Moving forward together
UPJ Biennial Conference to bring Progressive communities together in Melbourne this November.
The Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) will hold its Biennial Conference in Melbourne from November 19 to 22, under the theme “Moving forward together (B’Yachad Kadima).”
UPJ executive manager Lynn Niselow said the theme reflected the movement’s goals to build and strengthen congregations and schools “in a spirit of understanding, both within our Jewish community, as well as in relations with the wider Australian community”.
“These are challenging times for Jewish Australians, and our conference will provide frank insights into the issues affecting our community, but with an emphasis on finding the way forward,” Niselow said.
“Our goal is to give participants the tools, knowledge and insight to move forward as a community.”
The three-day event is being organised by UPJ Biennial co-chairs Sue Zablud and Larry Lockshin. Niselow said the conference would include speakers from the Jewish Australian community and the broader community, as well as an Israeli keynote speaker.
The program includes a welcome drinks reception, a Friday Kabbalat Shabbat dinner, a Saturday Shabbat Shacharit service, and a Saturday night gala dinner with musical entertainment and havdalah, alongside presentations, panels and workshops.
The keynote speaker will be Israel Religious Action Centre (IRAC) executive director Orly Erez-Likhovski, who will discuss the Israeli election and its domestic and global impact. Her past legal work includes cases relating to gender segregation on public buses, the disqualification of racist candidates from running for the Knesset, and the adoption rights of LGBTQ couples in Israel.
University of Western Australia Institute of Advanced Studies visiting fellows Dr Farid Zaid and Dr Dan Heller, co-founders of Monash University’s Brave Conversations Project, will lead a workshop on engaging across difference.
Online Hate Prevention Institute chief executive officer Dr Andre Oboler will present on antisemitism in social media.
A panel titled Cultivating Jewish Joy in the Arts will feature novelist and writer Elise Hearst; Jump Street Films director Jamie Bialkower, founder of the Jewish Australian Screen Fund; author and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky; and Goldstone Gallery artistic director Nina Sanadze.
The Saturday night gala will feature musicians Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier.
“It’s an opportunity to take a few days to be informed, stimulated and entertained,” Niselow said, “and to learn and take part in conversations that will illuminate us and our path ahead.”
For further information,
contact upj@upj.org.au
UPJ biennial conference keynote speaker Orly Erez-Likhovski, guiding a UPJ delegation through the Israel High Court. Photo: Supplied