Unity dinner brings faith communities together
B’nai B’rith NSW will host “A Celebration of Unity” in Sydney next month, bringing together Jewish, Christian, multi-faith and secular communities for an evening of connection, discussion and shared cultural experience.
The dinner, to be held on Saturday, June 13, will include a havdalah ceremony, live entertainment by Chutney and traditional hora dancing. Organisers say the event is designed to foster understanding at a time when social cohesion is under strain.
Pictured from left: Josef M, Freya Leach, Vinay M, Yossi Friedman, Mark Leach and Yaacov T. (Photo: SB Creatives Photography)
A joint initiative of B’nai B’rith NSW and Allies for a Strong Australia, the evening will focus on respectful dialogue across faith and community lines.
“In this season of strained social cohesion, evenings like this are a wonderful way of bringing people together and reaffirming our shared commitment to our common life together in this great country,” said Mark Leach, co-founder and CEO of Allies for a Strong Australia.
B’nai B’rith NSW president John Szabo said meeting face to face over a shared meal remained one of the strongest ways to build trust and understanding.
“Bringing people together face to face over a shared meal is incredibly powerful,” Szabo said.
“This evening is about celebrating what unites us, while respectfully acknowledging and learning from our differences.”
The event will centre on Havdalah, the Jewish ritual marking the end of Shabbat and the transition from the sacred to the everyday. Organisers say it will also give guests from outside the Jewish community a chance to learn more about Jewish practice in an open and welcoming setting.
B’nai B’rith NSW said it expected a diverse turnout, with participants encouraged to take part in open dialogue during the evening.
B’nai B’rith NSW is a pluralistic Jewish organisation based in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It runs community programs across arts, culture, events, social justice and advocacy, and is part of B’nai B’rith International.
Tickets are $60 per person, with RSVPs required by May 18. The eastern suburbs location will be provided after booking. Enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
