Jewish and Christian representatives renew focus on family and domestic violence
The meeting began with a text study of verses from Genesis (Bereshit) which have been used to both justify and challenge the idea of male superiority.
The meeting then turned to a discussion of family and domestic violence, the history of the way this has been dealt with in Jewish and Christian communities and recent developments in which traditional interpretations have been challenged.
The Dialogue was Co-Chaired by Rev. Tara Curlewis and Jeremy Jones. Jeremy Jones has been the long term Jewish Co-Chair of the Dialogue while for Tara Curlewis this was a new experience, although Rev. Curlewis had previously been a Co-Chair, with Jeremy Jones, of the Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews.
Melinda Jones, President of the National Council of Jewish Women in Australia led the presentations in the text study.
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio made the opening Jewish presentation in the discussion of contemporary religious life.
Rabbi David Freedman contributed with a series of observations of the way Orthodox Jewry had addressed this subject in recent years.
Josie Lacey, Life Member of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry also made a series of significant interventions.
“We are so fortunate in the Jewish community to have informed, learned and passionate representatives, who have strong personal opinions but make sure that their presentations in Dialogues cover a broad spectrum of lived Jewish experiences”, Jeremy Jones said.
“The Christian presentations were also of the highest order and everybody who participated in the Dialogue would have left it better informed as to theological issues and with an enhanced ability to advocate for the dignity of each human being” Jeremy Jones concluded.
This was the fourth successive Dialogue to take place online and all participants look forward to resuming in person discussions, in the near future.
