To Solve the Rabbi Shortage, Start with Synagogues and Schools

Jan. 15 2025

Reflecting on the growing shortage of Conservative and Reform clergy, Rabbi Joshua Rabin argues that the problem is unlikely to get any better. At its root, he explains, is the diminishing number of “potential non-Orthodox Jews”—that is, children attending synagogues and educational programs—of whom only a small percentage will go on to become rabbis. The solution, therefore, can’t be to change rabbinical seminaries, but to focus on synagogues, schools, and youth programs:

We cannot innovate our way out of this problem by creating another cohort, fellowship, or conference, nor can we hope that some new paradigm will emerge to replace all existing institutions. . . . The only way to address this problem, which has enormous implications for the Jewish world, is to stop ignoring the infrastructure and legacy institutions and give them the resources they’ve always deserved but rarely received.

In Bava Batra 21a, our sages credit Joshua ben Gamla with ensuring the vibrancy of Torah learning when he decreed that Jewish children should begin their studies at age six. . . . Non-Orthodox Judaism operates in an environment similar to the one Joshua ben Gamla encountered: there is institutional decay coupled with a Jewish populace largely deficient in Jewish literacy.

Read more at eJewish Philanthropy

More about: American Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Jewish education, Rabbis, Reform Judaism

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait