A previous article on this blog, exploring Orthodox Jewish attitudes towards homosexuality attracted some interesting comment and feedback. Earlier this week a dramatic and engaging Tikkun Leil Shavuot was hosted by the Beit Midrash of WA, with a series of presentations through the night.  The highlight of the program was a debate entitled “Judaism and Same-Sex [...]

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem on the Jewish Calendar. Modern Jewish history, in the context of Jewish history per se, notifies this day as one of the most significant, miraculous, and inspiring marks on the Jewish calendar.  When one reads of the melancholy mood of the Jewish world on the [...]

I had the privilege today to attend the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC) address by the Hon Mark McGowan, Leader of the Opposition. The AICC is a dynamic business networking organisation that delivers exceptional events and promotes bilateral trade between Israel and Australia.  In his address Mr McGowan displayed his credentials and won my [...]

Judaism is a very pragmatic religion, and that pragmatism extends to robust economic management.  That naturally flows into the psyche of a Jewish nation, one from which Australia should take more notice. Further to the recent contrast between Australia and Israel relating to the commemoration of national identity, it is also interesting to contrast the [...]