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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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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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.)
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 →
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.
They Stood For You — Now Stand For Them Every 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 treasure they represent? Drawing on the timeless Jewish obligation of Kibbud Ziknim, honouring the elderly, this talk challenges young Jewish students to move beyond good intentions and take real, meaningful action. Because standing up for the elderly is not just a mitzvah. It is our responsibility, our privilege, and our debt. They stood for you. Now it's your turn to stand for them.
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).
