SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES & LUNCH
To kick off the WOW Weekend, you're invited to join us for the Shabbat morning service. This will also mark the last Australian appearance of Rev. Josh Weinberger on the Bimah of The Great Synagogue, a moment not to be missed. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a communal Kiddush lunch to meet and mingle before Registration opens and the WOW Weekend program commences.
8.30 – 8.45am
Rabbi Elton's Rashi Class
8.45 – 9.30am
Shacharit
9.30 – 10.45am
Torah Service
10.45 – 10.55am
Tribute to Rev Josh Weinberger
Rabbi Elton
10.55 – 11.30am
Choral Musaf Service
11.30 – 11.45am
Sermon
Hinda Young
12.00 – 12.30pm
Communal Kiddush Lunch
Join us for lunch and opportunity to meet your fellow delegates & farewell Rev. Josh Weinberger.
12.30 – 12.50pm
Regular Mincha in the Falk Library
WOW SATURDAY PROGRAM
12.00 - 12.30pm
Registration
12.30 - 12.50pm
Meet & Mingle
12.50 – 1.00pm
Welcome address
VP Caroline Lewis & Rabbi Benjamin Elton
1.00 – 1.50pm
Women Empowering Women Across the World
Danielle Chiel and Bobbi Mahlab
Two extraordinary women, who understand the power of mentorship, share their WHY in choosing to make a difference in so many women's lives across two continents.
Two extraordinary women, who understand the power of mentorship, share their WHY in choosing to make a difference in so many women's lives across two continents.
Danielle Chiel - KOCO: Knit One (garment), Change One (life)
Danielle’s initiative, KOCO, is changing lives in rural villages in India, by educating and employing women to hand-knit for global fashion brands. She connects makers, brands and consumers through hand-knitting and each unique garment comes with the story of the woman who made it. She is breaking economic cycles in rural villages, bringing education and financial independence for women, and the ripple effect on families is incredible.
Bobbi Mahlab - Mentor Walks
Mentor Walks brings mentoring to as many career women as possible and is founded on the belief that 'good women help good women'. Mentors are very senior women who understand the power of mentoring to change lives and who donate their time to walk for an hour with mentees. More than 1600 women have participated across seven locations around Australia.
2.05 – 2.50pm
Speed Friending
Juliet Lewis MC
Back by popular demand, this fun and engaging, fast-paced event is sure to get the weekend started with a good dose of laughter and connections.
3.00 – 3.50pm
"Things My Mother Never Told Me": Three generations share life stories
Myrna Kangisser, Robyn Bernitz, Danielle Goodman & Megan Bernitz facilitated by Michaela Kalowski
Questions you wish you'd asked or had answered on your way to adulthood. Sharing stories on juggling and struggling passed from mother to daughter through the generations.
3.50 – 4.15pm
Stretch & Kvetch
4.15 – 5.10pm
’12 Over 12’ Celebration – Mincha facilitated the Sydney Women’s Tefilah Group (featuring Shelley Einfeld, Judith Levitan, Eli Levi)
12 women over the age of 12, yet to commemorate their Bat Mitzvah, will be honoured in a unique and moving afternoon service, where they will mark their Bat Mitzvahs and each woman will be honoured. The service is run with guidance and explanations so modern Orthodox women can participate fully and join together in experiencing a new connection with the traditional Shabbat afternoon prayers and with the Sefer Torah. To learn more about '12 Over 12', click here.
5:10 – 5.40pm
Seudah Shlishit (3rd meal) with Judith Levitan and the Sydney Women's Tefilah Group
Seudah Shlishit (3rd meal) with Judith Levitan and the Sydney Women's Tefilah Group
Join us for the traditional 3rd meal of Shabbat – with food, songs and explanations. Judith Levitan will share the story of her journey towards becoming the first Orthodox woman in NSW to receive ordination (smicha).
5.40 – 5.50pm
Havdallah with the Sydney Women's Tefilah Group
To end our first day, there will be an uplifting choral Havdalah – the traditional Farewell to Shabbat.
6.00pm
Bus to the Women of Diversity Dinner
See below for details.
Women of Diversity Dinner
Women of Diversity Dinner
Parramata - 7.00-10.00pm
Sydney's premier networking event for women from diverse backgrounds - an evening of festivity and friendship including a vegetarian (or kosher requested) banquet – and lots of dancing!
The inter-cultural event of the year for ladies where up to 400 women from across Sydney join for an evening of shared conversation, a delicious meal, dancing, performances and to make new friends. The dress code is ‘festive’.
The Women of Diversity Dinner is a partnership of organisations including the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW, Afghan Women of the Move, Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSI) – Port Jackson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Muslim Women’s National Network, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, SAHELI, Settlement Services International, Uniting Church, and many other women.
The Women of Diversity Dinner is a partnership of organisations including the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW, Afghan Women of the Move, Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSI) – Port Jackson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Muslim Women’s National Network, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, SAHELI, Settlement Services International, Uniting Church, and many other women.
Tickets are $50 / $25 for students/pensioners. CLICK HERE TO BOOK for the Women of Diversity Dinner, and to read more.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies will provide free bussing from The Great to the Women of Diversity Dinner. If you require bussing, please be sure to tick the box on our booking form.
9.30 – 10.00am
Morning Tea and Mingle
Arrive early to catch up with friends over a cuppa.
10.00 – 10.50am
Lauren Ryder – Welcome
Justine Sless: 'Closet Schmoset - One Jew's story of coming out.'
We kick off the day with fun and laughter as we hear from Melbourne comedian Justine Sless, who will share her hilarious stories about exploring her Jewish roots as an adult.
11.00 – 12.00pm
Taking Control At The End Of Life
Dr Yvonne Selecki leads a panel discussion with experienced clinicians including Dr. Susan Hertzberg, Dr. Judith Lacey & Simone Green, RN
Most people are unprepared for the complex medical choices at the end of life for themselves and for loved ones. It is a time of grief and stress and when it is not discussed, we miss the opportunity to share our wishes with our loved ones. Taking control of end of life choices can empower us, and those around us. Our panel will look at case scenarios from ethical, legal and bedside perspectives, exploring ways we can engage with our loved ones and medical teams to make informed decisions for ourselves and our family.
12.15 – 12.45pm
Lunch & Linger
Enjoy a delicious lunch and a chance to network.
12.45 – 1.15pm
Just Don’t Sneeze!
Rebecca Reicher, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
In this funny and informative session, Rebecca will take us on an eyebrow-raising journey to understand the importance of keeping your pelvic floor healthy at any age, so you can laugh – and sneeze – with confidence!
1.25 – 2.25pm
Was That Just A ‘Bad Date’ or Was it Sexual Assault? The Confusing World of Consent
Hilary May Black facilitating Dr Ellie Freedman
The #MeToo movement has shone a light on the issues of sexual harassment and assault but some situations are just not ‘black and white’. Enter the ‘grey zone’ of sexual consent – a source of confusion and distress for both women and men. In this session, Ellie will explore this challenging issue, what we mean by ‘consent’ and why the confusion?
2.40 – 3.30pm
New/Old Australians 30 years apartRita Bratanis and Zehava Heinrich
Two women who were born in Australia, left at age 3, and then returned as adults interview each other about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of being both old and new Australians: one Jewish and one Greek. A discussion that promises to be fascinating!
3.30pm
High Tea: Sponsored and prepared by Sharon Schach
3.30 – 4.20pm
Daring to be Different
Madeleine Buchner, Little Dreamers, winner of JCA Jumpstart
We finish the weekend with a delicious high tea to sweeten the afternoon. We will hear from an inspirational young woman who has changed the lives of many young carers through her very personal and empowering initiative, which won her first place in the JCA’s "Shark Tank"-like Jumpstart. The next generation of humanitarians is amongst us, sharing her heartfelt, uplifting hope for the future.
4.20 – 4.30pm
Closing Speeches
WOW Weekend 2019
Wed, 24 April 2024 16 Nisan 5784