This session will review the history of modern terrorism and place the developments of recent years into context, explaining the rise of religious terrorism and the emergence of al-Qaeda and its spin-offs, including the Islamic State movement. It will wrestle with the question of how we should best respond to terrorism today and review current thinking about countering violent extremism in the light of the unprecedented rate of radicalisation and recruitment to foreign fighting being experienced in Australia today.
The Israeli election season has come and gone after what was expected to a far tighter contest than what it ultimately turned out to be. This panel will analyse the election results and look at the defining issues and trends of the campaign. Who rose, who fell and who surprised? The panel will explore what policies the new Netanyahu government will likely pursue domestically and abroad and how it will confront various challenges, such as its relationship with the Palestinians, the emerging Iranian deal, and its tense relationship with the Obama administration.
The rift between the Obama administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has critics claiming that support for the Jewish state has become a partisan issue in the US. Is this true? And if so, is the Israeli leader to blame for it? What part did this play in the recent Israeli election, and how relevant is it to the American campaign now under way?
The Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for repair the world) multimedia exhibition was created to forge links and promote better understanding between community groups, through artistic collaboration. The first exhibition was held in April 2015 and brought together Jewish, Aboriginal and Korean artists. Special attention was paid to 'getting it right' with Australia's First Nation. Curator and educator Estelle Rozinski intends to make this the first of many artistic collaborations between community groups. This session will explore this artistic methodology for building multicultural bridges.
The horrific persecution and ethnic cleansing of Christians and other minorities by ISIS is all over the news. Listen to the president of the Young Assyrians talk about what is happening to his people in Iraq and Syria right now, a Jewish Australian tell her family’s story of expulsion from Libya in the 1940s and the executive director of the Armenian National Council tell of the Armenian genocide in the early 20th century. How can our communities support each other through past and present trauma?
We will take a look at a subject that many people think Judaism has nothing to say about – Human Cloning. How is it possible that the Torah, given thousands of years ago at Sinai, could possibly have an opinion on a matter as modern as one of the most astounding developments in medical technology – that of Human Cloning. Come open- minded and prepare yourselves to learn about the past, the present and the future as we examine Human Cloning and it’s expression in Judaism.
I am an artist inspired by the ideas drawn from science and how these may affect our faith. I have a passion for genetics and the intricacies of this discipline underpin my work as an artist. I will be drawing around lunchtime on Sunday in Leighton Hall. Please stop by to observe, draw or chat.
Giving voice to Jewish lives and communities before the Holocaust through personalized mezzuzahs and stories. Estelle will be making mezzuzoth at various times throughout the Limmud program beginning at midday on Sunday the 6th June.
She invites you to participate, make your own mezzuzah, share your story or just come and have a chat.
The panel will explore the tensions that often exist between the Jewish tradition and our modern sensibilities. How do we reconcile this tension or are the differences simply too great to harmonise? Each of the panellists will explore morally difficult stories and concepts in the Tanach and see how the Rabbis sought to address these issues .
According to the Israel advocacy organisation, Stand Up for Israel, ‘Israel is under assault on North American college campuses today like never before.’ How true is this of the Australian campus scene? When does free speech become hate speech? What’s at stake in these campus battles and how can we bridge the divide between academics and students. Are our universities bastions of antisemitism?
This session will provide a framework for understanding the rise of ISIS/IS out of al-Qaeda in Iraq. It will explain why IS is best understood as al-Qaeda 3.0 and how the Iraq War inadvertently facilitated its emergence. It will examine IS propaganda material in order to better understand its core message and its appeal. The session will conclude by reviewing what we understand about IS (and al Nusra Front) recruitment in Australia.
Most people are unprepared for the complex medical choices at the end of life for themselves and for loved ones. It is a time of great sadness and stress and to add a lack of knowledge as to what is available and what is legal worsens the situation. Dr Susan Hertzberg, an Accident an Emergency Specialist, who has a degree in Health Law will give you the medical and legal answers and Rabbi Ninio from Temple Emanuel, the Jewish perspective. Real life dilemmas will be discussed to illustrate the issues involved in end of life care and what you need to know to make the best decisions.
What is Science? What is non-Science? What is nonsense? Where does Judaism fit in - or does it? Come and be offended by this lively, non- technical presentation and don't be surprised if you hear Rabbi Jonathan Sacks mentioned.
Screening of the documentary film Pitch Battle, which follows filmmaker Dan Goldberg's experience documenting the Palestinian football team. It takes viewers away from the black-and-white propaganda on both sides, and exposes the humans caught up in the grey zone of this pitch battle, where freedom fighters and terrorists collide, and where football players sometimes become pawns in a much more serious game.
Six major world powers and Iran reached a framework deal in April 2015 to restrict Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. The details of the agreement are to be negotiated by the end of June 2015. The Obama administration has argued that the nuclear deal has the potential to limit Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and dramatically reducing the prospect of a military confrontation. The Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyanhu and supported by many members of the US Congress have greeted the deal with caution and criticism, and have argued that the framework reached represents a bad deal, will not result in the destruction of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and in the long-term will destabilize the region. Who is right? This session will explore the pros and cons of the Iranian deal and the risks to Israel and to the middle-east generally.
Courage to Care is well known for its powerful educational program which challenges and empowers school students not to be bystanders, to stand up to discrimination and social injustice wherever it occurs. Using stories of rescuers and the rescued during the Holocaust the program demonstrates that the positive actions of one person can make a difference.
This session will showcase our exciting new component developed for education professionals. What were the personal and professional challenges teachers faced in Nazi Germany, where they were required to implement the discriminatory policies of the government? How did they respond? What were the tensions they faced?
What would you do?
These dilemmas are of relevance to educators and the general public. Join us to experience this new presentation.
Intermarriage has been a reality within the Jewish community now for some time. This panel considers to what extent intermarriage impacts the long term viability of the Jewish community, and whether intermarriage is simply the product of living in a pluralistic and open society that the community needs to acknowledge. This panel will also explore to what extent intermarried couples remain Jewishly committed and will raise their children as Jews, and consider whether community attitudes alienate such couples and families from their Jewish identity.
A panel of inspiring young Jewish Changemakers. Come and hear from people who are positively impacting the Jewish community and the world around us through innovative programming, relentless fundraising efforts, and getting their hands dirty in some of the most impoverished parts of our world. These young leaders will restore your faith in humanity and give you an insight into how the next generation sees their Jewish identity in a globalised world. Our panel, which includes a doctor, an acturial scientist and a nurse, will share their powerful stories. Join Us.
Really. Who Cares? There seems to be a mini-industry of researchers, analysts and publicists, an ever-expanding conference circuit, a growing portfolio of fine pronouncements. Yet how many Jews would act differently if there was no antisemitism. How many non-Jews go beyond platitudes? It is a good time to have a robust discussion, and Jeremy Jones, who is Australia's best-credentialed researcher and analyst of, and campaigner against, antisemitism is looking forward to hearing your views.
Combining his impassioned guitar playing, soulful harmonica & earthy stomp box, David encapsulates the true essence of summer nostalgia; with hints of everything from folk, roots, African and 'beachside pop' in his sound.
Through his honest songwriting and humble stage presence, David's live shows have been known to captivate audiences; taking them on a truly unique, engaging and moving musical journey.
The building of the modern State of Israel has been based upon the notion that Jews around the world can and should immigrate to Israel. In the ever shrinking world of the 21st century, where does this leave the concept of aliyah? What makes for a successful aliyah? How has it changed in the last century? Why do some olim leave? How can we redefine a "successful aliyah"? What does it mean for global Jewry in 2015?
Already one of Israel’s most successful films and winner of 6 Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars), 2014, Zero Motivation also won Best Feature and the prestigious Nora Ephron Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014.
An army story with a difference: here, at a remote desert army base in southern Israel, the female clerical staff is at the centre of the action. Zero Motivation tells the stories of three soldiers engaged in battles armed with staple guns, paper shredders and strongly worded letters against the absurdity of the bureaucracy that governs their lives. After growing up on macho, male-dominated films about war and heroism, first-time feature director Talia Lavie extends the same attention to the women who do compulsory military service in offices all over the country. A hilarious, poignant and crowd-pleasing black comedy, Zero Motivation will resonate with anyone who has ever done menial, seemingly pointless work, while trying to maintain their love life, sense of dignity and sanity.
Co-presented by the Jewish International Film Festival.
Remembrance of the Holocaust in the future; should it matter? How should it be remembered? By whom, and why? What responsibility do Jews and non-Jews have? Is there a different responsibility for different generations? What should the relationship be between Jewish identity and remembering the Holocaust?
In January 2007, Professor Mohammed Dajani Daoudi established Wasatia, a Muslim moderate movement whose goals are to promote reconciliation in midst of conflict, to teach acceptance and tolerance of others, and to call for justice and peace. It is so far the only Islamic movement in Palestine calling for a negotiated settlement to establish a comprehensive peace based on two state solution. He will discuss what motivated him to do so, what he hopes to accomplish, and how he is seeking to make Wasatia mainstream in Palestinian politics.
The presentation is about Jewish responses to men and women who write on Jewish themes—many of which reactions are antagonistic unless the authors depict Jews and Jewishness in a flattering way. The talk will traverse fiction, satire, ancient and modern history, the Holocaust, and some reactions to his own writings about Jews.
A rare opportunity to witness a Rabbi and a Reverend in conversation discussing how faith influences their work, community mobilisation strategy and big questions such as how to work beyond racial and religious lines to create a greater good and can religion be an answer to society's ills?
Join a rabbi, a psychiatrist and their inquisitor to probe the age old combination of Jewish guilt and modern attempts at 'feeling' kosher. What rules do we follow and which do we break. Why do we do what we do. This will be an interactive panel discussion with a video screening of 'vox pop' interviews of Sydney Jews sharing their truths and guilt around keeping kosher.
