She’ll for Jewish Sheilas

WORLD-RENOWNED infectious diseases physician Professor Sharon Lewin will be the keynote speaker at Melbourne’s first Jewish Women’s Festival next month.

Lewin, who is the inaugural director of the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at the University of Melbourne, was named Melburnian of the Year in 2014, and is known internationally as an expert in HIV.

The inaugural festival, due to take place at Caulfield Hebrew Congregation on Sunday, September 4, will bring together approximately 40 female presenters set to cover a variety of topics, with an emphasis on courage, innovation and reaching beyond conventional boundaries.

Called the She’ela Festival (meaning “question”), and with the tagline “For women who dare to ask”, the day’s program will feature talks, panel discussions, workshops, entertainment, Israeli dancing, a storytelling competition and more. 

Presenters will include director and CEO of the Jewish Museum of Australia Rebecca Forgasz, comedian Justine Sless, and author Suzy Zail. 

Founder Naomi Rubinstein told The AJN that the She’ela Festival aims to be a thought-provoking, engaging and accessible forum for Jewish women of all ages and -backgrounds.

“There are so many talented and interesting Jewish women in our community that our community was screaming for a day where we could showcase all of these women and experience what promises to be a day full of engagement, fun and stimulating material, together, under one roof, in the heart of the Jewish community,” she enthused.

She is joined on the committee by Tamar Moskow, Yael Prawer, Glynis Lipson, Ilana Lewin, and Havi Rubinstein.

Members of the committee spoke highly of the festival agenda.

“A groundbreaking event, I am excited and optimistic that the goals that we envisage for the She’ela festival will be surpassed and provoke engaging discussion among Jewish women long after the day is complete,” Moskow said.

“Bringing together these marvellous and inspirational women is a testament to the talent and strength that exists within our community,” Havi added.

“It is a privilege to be a part of this unique and exciting event.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.sheelafestival.org or visit the Sheela Festival Facebook page.

PHOEBE ROTH