The John and Anna Belfer Oration in the History of Jewish Philosophy

The Notre Dame Centre for the History of Philosophy together with The Great Synagogue Sydney cordially invite you to attend The John and Anna Belfer Oration in the History of Jewish Philosophy. 

The inaugural lecture in this new annual series, generously endowed by the Belanna Trust, will be delivered by Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton on the topic ‘The First Rabbinic Philosopher: Saadia Gaon (882-942)’.

The John and Anna Belfer Oration will be launched by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and will feature a special performance by the Choir of The Great Synagogue conducted by Daniel Rojas.

When: Monday, June 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30pm)
Where: The Great Synagogue, 187A Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW
Dress code: Business attire

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Meet the 2025 Belfer Orator

Rabbi Dr Benjamin EltonDr Benjamin Elton is Chief Minister of The Great Synagogue. Born in Manchester, England, Rabbi Elton earned an MA in History at Queens’ College, Cambridge, and a PhD in Jewish History at Birkbeck, University of London. In addition to his 2009 book, Britain’s Chief Rabbis and the Religious Character of Anglo-Jewry, 1880–1970, he has authored several articles on Anglo-Jewish and Australian Jewish religious history and theology. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of London and an Honorary Associate at the Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies at the University of Sydney.

The Notre Dame Centre for the History of Philosophy

Exploring the deepest and oldest questions.

The Notre Dame Centre for the History of Philosophy is the leading venue for history of philosophy research in Australia. Our researchers have expertise in the ancient, medieval, and early modern periods in the Western intellectual tradition, with particular interests in the history of philosophy in the Abrahamic faith traditions. We host externally-funded projects, publish research in leading academic journals and book presses, supervise research Masters and PhD students, host events and visiting scholars, and collaborate with Australian and international partners in our research projects.

For more information about the Notre Dame Centre for the History of Philosophy, please contact chop@nd.edu.au.

The Great Synagogue, Sydney 

The Great Synagogue is home to a large and thriving congregation. It is a vibrant place of prayer, learning, support and celebration with a full range of services.

The ethos of The Great Synagogue is beauty, warmth, inclusivity with a living and evolving tradition. We are happy to welcome dozens of new members each year and strive to make Judaism accessible and enjoyable for all. We are fortunate to be led by inspiring and empathic rabbis and a hard-working and skilled Board of Management with an excellent office team and a world-class choir.

The Great Synagogue is located in one of the most visible and visited Jewish buildings in Australia. Opened in 1878, it is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and fascinating buildings. It welcomes thousands of Jewish and non-Jewish visitors each year. We hope you will enjoy spending time in our extraordinary building.

We are lucky to be supported by The Great Synagogue Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring a strong future for the congregation.

For more information about The Great Synagogue, please contact admin@greatsynagogue.org.au

Directions to the event

The Great Synagogue, 187A Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW

By train or bus:
The Great Synagogue is easily accessible by public transport, including trains and busses. Nearby stations include Town Hall and St James. To plan your trip visit www.transportnsw.info 

Driving:
The closest parking stations to The Great Synagogue are Piccadilly Car Park – 137 Castlereagh Street and Secure Parking at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney.

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Wheelchair access, close captions

Filming and photography
This event may be filmed and/or photographed for promotional and marketing purposes, including social media. If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed, please notify the staff at the event.

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Contact us

For more information about this event, please contact Associate Professor David Bronstein at david.bronstein@nd.edu.au or Associate Professor Nathan Lyons at nathan.lyons@nd.edu.au.