University of Notre Dame launches landmark initiative in historic partnership with the Great Synagogue

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Centre for the History of Philosophy (CHOP) is launching a groundbreaking academic initiative focused on the study of Jewish philosophy, the first of its kind in Australia.

Designed to elevate the understanding of Jewish thought within the broader context of the Abrahamic traditions, this initiative will integrate academic research, university teaching, and community engagement. It will be officially launched at The Great Synagogue in Sydney on Monday, June 30 with a public oration delivered by Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton and formally opened by Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales.

The initiative includes the establishment of a new public lecture series, the John and Anna Belfer Oration in the History of Jewish Philosophy, generously supported by the Belanna Trust. These annual lectures will spotlight key figures and ideas in Jewish philosophical thought and are intended to make this rich intellectual tradition more accessible to the broader public.

The inaugural lecture, “The First Rabbinic Philosopher: Saadia Gaon (882–942)”, will be delivered by Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton, Chief Minister and Senior Rabbi at The Great Synagogue. In his address, Rabbi Elton will explore Saadia’s contributions to medieval philosophy, including his efforts to harmonize reason with faith, and the long-lasting influence of his writings within and beyond the Jewish world.

“It is an honour to deliver the inaugural lecture in this new series, starting at the very beginning of medieval Jewish philosophy, with a thinker who remains deeply relevant today. The Great Synagogue has long been the cornerstone of Sydney’s Jewish community, and it is a privilege to open our doors to the Sydney Jewish community, leaders of other faiths, as well as the general public to encourage learning, education and understanding,” commented Rabbi Elton.

CHOP has appointed leading scholar Dr Raphael Dascalu to oversee the academic direction of the Jewish philosophy initiative. Dr Dascalu is a specialist in medieval Jewish thought and will lead research and outreach efforts in this domain. “This initiative is truly unique in Australia. I’m excited and honoured to be a part of it and I’m very much looking forward to sharing and exploring insights into medieval philosophy with scholars, students, and the broader public,” said Dr Dascalu.

CHOP Co-Director Associate Professor Nathan Lyons emphasized the contemporary relevance of the project. “In our current climate of social tensions and fractured relationships between Abrahamic faiths, it’s really important and timely to promote a shared understanding of the Abrahamic intellectual traditions – not only for insight into the past, but also for finding ways to live together and think together today.”

Fellow Co-Director Associate Professor David Bronstein highlighted the initiative’s historical depth and global significance. “Our Centre has a special interest in philosophy that is carried on in the Abrahamic religious traditions. In the Middle Ages, there are amazing philosophical conversations that happen between the three traditions, often with Jews, Christians, and Muslims living and studying and translating texts alongside each other. The Jewish philosophical tradition, which is part of that long Abrahamic intellectual story, is one of Judaism’s most important contributions to world culture and world history and we are excited to promote that tradition and explore its relevance for today.”

 

The event will include a series of talks from the initiative’s key leaders. In addition to Rabbi Elton’s keynote oration, attendees will hear remarks from CHOP co-directors Dr Bronstein and Dr Lyons on the vision of the project, as well as from David Lewis on the significance of the partnership. The evening will also include time for audience questions and informal community dialogue.

The oration will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), at The Great Synagogue, 187A Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW. Attendance is free and open to all.

Register here: https://www.notredame.edu.au/news-items/notre-dame-launches-jewish-philosophy-initiative

This initiative marks a significant step forward in interfaith scholarship and dialogue in Australia, spotlighting Jewish philosophy as a living, evolving tradition with enduring relevance.