Emes Ve-Emunah: The Jewish Bloggers Conference

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Jewish Bloggers Conference

I wish I could go. I’d love to meet some of my fellow bloggers - especially the anonymous ones.

But I can’t.

Many readers may notice the banner ad that appears above my posts. It is hosted by WebAds. They and Nefesh B’Nefesh, an Alyiah organization, are sponsoring a Jewish bloggers conference in Jerusalem on August 20th that will feature many prominent bloggers.

I am honored to say that early on I too was invited to attend - with the enticement of flight expenses paid. But because of a scheduling conflict I had to turn it down. Too bad. It sounds really exciting. Wish I could be there. We bloggers can learn a lot about each other - and from each other.

And I would have loved to spend a trip with a Nefesh B’Nefesh family. What a post that would have made! Oh well… maybe next time. For those who can attend… Lucky you!

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My outlook on Judaism is based mostly on the teachings of my primary Rebbe, Rabbi Aaron Soloveichik from whom I received my rabbinic ordination. It is also based on a search for spiritual truth. Among the various sources that put me on the right path, two great philosophic works stand out: “Halakhic Man” and “Lonely Man of Faith” authored by the pre-eminent Jewish philosopher and theologian, Rabbi, Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik. Of great significance is Rabbi, Dr. Norman Lamm's conceptualization and models of Torah U’Mada and Dr. Eliezer Berkovits who introduced me to the world of philosophic thought. Among my early influences were two pioneers of American Elementary Torah Chinuch, Rabbis Shmuel Kaufman and Yaakov Levi. The Yeshivos I attended were Yeshivas Telshe for early high school and more significantly, the Hebrew Theological College where for a period of ten years, my Rebbeim included such great Rabbinic figures as Rabbis Mordechai Rogov, Shmaryahu Meltzer, Yaakov Perlow, Herzl Kaplan, and Selig Starr. I also attended Roosevelt University where I received my Bachelor's Degree - majoring in Psychology.