Uniting Church-Jewish Dialogue
A meeting of endings and beginnings
March 13, 2024
The 53rd meeting of the interfaith dialogue between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry was held on 27 February with 11 representatives joining online from NSW and Victoria.
"For the first time in its 30-year history the dialogue met without the presence of one of its founders, Jewish representative and interfaith champion Jeremy Jones"
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For the first time in its 30-year history the dialogue met without the presence of one of its founders, Jewish representative and interfaith champion Jeremy Jones who died last September.
Members of the dialogue spent time remembering Jeremy, reflecting on his leadership of the Jewish community, significant impact on interfaith dialogue and gift for “building trust, understanding and friendship.”
In light of Jeremy’s passing and as part of a time of learning and sharing, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio of Emanuel Synagogue in NSW led a reflection on grief and Jewish mourning practices.
Members of the dialogue also discussed the October 7 attack on southern Israel and the impact on the Jewish community in Australia and around the world. This will be discussed again in future dialogue meetings.
It was the final meeting for Uniting Church representative Rev Tara Curlewis, who has been a member of the dialogue since 2016 and one of its co-conveners for the last triennium. The new co-convenors are Rabbi Ralph Genende and Rev Matthew Wilson, Advocate of the Uniting Church Seeking Common Ground Circle.
Representing the Executive Council of Australian Jewry were Peter Wertheim, Julie Nathan, Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Rabbi Ralph Genende, and Melinda Jones.
Representing the Uniting Church were Rev Tara Curlewis, Rev Dr Matthew Wilson, Rev Dr Rob McFarlane, Ed Carter, and Assembly National Consultant Rev Dr Sunny Chen.
There was significant energy and desire to continue working together and continue the momentum by meeting regularly. The next meeting will be held in June 2024.
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