EO Melbourne has long been a community where entrepreneurial spirit meets diverse lived experience, and this year, that richness has become the heart of a new initiative: the Cultural Learning Program.
Designed to honour the many cultures that shape our chapter, the program creates opportunities for members to learn from one another through authentic, meaningful, and immersive experiences. It recognises that our backgrounds are as varied as our businesses, rooted in different cultures, shaped by different stories, and carried across generations.
By bringing these stories to the forefront, the program strengthens connection, deepens understanding, and celebrates the multicultural fabric that defines EO Melbourne.
The first event in this series—the Shabbat Dinner—set a beautiful tone for what this program stands for. Hosted at the historic St Kilda Synagogue, members stepped into a tradition cherished for centuries, guided by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman and EO Melbourne member Dean Cherny.
The evening began with a Shabbat service filled with uplifting choral music and clear explanations that made the experience accessible even to those encountering it for the first time. It continued with a traditional four-course kosher feast, from challah and matzah ball soup to slow-cooked meats and Jewish sweets, creating a setting where culture and conversation flowed effortlessly.
More than a shared meal, the night offered personal insights into Jewish life, thoughtful storytelling, and lively Q&A that encouraged genuine curiosity. Members connected over traditions, values, and experiences that may have been new to some but resonated with all. The warmth of the community, the hospitality of the hosts, and the rich history of the Shule created an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and profound.
The Shabbat Dinner not only marked the launch of EO Melbourne’s Cultural Learning Program but also reflected what makes our chapter exceptional: a willingness to learn from one another, an appreciation for difference, and a belief that culture becomes most powerful when shared.
As more members come forward with event ideas, this pilot program promises to open new pathways for connection through food, music, storytelling, heritage, and the lived experiences that make our community extraordinary.