Jewish Post, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 January 2003 — Page 22

NAT 10 January 22. 2003

Israel: As I See It A Triple Benefit

By SAMSON KRUPNICK A most impressive occasion was the Third Orthodox General Assembly together with the World Conference of Jewish Leaders and the 1 ifth Inter-

national Congress of Rabbis held at ihe Jerusalem Renaissance Hotel for five very active days, including a beautiful and highly spiritual Shabbat of learning and sharing in the experiences of Israeli leaders and rabbis together with their comrades coming from 43 countries worldwide. Thi' sponsors were the Jewish Agency and Zionist Organization Department of Spiritual Services to the Diaspora, with the cooperation of the Ministrs of Tourism and that of thi' Ministry for Religious Affairs. The theme was "All of Israel are responsible for one another!" as declared at the receiving of the Torah t>om Mount Sinai. The programs covered examination of virtually every phase of Jewish living both in Israel and abroad. Highlx qualified individuals, rabbis, scientists, experienced community leaders, and learned laymen took part in the presentations and discussions of the burning issues of both Israel and the Diaspora. Chief Rabbis Israel Meir I an and Rishon Tetzion Bakshi Darom, Mordechai 1 liyahu, Ovadyah Yosef, and Shear Yashuv Cohen participated, as did ministers and Knesset members. Benefiting from this huge Conference with over a thousand in attendance was the Renaissance Hotel and tour buses as well as the Israelis and overseas members and definitely the local communities whose representatives returned with renewed spirits and inspirations as in the past few years, truly a triple benefit all around. In addition to the three major participants there was a Young Leaders student seminar as well as The World Council for Torah Education. Every

area of Jewish living was cc /- ered in the many sessions and discussions. We participated in many of the sessions, albeit time simply did not permit for all the talented speakers to cover the

challenging topics of the day, a> the directors worked hard at keeping a time schedule. Our Sages warned against such attempts. They advised: "Tofasta merubah loh tofasta."(It you attempt to catch everything, you have lost it all). Members from abroad were simple tired from their journeys and needed a bit of time before important sessions. There were a few opportunities for a bit of touring and also a repast at the home of President Moshe Katz.av, wherein the official Jerusalem Brize was awarded to Rabbi Chaim Druckman, head of Yeshivot Bnei Akivah; Chief Rabbi of South Africa Cyril Harris; Dr. Israel Singer, director general of the World Jewish Congress; Rabbi Simcha Cohen of Melbourn, Australia; and to Lev Levayev, president of the Jewish Communities of the former Soviet Union. All these awardees participated in the conference. The president welcomed the awardees and blessed their continued efforts for the benefit of the many thousands of Jew's w'ho thirst for Jewish knowTedge in the Diaspora. One of the outstanding challenges facing Orthodox Judaism is the advance of ethics, science, and modern advances in medicine and their influence upon Halacha. Chairing this session was Bar Ilan University President Moshe Kave. Bar Ilan is the largest University in Israel and the only university here

requiring 25 percent of the learning schedule to be in Judaica. He emphasized a rational approach, which in effect contains all of the written and oral Torah as one which continues

eternally. Professor Avi Ravitsky, an Israel Prize awardee, emphasized that ethics and Halacha must go together as expressed in many interpretations and observances, as for example Hassidism, and that of "Torah Shlemah." Professor Ya'akov Ne'eman, chairman of the board of directors of Bar Ilan University, emphasized unity among all branches of Judaism exemplifying the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, "Yahad B'lev echad" (Together as if with one heart). All else tails in line with this approach. Professor Yonatan Halevi, director general of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, posed serious questions resulting from many advances in medical practice and in life saving techniques. A basic problem is the matter of transplants which may save another life. Chief Rabbi of the Ukraine Yakov Bleich described his efforts at mass education and practice as "life saving." At a later session Chief Rabbi Lau described his visit to Russia and to the Ukraine (we were wdth him) and confirmed a great movement toward Judaism. This conference was planned and directed most efficiently by Eliezer Shefer, president of the World Conference, and by his deputy, David Ben Nahe. Samson Krupnick may be reached at 22 Pinsker, Jerusalem 92228, Israel. E-mail: [email protected].

Benefiting from this huge Conference with over a thousand in attendance was the Renaissance Hotel and tour buses as well as the Israelis and overseas members and definitely the local communities whose representatives returned with renewed spirits and inspirations as in the past few years, truly a triple benefit all around.

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Non-Affliliated, Conservative 5-year-old Congregation approaching 100 families seeks full-time Rabbi for coastal Florida community, beginning summer, 2003. Teaching experience preferred. Mail or email resume with references to 27 Rio PinarTrail, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 or [email protected] by 12/31/02.

RABBI Eclectic egalitarian, non-affiliatcd, ami participatory congregation of 1)5 fa mil; and individual members - mcludirig those of patrilineal descent -seeks our first RABBI In almost 60 years to teach, inspire, and counsel. 7hw is a fjll-timt position Ou: community, established in 1906, is located in the picturesque srrJl-ic wr. capital of Vermont In addition to the physical beauty of ou; environment, our area offers top-notch schools, a full range of cultural, social and spotting activities and many othet features to enhance your qualit) of life For more into motion, send ieuei ofinteicst and resume by Mauh 1, 2003 to Tom Hanks, Search Committee Chair Beth Jacob Synagogue P A Box 1133, Montpelier, VT 05601-1133 Email- [email protected]

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We are a forward-looking, Conservative, egalitarian synagogue, seeking to cultivate a new Jewish spirit for our congregants. With over 1,100 member households, Congregation Shaarey Zedek Is the largest synagogue In Western Canada We are looking for a FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE RABBI Starting Summer 2003 WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS FOR SPIRITUAL FULFILLMENT? A career at Congregation Staarey Zedek could fulfill those dreams. You will be part of a dynamic team of KLQ K0DESH dedicated to real ring a unique vision: a (beral synagogue whose pitmaiyfocusls God and spirituality. If you would enjoy the challenge of reaching scores of highly educated, spiritualty questing Individuals through the pulpit as well as pastoral and educational outreach, Congregation Shaarey Zedek could be the place for you. The possibilities for personal and spiritual growth In this position are virtually unlimited.

Please reply to: Congregation Shaarey Zedek Attention: Mr. Justice Peny Schulman 561 Wellington Crescent Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M0A6 or fas 204-474 1184 Shaarey Zedek Synagague is a centre for Conservative Judaism that welcomes the community to experience spiritual growth, continuing education, and the enrichment of lifecycle events.

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CONGREGATION SHAAREY ZEDEK.