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Jewish Speakers Bureau

A select group of speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts
available for speaking and performances around the world

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Aaron Leibowitz

Aaron Leibowitz

Founding Rabbi of Chuppot, providing weddings in Israel outside the Rabanut. Former Jerusalem City Council Member. Inspirational teacher, Feminist, Storyteller and Troublemaker.

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About

Rabbi Aaron is the founder of 'Hashgacha Pratit', an alternative community based Kosher food supervision challenging the monopoly of the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. He is a former City Council member who believes in an inclusive and pluralistic city. He is also a master teacher, a gifted storyteller, and a serial social troublemaker.


Programs

1
'Can I Trust You? Kashrut, Social Dynamics, and Jewish Unity' or ' Challenging the Israeli Rabbinate's Authority'.
A lecture describing Rav Aaron's work and activism in Israel, disrupting the troublesome dynamics between religion and state. This lecture can be adjusted for specific audiences, choosing which of the various angles to stress, halachik, social, legal, or political.
2
Jerusalem – Biblical Symbol, Zionist Dream, City in Conflict.
Rav Aaron's vision for an inclusive Jerusalem, illustrated with today's hot issues from the perspective of a former City Council member. This talk relates to the conflicts between Jews and Jewish movements, to Arab East Jerusalem, and to the international community and other religions.
3
Religion and State in the Holy City.
A virtual version of Rav Aaron's famous walking tour visiting the conflict zones between different types of Jews in Jerusalem. This tour opens a window to some of the most exciting and hopeful dynamics in Jerusalem today, led by the pluralistic Yerushalmim party which Rabbi Aaron leads. (available with or without slides/AV)
4
Bible Study - Various Topics
Bible: 'It is not good for adam to be alone' – Language and Love in the Genesis narrative. The Sound of Silence – A Lesson for Parents and Teachers from the Life of Elijah. Cain and Able and the Tower of Babel – On Brotherhood and Civilization. Five Leadership Lessons from the Tanach. Five Parenting Lessons from the Tanach. Five Lessons in Love and Marriage from the Tanach.
5
Other topics
Let it Rain – The Eco-Erotic Roots of Jewish Prayer. Kol Beisha Erva? – Halachik, social and political perspectives. Ishbitz, Breslav, and Post Modernism – Why Chasidic Thought is Crucial Today. Chasidic Storytelling - A series of stories built around a theme, with singing interludes. This program creates a sacred space, providing an uplifting and meaningful experience for participants.
Genres
  • Torah / Tanach / Text
  • Talmud / Mishna / Gemara
  • Israel
  • Jewish Law / Halacha
  • Social Justice

Endorsements

Our community was immediately struck by R. Leibowitz's personal warmth and spirited presence. His multiple classes and lectures throughout shabbat were engaging, well-researched and thought-out. They were also all delivered with passion. Our community was moved by his refreshing outlook on the modern state of Israel and the rich spiritual opportunities Zionism affords Jews in the 21st Cent.

— Rabbi Yonatan Cohen, Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel, Berkeley, Ca

Contact Aaron

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Articles
Ynet - Yediot Acharonot 22 February, 2017:
Women working to break Rabbinate’s monopoly over kashrut supervision
Tablet 16 October, 2016:
Israeli Rabbi's You Should Know
Tablet 14 July, 2016:
ISRAELI RESTAURANTS ARE WORKING AROUND THE RABBINATE’S KOSHER CERTIFICATION STRANGLEHOLD
Times of Israel 16 June, 2016:
Hummus joint keeps it kosher without rabbinate approval
Forward 27 October, 2014:
Religious Activists Challenge the Way Israel Does Kosher
Videos
Hashgacha Pratit Promo (Hebrew)
Press Brief on Hashgacha Pratit
Christian Talk Show Video
A Word of Torah on Faith and Faithfulness
Success, The Monopoly is Broken!
Booking Our Speakers

Weekday/Sunday programs are approximately one hour. Shabbat Scholar-in-Residence usually includes two talks, sometimes three.

Usually: The event price includes honorarium and all expenses, including international and domestic airfare and local expenses. We ask venues to provide home-hospitality for one night (for weekday/Sunday programs), or two nights (for Shabbat programs), or for multi-day programs, one night for each day of the event. If your venue is unable to provide home hospitality, an additional charge of $150 per night will be assessed to cover speaker expenses.

Need a special program for Shavuot, Holocaust Remembrence Day, or July 4th? We have suggestions.

Interested in booking Aaron Leibowitz to speak at your next event? Contact Jewish Speakers Bureau (infREMOVEo@jewREMOVEishspeakerREMOVEsbureau.com), America's only speakers bureau for Jewish-interest speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts.

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