Yom Kippur Speakers Series 2024
Join us in learning from members of our community, to deepen our experience of Yom Kippur.
2-4 pm, 12 October, after our Yom Kippur service.
Venue info will be sent to ticket holders and email subscribers.
Mitch Burnie
Jewish Community and Climate
Let’s talk climate change with the JCN, the Jewish voice for climate action. Join Mitch for a discussion on the inspiring role the Jewish community can play in unlocking systems level change for climate action. Our time is now, let’s get going.
Mitch is an experienced and passionate community developer, innovator and educator. He has been applying his trade in community leadership for the past 10 years around the world at different environmental grassroots organisations. He is particularly passionate about the intersection of environmentalism, Jewish wisdom and community. He is excited to bring the amazing work of the JCN to Sydney and to be a trusted resource to help the Jewish community become leaders in the greatest challenge of our time.
Donna Jacobs Sife
Shema Listening Circle
Join Donna Jacob Sife for a Shema Listening Circle for peace. This session is inspired by the Sulha Peace Project, and adapted to a Sydney context. Listening Circles have been practiced for thousands of years, and give an opportunity to listen deeply to each other, and to ourselves, without the need to respond.They can help us to get in touch with our own feelings and prejudices, expand our awareness and, in so doing, give us the freedom to live without fear.
Donna Jacobs Sife has been involved with Judaism as a teacher, performer, writer and contemporary interpreter with regards to creative, spiritual and ritualistic expression for 30 years. For several years she was a regular columnist in the Australian Jewish News, and is a regular speaker at inter-faith events and conferences. A well-known peace and social activist, Donna co-founded Jewish Voices for Peace and Justice with her friend Lyndall Katz, and regularly presents workshops on conflict resolution, dialogue, listening circles and other techniques.
Donny Janks
When do the Sages say we should protest?
It’s been a tumultuous year. You’ve probably felt frustrated or annoyed at someone in your life, over some big issues. But it’s sometimes not so clear when should we actually engage in those conversations. This session will turn to Talmud to see when the Sages say we should protest, and when we should bite our tongues. This session will be discussion-based, where we’ll respond to the sources and use them to jump into deeper conversation.
Donny Janks is a post-graduate law student, professional educator, and Ayelet organiser. He’s worked across a variety of Jewish institutions, in radio and music, and in sexual health and consent education. He’s often frustrated and optimistic at the same time. He’s interested in building community, all things esoteric in the great Jewish library, late night dancing, and patting your dog.
Nadia Surtees
Forgiving, and asking for forgiveness
Yom Kippur is a sacred time of teshuva, of repentance and returning to our highest selves as individuals and as a community. Where did you ‘miss the mark’ this year? Are you ready to forgive or need to ask for forgiveness? Nadia’s circle invites you to dive into these questions through midrash, meditation, journaling and discussion. Bring a pen, journal and pillow. Open to people of all genders.
Nadia is a Jewish Women’s Circle facilitator. After living in various alternative Jewish communities abroad, Nadia returned to Australia to create NYBJ - Not Your Bubba’s Judaism. NYBJ is rooted in the principles of Earth-based Judaism, connecting women to themselves and the moon cycles each Rosh Chodesh in an open hearted community. With a day job at Canva, NYBJ is the product of Nadia’s altruistic desire to see Judaism embraced for its relevance and contemporary value.