Rabbi advises Premier’s office
The Rabbinical Council of Victoria’s political liaison officer, Rabbi Avrohom Jacks has addressed around 30 senior policy advisors from the Premier’s office on the benefits of faith and diversity in building a strong, cohesive and tolerant Victoria.
Rabbi Jacks, chief minister of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, formed part of a multi-faith panel which included Sherene Hassan, former Vice President of the Islamic Council of Victoria, and currently a member of the board of directors of the Islamic Museum of Australia.
In his presentation Rabbi Jacks spoke of the significant contributions that prominent members of the Jewish community have made towards improving Victorian society. He explained that this level of community involvement is consistent with the conduct of many Jewish communities in the world who have had an important influence upon their host countries. This participation has its foundations in Jewish religious teachings which encourage Jews to adhere to the laws of their host country, and to pray for and work for the benefit of the country in which they reside.
There was time for questions at the end of the session, and a number of the advisors took the opportunity to engage with the panellists on a range of contemporary issues. The feedback was very positive. One very senior member of the DPC mentioned that he was “extremely impressed with the breadth of issues that were covered”, and that he “found it very informative”.
Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant who is president of the RCV said that he was pleased that DPC had approached the RCV for support and guidance in this important area. “The RCV has for a number of years enjoyed a very close and cordial relationship with the Premier’s office. There is much that the Jewish religious leadership has to offer not only within our own community but indeed to the broader Victorian community as well.”
