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.

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

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 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

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

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

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 12:15pm - 1:15pm AEST
H226

Community and Identity

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

10:00am AEST

Can you trust yourself to make good decisions?

Sunday July 12, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am AEST

HB39

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 →

Sunday July 12, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am AEST
HB39

Community and Identity

11:00am AEST

Gett stuffed!

Sunday July 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am AEST

H226

Do you think a person should be allowed to control another person's freedom to get on with their lives? What happens when Jewish marriages break up and either the husband or wife decide that their spouse isn't entitled to have a choice about whether they can move on with their life? This session will explain the process of a Jewish divorce (Gett), why it's a very big problem especially for women who can't get a gett and a threat to Jewish identity and values.

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 →

Sunday July 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am AEST
H226

Community and Identity

Session Style Discussion, Lecture

11:00am AEST

Innovation - Shaping the Future of Jewish Life

Sunday July 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am AEST

H219

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

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 →

Sunday July 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am AEST
H219

Community and Identity

Session Style Workshop

11:00am AEST

What’s My Story?

Sunday July 12, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am AEST

H224

Everyone has a story—what’s yours, and how do you tell it in a way that feels real and powerful? In this hands-on storytelling workshop, we’ll explore how to shape personal experiences into meaningful narratives that connect, inspire, and leave a mark.

Speakers