Is Torah relevant as we go into the new year (not the Jewish new year, just the regular new year)? Afterall, this text was written over 3,000 years ago! How can something so literally ancient be applied to a world with social media, vaccines, gender studies, technology, and more?
Rabbi Benzion Klatzko explains the world that we face today from the Jewish perspective. This fascinating dialogue brings about many questions and probably warrants for a 2-part episode.
About Rabbi Klatzko:
Rabbi Klatzko attended Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland and received his rabbinic ordination from Mir Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York from Rabbi Shmuel Berenbaum, ZTL. Rabbi Klatzko accepted an offer to serve as Rabbi of the 14th ave Agudath Israel of Brooklyn, New York. After seven years of serving, he began a three year stint as the Rabbi of Shaarey Tzedek Congregation in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
In 1999 saw the Klatzko family move to California so that he could accept the position of Campus Rabbi at UCLA, the first of hundreds of Olami rabbis who would work and live on campus. As a hands-on and loveable ambassador for the Jewish faith, he reconnected literally thousands of young Jewish men and women to their heritage. He also made an impressive splash in the broader Jewish community, earning the moniker “The Hollywood Rabbi.” Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and producers became regulars at his popular monthly class on Jewish thought.
Beyond transforming lives at UCLA through JAM, Rabbi Klatzko’s activities touched-off a revolution that profoundly changed the landscape of North American Jewry. Almost overnight, dozens of young rabbis throughout the country moved their families to campuses with high Jewish populations in an effort to reach out to the unaffiliated and curious. To this day, hundreds of young rabbis seek out Rabbi Klatzko's sagacious advice in an effort to glean some of his wisdom and experience. He currently serves as a Senior Director for Olami and in that capacity oversees and trains Jewish educators throughout North America.
Rabbi Klatzko also founded the highly impactful “Akiva Trip” franchise with trips to Israel, Poland and New York Stateside.
A person of indefatigable energy, Rabbi Klatzko is also a successful author (The Kuntrus / Moznaim Publications), noted public speaker, music producer, and Mohel.
In 2010, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko founded the website Shabbat.com to facilitate shabbos and shidduch connections across the globe. Today, Shabbat.com is the largest Jewish Social Network in the world. Endorsed by the gedolim and active in 220 countries, 10,000 people a week take advantage of the Shabbat.com service.
He is also the founder of many other projects to increase Jewish awareness and observance including the organizations Hisoriri (Hisoriri.com), Chazkeinu (Chazkeinu.org), Havdalah.com, Hashem.com, Illuminatethe World.com, LiveJudaism.com, WhyMarryJewish.com, OdYavo.org, and others.
Rabbi Klatzko, his wife Shani, and their 11 children currently live in Monsey, New York, where hosting 70 or more people for Shabbos in the norm. He is proud to be counted among
Rabbi Klatzko is one of Olami’s “founding fathers” with 2 decades of service to campus outreach and Jewish life.
Be sure to follow Rabbi Benzion Klatzko:
Email: RabbiKlatzko@gmail.com
Music: Klatzko
Art: RishonArt.com
Join Shabbat.com, the World's Largest Jewish Network, and download the app. Dating, Jobs, and Shabbat Hospitality Worldwide! http://www.Shabbat.com
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tribex.shabbat&hl=en
Apple - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shabbat/id1037705799?ls=1
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