The Chief Rabbi of the Great Synagogue of Sydney has professed a deep appreciation for Cootamundra’s burgeoning faith community, stating that religious connectivity in rural communities far outweighs its metropolitan counterparts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speaking prior to his presentation on Wednesday afternoon, Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton said religious interest in Cootamundra was a crucial component in strengthening community ties and values, regardless of faith.
“People can connect with the concept of faith, of living a religious life, and being part of a faith community,” Rabbi Elton said.
“We were advised the people in Cootamundra didn’t have a great deal of prior knowledge about Judaism.
“Naturally, people are curious about the world, so this seminar was simply about trying to bring more information and share our faith in a different environment.
Rabbi Elton’s wife Hinda observed a degree of familiarity shared by many seminar attendees.
“I think in this town, there are many people of faith and although these people may have never necessarily been to a Jewish service or participated in Jewish rituals, there is a degree of familiarity with religious faith and the bible that you wouldn’t usually find in places like Sydney or metropolitan areas,” she said.
“Of course, there are important differences between faiths, however, I believe people can relate to the experience of living a life of faith and being part of that community.”
The Rabbi also expressed gratitude for the warm and positive reception given to both him and his wife upon his arrival in town and following Wednesday’s presentation.
“To come as a Rabbi and a speaker, you are really welcomed in and embraced by people with whom you share really interesting conversations.
“The life of a clergyman is very people oriented – it is a source of great joy and also one of great challenge.
Rabbi Elton’s seminar was a unique insight into Judaism and touched briefly upon numerous topics, including rituals, food preparation, family practices.
Unsurprisingly, there were multiple questions from the crowd, whose size pushed the Stephen Ward Rooms’ capacity to new limits.
Cootamundra U3A spokesperson Leigh Bowden was very pleased with the turnout.
“It was a very generous, clear and accessible talk,” said
“The only negative comments were that the session was just not long enough – they would have liked to continue to ask questions.”
