Limmud OZ + NZ Online 2020: Full Schedule

In order to have access to this event in its entirety, BOOK TICKETS HERE!
You will receive more information on accessing sessions in the days leading up to the event.

Please be aware that all times are scheduled according to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Should you wish to visualise the schedule in your local time zone, see the "Timezone" button on the right hand side.

For a selection of published works by Limmud presenters, click here.

7:15pm AEST

Havdallah

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Join us for a communal havdallah to mark the end of Shabbat and welcome a new week, and open the
Limmud Oz & NZ online with a shower of light and song

Saturday June 6, 2020 7:15pm - 8:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Mind body and soul, Cool for Teens!

10:00am AEST

Virtually a Jewish education

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What do Red Bull and Sefaria have in common? How can Otis get 13-year-olds to think deeply about Pesach and consumerism? When full time online learning was foisted upon us, we tried to use and fuse the resources, skills and knowledge we already had—and didn't have—to ensure that deep Jewish learning was still alive and well for our students in the virtual sphere. In this session, we will look at some of our more successful attempts (and perhaps even hear yours!) and contemplate what is worth continuing once we are all back in reality.

Speakers

Kobi Bloom

Kobi Bloom is a Jewish Studies Teacher and Informal Jewish Educator at Emanuel School in Sydney. He is currently diving headfirst into the challenges of engaging students in Jewish learning and living by creating online peulot, shabbat services and lessons that place the students... Read More →

Daphna Levin-Kahn

Head of High School Jewish Studies, Emanuel School

Walking a very narrow bridge between her love of ancient sacred texts, traditions and Tikkun Olam, and a love of teaching children brought up in the rapid-paced constantly changing online world, Daphna steps up to face the challenge head-on, whilst attempting not to fall off the bridge... Read More →

Sunday June 7, 2020 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
ROOM 1

Education

12:00pm AEST

Pesach’s Over, Shavuot’s Over – Now What? How Torah can give us strength as we wait for Rosh Hashanna

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This session will look deeply at what it means to live in a broken world, and a broken time, and attempt to understand how Torah – both the content we are learning, and the practice of Torah study itself can bring comfort to us in these challenging times.
All are welcome, and all text will be provided in the original, with English translation.

Speakers

Rabba Yaffa Epstein

Director, Wexner Heritage Program, The Wexner Foundation

Rabba Yaffa Epstein serves as the Director of the Wexner Heritage Program. She formerly served as the Director of Education, North America for the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. She received Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshivat Maharat and holds a Law Degree from Bar-Ilan University... Read More →

Limmud OZ and NZ 2020 pdf

Sunday June 7, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Text and philosophy

6:30pm AEST

Politics in Lockdown

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We will be diving into discussion and asking the key questions: How have they found the transition into lockdown? How are they keeping connected to constituents? Do they miss the 'Canberra bubble'? and more!

Moderators

Shirli Kirschner

Speakers

Josh Burns

Josh Burns is Labor’s Member for Macnamara, previously the seat of Melbourne Ports.Born and raised in Caulfield, Josh is the grandson of Jewish migrants who left Europe and settled in Melbourne in search of a safe place to raise their families.From their experiences, Josh has learnt... Read More →

Dave Sharma

Dave was elected to the Australian Parliament for the seat of Wentworth, in eastern Sydney, in May 2019 as a candidate of the Liberal Party. Prior to politics, Dave enjoyed an extensive and distinguished career as an Australian diplomat.Driven by a sense of service, he became an Australian... Read More →

Sunday June 7, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST
ROOM 1

Society and politics, Cool for Teens!

8:30pm AEST

A Comedy Evening

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Embrace your laugh-out-loud with 3 hysterical Jewish comics

Artists

Jacob Sacher

Jacob Sacher is one of Melbourne's favourite Jewish comedians. He’s performed at countless festivals around the country, and 8 shuls.

Jude Perl

Jude Perl is a Melbourne based singer, songwriter and comedian. She has won 4 Green Room Awards, Best Cabaret at Melbourne Fringe Festival and she recently completed a 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle of Van Gough's Starry Night, which is way harder than you think. Every piece looks like... Read More →

Michael Shafar

Michael Shafar is a comedian and writer for Channel 10's The Project. Over the last two months he's almost finished Netflix.

Sunday June 7, 2020 8:30pm - 9:30pm AEST
ROOM 1

Arts culture and literature

10:00am AEST

Discovering opportunity in a time of crisis

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Eleven years ago Alison was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone marrow. For the year following diagnosis every evening the women of her community made meals to feed her family of seven. “The Jones Family Food Roster” is a memoir about the power of community, parenting during a time of crisis, choosing empowerment during adversity, developing a growth mindset and hope, seen through the prism of her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Speakers

Alison Jones

Alison Jones has worked in a range of settings—health, business and education—but her most important role is mother to her five children. She teaches maths and science and is a part time non-fiction writer. Her first book, “The Jones Family Food Roster”, was published in... Read More →

The Goose Story docx

Monday June 8, 2020 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
ROOM 1

Mind body and soul

12:00pm AEST

An arrow in the eye of Satan! Judaism, disgust and morality: Qiddushin 81a-b

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The emotion of disgust has received increasing attention in social, political, legal and moral discourse in recent years. This session focuses on the Talmudic story of Satan’s encounter with Rabbi Plimo (Babylonian Talmud, Qiddushin 81a-b) as an entry point to exploring the role of disgust in Jewish Ethics. Following a close reading and analysis of the story, we will study other rabbinic and medieval sources to understand how disgust functions both as a moral challenge and a moral asset in the quest for holiness.

Speakers

Jeffrey Rubenstein

Jeffrey L. Rubenstein is the Skirball Professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Literature in the Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies of New York University. He received his B.A. in Religion from Oberlin College, his M.A. in Talmud from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he also received... Read More →

An Arrow in the Eye of Satan Judaism and Disgust Rubenstein Handout pdf

Monday June 8, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Text and philosophy

6:30pm AEST

Anti-Zionism: the newest iteration of the oldest hatred

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Leftist critics of Zionism argue that their animus toward the Jewish state is untainted by ethnic bigotry. But is their anti-Israel agitation merely the newest iteration of the oldest form of ethnic bigotry. In this session Australian Jewish Association Executive Director Ted Lapkin will argue that, beneath its rhetoric, anti-Zionism is the pernicious product of naive purblindness or animus against the Jewish people.

Speakers

David Adler

Dr David Adler, President of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), is a medical graduate of the University of NSW, where he also received the medical faculty prize for general proficiency and leadership.He is formerly the Deputy Medical Secretary of the Australian Medical Association... Read More →

Ted Lapkin

Ted Lapkin is a prolific commentator on politics and public affairs whose work has appeared on the opinion pages of leading newspapers in both Australia and the United States.He was born in the United States, and his family immigrated to Israel when he was 12. Ted grew up in Israel... Read More →

IHRA definition Limmud Oz 2020 docx

Coronavirus antisemitism Limmud Oz docx

Monday June 8, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST
ROOM 1

Society and politics

8:30pm AEST

Why I wrote The Ratline (and East West Street)

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"The Ratline" (https://www.amazon.com.au/Death-Vatican-Philippe-Sands/dp/1474608124/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1589194800&sr=1-1) is about the life and loves of Nazi fugitive Otto von Wachter and his wife Charlotte, and his effort to escape justice after the war. Based on their private archive, it offers a fascinating insight into post-war life in Rome, and the connections between the Vatican, the US, Nazis and fascists in Cold War Italy.

Speakers

Philippe Sands

Philippe Sands QC is Professor of Law at UCL and a practising barrister at Matrix Chambers. He appears as counsel before international courts and tribunals, and sits as an international arbitrator. He is author of Lawless World (2005) and Torture Team (2008) and several academic books... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2020 8:30pm - 9:30pm AEST
ROOM 1

History and heritage

7:15pm AEST

Havdallah

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Join us for a communal havdallah to mark the end of Shabbat and welcome a new week, and celebrate the final weekend of Limmud Oz & NZ online with a shower of light and song

Saturday June 13, 2020 7:15pm - 8:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Mind body and soul

9:00pm AEST

Jewish filmmakers: Jewish films

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A panel discussion with three Jewish filmmakers whose films contain Jewish themes and content. Filmmakers: Danny Ben Moshe ("Shalom Bollywood", "My Mother's Lost Children" and "Outback Rabbis"), Eve Ash ("Man on the Bus" and "Undercurrent") and Esther Takac ("We Don't Want You Here" (in development)); moderated by film lawyer Shaun Miller who has done "legal" work on all of these film projects. The panel discussion will explore what inspires their films, the practicalities of financing, producing and distributing their films, and advice for aspiring filmmakers.

Links to videos
Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema
WDWYH TEASER 2020
Man On The Bus - Trailer

Speakers

Shaun Miller

Shaun Miller is a film and entertainment lawyer based in Melbourne. He predominantly represents production companies that produce film content, including feature films, documentaries and short films. Shaun has also been the Executive Producer on numerous films.

Danny Ben-Moshe

Danny grew up in London. After completing a law degree, Danny began a career as a documentary filmmaker. His award-winning films have been shown in film festivals around the world and been distributed far and wide theatrically, on television and other media platforms.

Eve Ash

Eve is a trained psychologist who cut her teeth by making workplace training videos in the 1980s and beyond. She has been on the boards of Film Victoria and the Australian Film Institute. Eve has a strong sense of social justice which is reflected in her films.

Esther Takac

Esther is a child and adult psychologist who delivers training on trauma. She’s also the author of “Genesis the Book with Seventy Faces” (National Jewish Book Award), a novella and a picture book. An experienced “genre crosser”, she's currently working on a documentary about... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2020 9:00pm - 10:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Arts culture and literature, Cool for Teens!

10:00am AEST

The case for Jewish women: exploring where feminists went wrong

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This session looks at the place of Jewish women in Judaism historically and halachically. Topics include the mechitza, minyan, home vs. synagogue, sexuality, female spirituality and more. As a modern orthodox Rebbetzin, and a passionate feminist, Deb challenges the notion that Orthodox Judaism is sexist against women. This session provides an opportunity to look into our holy texts, consider historical contexts and challenge Post-modern criticisms of Judaism.

Speakers

Deb Levy Friedler

Deb Levy Friedler is the Rebbetzin of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation. She's known for her warm and engaging style. Born in Auckland, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she has been involved in Jewish and wider community leadership as a counsellor, educator, youth worker... Read More →

Sunday June 14, 2020 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
ROOM 1

Text and philosophy

12:00pm AEST

When Halakha and Covid 19 met: what was gained and what was lost?

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When Halakha and Covid 19 met: what was gained and what was lost?

Speakers

Ysoscher Katz

Ysoscher Katz is the Chair of the Talmud department at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and the past Senior Rabbi of the Prospect Heights Shul. He studied at the Satmar, Brisk, and Beit Yosef Navaradok yeshivot. Receiving his smicha shortly after high school, R. Katz has taught Talmud and... Read More →

Sunday June 14, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Text and philosophy

6:30pm AEST

There may be lots of laws in Judaism – but what does Judaism really think of lawyers?

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An examination of how traditional Jewish texts regard the role of lawyers in the administration of justice.

Speakers

Marcus Solomon

Rabbi Marcus Solomon is the founding Rabbi of the Beit Midrash of WA and is responsible for its overall direction. Rabbi Solomon received rabbinic ordination from Central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshivah Academy in Brooklyn, New York, and is also a graduate of the Rabbinical College of Australia... Read More →

Marcus Solomon, Laws in Judaism pdf

Sunday June 14, 2020 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEST
ROOM 1

Text and philosophy

8:30pm AEST

A musical experience with Yonina

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Join Yonina with songs, inspiration and stories from the heart, forming a blend between Jewish, Israeli and international music. Yoni and Nina have been singing together since they met, have been married for five years and have two sweet children who make guest appearances in their videos. Known for their positive music and soft harmonies, Yonina create a blend between Jewish, Israeli and International music. In additional to their musical career, the two are passionate about Jewish learning and previously served as educators in organisations such as Livnot Ulehibanot, Masa Israeli and City of David.

Sunday June 14, 2020 8:30pm - 9:30pm AEST
ROOM 1

Arts culture and literature, Cool for Teens!

10:00am AEST

RESCHEDULED - Jews and the Irish: Why was Leopold Bloom central to James Joyce's Ulysses?

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"Ulysses" is often described as the most important English-language novel of the twentieth century. Joyce described his novel as an “epic of two races (Israel-Ireland)”. It is set in Dublin on 16 June, 1904, as Bloom wanders through the city as his wife, Molly Bloom, is having an affair. Amid an increasing climate of Irish and Jewish nationalism, Joyce made a very deliberate choice to have a Jewish character as one of his two main protagonists. So central is Leopold Bloom, that the annual celebration of Joyce's novel is named Bloomsday. Why Joyce chose Bloom is itself a fascinating story.

Speakers

Bryan Cheyette

Bryan Cheyette is the editor or author of eleven books including "The Ghetto: A Very Short Introduction", "Diasporas of the Mind: Jewish and Postcolonial Writing and the Nightmare of History", and, as co-editor, the "Oxford History of the Novel in English".

Why Leopold Bloom for Limmud Oz Bryan Cheyette pdf

Sunday June 21, 2020 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
ROOM 1

Arts culture and literature

12:00pm AEST

RESCHEDULED - Joseph Buloff and Luba Kadison: on-stage, off-stage in the Yiddish art theatre

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Learn how to live to 100! How to buy a Chagall for $50! How to make poets and painters fall in love!
From Bucharest to Broadway, Luba Kadison and Joseph Buloff were one of the great power couples in the heyday of Yiddish theatre. They produced, translated, directed, and acted in dozens of classic plays the world over, appearing before the crowned heads of Europe and creating the watershed Yiddish version of Death of a Salesman. Shane Baker knew Luba as his friend and mentor over the last 10 years of her life, and will talk about Buloff and Kadison’s careers, sharing stories that Luba told him directly of her life in the Yiddish theatre and time with such great Jewish figures as Marc Chagall, Arthur Miller, and Itzik Manger. This English-language lecture is illustrated with slides as well as demonstrations of Yiddish poetry recitation with simultaneous English translation.

Speakers

Shane Baker

Shane Baker serves as Director of the Congress for Jewish Culture a 70-year old organization that promotes new Yiddish culture throughout the world. The New York Times dubbed him “one of the most prominent proponents of Yiddish theater, language and culture in New York,” and he... Read More →

Sunday June 21, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
ROOM 1

Arts culture and literature