A brand-new Jewish learning journey
The "brand new engaging entity" has been formed following repeated requests from within the Jewish community for more options in the Jewish adult education space, she said.
Sydney will soon have a new halachically-compliant adult Jewish education organisation.
Launching in mid-October, the Sydney Academy of Jewish Education (SAJE) will focus on programs encompassing conversion to Judaism, women’s education and more.
“At this meaningful time having just savoured the sweetness of Rosh Hashanah, we pause and ponder about the New Year resolutions we plan to actualise on both personal and professional fronts,” SAJE board member Orna Triguboff said.
“We also think about what is soulful and spiritual and how to nourish and nurture ourselves for new journeys ahead. These transformative actions are undertaken at both an individual and collective level. And sometimes they align in the most empowering way. Enter: SAJE.”
The “brand new engaging entity” has been formed following repeated requests from within the Jewish community for more options in the Jewish adult education space, she said.
“Visionaries and proactive partners listened and subsequently joined forces in the most constructive and compelling way,” she said.
“Think of this as a new, strong branch of our metaphorical communal tree, and growth is guaranteed in the most inclusive and supportive way. The result will be the SAJE launch of tailored programs from mid-October just after this joyous festive season wraps up.”
Fellow board member Ron Weiser said the soon-to-commence “holistic and inclusive exploratory endeavour” will be run in conjunction with the Sydney Beth Din.
“From the earliest ‘conversion conversation’ to ultimately becoming a member of our tribe, courses will run with weekly classes spanning one year in total, bringing Torah-true wisdom to life in the most experiential, enlivening and educational way,” he said.
“The result will be a smooth and streamlined conversion journey with an unparalleled support system – from mentors to educators to rabbis – all showcasing the beautiful confluence of drawing on ancient wisdom and simultaneously living a modern life.”
He said just exploring keeping Shabbat as a technology-free window of time can be profound – “and there is so much more”.
“Camaraderie and community go hand-in-hand, ensuring a phenomenal foundation of both emotional and spiritual nourishment.”
He added that the process of geirut, or conversion, is a profound journey encompassing both study and observance.
“Throughout the tutoring and teaching, all questions will be answered patiently and knowledge is garnered in the most natural and sensitive way, regardless of background,” he said.
“Respected international Orthodox standards are maintained, purposefully ensuring the enduring integrity of this lifetime commitment, as many navigate the path to becoming a meaningful member of the Jewish faith.
“Our sages teach that a convert has always had a Jewish soul at their core – this is embarking on a profound process of reconnection. Indeed, so many of every age and stage agree it is a sage move to soon have SAJE within our midst.”
Board member Alex Abulafia said that for those interested in “deepening your understanding of all things Judaism – from conversion classes to communal connection, this new year may be the ideal time to take that first step with support, sensitivity and supervision”.
He said SAJE is universally recognised, including by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
“This dynamic development will be an ongoing academy of excellence conforming to the highest standards of governance, ethics and transparency in all operations. Essentially this will be a streamlined, yet soulful example of a best-practice model for all Jewish communal institutions, at all times conforming to the stringent halachic standards of the Sydney Beth Din,” he said.
“When it comes to conversion, participants will be in the inaugural cohort of SAJE’s Dor l’Dor program – generation to generation. It truly has such a meaningful name as it will enable participants to transmit spiritual knowledge, values, traditions, rituals and our history in the most authentic way.
“This empowering SAJE Jewish journey encapsulates learning, growing and smiling along the way with the most wonderful, structured support system that will stretch and satisfy all yearning for learning.”
SAJE will service NSW and all Australia-wide areas not under the auspices of a local Beth Din.
For more SAJE information, email: info@saje.org.au
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