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

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Sidney Slivko

Sidney Slivko

'Rabbi Sid' is a popular lecturer whose open-tent approach has gained him a loyal following in Israel & the Diaspora. His book, 'From God's Mouth?' will be published soon.

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About

'Rabbi Sid' is a popular lecturer whose open-tent approach has built a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic, among both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. A graduate of Yeshiva University and Hebrew University's Melton Senior Educators Program, Rabbi Sid lives in Jerusalem where he is developing his current seminar, titled: ‘From God’s Mouth? – The Evolution of Oral Law’ into a book.


Programs

1
THEOPOLITICS: MAIMONIDES’ PRESCRIPTION FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE
The Middle East conflict is being fought in the arena of geography, but the true battle is actually theological - a war of ideologies which is creating unusual alliances and partnerships. Ironically, this was all foreseen 1,000 years ago by Maimonides, physician, philosopher and scholar respected by Jews and Muslims both. What future did he foresee and what can we do to make it happen?
2
From Gods Mouth? The Evolution of Oral Law
How can we apply evolutionary theory to the history of Jewish oral law? A look at the ‘agents of halakhic change’ throughout history to understand how we can adapt oral law to meet the challenges of our times and lead the way to the future.
3
A TASTE OF SHMITA -- A GUIDE FOR THE SEPTENNIALLY PERPLEXED.
The sabbatical year is upon us, and with it comes the privilege of observing the commandment of Shmita - which, like many other commandments, can also be a burden for Jews everywhere -- and not just in Israel. If you buy Israeli products, borrow or lend money, there are many things you should know about getting through the year. Together we will find out how.
4
THE CONVERSION CRISIS - IS YOUR CONVERSION LEGAL
People who believed their (or their parents’) Orthodox conversions were authentic are being challenged by the Israel rabbinate. What does it mean for Diaspora rabbis and for the future of their communities? An entertaining, eye-opening and insightful look at the history of the rocky relationship between Israel & Diaspora and what can be done to resolve the conflict without giving away the store.
5
Re-reading The Book of Job: A Guide for the Depressed
This new reading of Book of Job teaches us how to reach out for help and connect as a way to overcome depression, and how to identify the people who can help us best.

Endorsements

BEIT KNESSET HAMEGINIM MODI'IN invited Sidney Slivko as scholar-in residence over a Shabbat. Having heard Sidney before I knew he would be ideal for our Anglo speaking shul and I was not disappointed. Sidney addressed the community three times and was extremely well received not only because of the content which was informative and well presented but also his engaging personality.

— Adi Sultanick, Rabbi , BEIT KNESSET HAMEGINIM MODI'IN , Modi'in

Rabbi Slivko, you led a wonderful, provocative discussion at our Reform Synagogue here in Mevasseret. It was so refreshing to interact with an Orthodox Jew, who is open minded and accepting of fellow Jews who have a different approach to Judaism. Thank youfor “walking the talk” and creating an environment for exploring different views, without passing judgment. Keep up the important work.

— Norman Enteen, Program Coordinator, KEHILAT MEVASSERET ZION, Mevasseret Tzion

Thank you Rabbi for sharing your article. I found [your presentation] balanced and well reasoned. You articulated so well that an exchange of dialogue is the only means that we have to turn hate to love, or at least to tolerance...

— Debbie Siday, (Former) Human Resources Director, NPO, Culpepper, VA

For decades I have made every possible effort to take an early-morning bus to attend Rabbi Slivko's classes on a wide variety of subjects, all of which have been extremely worthwhile in every aspect. He is an outstanding patient teacher who blends different viewpoints into a cohesive whole with lasting educational effect. I hope to remain his grateful student as long as possible.

— Esther Zeitlin, Student, Oded Adult Education Program, Fuchsberg Center, jerusalem

Sid Slivko loves his subject matter. A man of the world, ensconced in equal parts ancient wisdom and popular culture "Sid" has the special ability to affirm, support, develop and enjoy the company of his students as they travel the intellectual byways to "get there." One of my most joyous experiences of Torah study was with Sid in as we mined the text and shared "what ifs?"

— Chaim Lieberperson, Education Manager, Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU , Miami, FL

[Rabbi Sid] brings life to even the driest text. He sees beyond the black letters in the white spaces, pulling out the most essential and profound meanings... He welcomes every student he teaches with the same openness and respect we all need to create a holy learning environment. Anyone who studies with him comes away with a new admiration of Judaism and the humanity of one particular rabbi.

— Rabbi Rachel Bat Or, Founder, JQ International Warmline, Los Angeles, CA

Rabbi Sid's classes, which I have been attending joyfully every Wednesday morning for 2 years, are not only full of stuff about Judaism I always wanted to know but never had time to study until I retired, but they're also always fun. His love of teaching makes every class an experience not to be missed.

— Susan Lazinger, PhD, United Synagogue of America, Jerusalem, Israel

Contact Sidney

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Articles
The New York Jewish Week 28 May, 2014:
If I Had an Anti-BDS Hammer..
Jerusalem Report 21 April, 2014:
Az - The Great and Powerful
The Jewish Week 5 February, 2014:
Pursuing Peace in the Classroom
The Jewish Week 29 May, 2013:
The Perplexed Turn to the Talmud
Videos
To be 1 nation - the great dream.
How tribal custom became divine law (dOrayta) part 1
How tribal custom became divine law (dOrayta) part 2
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 Sidney Slivko 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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