Connecting Cultures

Promoting tolerance, respect & understanding

About Connecting Cultures

Zionism Victoria’s mission of connecting Victorians with Israel is bolstered by its Jakob Frenkiel Connecting Cultures program. 

It is a free service offered to all Victorian schools and communal organisations aiming to foster cross cultural awareness. By educating and informing students and their teachers, Zionism Victoria enriches their understanding of Jewish culture and history, the Jewish connection to Israel and helps cultivate the values of tolerance and respect.

Established over twenty years ago, by Zionism Victoria, Jakob Frenkiel Connecting Cultures has provided informative, educational and entertaining discussions and lectures to thousands of Victorians each year. 

Initially launched as the Public Speakers Bureau, and then the Public Speakers Service, our service was revamped in 2016 to give it a fresh new look and more meaning. Connecting Cultures was reborn.

Our Purpose

We make it easy! We can facilitate and organise your group’s educational experience. From coordinating the dates to making the bookings – we will do it all. We will liaise with you regarding your chosen topic, suggest and arrange speakers, book relevant tours and even arrange your lunch!

It’s purpose is to supply quality educational programs to groups interested in exploring the many aspects of Jewish life: religion, history, culture and of course Israel. Groups range from primary and secondary school age students to elderly communities (both Jewish and non-Jewish).

Our panel of speakers is made up of informed, engaging and experienced presenters, who are available to speak on a wide range of topics relating to Israel and Jewish life. The speakers are volunteers, and their services are provided free of charge to the host organisation. They may speak on site, or alternatively, an arrangement for the organization to visit the Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre for the presentation can be made.

Benefits

Connecting Cultures offers topics which directly correspond to the VCE and Victorian Curriculum and is appropriate for all Primary and Secondary students. In particular, targeted Secondary School subjects would include English (various Holocaust themed novels), History, Interpersonal Development, Global Politics and Religion and Society. Programs can be tailored to individual school’s requirements

Currently, the Jakob Frenkiel Connecting Cultures is primarily focussed on outreach of Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and various community organisations.

Additional options include a tour of the Jewish Holocaust Centre or the Jewish Museum of Australia, an Israeli-style lunch, talk at the Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre or a visit to a local synagogue for a hands-on look at the rituals and themes surrounding Jewish religious practice.

To find out more about Jakob Frenkiel Connecting Cultures and the various programs available to your school or organisation. Feel free to be in touch via our contact form.

Regional School?

With thanks to the Victorian Government and the Victorian Multicultural Commission we have funding available for Regional schools to be able to access the Connecting Cultures program. Enquire as to how you may apply here.

Bookings and Contact Details

To book a program, please fill out our online form here:

or, if you’d prefer, you can download and complete one of the following forms and email it through.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to consult regarding what program is right for your group.

Telephone: (03) 9272 5544
Email: admin@zionismvictoria.org.au

Program Topics

We’ve put together some possible program topics for your school:

Feedback

We are always looking to improve our programs and offerings, and would appreciate your feedback.

To download and fill in our Connecting Cultures Service feedback form, please click here:

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