Newsletter Weekly Guest Statement
Danny Hochberg
Co-President UPJ
B’Yachad Kadima – Moving Forward Together
19–22 November 2026 | Melbourne
Don’t worry, be happy!
Attending first day Sukkot at Emanuel, in his sermon, Rabbi Kaiserbleuth told us we must be happy. In fact, he commanded us to be happy! This was not a case of “power going to his head!” In fact, the Torah explicitly states that we must “rejoice in our festival”. And it states this not once, but three times!
To be honest, the commandment to be happy will be easy to keep and attending the Biennial will add to the joy. This is where our community comes together. The Biennial program is amazing.
My favourites include:
- Orly Erez Lihovsky who is at the forefront in the battle for pluralism and equality for everyone from Progressive Jews to LGBTQI to women, in Israel.
- Alice Zaslovsky, my favourite Celebrity Chef and probably the only person on the ABC I am happy to hear from!
- Our gala event with my heroes Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier.
- Friends-old and new. This is where our community comes together and I am looking forward to being with all of you!
We gather like this only once every two years. Places are limited and registrations are already coming in, so if you’ve been meaning to sign up, now is the time. Don’t wait until it’s full.
Whatever intention you’re carrying into this new year, whether reconnecting, growing, or showing up more fully, bring it with you.
And don’t forget, you are commanded to be happy!
Register today, secure your place and be part of it.
B’Yachad Kadimah. Let’s move forward together.
