ots@ohrtorahstone.org.il

CHIEF RABBI LAU AT STRAUS ORDINATION CEREMONY

Rabbi Uriel Nachum of Kibbutz Migdal Oz is leaving Israel for the first time in his life this summer, but he's confident that he's well prepared for his destination. After completing a year of study in the Joseph Straus Rabbinical Seminary's Amiel: Rabbi Emanuel Rackman Practical Rabbinics Program, Nachum is headed for Kenya, to assume the position of spiritual leader of the Nairobi community.

(l to r) Rabbi Uriel Nahum, Rabbi Eliyahu Birnbaum, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Chief Rabbi Bakshi-Doron

"My responsibilities will range from organizing community activities and answering halachic questions to serving as a shochet for the 120 Jewish families - mostly American and Israeli businesspeople - who make their home in Kenya," says the IDF veteran, rabbi and teacher, who recently completed his MA in Jewish history.

At a graduation ceremony held in Jerusalem this summer, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron presented certificates to the 40 young rabbis who completed the Amiel program. They will be taking up positions in communities including Rio de Janiero, Montevideo, Mexico City, St. Petersburg, Odessa, Portland and Syracuse, as well as Nairobi. "The reputation of the program precedes us on all six continents where our rabbis are serving," says Rabbi Eliyahu Birnbaum, director of the Amiel program. "Three years ago, when our first graduates completed the program, we sought out positions for them," he recalls. "Today, communities around the world turn to us to request one of our rabbis."

Uriel Nachum says he always dreamed of serving a Jewish community abroad. "When I learned about the program from a friend who is now a rabbi in the Caribbean, I realized that this was the perfect framework within which my wife, Achinoam, and I could make a contribution to world Jewry. My practical rabbinic studies included focused, practical instruction. Professionals from many different fields lectured us in their areas of expertise."

Along with other students' wives, Achinoam also attended classes throughout the year. "We've been trained to assist our husbands by taking an active role in the community - from teaching to organizing major events," says Achinoam, who will also need to help her daughters, Hallel, 3 ½ and Ohr, 8 weeks, adjust to their new surroundings. "And we know we can count on the Ohr Torah Stone staff to help us face any challenge that arises."

Return to Ohr Torah Stone