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Jews all over the world are trying to navigate the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays) in these unprecedented times. They are grappling with shortened prayer services in their synagogues, and many may be approaching their first Rosh Hashana without the uplifting sound of the Shofar. Amidst the uncertainty and chaos, OU Israel is offering 41 inspirational sessions from 48 world renown speakers through its second annual Torah Yerushalayim Experience in preparation for Yom Kippur, to be held during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva Tuesday Thursday 4-6 Tishrei 5781 / September 22-24.
"As we prepare for a most unprecedented Yom Kippur, with so much uncertainty, now more than ever, the OU continues to provide inspiration and a sense of community for thousands across the globe,” said Rabbi Avi Berman, Executive Director of OU Israel. “Torah Yerushalayim will once again create an opportunity to spiritually and emotionally prepare for Yom Kippur during this most unusual of years.”
“While the pandemic has limited our ability to deliver in-person learning,” expressed Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer “it has provoked our creativity in a way that actually enables us to reach more people. We’re thrilled that Jews from around the world will be able to join together to devote time for introspection and growth during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.”
Early registrants hail from Israel, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
“I am happy and excited to participate with you in OU Israel’s important Torah Yerushalayim conference,” said Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon. “During these extremely hard and challenging times, our comfort is learning and delving into the Torah and our tradition.”
Torah Yerushalayim will feature keynote addresses from Rabbi Dr. Sholom Gold, Charlie Harary, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, Rabbi Hershel Schachter, and more as well as Jewish music sensation Rabbi Shlomo Katz.
The list of scholars teaching sessions throughout the event includes: Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Rabbanit Racheli Fraenkel, Rav Meir Goldwicht, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller-Gottleib, Rabbi Dr. Alan Kimche, Sivan Rahav Meir, Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, Rebbetzin Shira Smiles, Rabbi Moshe Taragin, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb among many others.
“We know how much you miss Yerushalayim,” said Sivan Rahav Meir. “It’s really empty here without you, but the OU is organizing now OU Torah Yerushalayim. Three days, lots of inspiration.”
Topics addressed will include:
· Teshuva in the Age of Corona
· The Avoda of Yom Kippur in the Beit HaMikdash (a multi-media presentation)
· Learning to Love Our Imperfect Selves
· Purity and Atonement-The Two Faces of Yom Kippur
· The Fast Track to Forgiveness
Additionally, this year's Torah Yerushalayim event will feature two panel discussions focused on Aliya and Klita (absorption and acclimation); “Olim Making A Difference” - a discussion with Anglo Olim who have helped transform Israeli society and “Inspiring Anglo Teens in Israel”.
The program is offered to the community free of charge, with the event being dedicated in loving memory of David & Norma Fund Z”L by their children and with the assistance of the Jerusalem Municipality. For more information or to register, please visit: https://tickchak.co.il/OU
OU Israel serves as the Israeli arm of the Orthodox Union (OU). OU Israel is dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity, Torah values and developing a proactive commitment to Jewish continuity in Israeli society. For over 40 years, OU Israel has evolved into a thriving organization, engaging more than 150,000 Israelis annually as a major source of social and educational services and programs for adults and adolescents throughout the country.