The role of Jewish Women in the 21st century, dealing with bereavement and promoting a positive Jewish phil-osophy were among issues discussed by more than 200 Orthodox rabbis and rebbetzins at this week’s Aleinu conference in Hertfordshire.
A partnership organisation set up by Aish, JLE and Seed, working together with the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue, Aleinu also attracted representatives from the Federation of Synagogues and Chabad.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis on the different types of Jewish identity and the value of every Jewish soul. There was a dedicated women’s programme, afternoon sessions for teachers in Jewish schools and reflections on the success of Shabbat UK. Participants signed a resolution to work together in inspiring and strengthening British Jewry through educational, pastoral and religious leadership.
At Monday’s closing dinner, Seed executive director Rabbi Joey Grunfeld was honoured for his educational and outreach work.
Aish UK chief executive Rabbi Naftali Schiff reported an “overwhelming response from organisations across the whole spectrum of Orthodoxy. For decades organisations have worked alone. This year there is a real feeling, perhaps more than ever, that we can achieve far more when we work in collaboration with each other.”
