Shabbat dinner connects entrepreneurs

A Shabbat dinner hosted by the Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) Melbourne has been hailed a success after introducing dozens of non-Jewish business leaders to Jewish traditions and values.

The event, organised by EO member Dean Cherny, brought 80 people to St Kilda Synagogue for what was pitched as the first in a series of cultural events for the Melbourne chapter.

“My belief is that the way to fight antisemitism is through creating connection and community,” Cherny told The AJN.

The evening began with a 6pm Shabbat service featuring the St Kilda Shule Choir led by Brett Kaye, before guests moved to the Adele Southwick Hall for dinner.

Each of the 10 tables was assigned a Jewish “captain” to answer questions and guide discussion.

Cherny also prepared prayer books and a “Jewish Book of Why” addressing common questions and misconceptions about Judaism, which was reviewed by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman.

Jewish women were invited to light Shabbat candles, followed by Rabbi Glasman’s blessing over wine and challah.

Three Jewish EO members spoke about what Judaism means to them, before Rabbi Glasman addressed the gathering.

The event rated 9.79 out of 10 in member feedback.

Non-Jewish attendees described the evening as “beautiful,” “calm” and “serene,” with many expressing appreciation for learning about the role of Shabbat in family life.

“That really resonated with a lot of these entrepreneurs who are running their businesses, continually day in, day out, grinding away,” Cherny said.

“The way that Judaism and Shabbat offers that time of reflection and family, I think for a lot of them, it was quite powerful.

“Cherny has since created a playbook and distributed it to EO chapters across Australia and internationally, with the Sydney chapter among those planning similar events.

EO is a global organisation of approximately 16,000 members. The Melbourne chapter has roughly 200 members, of whom about 10 to 15 are Jewish.

All guests received challah to take home.