Building understanding. Strengthening community.
Creating lasting connections.
The Encounter Project is a unique ten-month community experience in Melbourne that brings up to 40 Jewish and non-Jewish Australians together through shared experiences, authentic conversations and meaningful relationships.
The Encounter Project is an initiative of Project A’s Allies Network and is designed to strengthen both Jewish wellbeing and social cohesion.
For Jewish participants, it provides opportunities to reconnect with Jewish identity, culture and community, share lived experiences in a supportive environment, and build lasting relationships with allies.
For non-Jewish participants, it offers a rare opportunity to experience Jewish life from the inside: through shared meals, cultural experiences, community visits and honest conversations that foster understanding and connection.
Together, participants build friendships, broaden perspectives and develop the confidence to engage respectfully across differences.
Applications are now open and will close October 16.
WHY JOIN?
Whether you're looking to strengthen your own connection to Jewish life, expand your understanding of another community, or simply build meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds, The Encounter Project offers a unique opportunity.
CONNECT
Build genuine friendships with a diverse group of people who are curious, respectful and committed to learning from one another.
EXPERIENCE
Share meals, traditions, cultural events and community experiences that offer authentic insight into Jewish life and contemporary Australia.
LEARN
Develop greater understanding, empathy and confidence through honest conversations and shared experiences.
GROW
Strengthen your leadership, communication, cultural intelligence and ability to engage constructively across different communities and perspectives.
CONTRIBUTE
Become part of a growing network of people committed to stronger communities, social cohesion and respectful dialogue.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Over ten months you'll participate in a carefully curated series of experiences, which may include:
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Hosted Shabbat dinners
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Shared cultural meals
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Jewish Museum and Holocaust Museum visits
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Community and synagogue visits
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Engaging with Jewish community organisations
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Facilitated conversations and storytelling
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Small pod discussions
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Community volunteering
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Ask Me Anything sessions
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Community celebrations and cultural events
Every experience is built around one guiding principle:
Connection before conversation.
Because meaningful understanding grows through shared experiences and authentic relationships.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We are seeking applications from both Jewish and non-Jewish participants.
We're looking for people who are:
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Engaged with community, corporate or the public sector
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Curious and open to learning
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Respectful of different perspectives
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Interested in building meaningful relationships
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Willing to engage thoughtfully in conversations about identity, culture and community
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Committed to contributing to a stronger, more connected Australia
No prior knowledge is required.
What matters most is curiosity, openness and a willingness to participate.
Participants will be selected to create a balanced cohort that is diverse in age, background, occupation and life experience, including both Jewish and non-Jewish participants.
THE ENCOUNTER DIFFERENCE
The Encounter Project doesn't begin with difficult conversations.
It begins with people.
By sharing experiences before discussing differences, participants build trust, curiosity and understanding that make deeper conversations possible.
Jewish participants leave with stronger community connections, renewed pride and a broader network of allies.
Non-Jewish participants leave with greater understanding of Jewish life, authentic relationships and the confidence to stand alongside the Jewish community when it matters.
Together, participants become ambassadors for stronger relationships and social cohesion within their own communities.
HOW IT WORKS
Duration
November 2026 – August 2027
Participants
A diverse cohort of participants including Jewish and non-Jewish Australians aged 18+ years.
Program
8-9 facilitated experiences | Small pod discussions | Additional optional cultural and community activities | Closing celebration
Dates of activities (subject to change):
Sunday November 15 - evening
Thursday 10 December - evening
Sunday 21 February - afternoon/evening
Sunday 21 March - afternoon/evening
Wednesday 14 April - evening
Sunday 2 May - afternoon/evening
Sunday 20 June - afternoon/evening
Sunday 18 July - afternoon/evening
Sunday 22 August - afternoon/evening
READY TO JOIN?
If you're curious about people, interested in building meaningful relationships and committed to strengthening community, we'd love to hear from you.
Join a diverse cohort of Jewish and non-Jewish Australians who are choosing connection over division and relationships over assumptions.
Applications are now open.
Inquiries or for more information: email us at projectainoz@gmail.com
The Encounter Project is funded through a Jewish Community Wellbeing Grant from
South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN).