21-25AUG2024
WELCOME
“And God said, let there be... And there was... and God saw that it was good ”
This year, we looked back, to help us move forward. In need of an anchor, but also of inspiration, we went to our foundational text and our origin story – Genesis. Its rich themes - creation and creativity, family and conflict, matriarchy and patriarchy, covenants and peoplehood, new beginnings – are weaved through our program.
It’s been an honour to curate this year’s program. More than ever, we aimed to support our Jewish authors Their writing has inspired the conversations, discussions and workshops that fill our program, and we look forward to being delighted, challenged, and moved by their own Genesis stories
Our headliners are Israeli author Hila Blum who wrote an awardwinning novel exploring power in family relationships; Marina Benjamin, discussing the seen and unseen experiences of women; Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger, on drawing inspiration from Elie Wiesel and Jewish folk tales; and Sarah Krasnostein, one of Australia’s most insightful writers, examining the psychological foundations of her writing subjects.
The Festival concludes on Sunday night with the announcement of the winners of the inaugural Shalom Australian Jewish Book Awards
Most importantly, there is a machine behind SJWF that is Shalom A committed, professional, and joyous group of people to work with. A special thank you to our dedicated programming committee who provide invaluable support and suggestions – Michaela Kalowski, Rita Nash, Adam van Rooijen and Miriam Hechtman.
I hope that this festival will be one of new stories, new voices and new beginnings I look forward to seeing you there
SJWF Director, Anna Stern
FESTIVAL ART
At the festival artwork’s centre is the Hebrew letter 'bet' (ב) which is the first letter of the Hebrew word for Genesis, Bereishit ‘Bet’ is also the numerical value of two, a symbol of growth and expansion Surrounding 'bet' are concentric, undulating circles illustrating the dynamic energy, movement and ripple effect of a single letter, word, text and thought. This piece celebrates the festival's mission to amplify Jewish voices and prioritise the continuous unfolding of new narratives, rooted in our origin stories, foundational texts and rituals.
Creative and Marketing Director, Rebecca Solomons
WEDNESDAY 21.August.2024
7.00PM
ENCOUNTERS WITH THE B Dr Sarah Krasnostein with M
22.August.2024
THURSDAY
7.00PM THEATRE
GENESIS OF NEW JEWISH MATRIARCHY
Marina Benjamin & Rachelle Unreich and Hila Blum via zoom, with Tali Lavi
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY 25 August 2024
10.00AM
FREE KIDS SESSION
11.30AM
MY LIFE AS A JEW
Michael Gawenda with Vic Alhadeff OAM
THE LONG GOODBYE
Keri Kitay with Magdalena Ball
SPARKING YOUNG IMAGINATIONS
Story Time with Jewish Authors & Illustrators
TURNING THE INWARD OUTWARD
A Writing Workshop with Marina Benjamin
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger with Michaela Kalowski
FAMILY LEGACY TO BESTSELLER
Elana Benjamin, Julia Levitina & Linda Margolin Royal with Scott Whitmont
25.August.2024
SUNDAY
1.00PM
TEEN SESSION FREE
JEWISH MILLENNIAL ANGST
Dr Anna Jacobson, Nadine J. Cohen & Dr Roz Bellamy with Alice Moldovan-Hill
CRAFT YOUR OWN NOTEBOOK
Japanese Stab Binding Workshop
BOOK CLUB: INKFLOWER
Q&A with Suzy Zail, Jeffrey Fletcher & the SJM Youth Committee
MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM THE YIDDISH AVANT-GARDE
Dr Nathan Wolski with Miriam Hechtman
2.30PM
THE UNSEEN WORK OF WOMEN
Marina Benjamin with Tali Lavi
FIRESIDE CHAT: RISING SYDNEY STARS
Jonathan Seidler, Marina Kamenev & Nadine J. Cohen with Tami Sussman
DEEP READING: A JEWISH APPROACH TO LITERATURE
Dr Simon Holloway
4.00PM
5.30PM SUNDAY 25.August.2024
FREE
LAYA'S WAY HOME: FROM TRUE STORY TO HIT PODCAST
Michaela Kalowski, Rick Kalowski & Claudia Taranto with Michael Visontay
THE JEWISH BOOKS THAT MADE ME
Hear from some of this year’s SJWF guest authors with Scott Whitmont
THE CHANGING FACE OF JEWISH PATRIARCHY
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger, Jonathan Seidler & Michael Gawenda
WRITE & SIP
Creative Session with Dr Roz Bellamy
7.00PM
FROM PAGE TO STAGE: THE EVOLUTION OF YENTL
A Conversation with the Creators and Performers of the Award-Winning Yiddish Play
AUSTRALIAN JEWISH BOOK AWARDS An Evening of Celebration
Origins&Legacies Genesis
Wednesday 21 August 2024
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Theatre
ENCOUNTERS WITH THE BEGINNING
A Conversation with Dr Sarah Krasnostein
Join best-selling, multi-award-winning author of ‘The Trauma Cleaner’ and ‘The Believer’, Dr Sarah Krasnostein, as she delves into the craft of writing and the ethical dimensions of factual storytelling. Sarah's work spans academic legal writing, long-form journalism, criticism, and essays
Referencing Genesis throughout ‘The Believer’, Sarah explores origin stories and psychological foundations, examining how subjects come to hold extreme worldviews. Her writing on Peter Carey’s personal and national origin stories and the Malka Leifer case highlights her belief that understanding the past is key to changing present conditions. This theme is also evident in her features on crime and punishment for ‘The Monthly’ and ‘The Saturday Paper’, and in her profiles and reviews
A rare opportunity to hear from one of our most insightful and respected writers. Moderated by Michaela Kalowski.
Dr Sarah Krasnostein Michaela Kalowski
Genesis
Thursday 22 August 2024
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Theatre
GENESIS OF NEW JEWISH MATRIARCHY
Marina Benjamin, Hila Blum
Origins&Legacies
& Rachelle Unreich with Tali Lavi
How do we write about the essential role of women and maternal figures and preserve and share their stories? Who are our contemporary Jewish matriarchy and influential voices, and how we can elevate their stories?
A dynamic discussion between acclaimed writers Marina Benjamin Rachelle Unreich and Hila Blum, whose writings grapple with the various roles that women carry across stages of their lives Moderated by Tali Lavi, these powerhouses consider the Jewish matriarchs who have shaped their identity. Hila Blum will appear via Zoom.
Hila Blum
Rachelle Unreich
Marina Benjamin
Tali Lavi
11:30am - 7:00pm Yalagang
Exhibition
‘THE HIDDEN FARMACOPEIA’
Illustrated works by Anita Lester
Experience an exclusive exhibition of Anita Lester's prints created to complement Dr Nathan Wolski's translation of Der Nister's enchanting Yiddish tales in verse, ‘Mayselekh in ferzn’ (‘The Hidden Farmacopeia’).
Illustrating this translation of Der Nister’s stories, Anita was heavily influenced by Chagall who originally brought the tales to life exactly 100 years earlier. Inspired by Der Nister’s spooky, visceral, and mythological stories and unseen at the time of her creations, Anita’s works incorporate the same materials, and directly mirrors the visual iconography used by Chagall.
Based artist s
Her ani concep (‘I’m St global Genesis Sunday.25.August.2024
Sunday.25.August.2024
A sdraw
RITUALS IN STOP-MOTION:
Short film screenings by Dr Anna Jacobson
Dr Anna Jacobson is an award-winning writer, artist, and researcher featured at SJWF. Her two short films are an exclusive premiere to SJWF and are available to view in our lobby.
'Separation Ceremony', a poem from ‘Amnesia Findings’, captures stop motion photography of cinnamon, cloves, and myrtle twigs –aromats that are often used in this Havdalah ritual – along with imagery of Anna’s great-grandfather’s intricate spice box.
‘Festive Meal’, a poem from ‘Anxious in a Sweet Store’ documents Anna’s Passover Seder with her family in 2020 through over 170 stop-motion line drawings.
Sunday.25.August.2024
10:00am - 10:45am
Theatre
MY LIFE AS A JEW A
Conversation with Michael Gawenda
Award-winning journalist, former editor-in-chief and public figure
Michael Gawenda reflects on his illustrious career as a political reporter, foreign correspondent and editor of ‘The Age’ Michael will share his insights with Vic Alhadeff OAM on the state of the world and the evolving landscape of journalism and examine the experiences that shaped his life as a Jew.
Michael Gawenda
Vic Alhadeff OAM
Sunday.25.August.2024
10:00am - 10:45am Seagull Room
THE LONG GOODBYE
A Conversation with Keri Kitay
Keri Kitay's debut memoir, 'The Long Goodbye', is a loving, honest and moving account of losing a loved one to Alzheimer's disease. Interviewed by Magdalena Ball, Keri discusses her family's journey through her mother Terry’s diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 54, the disease, and ultimately losing Terry.
Keri Kitay Magdalena Ball
Sunday.25.August.2024
10:00am - 12:30pm
High Tide Room
SPARKING YOUNG IMAGINATIONS
Story time with Jewish Authors & Illustrators
An enchanting story time featuring top Jewish children’s authors and illustrators Cathy Milwidsky, Beck Feiner, Susanne Gervay OAM, Tami Sussman, Suzy Zail, and Amanda Lieber. Experience a new author every 20 minutes, guaranteed to delight both the young and the young-atheart.
SESSION
KidsSession
Sunday.25.August.2024
10:00am - 11:30am
Yalagang
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
TURNING THE INWARD OUTWARD
A Writing Workshop with Marina Benjamin
We all have our own origin stories, shaped by memories, experiences, relationships, and conflicts. How can we turn these into compelling narratives that resonate with wider audiences? Join Marina Benjamin, an award-winning writer and life writing instructor, for this 1.5-hour workshop.
Marina, an international guest at SJWF and teacher of life writing and creative non-fiction, will guide you through transforming personal experiences into captivating stories
Marina Benjamin
Sunday.25.August.2024
11:30am - 12:15pm
Theatre
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN A COMPLEX WORLD A Conversation with Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger
In today's rapidly changing world, what are the principles of ethical leadership? Drawing on his insights from studying under Elie Wiesel and his own writing on folk tales as a new language for approaching moral questions, Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger, author of ‘Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom,’ will discuss the importance of moral courage, empathy, and humility in navigating ethical dilemmas and fostering positive change
Rabbi Ariel, an international guest at SJWF, from Boston, USA, will be in conversation with Michaela Kalowski. Together, they will explore personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, offering valuable lessons for leaders and changemakers seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger
Michaela Kalowski
Sunday.25.August.2024 11:30am - 12:15pm Seagull
FAMILY LEGACY TO BESTSELLER
Elana Benjamin, Julia Levitina & Li d M li
R l ith Scott
Whitmont
gin story into a compelling ations? Join Elana Benjamin, Julia hey discuss crafting historical books to share their family stories a, and Iraq. Explore how to stay gating the commercial pressures of ott Whitmont.
Julia Levitina
Linda Margolin Royal
Elana Benjamin
Scott Whitmont
Sunday.25.August.2024
1:00pm - 1:45pm
Theatre
JEWISH MILLENNIAL ANGST
Dr Anna Jacobson, Nadine J. Cohen
& Dr Roz Bellamy with Alice Moldovan-Hill
Are sad (Jewish) millennial books having their moment?
Dr Anna Jacobson, Nadine J. Cohen and Dr Roz Bellamy explore why men becoming a central theme in Jewish novels and memoirs, the challenges a opportunities facing young Jewish writers, and perspectives on how Jews represented in contemporary writing. A frank and thoughtful conversation identity and mental health, and what the future holds for Jewish millennial Moderated by Alice Moldovan-Hill.
Nadine J. Cohen
Dr Roz Bellamy
Alice Moldovan-Hill
Dr Anna Jacobson
Sunday.25.August.2024
1:00pm - 1:45pm
Seagull
FREE WORKSHOP
CRAFT YOUR OWN NOTEBOOK
Japanese Stab Binding Workshop
Learn the traditional Japanese stab binding technique, a beautiful and functional method of bookbinding. This beginner-friendly session introduces the basic materials and tools required, guiding you through the step-by-step process of creating your own handmade notebook.
By the end of the session, you'll have created a notebook and gained the foundational skills to continue exploring this bookbinding method. Ideal for craft enthusiasts, beginners interested in book arts, or anyone looking to learn a new and rewarding skill. All materials provided. No prior experience necessary, and all ages welcome!
Joanne Capal
Sunday.25.August.2024
1:00pm - 1:45pm
High Tide
SUITABLE FOR 15Y+ AND ADULTS
BOOK CLUB: INKFLOWER
Q&A with Suzy Zail
Teens&Adults
Dive into a powerful Holocaust story of love, hope, and healing based on a true story. Internationally published YA author Suzy Zail presents an ask-anything-you-want Q&A session to explore the inner workings of a writer’s life.
Discover how an idea transforms into a 200-page novel and how the real world and imagination collide to create a beautiful and bruising tale about a family with secrets. Whether you're curious about the plot, characters, inspiration, or upcoming projects, connect with like-minded readers and delve into the world of historical fiction.
Moderated by Sydney Jewish Museum educator Jeffrey Fletcher and powered by the Sydney Jewish Museum Youth Committee. Teen focused and suitable for YA 15 years +.
Suzy Zail
Jeffrey Fletcher
Sunday.25.August.2024
1:00pm - 1:45pm
Yalagang
Dr Nathan Wolski Miriam Hechtman
MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM THE YIDDISH AVANT-GARDE
Yiddish scholar and translator, Dr Nathan Wolski, presents his new illustra edition of ‘The Hidden Farmacopeia’ by ‘Der Nister'. This session includes in Yiddish and English, a tour of accompanying artworks by Melbourne ar Lester, and an opening by Poetica’s Miriam Hechtman.
‘The Hidden Farmacopeia’ (‘Mayselekh in ferzn’), was published in Kyiv in draws from Eastern European and Jewish folklore, presenting a mysteriou of animals, demons, hobgoblins, and golems. Humorous, bizarre, sometim grotesque, yet always profound and brimming with mystery, Der Nister’s a masterpiece of Yiddish modernism for adults and children alike.
Pinkhas Kahanovitch (b. 1884), under the pen-name ‘Der Nister’ (the Hidden One), was a preeminent Yiddish writer of the early twentieth century. A prolific writer across children’s literature, poetry, transl ti f l i h t t i reportage, and the acclaimed historical s he is best known for his enigmatic mysti simultaneously translated the works of H Yiddish and penned his own tales in vers illustrations from luminaries of the Russi El Lissitzky and Marc Chagall
Genesis
Sunday.25.August.2024
2:30pm - 3:15pm
Theatre
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
THE UNSEEN WORK OF WOMEN
A Conversation with Marina Benjamin
Marina Benjamin writes personal essays, memoir and creative non-fiction, from her family's Iraqi-Jewish story of exile in ‘Last Days In Babylon’ to ‘The Middlepause,’ Insomnia’ and ‘A Little Give’, her memoir trilogy exploring 'midlife' experience.
In her most recent work, alongside commentary and observation on the various kinds of invisibilities that women negotiate at various stages of their lives, Marina searches to uncover a more realistic and kinder feminism. Marina Benjamin is an international guest at SJWF from London and will be interviewed by literary critic, Tali Lavi.
Tali Lavi
Marina Benjamin
Sunday.25.August.2024
2:30pm - 3:15pm Seagull
FIRESIDE CHAT: Rising Sydney Stars
Hear from young Sydney journalists and authors Jonathan Seidler, Marina Kamenev, and Nadine J. Cohen who have recently released works of non-fiction, auto-fiction, and fiction.
This engaging session, moderated by Tami Sussman, will delve into their latest works and the genesis behind their writing.
Nadine J. Cohen
Tami Sussman
Jonathan Seidler
Marina Kamenev
Sunday.25.August.2024
2:30pm - 3:15pm
High Tide
DEEP READING: A JEWISH APPROACH TO LITERATURE
How we read is as important as what we read. Some authors, like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, invite deconstruction. Some texts, like ‘Infinite Jest’ and ‘Gravity's Rainbow’, demand it. But what does it mean to deconstruct literature while we are reading it?
In this workshop, Dr Simon Holloway considers passages from rabbinic literature that illustrate a peculiar mode of textual composition, showing how deconstruction adds meaning to the individual layers of a text.
No prior familiarity with the literature will be required, and all passages will be presented in English translation.
Dr Simon Holloway
Sunday.25.August.2024
4:00pm - 4:45pm
Theatre
LAYA'S WAY HOME:
From True Story to Hit Podcast
In 1945, Laya Semler became the last Jew sent to a concentration camp from the village of Wennigsen, Germany Laya’s non-Jewish husband Adolf went to slave labour rather than abandon her. In 2022, their great-grandchildren Michaela and Rick Kalowski returned to Wennigsen, leading to their internationally acclaimed ABC audio series. Laya and Adolf’s story is testament to the extraordinary power love has to bridge even the greatest differences.
Michaela, Rick and their producer Claudia Taranto will discuss storytelling, the in-German interview process and how such stories can lead to true reconciliation. In conversation with Michael Visontay.
Michaela Kalowski
Rick Kalowski
Claudia Taranto
Michael Visontay
Sunday.25.August.2024
4:00pm - 4:45pm
Seagull
THE JEWISH BOOKS THAT MADE ME
The Jewish people are often referred to as the 'People of the Book’ Hear from some of this year’s SJWF guest authors, the writers that inspired them, the books they love to return to, and walk away with a curated Jewish reading list. Moderated by Scott Whitmont.
SESSION
Dr Lee Kofman
Miriam Hechtman
Dr Nathan Wolski
Marina Kamenev
Julia Levitina
Scott Whitmont
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger
Sunday.25.August.2024
5:30pm - 6:15pm Seagull
THE CHANGING FACE OF JEWISH PATRIARCHY
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger, Jonathan Seidler & Michael Gawenda
From the foundational families of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to today's multifaceted male figures, engage in a dynamic and thought-provoking panel discussion on Jewish patriarchy over time Featuring Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger, Jonathan Seidler, Michael Gawenda, this session will explore male role models, contemporary family roles and dynamics, the evolution of fatherhood, and the challenges today's Jewish patriarchy face navigating their identities.
Jonathan Seidler
Michael Gawenda
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger
Sunday.25.August.2024
5:30pm - 6:15pm
High Tide
FREE WORKSHOP
WRITE & SIP
A Creative Session with Dr Roz Bellamy
A creative session dedicated to nurturing Jewish writers and stories Work on an existing piece or respond to provided prompts, enjoy silent writing time, and connect with other writers over tea and coffee in a safe, inviting environment. Moderated by author and writing teacher Dr Roz Bellamy.
Dr Roz Bellamy
Sunday.25.August.2024
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Theatre
FROM PAGE TO STAGE:
THE EVOLUTION OF YENTL
A Conversation with the Creators and Performers of the Award-Winning Yiddi
Yentl has captivated audiences for decades, from its Yiddish origi Oscar-winning film. Now, hear from the minds behind the award-w adaptation coming to the Sydney Opera House this October. Join Director Evelyn Krape, co-playwright Elise Esther Hearst, an as they explore the power of this story and its relevance tod
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the inaugural Shalom Australian Jewish Book Awards; ‘The Leslie and Sophie Caplan Award for Jewish Non-Fiction' and ‘The Jewish Independent Young Jewish Writers Award’ will be announced on the night.
The event will conclude with drinks and canapes in the Pavilion Bar
Photo credit: Jeff Busby
BIOGRAPHIES
ALICE MOLDOVAN-HILL
Alice Moldovan-Hill produces the ABC radio and podcast program ‘Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski’. She produced the Third Coast award-winning podcast ‘No Feeling is Final’, and has worked at the ABC for a decade, in Sydney, Alice Springs and on NSW’s Far North Coast.
Alice has a long history of volunteering in the Jewish community through Netzer and Limmud Oz She lives in Sydney with her family
Photo credit: Launchpad
AMANDA LEIBER
Being an international actress has been Amanda Lieber’s favourite career, alongside English and Drama teacher, a fairy (with lots of sparkles) and an early childcare teacher. Amanda hopes that writing stories for children will be new favourite career Her debut picture book ‘My Giant Sea Shell’, deals with a serious theme in a gentle way for children and carers to understand.
Photo credit: Toboji
DR ANNA JACOBSON
Dr Anna Jacobson is an award-winning writer Meanjin (Brisbane). She has written three illust memoir ‘How to Knit a Human’; and the poetry in a Sweet Store’ and ‘Amnesia Findings’. Ann Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Writing and Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize and Queenslan Publishers and Writers Award ‘Anxious in a Sweet Store’ is shortlisted for the Shalom Australian Jewish Book Award'The Jewish Independent Young Jewish Writers Award’.
Photo credit: Peter Wilson
RABBI DR ARIEL BURGER
Rabbi Dr Ariel Burger is an author, teacher, and artist whose work integrates spirituality, the arts, and strategies for social change. He is the author of ‘Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom’ and the founding director and senior scholar of The Witne ss Institute. Inspired by the life and legacy of Elie Wiesel, the Institute’s mission is to empower emerging leaders, inspired by the life and legacy of Elie Wiesel.
Rabbi Ariel received his PhD in Jewish Studies and Conflict Resolution under Elie Wiesel. He develops cutting-edge arts and educational programming for adults, facilitates workshops for educators, consults to non-profits, and serves as scholar/artistin-residence for institutions around the U.S. In 2019 Rabbi Ariel was one of the Algemeiner’s Top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life today. When Rabbi Ariel’s not learning or teaching, he is creating music, art, and poetry.
Photo credit: Sharon Arnott
BECK FEINER
Beck Feiner is a graphic designer and illustrator. Her art and stories shine a light on social issues and tap into the mood of the time to promote harmony and diversity. Beck's creative style has evolved from her years working as a designer and art director in the advertising industry in Australia and overseas. She has created many much-loved picture books, including ‘Aussie Legends Alphabet’, ‘If I Was Prime Minister’, ‘Clyde the Greyhound’ and ‘It’s a Mitzvah’.
Photo credit: Martine Payne
CATHY MILWIDSKY
Cathy Milwidsky is an experienced educator and counsellor who has worked in leadership, family support and consulting for more than thirty years. Cathy’s strength lies in creating safe and inclusive spaces, where supported conversations focus on relationships and the practical ways, we nurture deeper and more meaningful connections. Cathy is an ardent supporter of the early years and earlier this year her first children's book ‘Why is Baby Joe Crying, Papa?’ was published under her pen name Anna Mills.
Photo credit: Nadine Saacks
CLAUDIA TARANTO
Claudia Taranto is a Senior Producer on ‘The History Listen’ podcast on ABC Listen and Radio National. She has told stories for the ABC about refugees, migrants, criminals, artists, writers, sex, death and much more. She has won awards for her work, including a Walkley, and has mentored many of Australia's podcast producers
Photo credit: Orlando Luminere
ELANA BENJAMIN
Elana Benjamin is a Jewish-Australian writer of Indian-Iraqi heritage, and a self-taught home cook. Her articles have been published widely, including in ‘Good Weekend’, ‘Sunday Life’, ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’, ‘SBS Voices’, ‘The Jewish Independent’, ‘Kveller’, ‘Debrief Daily’, ‘Essential Kids’ and the ‘Jewish Book Council’ blog.
Elana is a contributor to Black Inc.’s anthology ‘Growing Up Indian in Australia’. She has also authored the cookbook ‘IndianJewish Food: Recipes and Stories from the Backstreets of Bondi and the memoir ‘My Mother's Spice Cupboard: A Journey from Baghdad to Bombay to Bondi’.
Photo credit: Shibani Mishra
HADAR MATATYAU
Hadar Matatyau is an accomplished media production professional with a Bachelor's degree in Film, TV, and Communication from Tel Aviv University, Israel. She has a rich and varied career across a range of creative productions including TV and theatre productions, independent short films, and the Venice International Short Film Festival. Hadar is a Shalom team member and while she now resides in Sydney, she remains connected to Israel through her keen interest in Israeli literature, music and culture.
Photo credit: Timothy Iredale
HILA BLUM
Hila Blum is an author and book editor. She is the winner of the Sapir Prize (2022), Israel’s most prestigious literary award and the Prime Minister’s Prize (2021). Hila is a Jerusalem native, author of the Israeli bestsellers 'The Visit' and ‘How to Love Your Daughter’, translated by Daniella Zamir, has been translated in numerous languages and received international critical acclaim. Hila Blum brings her insight as a literary editor at one of Israel’s leading publishing houses, where she has collaborated with celebrated authors including Etgar Keret and Eshkol Nevo.
Photo credit: Omer Armoni
JEFFREY
FLETCHER
Jeffrey Fletcher has an extensive background in learning across a career in schools and museum education His passion is creating pathways for youth to fulfil their potential and engage with history and heritage to find relevance in the modern world. Jeffrey has created innovative programs across Australia and developed international learning collaborations. His work at Sydney Jewish Museum with Holocaust survivors and students helps impart these important lessons on today’s youth.
JOANNE CAPAL
Joanne Capal is a Shalom team member and an avid crafter with a passion for exploring diverse crafts. Fascinated by the intersection of crafting, sustainability, and Jewish themes and values, Joanne believes in the transformative power of handmade creations. She finds peace in the act of making and is dedicated to passing on her skills to those eager to discover the joys of mindful, creative learning. Joanne’s workshops inspire participants to experience new crafts and a sense of connection
Photo credit: Giselle Haber
JONATHAN SEIDLER
Jonathan Seidler is an author, creative director and music critic. His work is published frequently in ‘The Guardian’, ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ and ‘The Australian’ Jonathan launched two nationally syndicated fiction series for ‘Broadsheet’ and edited an ‘Unyoked’ nature writing anthology.
His memoir, ‘It’s A Shame About Ray’, was adapted for an immersive live performance for SWF 2023. Jonathan is an ‘Esquire’ columnist, writing weekly about men, mental health and fatherhood. ‘All the Beautiful Things You Love’ is his first novel.
Photo credit: Saskia Wilson
JULIA LEVITINA
Julia Levitina grew up in Moscow with her Ukrainian Jewish mother and grandmother, who were both Holocaust survivors. She studied design and worked as a theatre designer before immigrating to Australia in 1991 with two children and $200 to her name. Julia completed a Masters of Theatre Design at the University of Technology, Sydney. While teaching set and costume design, she wrote short stories. ‘The Girl from Moscow' is her first novel. It was shortlisted for the ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize for unpublished manuscripts. She lives in Sydney's east with her husband and their toy poodle, Honey
Photo credit: Ricardo Riccio
KERI KITAY
Keri Kitay is a communications professional who has a passion for health and wellbeing. Witnessing the devastating impacts Alzheimer's has on a person, she feels it is her duty and responsibility to educate people and provide knowledge and tools A powerful mix of memoir and hard-earned knowledge, in ‘The Long Goodbye’, Keri charts her family's poignant and devastating journey after their mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Keri is a fitness ambassador for CHeBA (The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing) and a board member for UIA (United Israel Appeal).
Photo credit: Tali Gordon Photography
LINDA MARGOLIN ROYAL
Linda Margolin Royal was born in Sydney, forever thankful her family received life-saving transit visas from Chiune Sugihara in 1940, which enabled them to enter Japan and escape the Holocaust, finding a permanent home in Australia in 1941. Most of her family members were murdered. Linda is a copywriter by profession. ‘The Star on the Grave’, which grew organically from the screenplay currently in development, is her debut novel.
Photo credit: Sue Kupferman
DR LEE KOFMAN
Dr Lee Kofman is an Israeli-Australian author of six books, including the writing book ‘The Writer Laid Bare’, ‘Imperfect’, which was shortlisted for Nib Literary Award 2019, and ‘The Dangerous Bride’; editor of ‘Split’, which was longlisted for ABIA Awards 2020, and co-editor of ‘Rebellious Daughters’. Her writing blog was a finalist for Best Australian Blogs.
Lee is a writing teacher who has supported Shalom through the establishment of the Shalom Australian Jewish Book Awards. She will mentor the winner of ‘The Wingate Award for Unpublished Manuscripts (Jewish Subject)’, to be announced in December 2024.
Photo credit: Tizia May
Sydney Jewish Writers Festival is proud to announce that Lee will be the festival’s ‘Writer in Residence’. She will be attending SJWF sessions and sharing her reflections on the SJWF social media accounts.
Follow us on socials: @sydjewishwritersfest
Shalom:Sydney Jewish Writers festival
MAGDALENA BALL
Magdalena Ball is a novelist, poet, reviewer, interviewer, Vice President of Flying Island, and managing editor of ‘Compulsive Reader’. Her work has appeared in a wide number of journals and anthologies, and has won local and international awards. She is the author of several novels and poetry books, most recently, ‘Bobish’, a verse-memoir.
Photo credit: Giselle Haber
MARINA BENJAMIN
Marina Benjamin writes personal essays, memoir, creative non-fiction and, most recently, a trilogy of books exploring midlife experience. ‘The Middlepause’ and ‘Insomnia’ were widely acclaimed at home and abroad and have been translated into 9 languages. ‘A Little Give’ completes the series. Her essays have appeared in ‘Granta’, ‘Aeon’, the ‘TLS’ and the ‘Paris Review’. She's a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and a regular tutor for the Arvon Foundation.
Photo credit: Robin Christian
MARINA KAMENEV
Marina Kamenev is the former deputy arts editor of the ‘Moscow Times’ and has been widely published in the ‘Atlantic’, ‘Time’, ‘Sunday Life’, ‘The Monthly’ and ‘Marie Claire’, often writing about family. She lives in Sydney and is the mother of two. ‘Kin: Family in the 21st century’ is an incisive and powerful look at how families are created today, and how they might be created in the future.
Photo credit: Martine Payne
MICHAELGAWENDA
Michael Gawenda is one of Australia’s best-known journalists and authors. In a journalism career spanning four decades, Michael has been a political reporter, a foreign correspondent based in London and in Washington, a columnist, a feature writer and an editor. He has won numerous journalism awards including three Walkley awards, the Australian equivalent of the American Pulitzer Prizes. He was editor and editor in chief of ‘The Age’ from 1997 to 2004. He is the author of five books including his latest book, ‘My Life as a Jew’.
Photo credit: Anne Gawenda
MICHAEL VISONTAY
Michael Visontay is Commissioning Editor of ‘The Jewish Independent’ and was Editor-in-Chief from 2017-22. He has worked for 40 years as a journalist, editor, author, and lecturer across a broad range of Australian media. Michael is a former Assistant Editor of the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’, Deputy Editor of the’ Sun-Herald' and columnist with ‘The Australian Jewish News’. Michael has co-authored four memoirs, including ‘Who Gave You Permission? The memoir of child sex abuse survivor, Manny Waks’ He also wrote ‘Welcome To Wanderland: Western Sydney Wanderers and the Pride of the West’.
MICHAELA KALOWSKI
Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator and curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, Amos Oz, Michelle de Kretser and Etgar Keret. She's curator of ABC RN’s on-air writers’ festival, Big Weekend of Books. Michaela has conducted radio interviews and presented programs across ABC radio and TV and is the co-presenter and co-writer of a two-part family history podcast for ABC RN called ‘Laya’s Way Home’
Photo credit: Sharon Arnott
MIRIAM HECHTMAN
Miriam Hechtman is a writer, producer and poet. She is the founder and creative director of Poetica, a live poetry, music and arts initiative, and the editor of ‘The Alphabet of Women’ Throughout her working life, Miriam has partnered with artists and creatives to produce significant projects on screen, on the page and in real life. She lives in Sydney with her husband, two daughters, and Poppy the dog.
Photo credit: Harry Borden
NADINE J. COHEN
Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski
Nadine J. Cohen is a Sydney-based writer with bylines in ‘The Guardian’, ‘The Saturday Paper’, ‘SMH/Age’, ‘ABC’, ‘Harper's Bazaar’, and more. Her debut novel, ‘Everyone and Everything’, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim, nominated for two Australian Book Industry Awards and named Booktopia’s debut release of the year. Nadine also co-hosts and produces the SBS podcast ‘Grave Matters’ and advocates for refugees and asylum seekers affected by offshore detention.
DR NATHAN WOLSKI
Dr Nathan Wolski is the Liberman Family Lecturer in Jewish Studies with the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Monash University, Australia. He is the author of ‘A Journey into the Zohar: An Introduction to the Book of Radiance’, the translator of ‘The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Volume 10’, and with Joel Hecker, ‘The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Volume 12’, and more recently, ‘Kabbalistic Yiddish: Aaron Zeitlin’s Mystical-Messianic Poetics’. His translation of Der Nister’s ‘Mayselekh in ferzn’ (‘The Hidden Farmacopeia’), accompanied by Anita Lester’s illustrations was published in 2024.
RACHELLE UNREICH
Rachelle Unreich has been a journalist for 38 years. Her work has been published extensively in Australia, the US, UK and South-East Asia, for publications including ‘Sydney Morning Herald’, ‘Harper's Bazaar’, ‘Rolling Stone’ and ‘Elle’. ‘A Brilliant Life’, a memoir about her late mother, is her first book and has been published in ten countries.
Photo credit: Simon Schluter
RICK KALOWSKI
Rick is an International Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter and producer for television and film, and former Head of Comedy at the ABC.
Photo credit: ABC
DR ROZ BELLAMY
Dr Roz Bellamy is a writer, editor and researcher based in Melbourne. Roz's first book, ‘Mood: A Memoir of Love, Identity and Mental Health’ explores the intersections of mental illness, Jewish and queer identity, and intergenerational trauma. In 2022, Roz completed a PhD exploring the impacts of engaging in life writing on young people's wellbeing. Roz's work has been published in ‘ The Big Issue’, ‘The Age’, ‘SBS’, ‘The Guardian’, ‘Kill Your Darlings’, ‘Meanjin’ and ‘Huffington Post’. ‘Mood’ is shortlisted for the Shalom Australian Jewish Book Award - ‘The Jewish Independent Young Jewish Writers Award’.
Photo credit: Leah Jing Mcintosh
DR SARAH KRASNOSTEIN
Dr Sarah Krasnostein is the best-selling author of ‘The Trauma Cleaner’, ‘The Believer’, the ‘Quarterly Essay’, ‘Not Waving’, ‘Drowning’ and ‘On Peter Carey’. ‘The Believer’ was listed by The New Yorker as one of the best books of 2022. ‘The Trauma Cleaner’ is published in multiple translations. Sarah holds a PhD in criminal law and is admitted to legal practice in Australia and America. Her awards include the Victorian Prize for Literature, the Australian Book Industry Award for Non-Fiction and the Walkley’s Pascall Prize for Arts Criticism. She is a regular contributor to ‘The Monthly’ and ‘The Saturday Paper’.
Photo credit: Gina Milicia
SCOTT WHITMONT
Scott Whitmont, a former long-time member of the SJWF Advisory Committee, owned and operated Lindfield Bookshop and Children's Bookshop for over 20 years before moving on to work in marketing and trade sales for Booktopia Publisher Services. A passionate bibliophile, he now regularly hosts book launches and 'In Conversation' author events for Pilu @ Freshwater. During the day, he works as Community Engagement Manager for Qtopia, Sydney's newest museum.
DR SIMON HOLLOWAY
Dr Simon Holloway serves as the Manager of Adult Education and Academic Engagement at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. He holds a PhD in Classical Hebrew and Biblical Studies and a Masters in Ancient History. At present, Simon's research involves the identification of references to the biblical and rabbinic literature in documents produced during the Holocaust. In his free time, he studies the Talmud and the writings of JRR Tolkien.
Photo credit: Simon Shiff
SUSANNE GERVAY OAM
Susanne Gervay is an author and speaker and has been awarded Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award and an Order of Australia and is a nominee for Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Susanne’s books are driven by the rights of children and families, partnering them in good times and bad and writing for inclusion and respect for each other. Her latest book, 'Who's the Gang on Our Street', brings joy through the naughtiest, dancing and squarking sulphurcrested cockatoos The author of 17 books, she writes from pre-school to young adult books.
Photo credit: Say Heidi Photography
SUZY ZAIL
An internationally published author of more than a dozen books, Suzy is best-known for her young adult novels, ‘The Wrong Boy’, ‘Alexander Altmann’ and ‘I am Change’, stories that shine a light on injustice. Her books are studied in schools and have been included in the USBBY’s Outstanding
International Books list. Her most recent novel, ‘Inkflower’, draws on her childhood and tells the story of a man who, in his last months with Motor Neurone Disease, finally reveals his Holocaust story. ‘Inkflower’ has been nominated by the Children’s Book Council of Australia for Book of the Year for Older Readers.
Photo credit: Ksenia Belova
TALI LAVI
Tali Lavi is a writer, critic and public interviewer. Her essays and reviews have been published in 'The Jewish Quarterly', 'Garden Among Fires: A Lockdown Anthology', 'The Saturday Paper' and 'Australian Book Review' among other publications. Tali has written a play titled 'Tales of Ash' and is currently working on a longer form work.
TAMI SUSSMAN
Tami is a Sydney-based writer with a background in theatre, comedy and spoken word poetry. She regularly facilitates creative writing workshops for primary and high school students and contributes humorous op-eds for online and print magazines. Tami is a celebrant and one half of The Jewish Independent’s podcast ‘Ashamed to Admit’. Tami is the author of the best-selling picture book ‘Tiny Tradies’ and her debut middle grade novel ‘So That Happened But Maybe You Already Knew That’ was shortlisted for the DANZ Children’s Book Award, is a 2024 CBCA Notables Book of the Year’ and is shortlisted for the Shalom Australian Jewish Book Award‘The Jewish Independent Young Jewish Writers Award’.
Photo credit: Giselle Haber
VIC ALHADEFF OAM
Vic Alhadeff OAM has dedicated his career to championing human rights He was awarded an OAM in the 2024 Australia Day Honours for his contribution to the Jewish community and media. As CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, he represented the community for 17 years, advancing social inclusion and combating antisemitism. He achieved the passage of a law against incitement to racial violence and served as Chair of Multicultural NSW and Editor of the Australian Jewish News. He is on the board of SBS and an author of two books on South African history.
