New York—On January 15, hundreds of men and women will gather to learn and engage in an unprecedented day of Torah.
The day-long event presented by the Orthodox Union (OU), the national umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, will feature speakers from around the world who are major thinkers, leaders and scholars from all strands of Torah Judaism.
The public is invited to attend any part or all of the event, to be held indoors at the Citi Field Convention Center in Flushing, NY, from 8:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
According to Allen Fagin, executive vice president and chief professional officer of the Orthodox Union, “This program marks an important milestone for the OU, as the OU begins to expand its focus to provide learning opportunities for Orthodox Jews to increase the meaning and inspiration for their religious observance. This is where the best and brightest of Torah Judaism will share their views on the future of Orthodox Jewry through important dialogue on issues of the day. This is not to be missed by anyone who wants to be part of the conversation that shapes our future.”
The full-day program will feature both male and female representatives from all walks of Orthodox Jewish life for a meaningful conversation about halacha (Jewish law), Tanach (the Jewish Bible), hashkafa (moral and ethical code) and Israel. From kashrut, women and Torah, to conversion and the role of Judaism in today’s American political landscape, these topics and many others will be part of the dialogue for attendees to engage in, learn about and question.
Rabbi Yonason Sacks (Rosh Yeshiva of Lander College for Men)
Rabbi Gidon Weitzman (Director of the Puah Institute USA, and Head of the English-Speaking Section of the Puah Institute for Fertility and Medicine in Accordance With Halacha in Israel)
Mrs. Shira Smiles (International lecturer & a popular seminary teacher at Darchei Bina)
Mrs. Rookie Billet (Principal of Shulamith School for Girls of Long Island, Middle Division & Rebbetzin at the Young Israel of Woodmere)
Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky (Rosh HaYeshiva of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington)
and many others.
Some speakers will be paired with one another to address topics jointly, offering their individual viewpoints and knowledge. A complete list of speakers can be found at OU.org/Citi.
For decades, the OU has provided myriad services that facilitate Orthodox Jewish observance, such as its globally recognized kosher certification, and has represented the Orthodox community’s interests in arenas ranging from the halls of government to outreach obligations to fellow Jews and the needs of the disabled.
“Since 1898, the Orthodox Union has played a pivotal role in addressing the needs of American Orthodoxy,” says Moishe Bane, incoming president of the Orthodox Union. “The OU has been a unifying influence and a voice of communal leadership and representation. Throughout, the organization has recognized that the American Orthodox community’s primary aspirations are in its spiritual sustenance and growth. Such sustenance and growth is dependent on the involvement of each child and adult in Torah study.
“The Orthodox Union is uniquely positioned to provide American Orthodoxy with this necessary and broad expanse of Torah study. Our Torah in the City program offers community members the opportunity to taste a small, yet varied, selection of some of the topics and approaches within Torah study. We hope this experience will encourage a continued quest by our community members to find the sparks of Torah that speak to them.”
Admittance to the Torah Day of Learning, indoors at Citi Field on January 15, 2017 is $18 (through December 26; $25 thereafter). Free parking and kosher food are available. There will be children’s programming for ages 1-5 and 6-10. Pre-registration is required. Register at ou.org/citi.
