Over 75 Rabbanim and Rebbetzins from across the Midwest gathered at the 14th Annual Midwest Rabbanim Conference on July 30th and 31st, hosted by the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim, under the auspices of Agudath Israel of Illinois. In what has become a highlight on the annual calendar for many veteran Rabbanim, the consensus was that this may have been the best conference to date. Guest speakers included Harav Tzvi Berkowitz, R”M Yeshiva Ner Yisroel, Baltimore, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel, Executive VP, Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi Reuven Epstein, noted marriage and dating expert from Lakewood, NJ.
The program this year included special sessions for the record number of Rebbetzins in attendance. Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, daughter of the Novominsker Rebbe zt”l and prominent author and speaker from Lawrence, NY, spoke to them about their role and impact on their communities.
Rabbi Zweibel led a frank discussion about the “behind the scenes” relationship between the Moetzes and the Agudah organization, which in turn led to a conversation about how the Midwest communities seek guidance and insight from the Moetzes. Rav Berkowitz held a Q and A session sharing Daas Torah on a variety of topics. Rabbi Epstein conducted a two-part series on how Rabbanim can help the marriages in their kehillos. Rabbi Gershon Schaffel, Rav of Young Israel of Skokie and Posek of the Midwest Bais Horaah, gave a very insightful presentation on understanding the challenges of children at risk, giving the Rabbanim a whole new understanding and sensitivity to the topic.
This year’s conference welcomed many new, young Rabbanim who have recently entered the field of Rabbanus. Their enthusiastic participation was very encouraging for the future of Midwest Jewish communities. Attendees young and old commented on the timeliness and relevance of the topics, with many saying that the sessions were very impactful. The conference was held at the Westin Lombard Illinois, just outside Chicago, and all arrangements were handled by the Agudah Illinois staff under the direction of Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, Menahel of the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim, and Ms. Kate Kramer, Event Coordinator for AIOI.
