Hundreds of Jewish communities around the world gathered on Sunday, January 25, to hear a live broadcast of an address by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of all time. Rabbi Steinsaltz is the first of four speakers to address worldwide Jewry, in a series of four webcast lectures to be held in honor of the Jewish “Year of Gathering.”

In Biblical times, the entire Jewish nation assembled every seven years in the holy temple courtyard, to hear the king address the people and exhort them in the study of Torah and service of G-d.  “In our generation,” explains Chanoch Sufrin, “the Rebbe has encouraged us to revisit the nearly forgotten tradition of these hakhel gatherings, and organize similar events to inspire and invigorate.” 

He emphasizes that, “One of the most fundamental aspects of hakhel [literally, “Assemble!”] was that it emphasized unity and included everyone:  man, woman and child.  We thus hope to reach out and invite all Jews to participate, regardless of religious background or affiliation.”

The broadcast of our first lecture took place locally in Brisbane at The Brisbane Synagogue, 98 Margaret Street, Brisbane. True to the theme of hakhel, the Unity Lectures are designed for people with all levels of Jewish knowledge, and participants don’t have to have any prior experience or background learning to attend and enjoy this series. All members of the community, regardless of affiliation, are invited to attend.



The Unity Lectures are a project of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI). JLI is the adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch, and offers courses and educational programs at over 300 locations worldwide.

Please visit www.UnityLecture.com for up-to-date information about the Unity Lectures.

JLI courses are presented in Brisbane under the auspices of the Jewish Educational Institute – Chabad Brisbane.