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.

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

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

Session Style Lecture

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

Session Style Lecture

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

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

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

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

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

Session Style Lecture

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...
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Speakers

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

Session Style Workshop

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....
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Speakers

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

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

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

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

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

Session Style Discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...
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Speakers

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

Session Style Discussion, Lecture

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

Gabi Grabin

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...
See More →

Speakers

Alick Isaacs

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

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

Sue Hampel

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

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

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

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...
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Speakers

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

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

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

Chaya Ernest

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H212

Text and Tradition

about

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

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

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm AEST
H206

Text and Tradition

about

2:30pm AEST

Sikkum

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

Other

Session Style Workshop

3:00pm AEST

Optional Session: Healing the Fractures of Israeli Society

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm AEST

H116

Speakers

Alick Isaacs

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm AEST
H116

Israel

Session Style Discussion

8:30am AEST

Year 12 Registration, Breakfast and Optional Tefillah

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am AEST

H116

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am AEST
H116

Other

9:00am AEST

Year 12 Keynote address by Jeremy Leibler

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 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.

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am AEST
K321

Keynote

Session Style Lecture

9:15am AEST

Year 11 Registration & Breakfast

Friday July 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am AEST

H116

Friday July 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am AEST
H116

Other

10:00am AEST

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

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H209

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

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 →

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H209

Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

The Death Penalty on Trial

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H219

In 2025, there was a 78% increase in the number of reported global executions. Seventeen countries actively execute, and Israel and the Maldives are the most recent to signal their intention to resume executions imminently. This session will explore why the death penalty is on the rise in 2026 — and unpack some of the ideas behind its continued use.

Speakers

Sara Kowal

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H219

Community and Identity

10:00am AEST

Don't be a hero; Just show up!

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H212

Hear Baruch speak about his experience of serving as a Chief Battalion Medic in the Paratroopers, overseeing operational medical care to over 700 soldiers.

Speakers

Baruch Goberman

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H212

Israel

10:00am AEST

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

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H216

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 →

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H216

Israel

10:00am AEST

What Does the Jewish Future Need from Israel Today?

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H206

For many, Israel has been understood as a response to antisemitism — a place where Jews could live with safety and dignity. After October 7th, Israel’s strength and self-defense were crucial — but something else became impossible to ignore. The passion, determination, and courage that poured out of Israeli society, especially from a younger generation often dismissed as distracted or...
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Speakers

Alick Isaacs

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H206

Israel

about

10:00am AEST

How do I "honour" my parents?

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H208

How do we actually honour our parents according to the fifth commandment? What does this actually look like? How should we approach disagreement with our parents?

Speakers

Rabbi Sammy Brygel

Rabbi Sammy Brygel currently works as a formal and informal Jewish Studies teacher at Mount Scopus. Sammy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, majoring in religious studies and history. He then completed his Masters of Primary and Secondary Teaching at Monash in... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H208

Text and Tradition

Session Style Workshop

10:00am AEST

Making Jewish Babies: Fertility, Technology, and Halakha

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST

H207

From IVF and surrogacy to sperm donation and genetic testing, modern technology has transformed the way Jewish families are created. This session explores how halakha grapples with the emotional, ethical, and deeply human questions raised by contemporary fertility and reproductive medicine.

Speakers

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am AEST
H207

Text and Tradition

about

10:45am AEST

Break

Friday July 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am AEST

11:00am AEST

Mykonos or Ma'aser: should I save for my Europe trip, or donate to charity?

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

H207

An exploration of tzedakah and ma'aser, and the tension between spending on yourself and giving to others.

Speakers

Dean Cohen

Dean is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Flying Fox, supporting social inclusion for people with disability, and a Director at both All Things Equal and Maccabi Victoria. He holds a Commerce degree, a Master of Leadership, and is completing a PhD on social networks and philanthropy. He’s... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H207

Arts and Culture

11:00am AEST

They Stood For You — Now Stand For Them

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

H219

They Stood For You — Now Stand For ThemEvery generation inherits a world it did not build. The elderly people in our lives, our grandparents, our community elders, sacrificed, struggled, and stood firm so that we could have the opportunities, the freedoms, and the Jewish identity we carry today. But as they age, do we truly see them? Do we honour them, engage with them, and recognise the living...
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Speakers

Leon Blacher

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H219

Community and Identity

11:00am AEST

Israel’s History in an Hour

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

H208

Speakers

Matti Borowski

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H208

Israel

11:00am AEST

Choosing Between Lives: What Does Halacha Say?

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

H206

How do we decide who gets treated first when lives are on the line? In this session, we will explore real triage dilemmas and examine how classical sources, halachic principles, and contemporary responsa can guide these decisions. Students will encounter cases involving limited resources, competing needs, and ethical tension, and will see how Jewish law balances compassion, logic, and moral...
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Speakers

Rabbi Avi Bart

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H206

Philosophy and Spirituality

11:00am AEST

How I found God with AI

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

H216

Speakers

Lilach Presser

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H216

Philosophy and Spirituality

11:00am AEST

Navigating the Boundaries of Gender in Judaism

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

H212

In many ways, Judaism has been a very binary tradition, drawing legal distinctions between men and women. Is there an authentic way for non-cis folks to be themselves and also have a welcome seat at the Jewish table? Let’s discuss.

Speakers

Rabbi Shamir Caplan

Rabbi Shamir Caplan has been at Mount Scopus since 2004, where he has been involved in both formal and informal Jewish Studies. Rabbi Shamir has rabbinic, pastoral, and educational duties in the College, and also serves as the Rabbi of Beit Aharon Congregation, which meets at GBH... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H212

Text and Tradition

11:00am AEST

Why Judaism is obsessed with words

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST

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In a world that often treats speech as "small," Jewish tradition teaches that words are power - creative, destructive, and divine. This session invites you to look beyond language as a mere system of labels and instead see it as a form of creation. Just as the world was brought into being through ten divine utterances, your voice acts as a tool that can build or break reality.Drawing on the...
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Speakers

Shanit Borsky

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am AEST
H209

Text and Tradition

11:45am AEST

Year 11 & 12 Joint Session: Sheina Gutnick

Friday July 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm AEST

H116

Sheina Gutnick is an Australian public advocate, behavioral therapist, and educator who serves as the Australian Public Affairs Officer for the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

Friday July 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm AEST
H116

Community and Identity

12:30pm AEST

Closing remarks with Matti

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 12:45pm AEST

H116

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 12:45pm AEST
H116

Other

9:00pm AEST

Oneg Shabbat Q & A with Alick Isaacs and Nechama Goldman Barash

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00pm - 10:30pm AEST

Other

Session Style Q and A

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