More than 50 people filled the lower level of Congregation Rinat Yisrael in Teaneck on a recent Sunday evening to hear a stimulating lecture in honor of Yom Haatzmaut sponsored by the Jewish Learning Experience (JLE). The audience enjoyed both the substantive content and the exciting style of the lecturer, Professor Larry Domnitch, whose topic, “Rav Kook and the First World War,” wove together a fascinating tapestry of interrelated historical data to discuss Rav Kook’s impact as the rabbi of the London congregation Machazikey HaDas during the war. According to Domnitch, Rav Kook’s influence profoundly impacted the masses of London’s Jewish population, and also had an effect on the promulgation of the Balfour Declaration.

The Jewish Learning Experience is a grassroots, independent adult outreach organization in Bergen County. Its mission is to reacquaint Jewish adults with their religious heritage through classes demonstrating the relevance of the Torah in contemporary times, experiential programs, educational prayer services, one-on-one learning, and Shabbat and holiday home hospitality. The JLE also prides itself on providing authentic “Jewish learning experiences” to all segments of the community, including both observant and unaffiliated Jews in Bergen County. Its motto is, “Regardless of your background, you can become part of a dynamic learning group.” Since its inception, the JLE has touched the lives of more than 5,000 unaffiliated families in Bergen County and beyond. As an independent, unaffiliated organization, it depends on the support of the local community to continue to provide excellent programming to the broader Jewish community.

For information, contact Rabbi David Pietruszka, 201-966-4498, rabbip_jle.org,

www.jle.org

By Nina Glick