Jewish Ideas to Change the World

A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Elie Kaunfer

The event was co-sponsored by Congregation Ner Tamid

Funded in part by a grant from the National Center to Encourage Judaism

About The Event:

As Jews, we spend a lot of time praying, but not a lot of time looking at the texts of our prayers for meaning and understanding. In this session, we will explore a method that will aim to deepen your own engagement with prayer through rigorous interpretation. We will examine questions such as: Can traditional prayer formulas express my own values/ideas about prayer? What do you do when you "disagree" with the prayer's content? How can one interpret the siddur in a grounded, traditional, yet creative way?

*Source Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17K4LUOzBUMR_l3t1PKydEjpDCLMTmOdxUEp-1BfvP5o/edit?usp=sharing

About The Speaker:

Rabbi Elie Kaunfer is President and CEO of the Hadar Institute. Elie has previously worked as a journalist, banker, and corporate fraud investigator. A graduate of Harvard College, he completed his doctorate in liturgy at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he was also ordained. He received semikhah from his long-time teacher, Rav Daniel Landes. A Wexner Graduate Fellow and Dorot Fellow, Elie has been named multiple times to Newsweek’s list of the top 50 rabbis in America. He is the author of Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us About Building Vibrant Jewish Communities and is completing a book on the Amidah.
★ Support this podcast ★

What is Jewish Ideas to Change the World?

Jewish Ideas to Change the World delivers thought-provoking content by leading Jewish thinkers with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. It is produced by Valley Beit Midrash.

Valley Beit Midrash (VBM) is dedicated to social justice as driven by Torah ethics. VBM's mission is to improve lives through Jewish learning, direct action, and leadership development.

Listen to VBM's other podcasts:
• Social Justice in the Parsha (weekly divrei Torah by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz)
• Pearls of Jewish Wisdom on Living with Kindness (Rabbi Shmuly's class series)

Stay Connected:
• Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org

Attended virtual programs live by becoming a member for just $18 per month:
https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member