We don’t really have any control over whether we have grandchildren and we have even less control over whether those grandchildren are Jewish. In this ELI Talk, David Werdiger recounts a conversation with a friend at shul that spurred his thoughts over what we do actually have control about when it comes to grandchildren and Jewish continuity. Drawing on the model of Jewish discourse and the latest in digital technology, ELI Talks capture, transmit, and…
Following a Pew survey about attitudes of Jews in Israel, David Werdiger explores the root causes of the stark differences between Jews in the two largest communities in the world: Israel and the US [Times of Israel].
For years he sat quietly in his seat in shul – week-in, week-out – like a permanent fixture. He was many things to many people. To most, he was Mr Raitman, soft-spoken elder and stalwart of the Yeshivah community. A man respected by all, with never an ill word about another. Straight as the day is long, and discreet to the maximum, he was the embodiment of the pasuk: “hatzneah leches im Elokecho”, that we…
David Werdiger is speaking at two Tikkun Leil Shavuot programs on Saturday night: He is on a Zooz panel discussion about how Jewish schools can/should inspire students to maintain a connection, allocation of funding to different types of Jewish education, and how these can influence Jewish continuity. See the Zooz Facebook groups for details. He is also speaking at David Werdiger at Yeshivah Centre (12.45am) about “the influence of Torah in the workplace”: how being…
David Werdiger is a committee member of the Melbourne Shabbat Project, and wrote several articles about it. Firstly, about the perception of Shabbat as being about all the things not to do, and how the observances are necessary to create the space to appreciate what Shabbat achieves [Times of Israel]. Secondly, four lessons learned from the experience [Times of Israel]. And finally, a satirical look at the Shabbat Project [David Werdiger’s Blog].
David Werdiger will be appearing in several panel sessions at Limmud Oz this year, which takes place 7-9 June 2014 at Monash University Caulfield Campus. “Vegetarian and Jewish?“, with Anthony Frosh, Nikki Silbert & Seraphya Berrin “Australian Jewish philanthropy: who gives a buck?” with Karen Mahlab & Mark Joel “Whither Jewish Australia?” with Danny Schiff These should be thought-provoking and informative sessions.
David Werdiger reflects on the businesspeople, particularly the ones who are saying the kaddish prayer in the year of mourning, who gather to pray during the work day. [Times of Israel, J-Wire, Jews Down Under]
A discussion about the different flavours of Judaism, how they transmit to the next generation, and the seemingly distinctive ‘Orthodox Affiliated‘. [Times of Israel]
David Werdiger discusses the exciting partnership between Australian Jewish Funders (AJF) and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network which is bringing the successful Moishe House program to Australia [Galus Australis], and adapting the successful ROI Community program to Australia as the first of several initiatives aimed at supporting next generation engagement [Galus Australis].