WHAT'S ON
Please support the important work of the UIA Progressive Appeal
Just a few weeks ago, Lesley Sachs visited our shores imploring us to support our brethren in Israel who are standing strong in challenging times. Over 500,000 Israelis have taken to the streets marching behind banners and signs authored by the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, who are bringing light in to the looming darkness cast across the Jewish state by those who would create a theocracy unrestrained by the rule of law.
The signs, translated from the Hebrew, read: “In the name of Judaism we will protect democracy.”
You can help preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state by supporting the UIA Progressive Appeal. The Progressive Movement in Israel is at the forefront opposing the many civil and human rights under threat from the current government: Jewish pluralism; promoting gender equality; fighting racism; LGBTQI+ rights; and, maintaining the Law of Return.
It is urgent. It is important. We all want Israel to be home for all Jews, not just the extreme right and the ultra-Orthodox. To support the important work of the UIA Progressive Appeal, please CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to view a short five-minute video from Lesley Sachs. To view a 22-minute version of the video, CLICK HERE.
Mazon launches soup campaign at Souper Kitchen
Each winter, Mazon Australia has provided “Soup Bags” filled with fresh ingredients to make a delicious soup for families experiencing food insecurity. To launch the 2023 Soup Bag Campaign, an evening of soup and stories on Monday 5 June at 6.30-8.30pm will be hosted by chef and social activist Nayran Tabiei from the renowned Flavours of Syria café, Souper CEO Sarah Bendetsky and Souper’s Head Chef Zlata Gluzman. Cost: $54 (all profits go towards charitable projects). CLICK HERE to book.
Online series: Judaism in a Digital Age
Rabbi Danny Schiff will present an online course on four consecutive Thursday evenings, 22 June-13 July, focusing on the digital era in which we all now find ourselves. Why are the modern, liberal approaches to Judaism that were so popular in the 19th and 20th centuries now failing? What are the core challenges of the digital age that demand Jewish responses? What is the future of the synagogue? What developments lie ahead that will provide new Jewish challenges and offer fresh Jewish opportunities? To book, contact Temple Beth Israel (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Standing up for the Israel we all care for
UPJ Co-President David Knoll, who is in Israel to attend the WUPJ Connections Conference, is part of a large delegation from the UPJ region. In addition to enjoying the conference, the delegation has had the opportunity to participate in protests, standing up for the Israel that we all care for. David wrote an article about his experiences for the The Australian Jewish News, which was published this week (4 May 2023). CLICK HERE to read the article.
Shir Chadash 'highest attendance to date'
The UPJ hosted its fifth Jewish music conference, Shir Chadash, in Geelong on 14-16 April. "Kol Ha'olam Kulo: Jewish Music From Around the World" was presented by UPJ Music Network Chair Cantor Michel Laloum with faculty members Judy Campbell, Rabbi George Mordecai and Andrea Catzel. With the highest attendance to date, singers, musicians and lovers of Jewish music joined for a festive celebration as we sang together in person for the first time since the 2019 music conference.
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