At the end of 2024, 24 Jews in their 20s and early 30s from across Australia and New Zealand gathered near Sydney for our region’s inaugural Tamar Retreat. Over the last decade, Tamar communities – networks of young Progressive Jews – have begun to sprout all around the world. This year, Emanuel Synagogue, in collaboration with Tamar Olami, the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and the Union for Progressive Judaism of Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, worked tirelessly to bring Tamar to Australia.
This three-day retreat marked the culmination of the Synagogue’s young adult initiatives for 2024. Participants connected with like-minded young Jews, engaged in deep Jewish learning, grappled with complex questions, and experienced the magic of a communal Shabbat. They also had the chance to enjoy the serenity of the Australian bush, all while feeling the comfort of a safe and inclusive Progressive Jewish space – a vital refuge as connections with the broader community grow increasingly tenuous.
The group left the retreat energised and inspired to strengthen local young adult communities and create vibrant Jewish programming in their cities. Many shared that they felt personally fulfilled by the music-filled, spiritually uplifting, and radically inclusive environment that was built over the weekend.
As a young Jew yearning for authentic Jewish connection myself, this weekend has left me feeling incredibly fulfilled and optimistic for the future of our community. The question of what comes after the B’nei Mitzvah process, Jewish day school experience, or youth movement journey for young Jews has been a challenge for generations. Now, the creativity and innovative spirit cultivated in our community leaves me incredibly excited to see what this next chapter of young adult engagement brings.
Curious about joining Tamar in 2025? Learn more or apply here.
Avishai Conyer
Head of Youth and Young Adult Engagement