Over the December holiday period, hundreds of Jews from across the Melbourne community capitalised on their free time to join Kollel Menachem’s “Summer Learning Program.”
This week-long program, boasting a schedule of over 40 shiurim is the largest annual Torah learning program in Australia.
Each day featured a selection of textual and topical shiurim, with different options for men and for women, beginners and the more advanced student. The classes were delivered by a panel of dynamic local Rabbis and Rebbitzens from the community and the Rabbis of Kollel Menachem. In honour of Shnas Hakhel, the Rosh Kollel, Rabbi Yonason Johnson, gave a week-long sugya shiur, exploring various aspects of the Mitzvah of Hakhel.
At noon, all participants converged for the feature lecture delivered by this year’s international guest speaker Rabbi Dov Greenberg. Rabbi Greenberg is the executive director of Chabad at Stanford University. Rabbi Greenberg is and articulate and charismatic speaker. His presentations engaged and inspired the strong crowds, giving over Torah ideas with relevant and contemporary messages for today’s world.
This year’s topics included; “The right to privacy in Halacha and Jewish thought”, “The halachic approach to child custody disputes”, “Digital Burial – modern day Shaimos”, “Superstition in Judaism” and “Tramsformig your worst qualities into your biggest assets.”
The program’ venue was the state of the art Yeshivah Multi-Purpose building. Cold and hot drinks accompanied by artfully arranged refreshments kept participants rejuvenated both physically and spiritually. Recordings of the shiruim are available at www.jml.org.au. The program runs annually from December 25 to January 1, for more www.jewishlearning.com.au.
Great job R’ Dov Greenberg!!!
Reb Dov — impressive and moving talks especially the one about the Rebbe and Eli Wiesel and making fresh starts in life.
Thank you for coming to Melbourne.
Jacob
I disagreed with Rabbi Greenberg’s talk on Israel. I think he’s a bit too much to the right on the settlements. He argued that the conflict is not about territory – strong arguments I had not heard before. But still not convinced. Excellent presentation nevertheless.
Inspiring presentations
Great speakers
State of the art venue
Professionally run
Amazing presentations Rabbi Greenberg. We thoroughly enjoyed them.
Rabbi Dov Greenberg your speeches were profound and moving. I’ve been struggling with old resentments for a long time and your talk on forgiveness allowed me to finally let go and forgive. I was embarrassed to come over to you in person… But thank you!
Jessica
The program was great in being informational as well as inspiring. I am surprised that there is no particular mention in this article of Rabbi Levi Gourarie who tirelessly gave two shiurim daily throughout the week to both men and women on Chassidus! Thank you Rabbi Levi!!!