The United Synagogue

US Communities Benefit From Shavout Rabbinic Interns

PRESS RELEASE

London,
13th May 2009

US COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM SHAVOUT RABBINIC INTERNS

The United Synagogue (US) is delighted to announce its Shavout Rabbinic Intern Programme which gives trainee Rabbis first-hand experience of what it is like to be a US community Rabbi. It also provides US communities with extra professional support during a very busy time of year.

This year there are three Rabbinic interns – Ben Kurzer who will be spending Shavout at Belmont US; Elchonon Feldman at Borehamwood and Binny Fogelgarn at Edgware US.

The itinerary begins on Monday 17th May with a welcome dinner hosted by Jeremy Jacobs, US Chief Executive, and David Kaplan, Community Services Director. The three trainee Rabbis will then spend Shavout and Shabbat with their chosen communities. The week will end with a brunch on Sunday 23rd May with Dayan Abraham before the interns return home.

Commenting on the intern programme, Rabbi Andrew Shaw, Director of Living and Learning at the US said: “The intern programme is all about encouraging up and coming young Rabbis and educators to take up future jobs in our US communities. It gives them the opportunity to see what the job entails and experience our shuls first-hand while also giving the shuls a valuable extra resource to use during Shavout.”

Elchonon Feldman, said: “I am delighted to have been given this valuable opportunity to spend Shavout in a US shul as part of the US intern scheme – both helping the community and seeing what life is like as a community Rabbi.”

-End-

EDITORS’ NOTES: -

The interns:

Ben Kurzer
Born in the UK and educated at Immanuel College and Wentworth College, he is currently studying at Yeshiva College in the USA for a degree in Judaic Studies. He is also the Director of Operations for NCSY in Jew Jersey which works with young people aged 11 – 14.

Elchonon Feldman
Currently on a two year Rabbinic training programme in Israel while also training in counselling. He has a degree in the Arts from Thomas Edison University and for many years has trained students as well as working with special needs children.

Binny Fogelgarn
Currently living in Israel and studying for both a degree in Judaic Studies and a Teaching certificate as well as training to be a Rabbi. His talents include running successful day camps for boys aged 8 to 13 and inspiring others with drama and personalised songs on his guitar!

For further information, please contact:

Laura Ellman
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6969
Email: us@theproffice.com

this week
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May. 25th - 26th
5th Sivan
Begins: 20:46
Ends: 22:03
Sedra: Bamidbar

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