Union for Progressive Judaism

November 13, 2018, 12:00 am

Hoffman to play key role at UPJ conference

Rabbi Dr Lawrence Hoffman will be the scholar-in-residence at the Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) biennial conference in Melbourne this month.

By Peter Kohn

September 20, 2018, 12:01 am

Learning to love and respect one another

RECENTLY the Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivered his first major speech to the party faithful in Albury, on the Murray River. One biblically literate commentator labelled it "The Sermon on the Murray". He likened the PM's remarks to a sermon because it sought to bring about national healing after the damaging blood-lettings and acrimonious manoeuvrings that have plagued politics in Australia for several weeks.

Sydney couple Dr Kerryn Phelps (left) and Jackie Stricker-Phelps at their New York wedding.

December 17, 2017, 12:00 am

Jewish chuppas booked for same sex weddings

The first two same-sex Jewish weddings in Australia to be solemnised by a rabbi will take place next year, as Jewish community leaders applauded the legalisation of same-sex marriage, while high-profile gay Jewish Australians expressed joy at the landmark change.

By Shane Desiatnik and Peter Kohn

October 30, 2017, 12:00 am

Concern over Kotel, conversions

ON Simchat Torah this year, a celebration in a central Jerusalem public square saw men and women dancing with Torah scrolls, but for Rabbi Gilad Kariv, the reaction of onlookers was noteworthy.

By Peter Kohn

BKS president Matthew Goldman and BPJC (Beit Or) president Hila Jacobi sign a memorandum of understanding leading to the merger between the two congregations.

September 5, 2017, 12:01 am

Shule ends long rift

AFTER nearly 10 years of separation, Brisbane's two major non-Orthodox communities have reunited, with Beit Knesset Shalom (BKS) and Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation entering a merger agreement.

July 2, 2017, 12:00 am

Local leaders condemn Netanyahu u-turn

THE Netanyahu government’s reversal of its plans for an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel and its decision to retain the Orthodox rabbinate’s monopoly on conversions have drawn fire from Australian Jewish leaders.

By Peter Kohn

Departing US Secretary of State John Kerry with other international attendees of the January 15 peace conference in Paris.

January 19, 2017, 12:00 am

Paris conference an ‘empty exercise’

An overhyped talkfest – that is the consensus among Jewish leaders in Australia about the January 15 peace conference in Paris.

By Peter Kohn

December 16, 2016, 12:00 am

Rabbis oppose assisted suicide legislation

Australian rabbis appear to be united against assisted suicide, as the Victorian government considers legalising it for terminally ill people.

By Peter Kohn

From left: Rose Polack of Netzer, Shannyn Gelbart of King David School and Joel McCarroll of Netzer lead Havdalah in fancy dress. Photo: Brian Samuel

November 28, 2016, 12:00 am

Perth hosts UPJ conference

Delegates from Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific converged on Perth for last week's Union for Progressive Judaism biennial conference.

By Peter Kohn

Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Photo: Peter Haskin

June 5, 2015, 12:00 am

Shuls at odds over same-sex marriage

February 12, 2015, 9:00 am

Rabbi Yossi Feldman steps down

By Joshua Levi

October 23, 2014, 12:00 am

A national day of unity

By Evan Zlatkis

July 10, 2014, 12:00 am

Outrage at murder of Palestinian teen

JEWISH organisations in Australia condemned the murder of a Palestinian youth in East Jerusalem, as reports emerged that six Jewish suspects have been arrested in relation to the crime, with at least three confessing.

By Peter Kohn

July 3, 2014, 12:00 am

Abbott, leaders condemn horrific murders

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has written personally to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express Australia’s sympathy and sorrow in the wake of the brutal slayings of the three Israeli teens abducted last month near Hebron.

By Peter Kohn

July 1, 2014, 12:00 am

Rabbi arrested over asylum protest

AN Adelaide rabbi was arrested on Monday after taking part in a sit-in at a federal MP’s office, where she and eight Christians protested the treatment of asylum seekers.

By Peter Kohn

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