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Archive for the ‘EJF Conferences’ Category

EJFI Dayanim Conference Hear Gidolei Yisroel Stress “Giyur Lechumrah” Safeguards Integrity of Klal Yisroel

Written by Admin on November 24, 2009 – 5:34 am -

Secaucus NJ…For nearly 60 dayanim and rabbanim from around the world, the message from a number of Gedolei Hatorah was that only “giyur lechumrah” (conversion according to the highest standards of halacha) can help safeguard the “identity and integrity” of the Jewish nation. The occasion was the 4th Annual Dayanim Conference of Eternal Jewish Family International, which was held at the Sheraton Meadowlands (November 8-10). For two days, the dayanim shared experiences in their respective batei din and communities and heard tshuvos (responsa) to a slew of contemporary shailos, including those of such halachic luminaries as Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv.

The conference dealt with such issues as the effect of giyur on the overall personality of the ger, the responsibilities of batei din towards the entire family unit, procedures and protocols of the giyur process, the complexities of “ger koton,” the appropriateness of teenage conversion, the annulment of geyrus, hatofas dam bris, and evaluating the hashkofos and character of geyrus applicants. Many of the speakers stressed the importance of “giyur lechumra” as a safeguard of the integrity and wholeness of klal Yisroel.

Amongst the speakers were Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky (Philadelphia Rosh Yeshiva), Harav Elya Ber Wachtfogel (Rosh Yeshiva, South Fallsburg),Harav Reuven Feinstein (President, EJF Halachic Committee), Harav Yitzchok Sheiner (Rosh Yeshiva, Kaminetz – Israel), Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu (Rosh Bais Din – London), Harav Yitzchok Falk (Rosh Mesivta, Beis Medrash Elyon – Monsey, NY), Harav Dovid Olewski (Rosh Mesivta of Ger – Brooklyn), and Harav Leib Tropper (Chairman, EJF Rabbinic Committee). Other speakers included Harav Eliyahu Levine, (Rosh Kollel Choshen Mishpat, Lakewood, NJ), Harav Tuvia Wettenstein (Belzer Dayan, Monsey, NY), Harav Eliyahu Attias (Rosh Bais Din Harabbani, Petach Tikvah), Harav Nochum Eisenstein (Vaad L’Inyanei Geyrus, Jerusalem), Harav Yosef Veiner (Rav Shaarei Shamayim, Wesley Hills, NY), Harav Yitzchok Schachner (Dayan, Da’as Mishpat), Harav Yerachmiel Fried (Rosh Bais Din, Dallas TX), Harav Binyomin Weiss (Rosh Beis Din, Montreal), Harav Dovid Schochet (Toronto Beis Din), and Harav Meir Hertz (Lakewood, NJ).

Many of the dayanim at the conference are part of a growing network of batei din around the country that are affiliated with EJF. While Dayanim were meeting in a conference center at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, concurrently, a group of nearly 30 women mentors from around the country were gathered in another part of the hotel to participate in round table discussion from prominent dayanim and rabbonim on the sensitive issue of preparing committed conversion candidates.

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November Dayanim Conference to Include Mentor Symposium

Written by Admin on October 19, 2009 – 1:58 pm -

A WOMEN’S MENTOR symposium will take place November 8-9 in tandem with the annual Dayanim Conference at the Sheraton Meadowlands in NJ. By holding the mentor symposium concurrently with the dayanim conference, distinguished rabbonim and Roshei Yeshiva will enhance the program by providing their perspective and responding to questions regarding the expectations of the batei din. The symposium will address the role of the mentor in guiding candidates, assisting them in meeting the requirements of their officiating bais din, and ultimately helping them integrate into a Torah community.

The participating women are either recommended by various batei din, were previously involved in kiruv, or aspire to be part of the EJF mission.

In addition to the formal lectures, the symposium is an opportunity for the mentors to share experiences and to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds. The EJF mentor symposiums have proven to be extremely informative, helping to create a network for people with a common goal: to work alongside the bais din in helping committed intermarried couples build a Torah home. Approximately thirty mentors are expected to attend. For more information please contact Rochel Weinstein: (845) 357-1022 x106 .

Tags: dayanim conference, EJF, ejfi, kiruv, torah community, women's mentor symposium
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Fourth Eternal Jewish Family Dayanim Conference Scheduled for November 8-10 in New Jersey

Written by Admin on October 13, 2009 – 12:06 pm -

PREPARATIONS WENT into high gear for the fourth EJF Dayanim Conference, which is scheduled to take place November 8-10 at the Sheraton Meadowlands in Secaucus NJ. Some 40 dayanim and Roshei Yeshiva will gather to confront crucial halachic issues that arise involving universally accepted Jewish conversion standards in intermarriage.

Most of the dayanim are part of a growing network of independent batei din in North America that have adopted the Jewish Conversion standards of leading poskim, as is being promulgated by EJF International. The Batei Din function in cities such as Baltimore, Monsey, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Montreal, Miami, Lakewood, Dallas, Toronto, Houston, and Vancouver. Last year’s conference was addressed by such prominent Torah personalities as:

Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Philadelphia and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisroel

Harav Reuven Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta of Staten Island and Chairman of the Halachic Committee of EJF

Harav Dovid Olewski, Rosh Yeshiva of the Gerer Mesivta (Brooklyn)

Harav Betzalel Tuvia Wettenstein (Belzer Dayan of Monsey)

Rabbi Eliyahu Levin (Lakewood)

Tags: dayanim conference, EJF, Eternal Jewish Family, Jewish conversion, universally accepted conversion
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