For those who attended last year’s Torah in the City sponsored by the Orthodox Union, the memories of the day still linger. The Citi Field venue with its impressively large open spaces, the illustrious roster of speakers and the enthusiasm of the attendees made 2017’s event quite memorable.
Through the tireless organizational efforts of the OU staff, headed by OU President Moshe Bane, the 2018 event, named Torah New York, to be held on April 29, is slated to be no less memorable. “Learning Torah has always shaped and defined our community, giving meaning and context to everything, from how we pray, to how we conduct our business affairs, to how we react with our family and with society at large. What better way to shine a beacon on the importance of Torah study than by coming together as a community to hear from some of the world’s leading Jewish teachers, all in one place. This year, we expect to host approximately 2,000 attendees,” Bane said.
Featuring 25 illustrious Torah scholars, local as well as from Israel and around the U.S., male as well as female, the presentations will focus upon complex issues that are confronting us daily as American Orthodox Jews. Five main categories will be addressed throughout the sessions: Tanach; Halacha; Hashkafa; Israel, in honor of the 70th anniversary of its establishment; and the teachings of Rav Y.B. Soloveichik, zt”l, honoring his memory on his 25th yahrzeit.
Among the featured speakers will be Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Rabbi Mordechai Willig, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Steinberg, Rabbi Elazar Muskin, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, Rabbi Eli Mansour, Mrs. Sivan Rahav Meir, Rabbi Judah Mischel and Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman. Former U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman will deliver a session together with Rabbi Menachem Genack.
One year after the inaugural event, new issues have arisen affecting the Jewish community that must be addressed with seriousness and proper focus. Planned sessions will deal with topics including Jewish Politics—Moral Concerns vs. National Interests; Addictions in Today’s World—Halachic and Hashkafic Perspectives; Quality of Life as a Consideration in Halachic Determination at the End of Life; #Me Too Through the Prism of Megillat Esther; Perfecting or Transcending Humanity—A Debate in Jewish Thought; Liberty and Justice Between Pesach and Shavuos; and The Convergence of Sefardi and Ashkenazi Traditions in Contemporary Israel.
In anticipation of the event, OU Executive Vice President Allen Fagin commented, “We are thrilled to welcome speakers and guests from near and far, bringing different points of view and new perspectives on the most pressing issues of our time.”
Torah New York is also being planned as a pivotal event for the younger members of the community, from high schoolers through college students. NCSY, the premier youth organization sponsored by the OU, will run a program inspiring discussions and a Torah trivia game. For the college-aged students, OU’s JLIC campus program will feature a networking event. In addition, a YUConnects singles program will host a shiur by Rabbi Steven Weil, followed by dinner and socializing.
Through April 19, the fee for the event is $36. After April 19, the fee goes to $50. For further information about Torah New York and to register, please visit��https://www.ou.org/torahny/.
Free parking will be available at Citi Field.
By Pearl Markovitz
