Past Events

UPJ Biennial Conference makes a commitment

to‘live the dream’ together

Taking its theme from the popular Israeli song “Yachad” the biennial conference of the Union for Progressive Judaism, Australia, New Zealand and Asia produced an exciting and uplifting experience for all participants, highlighting the current strength of the movement and the amazing opportunities for further growth over the coming months and years.

The conference also saw an historic shift with the election of the first regional President located outside of Australia as David Robinson, from Auckland, New Zealand took over after Phyllis Dorey’s outstanding 4 years as regional president.

The conference was a 4 day non-stop series of prayer, presentation, planning and play - culminating with a rousing rendition of Hatikvah and of “Yachad kol ha derech” (”Together all the way”) that had been taught to the delegates by musical director, Judy Campbell.

Highlights of the Melbourne-based conference included an Awards Night dinner featuring a wonderful keynote speech by recently-retired URJ Senior Vice President, Rabbi Lenny Thal. Rabbi Thal, who had attended the gathering of the regional rabbinic council, the Moetzah, prior to the conference, also led some inspirational workshops.

More special moments occurred at the conference when the decision was taken by the Moetzah and the UPJ to accept a special World Union edition of the Mishkan Tefillah as the endorsed prayer book for the region. It is hoped to formally “launch” the prayer book during 2009 as part of the UPJ’s 80th anniversary celebrations. Another important event saw the formal acceptance of a new congregation, the Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation, into the ranks of the UPJ.

The Social Action component of the conference - Osim - produced smiles and tears, as well as seeing the launch of a very special regional campaign. The deputy principal of an aboriginal college in Queensland told the delegates about the life of the college and, in particular, of the invaluable support provided by members of the UPJ. Simon Cotton painted an amazing picture of deprivation and, even more so, of hope. He thanked Mazon - the Jewish response to hunger for the funds that established a breakfast program ensuring that students had a meal at the start of each day. He also thanked Netzer for sending their bogrim to help establish a leadership program in the college. Finally, he presented certificates to 2 young men who, as part of their UPJ-backed Bar Mitzvah Tikkun project had collected 1,500 books and persuaded a shipping company to ship them to the college at no cost.

UPJ Social Action chairperson, Penny Jakobowitz and coordinator, Nicky Maor announced that UPJ is the first organisation outside of the USA to receive a grant from the United Nations Foundation aimed at eradicating malaria. The delegates warmly welcomed the “Nothing but Nets” campaign and enthusiastically planned the establishment of a campaign in each congregation across the region.

Other highlights of the conference included daily prayer services and Shabbat services at Temple Beth Israel and the Leo Baeck Centre for Judaism as well as a seemingly endless series of delicious meals and hospitality. It also included the launch of a DVD that will now be developed and taken to the WUPJ conference next March to showcase the work of the UPJ; the launch of a new UPJ pamphlet as well as the launch of new websites for ARZA (www.arza.org.au) and for the UPJ (www.upj.org.au).

With delegates coming from across the region, including representatives from Hong Kong, and guests from Israel and America and joined with the member delegates and affiliates from schools and Netzer, the international spirit of partnership emphasised how our different national and cultural mores mean little when compared to our shared values and beliefs - and commitment to working toward an egalitarian and democratic Israel and the promotion of Progressive Judaism.

This partnership was highlighted and endorsed by the wonderful presentations by Shai Pinto, Chief of Operations for the World Union for Progressive Judaism. His report on the current situation around the world, and in Israel, served to reinforce the commitment and enthusiasm of all present.

At the Annual General Meeting of the UPJ outgoing President, Phyllis Dorey, was deservedly praised for her tireless efforts over recent years and her many achievements in making the UPJ relevant and active throughout the community.

Incoming President, David Robinson, also praised her and noted that he could not match her successes on his own. He noted that only the recent move to full-time employment of Executive Director, Steve Denenberg, as well as the continued involvement of the Executive committee, would enable the organisation to continue down the success path of recent years.

As a final indicator of the success of the conference and the work of ARZA and Tamar coordinator, Nicola Ossher, a number of the young adult delegates remained for an additional 1-day conference to plan future activities throughout the region for those in the 20-35 year age group.

 

For more information contact:

Steve Denenberg
Tel: (612) 9328 7644
E-mail: steve@upj.org.au