“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”
(Albert Einstein)
In Judaism we seek to understand how others are feeling or acting. One of our most important teachings is to remember that once upon a time we were slaves in a strange land, and that we should understand what others are going through.
A large part of reconciliation is to begin to understand what has occurred to Australia’s First Nations people.
How did European arrival hurt them?
What were the consequences of building cities and farms on the land?
What do First Nations people want for themselves to ensure that their very proud and rich culture is respected, understood and at the centre of Australian life?
Who is wise? The one who learns from every person.
(Pirkei Avot 4:1)
In Judaism we search for wisdom from many places. We have been called the People of the Book. We have the Torah and all the wise teachings of the Rabbis and scholars from thousands of years.
Australia’s First Nations peoples share wisdom through a way of living called Kanyini, a living wisdom that connects all aspects of life, and is passed down from one generation to another through Elders past present and future.