Join us for a special interfaith dinner, where we will explore how, in today’s polarised world, we can still make room to listen to voices we may not agree with. This evening focuses on approaching difficult conversations with openness, respect, and curiosity, complemented by a delicious three-course pescatarian meal lovingly prepared by Nora's Kitchen.

Muslim, Jewish, and Christian speakers – Rabbi George Mordecai, Sally Asfour, Calisha Bennett, and Reverend Professor Sathianathan Clarke – will share their experiences and reflections on the current challenges to having authentic and respectful dialogue, especially when people come from very different places and hold different beliefs. The panel discussion will be moderated by acclaimed Australian writer and director Tony Krawitz.

The three organisations, Emanuel Synagogue, TJI, and StandUp, previously collaborated on Breaking Bread and Building Connections, an event that united interfaith leaders and communities to build understanding rather than turn inward. This initiative continues that vital work.

OUR PANELLISTS

RABBI GEORGE MORDECAI

After serving as the cantor at congregations throughout the USA, Rabbi George Mordecai returned to Emanuel Synagogue. George weaves his rich cultural heritage into his work as both a cantor and performer plus has over 20 years’ experience in building community. In addition to his musical and liturgical expertise, he is an engaging educator, infusing his teaching with a deep sense of spirituality and historical perspective, always mindful of the needs and aspirations of his students.

SALLY ASFOUR

Sally Asfour is an Australian Chartered Accountant, community contributor, and advocate of Palestinian heritage, with a strong background in governance and not-for-profit work. She is recognised for her thoughtful engagement with interfaith understanding, humanitarian values, and community wellbeing. Through her active involvement in community life and commitment to fostering connection across diverse backgrounds and traditions, she brings a warm, grounded presence to conversations about shared humanity, respect, and compassion.

CALISHA BENNETT

Calisha Bennett is the Education Program Coordinator with Together for Humanity and an Islamic educator within the Muslim community in Australia. She has background studies in Youth Work, Quranic and Islamic sciences, as well as various coaching and mentoring certifications. She has spent over two decades educating communities about identity, confidence, resilience and the Islamic faith. She has worked closely with countless women and youth through her education and consulting business, Grounded, and regularly collaborates with local and international community organisations and charities as a workshop facilitator and keynote speaker.

REVEREND PROFESSOR SATHIANATHAN CLARKE

The Reverend Professor Sathianathan “Sathi” Clarke is a theologian, author, and ordained minister in the Church of South India, currently Lecturer in Theology and Mission at United Theological College in Sydney and Emeritus Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC. A globally respected scholar and preacher, he bridges faith and social justice, the academy and the congregation, drawing on decades of work among Dalit communities in India and extensive teaching across continents. His research and writings explore contextual theology, world Christianity, and interreligious dialogue, including the acclaimed Competing Fundamentalisms (2017) and Dalits and Christianity (1998). Professor Clarke recently delivered the Charles Gore Lecture at Westminster Abbey (London, 2025) and continues to shape theological thought worldwide through his scholarship and pastoral commitment.

OUR MODERATOR

TONY KRAWITZ

Tony Krawitz is a renowned Australian writer and director acclaimed for his work in film, documentary, and television. His one-hour drama Jewboy premiered at Cannes, screened at festivals including Sundance, and won multiple awards. The feature film Dead Europe, based on the acclaimed book by Christos Tsiolkas, premiered at Toronto and was nominated for Best Film at Sydney Film Festival. His documentary The Tall Man also premiered at Toronto and went on to win multiple awards, including the Walkley. Tony has been directing TV drama in Australia for local TV as well as streamers including Netflix, Amazon Prime and AMC+. Series include Devil’s Playground, Kettering Incident, Glitch, Secret City, Firebite and Significant Others.

EVENT PRESENTERS

EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE is a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community located in Woollahra, NSW. Committed to fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and Jewish identity, Emanuel Synagogue offers a wide range of services, cultural programs and education for individuals and families of all backgrounds.

STAND UP is a movement that turns Jewish values into action. It supports emerging leaders and fosters mutual allyship grounded in shared responsibility, helping build a community committed to justice, dignity and a better future for all. Through leadership development and cross-community partnerships, it encourages Jewish Australians to engage with compassion, responsibility and respect beyond their own communities.

THE JEWISH INDEPENDENT is a platform for thoughtful analysis, informed debate and fresh perspectives on life through a Jewish lens.

SUPPORTED BY

MILTICULTURAL NSW aims to provide people from all backgrounds the opportunity to fully participate in social, economic and political systems, knowing that it enriches NSW overall. Social cohesion and harmony are essential to a thriving NSW community. Community organisations are the lifeblood of culturally diverse communities across the great state of NSW. Multicultural NSW connects and unites people, building on the population’s strengths and growing capability within communities and across sectors.

To stay informed about future events and other cultural programs at Emanuel, follow us on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter. We delight in celebrating our rich and diverse culture with you.

Contact the host of Embracing Our Diversity: Interfaith Dinner at Emanuel Synagogue

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