Join Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins and his special guest, Ms Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth, for Emanuel Synagogue's first communal Shabbat dinner for 2025. Over a delicious kosher-style pescatarian dinner lovingly prepared by Nora's Kitchen, you will hear from Ms Spender about her efforts in striving towards social cohesion and fighting antisemitism. You will also have the opportunity to ask some questions of your own. This will make for an engaging and lively start to our 2025 programming.

A range of beverages, including wine and beer, is included in all adult tickets. If you have a preferred drop, please feel free to bring that with you. Please specify any dietary requirements when placing your bookings.

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About Allegra Spender MP

Allegra Spender is an accomplished business leader, clean energy advocate, and the independent Federal Member of Parliament for Wentworth. With deep roots in the community, Allegra grew up in Wentworth and is now raising her own children in the area, driven by a passion to secure the same quality of life and opportunities for future generations.

Allegra’s academic background includes an Economics degree from Cambridge University, an MSc from the University of London, and advanced business courses at Harvard and Dartmouth College. Her professional journey began at McKinsey as a business analyst, where she gained expertise across diverse industries and business strategies. She further honed her skills as a policy analyst at the UK Treasury before taking on the role of Managing Director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd, her family’s iconic fashion label.

As Chair of the Sydney Renewable Power Company, Allegra spearheaded the installation of the largest CBD solar array in Australia at the time. Her commitment to social impact extended to her role as CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, where she partnered with leading Australian businesses to address educational disadvantages.

Allegra’s career reflects a dedication to integrity, innovation, and hard work. She brings this same focus to her role in Canberra, tirelessly advocating for families, young people, and local businesses.

About Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins OAM

Born in Los Angeles and still in many ways a Californian at heart, Rabbi Kamins has lived more than half his life in Sydney and calls Australia home, although now he chases the sun, spending June-August with his family in LA. He has served as rabbi at Emanuel Synagogue since his ordination in 1989 and became senior rabbi in 1999. He understands Torah as our ancestral story, beginning our process of contemplating the infinite and how it manifests in our lives, one of his favourite teachings being from Micah: “Pursue justice, act with lovingkindness and walk humbly with God.” He is passionate about First Nations justice, animal rights, and environmental protection, all of which are understood from a Torah perspective. He enjoys the outdoors – the beach and the mountains, hiking and gardening, as well as reading, music (from the ACO to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), wine and whiskey and life itself.

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Pay it Forward
There are members of our community who are doing it tough. If you are in a position to do so, please consider paying for a spot for someone in need.

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