Mission Statement The Institute for Judaism and Civilization examines the moral and spiritual tradition transmitted from the general revelation at Mount Sinai. It explores this both in its specific Jewish form as well as in the set of universal values and laws, known as the Noahide laws (after the Biblical survivor of the flood and common ancestor of humanity, Noah), which are at the root of the world religions. These values were endorsed by the US Congress in 1991 as the "bedrock of society since the dawn of civilization". It pursues the study of the relationship - the "interface" - between the tradition and the arts, sciences, professions and values of general society at three levels: in its research and publications, its program of courses, and in actions bearing on policy.

Director & Associates The Director, Rabbi Dr Shimon Cowen, has a dual background in secular and religious studies. He received a PhD in social philosophy from Monash University, Melbourne and rabbinic ordination (s'micha) both in the Kollel Menachem Lubavitch, Melbourne, of which he was Programme Director, and from the Chief Rabbi of Haifa, Rabbi S.Y. Cohen and has lectured at Monash University. He founded the Institute for Judaism and Civilization in 1998, with the purpose of helping to bring together the two worlds of religious tradition and secular society in discussion and, ultimately, harmony. The Associates of the Institute consist of many highly distinguished scholars from around the world, who join in its forums and participate in its teaching. Some of these can be viewed in the section "Personalities and the Institute". For a full academic resume of the Director see here.