation, spirituality, autonomy, and whether being “optional” changes our relationship to Judaism itself.


Speakers
avatar for Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash is a prominent Modern Orthodox Torah scholar, educator, author, and halakhic authority. Based in Israel, she is a leading voice in the advancement of advanced women’s Torah scholarship, specifically in the realms of Jewish law (Halakha), gender... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H206
  Text and Tradition

11:00am AEST

Will your grandchildren be Jewish
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H219
A vital presentation exploring the future of Jewish continuity. Driven by the latest research on assimilation and intermarriage, this session moves past the speculation to focus on the data-based strategies that keep the next generation connected. Come find out what the data means for your own personal journey and the legacy you want to build.
Speakers
avatar for Arik Singer
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H219
  Text and Tradition

11:45am AEST

Break
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:00pm AEST

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:00pm AEST
  Other

12:00pm AEST

A marriage you can't leave
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H209
Most people assume that if a marriage ends, both people are free to move on. In Jewish law, it’s more complicated—and sometimes, one person holds all the power. This talk unpacks how a gett works, and what happens when that power is misused to control, pressure or trap someone in a marriage they want to leave.

Through real stories and examples, we’ll explore how gett refusal isn’t just a legal issue—it can be emotional, psychological and even spiritual abuse. We’ll also look at what our community is doing to change this, and why awareness, responsibility and speaking up matter—especially for the next generation.
Speakers
avatar for Yael Hersham

Yael Hersham

Yael, Chair of Unchain My Heart, is a dedicated volunteer actively engaged in multiple organisations. As a Court Networker, she provides support, information, and referrals to court users, ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout the legal process. She also serves as an... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H209
  Community and Identity

12:00pm AEST

Israel's Big Questions: The Issues Shaping the Next Election
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H216
As Israel faces major challenges at home and abroad, crucial questions are shaping the national conversation. Explore the issues that matter most to Israeli voters and what they reveal about the future of the Jewish state.
Speakers
avatar for Gabi Grabin

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H216
  Israel

12:00pm AEST

When Democracy Becomes the Battleground: How Jewish Ideas Can Rebuild Social Cohesion in Israel
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H206
Israel’s political arguments aren’t just about laws — they’re about identity, fear, and the sense that different groups are living in different countries. What happens when democracy becomes the place where we fight instead of the place where we meet? Drawing on my work as co-director of Siach Shalom — an organization that works closely with the President of Israel and has convened confidential, behind-the-scenes conversations with senior political, religious, and civil-society leaders from every part of Israeli society — I’ll share what I’ve seen from inside the rooms where people try to rebuild understanding. Along the way, we’ll look at how Jewish sources imagine disagreement (machloket) not as a threat, but as something that can strengthen a community when handled well. Together we’ll explore what it might take for Israel to create a shared civic language strong enough to hold real differences.
Speakers
avatar for Alick Isaacs

Alick Isaacs

Dr. Alick Isaacs is an Israeli scholar, author, and peace builder known for his pioneering work combining Jewish theology, political philosophy, and conflict resolution. He is the Co-Director and Co-Founder of Siach Shalom (Talking Peace) and a faculty member at the Hebrew University... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H206
  Israel

12:00pm AEST

Exodus 1947: The ship that changed the world
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H207
From the Holocaust to the founding of Israel, this lecture explores how the SS Exodus 1947, the Bergson Group, and the UNSCOP investigations transformed world opinion and helped shape the vote for a Jewish state. Through political activism, refugee testimony, and international diplomacy, discover how one ship became a turning point in modern Jewish history.
Speakers
avatar for Rebbetzin Ilana Epstein

Rebbetzin Ilana Epstein

Rebbetzin Ilana Epstein is an international Jewish educator, community leader, and writer. Widely recognized for her work in historical education, interfaith dialogue, and Jewish culinary heritage, she serves as part of the Senior Rabbinic team at Mizrachi Melbourne in Australia... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H207
  Jewish History

12:00pm AEST

Who should pay the price? Justice after the Shoah
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H219

Speakers
avatar for Sue Hampel

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H219
  Jewish History

12:00pm AEST

Bereshit and the Big Bang - Using the Torah to prove and disprove the existence of G-d
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H208
This session explores the apparent contradiction between science and religion specifically with regard to our understanding of creation. We will explore how religious and scientific explanations can potentially work together and play the dangerous game of using Torah to both prove and disprove Hashem's existence.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Sztrajt

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H208
  Philosophy and Spirituality

12:00pm AEST

Understanding the Jewish approach to relationships and intimacy **Women only session
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H212

Speakers
avatar for Mihal Epstein
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm AEST
H212
  Text and Tradition

12:45pm AEST

Lunch and Optional Mincha
Thursday July 16, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm AEST
H116
Over lunch, take the opportunity to continue conversations with each other and our various guest presenters.

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm AEST
H116
  Other

1:45pm AEST

Jewish Name Alchemy: Transforming identity into art
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H207
Join us for "Jewish Name Alchemy," a fun and creative workshop where you'll explore the magic behind your name and what it means to you. Dive into the stories and qualities your name carries, and bring it to life through art. No art skills needed—just imagination!
Speakers
avatar for Simona Weinstein

Simona Weinstein

Simona is a qualified and experienced Art Therapist, having worked and published almost 20 years in the field. Simona has studied, lectures and practices both in Australia, and in Israel with youth-at-risk, and families, evacuees and soldiers who live with trauma from October 7. Her... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H207
  Arts and Culture

1:45pm AEST

Crossing The Line - When Does Criticism of Israel Become Antisemitism?
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H216
Crossing the Line: Antisemitism vs. Legitimate Criticism of Israel is an interactive session that equips participants to recognise antisemitism in its classical, denial, and anti-Zionist forms, and to distinguish it from legitimate criticism of Israel. Using the 3D Test (Demonisation, Delegitimisation, Double Standards) alongside real-world examples, we will unpack common manifestations of antisemitism and explore what Zionism and anti-Zionism actually mean. The second half is practical: participants will learn the A.R.M. method (Address, Reframe, Message) and workshop responses to some of the most challenging rhetoric circulating today.
Speakers
avatar for Max Levy

Max Levy

Max Levy graduated from Mount Scopus Memorial College in 2020 and holds a degree in Philosophy and International Relations from Monash University. He currently works as the Victorian Manager for StandWithUs Australia, where he works to empower high school and university students to... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H216
  Israel
  • about <br>

1:45pm AEST

How to find God in half an hour
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H208
An interactive introduction to the rich and diverse world of Jewish meditation.
Speakers
avatar for Rabbi Noam Sendor

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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H208
  Philosophy and Spirituality

1:45pm AEST

Although tomorrow it may break' - Ethics of Jewish leadership and Torah Learning
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H212
We will learn one of the most fascinating stories in the Gemara about what happens when a leader takes his educational methods too far, and the power of the community to be upstanding for what they believe to be right.
Speakers
avatar for Chaya Ernest
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H212
  Text and Tradition
  • about <br>

1:45pm AEST

God - The Ultimate Therapist: The Real Story of Cain & Abel
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H209
Just four chapters into the Book of Genesis, a tragic story unfolds as the first murder in the Torah takes place. But did it really have to end that way? A surprising close-read of the text shows us that none of this needed to have happened. Or was it inevitable? You decide.
Speakers
avatar for Rabbi Daniel Epstein
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H209
  Text and Tradition

1:45pm AEST

⁠Holy, Complicated, Human: Judaism and Sexuality
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H206
Judaism has never viewed sexuality as either entirely sacred or entirely dangerous—it is powerful, human, holy, and deeply complicated. Together we will explore Jewish texts and ideas around desire, boundaries, intimacy, and what it means to build a thoughtful Jewish sexual ethic in the modern world.


Speakers
avatar for Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash is a prominent Modern Orthodox Torah scholar, educator, author, and halakhic authority. Based in Israel, she is a leading voice in the advancement of advanced women’s Torah scholarship, specifically in the realms of Jewish law (Halakha), gender... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H206
  Text and Tradition
  • about <br>

2:30pm AEST

Sikkum
Thursday July 16, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm AEST

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm AEST
  Other

3:00pm AEST

Optional Session: Healing the Fractures of Israeli Society
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm AEST
H116

Speakers
avatar for Alick Isaacs

Alick Isaacs

Dr. Alick Isaacs is an Israeli scholar, author, and peace builder known for his pioneering work combining Jewish theology, political philosophy, and conflict resolution. He is the Co-Director and Co-Founder of Siach Shalom (Talking Peace) and a faculty member at the Hebrew University... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm AEST
H116
  Israel
 

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