The theme of the 93rd annual Agudath Israel of America convention - leadership - is straightforward and applicable to every individual in our community. This was evident in the strong, diverse attendance at the opening night of the convention. The energy and interest that participants displayed in its various sessions was high.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, the food for thought was rich and varied. So many speakers, so many topics, highlighting the importance of leadership and particularly cultivating the inner leader within each and every one of us. In addition to the thousands of men and women onsite, there were live broadcasts in 22 communities around the world, and thousands followed the sessions live online.
Concurrent Sessions
The convention opened with three concurrent sessions.
One discussion revolved around the definition of leadership, and the many misconceptions thereof. A candid, upbeat conversation was held by a panel of well-known leaders: Yisroel Besser, Contributing Editor of Mishpacha Magazine; Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald, Director of Camp Sternberg and Dean of Bnot Chaya; lecturer and business executive Charlie Harary; and Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, LCSW, psychotherapist, writer and lecturer.
The panelists discussed how one can find leadership roles even when our community is filled with leaders, institutions and organizations. Rabbi Greenwald, a trailblazer in the chinuch world who has been involved in numerous complex issues, laid down the gauntlet: "Leadership needs to start somewhere - start with your own family. I have traveled 2.5 million miles in my life, but have only been away from home on five Shabbosim."
Another session tackled the burning issue of how the U.S. Supreme Court's redefinition of marriage affects our community at the grassroots level. Rabbi Abba Cohen, Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director and Counsel of Agudath Israel of America, discussed the potential legal and tax ramifications for religious institutions that maintain a traditional religious view of marriage. Rabbi Avi Shafran, Director of Public Affairs at Agudath Israel of America, discussed how society's acceptance of alternative lifestyles affects our children's perception of them, requiring a considered approach on our part. Attorney Eric Stern, who specializes in employment issues, discussed the challenges frum employers face in today's world.
The shortage of housing in major frum communities, especially in Brooklyn, is a well-known challenge and has reached crisis level. Rabbi Avrohom Jaffe, Executive Director of SBCO, Agudath Israel's housing division, discussed some of the laws that can help build affordable housing for members of our community, as well as a number of projects in the works to build new Torah communities in the future. Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Vice President for Community Services of Agudath Israel of America, elaborated on the need for young families to be pioneers and move to areas that do not yet have large frum populations. A case in point was discussed in detail by Rabbi Avraham Binyamin Spira, an activist with the Jersey City Initiative, a project to grow a pioneering chassidishe community in Jersey City.
In addition, the leadership of the youth divisions, Bnos and Pirchei Agudath Israel of America, each held a session. The leaders of the boys' group were addressed by Rabbi Ariel Shoshan, Rav of Ahavas Torah Scottsdale, AZ, while the girls heard from Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of America.
Keynote Session
As always, the Thursday evening keynote session was a major highlight of the convention, since leading gedolei Yisroel articulate their vision on contemporary issues to the American Jewish community. Raphael Zucker, member of the Agudath Israel of America Board of Trustees, chaired the session. Mr. Zucker noted that it was recently the 50th yahrtzeit of Morenu Yaakov Rosenheim zt"l, the founder of Agudath Israel, and quintessential Jewish leader. A special historical tribute to Morenu Rosenheim was presented in the convention lobby by the Kleinman Holocaust Education Center. This Agudath Israel leadership continues to this very day, on a wide range of issues: defending bris milah and traditional marriage; opposing assisted suicide laws; advocating for funding for mosdos hachinuch, and helping individual Yidden in their personal lives.
The session began with Tehillim, led by Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff shlit"a, Rav of Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin. Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlit"a, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah of Philadelphia and member of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America, elaborated upon the need to recognize the truth of the Torah and the words of Torah leaders. The Rosh Yeshiva thanked Agudath Israel of America for its leadership role in bringing so many Yidden together in honor of the Torah and gedolei Yisroel. "When I leave an Agudah convention, I walk away mechuzak," Rav Shmuel stated.
Rav Elya Brudny shlit"a, Rosh Yeshiva of Mirrer Yeshiva of Brooklyn, delivered divrei pesicha, explaining what it is to be "an Agudah yid." Rav Brudny discussed the perpetual battle between Yaakov and Esav, with Esav seeing this world as the primary end, while Yaakov sees our world as a corridor to the World to Come. The Rosh Yeshiva explained how a yid with a proper hashkofo doesn't fall prey to the pitfalls of this world, such as sinas chinom, machlokes and pursuit of luxuries. If we lift up our lives, then the negative forces of Esav inevitably weaken. "We can do better!" Rav Brudny concluded.
A special guest speaker, Dayan Yonason Abraham of the London Bais Din, delivered a powerful address, clarifying the Torah view of a leader. The Gemara teaches us that a rebbi, a leader, must be akin to a malach Elokim, a Heavenly angel. Dayan Abraham expounded upon several key facets of the leadership of malachim: they have clarity of mission and are entirely dedicated to its fulfillment; they know their capabilities; they are happy to allow other malachim to carry out their unique leadership roles; and they inspire others around them to join in their service of Hashem. Another crucial leadership requirement, explained Dayan Abraham, is that one must have a fiery passion for his mission. He concluded that Agudath Israel of America and its askonim embody the hallmarks of Torah leadership, which inspires his communal work in London. "I've come here to learn from what you do," he exclaimed.
The final speaker of the keynote session was Rabbi Ephraim Eliyahu Shapiro, Rav of Congregation Shaaray Tefillah of North Miami Beach, who expounded upon leadership in his trademark resounding, practical manner. Rabbi Shapiro explained how our various leadership roles are alluded to in the word "achrayus," responsibility, which is at the core of leadership. Leadership means taking the initiative to improve oneself; lead one's family; help others with their needs; show others how to lead; and know the need to follow Torah leaders - even when their dictums are not what you would have preferred.
Concluding the Evening
Following the keynote session, the attendees mingled and discussed some of the issues raised. The atmosphere was decidedly upbeat. The empowering message of leadership left an impression. Though late in the evening, five concurrent sessions drew a respectable attendance.
The "Klal Talks: 1 Question, 5 Personalities" panel featured five diverse leaders discussing their view of leadership: Moshe Bane, Senior Partner, Ropes and Gray LLP, and member of the OU Executive Committee; Shrage Goldschmidt, General Counsel, Cammeby's International Ltd.; Rabbi Aron Kotler, President, Beth Medrash Govoha - Lakewood; Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz, Editor and Publisher of Yated Ne'eman of America; Rabbi Avi Neuberger, Rav of Congregation Shaarei Tefillah of New Hempstead. The panel was moderated by Rabbi Avi Schnall, Director of Agudath Israel of New Jersey.
An intriguing panel on the shidduch crisis featured Rabbi Chaim Schmerler, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Orysah in Yerushalayim, who recently founded a highly successful shidduch organization in Eretz Yisroel; and two prominent shadchanim from Brooklyn, Rabbi Moshe Meir Ornstein and Mr. Avi Stern. It was chaired by Rabbi Avrohom Nissan Perl, Director of Torah Projects of Agudath Israel of America.
Rabbi Yosef Viener, Rav of Congregation Shaar HaShomayim in Monsey, hosted a session discussing Torah hadracha in everyday relationships. Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff and Rabbi Dr. Yitzchok Lob Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist in Chicago, discussed the unique challenges of the "sandwich generation" that need to care for aging parents and young offspring alike. Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, President of Impactful Coaching and Consulting; and Mr. Herschel Leiner, Founder and President of H. Leiner and Co., hosted a session on "Business Leadership: Branding and Finding Yourself."
While fielding enthusiastic feedback from a steady stream of attendees, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America, says that this year's convention embodies the ideals upon which the organization was built. As he explained, "Leadership - achrayus towards a fellow yid - is the nekuda hapnimiyus, the core point, of Agudas Yisroel."
Motzei Shabbos at Agudath Israel Convention
Following a beautiful, uplifting Shabbos, Motzei Shabbos at the Agudath Israel of America convention combined inspiration and the tackling of difficult communal issues, under the banner of the convention's theme of "Leadership."
Keynote Session
At 8:30 p.m., the main hotel ballroom was once again full for the Motzei Shabbos Keynote Session. In addition to the overflow crowd in the Convention Hotel itself, many additional thousands followed the session electronically. The dais featured leading gedolim of our generation, including two special guests from Eretz Yisroel, HaRav Dov Yaffe, Mashgiach in Yeshiva Knesses Chizkiyahu; and the Sadigura Rebbe.
Convention Chairman Binyomin Berger spoke about Agudath Israel of America's leadership on behalf of the needs of every individual in Klal Yisroel, from cradle to grave. He praised the strong representation of young individuals at the convention, who are willing to roll up their sleeves on behalf of our community. "None of us are smarter than all us," he exclaimed.
The Novominsker Rebbe, Rosh Agudas Yisroel and member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America, was in Eretz Yisroel for a family simcha. The Rebbe delivered a special video message to the convention, highlighting both the physical and spiritual dangers our community faces, and once again stressed the dangers of the burgeoning "Open Orthodoxy" movement. "These are the chevlai moshiach," the Rebbe exclaimed. "We must think and breathe emunah; think and breathe ahavas Torah and yiras Shomayim; and think and breathe tzedaka v'chessed."
Shabbos was the yahrtzeit of HaRav Aharon Kotler zt"l, legendary Rosh Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoha of Lakewood. A grandson, Rabbi Uren Reich, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva of Woodlake Village, spoke about Rav Aharon's leadership in building the American Torah world of today, and the inestimable impact that has on our entire society today. The Rosh HaYeshiva detailed the close relationship that Rav Aharon had with Agudas Yisroel, as well as the regard in which he held baalei batim who supported Torah. "Let's be proud of our olam haTorah," Rabbi Reich concluded. "It's our world."
Leading our Children
The Sadigura Rebbe began by giving his impressions of the Shabbos he spent at the convention, noting the amazing achdus between so many different factions of
Klal Yisroel, and the powerful partnership between our community's Yissochor and Zevulun, the lomdei Torah and marbitzei Torah, and the Torah supporters. The Rebbe stressed the importance for parents to inculcate in their children a love for Torah; the children should find learning enjoyable. He added the importance of explaining the
taamei hamitzvos so that children have a deep appreciation for what the Torah expects them to do. "That's the way of our generation," the Rebbe declared.
Rabbi Dovid Ozeri, Rav of Congregation Yad Yosef, followed, noting the significance that a Sephardic leader has been invited for such a significant role at the convention. Thunderous applause could be heard throughout Rabbi Ozeri's passionate speech. He zeroed in on a chinuch issue that is often overlooked: the pay that rabbeim receive. Rabbi Ozeri discussed the importance of a rebbi's job, and how so many rebbeim today don't earn nearly enough to support their families. Increasingly, some successful rebbeim feel the need to leave chinuch. Rabbi Ozeri contended that the burden of increasing salaries cannot be placed upon struggling mosdos and parents, but rather upon baalei tzedaka who donate significant sums to various causes. "We either take care of our melamdim, or the next generation is in big trouble," he warned.
Leading on Every Cause
"What does Agudah do for me?" is a frequently asked question. In a brief address, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Golding, Chief Operating Officer of Agudath Israel of America, explained how Agudath Israel's advocacy on a range of major issues has an impact on the community as a whole and each individual yid. As an example, New York's mosdos haTorah reaped approximately $165 million government funding over the past year alone, much of it thanks to Agudath Israel's efforts. "This is your Agudas Yisroel," he exclaimed.
A video presentation followed, with personal testimonials from four individuals depicting how various Agudath Israel programs helped them: building a successful yeshiva; advocating for proper healthcare for older or terminally ill patients; providing a CPA course that helped launch a successful career; and helping a special needs child be placed in a quality school.
Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration for Agudath Israel of America, noted that Agudath Israel's increase in activism, in breadth and scope, requires increased funding as well. Rabbi Gertzulin stressed the need for the public, including those who cannot give large sums, to contribute towards Agudath Israel's efforts on behalf of all of us.
The final speaker of the session, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel, spoke with emotion about the dictum of Rabbi Moshe Sherer's description of Agudath Israel as "the keepers of a sacred trust." Rabbi Zwiebel noted that Agudath Israel was the sole American Jewish organization to defend the Torah definition of marriage before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Obergefell case, while thirteen Jewish organizations argued for redefinition.
Rabbi Zwiebel then touched upon the painful topic of young people in our communities who abandon the ways of Torah. While noting that the reasons for this plague can never be definitively explained, there are many areas on which we can focus together as a community to help minimize this growing problem. Rabbi Zwiebel stressed that we must realize that the children who have abandoned our community are suffering too. This issue was focused on in depth at the convention's Sunday morning keynote session. "When an individual breaks the link from Har Sinai, it is not just a tragedy for his family; it is a national tragedy," Rabbi Zwiebel exclaimed.
Before the Keynote Session and After
Shabbos at the convention also featured a number of other events. Shortly after Havdala, the kol Torah at the hotel reverberated again. Pirchei Agudas Yisroel held an Avos U'banim program for the boys. Rabbi Shlomo Gottesman, editor of Yeshurun, delivered a shiur on how modern technology affects Hilchos Shabbos.
At three concurrent sessions before the keynote, well known community leaders discussed crucial issues where individuals can make a real difference. Renowned Maggid Rabbi Paysach Krohn discussed how individuals can make a difference on the shidduch scene, and help the young men and women who are still waiting to find their basherte.
Rabbi Mordechai Becher, senior lecturer at Gateways, and Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of Greater Washington - Tiferes Gedaliah, tackled the issue of successful kiruv, and took questions from the audience. Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, Menahel of Ohr Naava, Ateres Naava and Bnot Chaya Academy for Girls, articulated the need for every individual to care about klal matters.
The keynote session was followed by a beautiful Melave Malka, and an inspirational post-Melave Malka "Ruach" with Rabbi Baruch Levine and Simcha Leiner. An uplifting end to a remarkable evening.
What Can We Do About the "OTD" Phenomenon?
The highlight of the Sunday program - and, for many, the highlight of the convention - came at the closing keynote session. While not new, particularly for Agudah conventions, the topic of the off the derech phenomenon is always gripping. It is painful and real, and unfortunately shows no signs of subsiding. Every year brings new challenges, and new discussions are necessary. The packed hall, and the thousands who followed this discussion electronically, bore live testimony to that.
"OTD: Why Is It Happening and What Can We Do About It?" was moderated by Rabbi Avi Shafran, Director of Public Affairs at Agudath Israel of America. Rabbi Shafran opened the session discussing the importance of empathizing with the pain and confusion of teens and adults at risk, or those who have already R"l veered. "They are all our children," Rabbi Shafran exclaimed, "and have no less a claim to our goodwill than anyone else."
The first presenter, Rabbi Dr. Yitzchok Lob Psy.D, a private practice psychologist in Chicago, opened up about the pain that he and his parents, Holocaust survivors, endured when his lone sister abandoned Yiddishkeit decades ago. Dr. Lob explained that contrary to even his own assumptions up until several years ago, it is not necessarily children who suffered significant trauma who leave the fold. There are many possible reasons, "sometimes a slow disconnect, sometimes an explosion."
Just as there is no uniform cause, there is no uniform antidote. Dr. Lob stressed the importance of tefillah for good children - as emphasized by many gedolim - as well as the need for parents, mechanchim and rabbonim to offer even challenging children unconditional love and support. "Whether it is with a hug, or the right look, they must always feel like we are 'holding' them," Dr. Lob implored.
Answering the Questions
Rabbi Mordechai Becher, senior lecturer at Gateways, noted author, and history professor at Yeshiva University, mused how even mainstream adult members of our community are wary to sign their names on an innocuous letter to the editor. The fear of saying the wrong thing, or asking the wrong question, is certainly a lot stronger amongst insecure youth wondering about some fundamental tenet of our emunah. Rabbi Becher cited the dictum of his rebbi, HaRav Moshe Schapira, that it is incumbent upon us to fortify the tree of emunah amongst our families. "It doesn't get transmitted by osmosis anymore," he warned.
Like other speakers before him, Rabbi Becher stressed that there are a variety of reasons that can "break the camel's back" and drive a child away from his or her roots. In addition to enhancing the teaching of emunah, and answering questions, Rabbi Becher advised of the importance of promoting the truth and beauty of Torah, instead of harping with a dismissive attitude towards all that we don't promote. Children often grow up and feel that something they were taught isn't exactly so, and then are skeptical about everything else they were taught. "An attitude of bitul can come back to bite," he said.
Root Prevention
Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Rav of Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, delivered the final address on this topic, hitting a broad array of vital notes. He noted that the contemporary culture and its potent nisyonos make it far more difficult for today's children to remain ehrlich than in previous years. We must recognize their challenges, as well as their "heroism" when they prevail.
Citing the words of his rebbi, HaRav Shmuel Berenbaum zt"l, Rabbi Lieff stressed the importance of recognizing that unique contemporary challenges require different weapons than the battles of yesteryear. "We can't just insulate our children; we must inculcate a pride in being Jewish," Rabbi Lieff exclaimed. "They should feel like princes, and that going against the Torah is below their dignity."
Rabbi Lieff also stressed the importance of recognizing that living the values of Torah is more important than the mere knowledge of Torah, or the test score of a child. Even a child who doesn't excel in learning and/or hasmada can still appreciate living Torah values, and do good deeds on behalf of Hashem and his fellow yid. For parents, Rabbi Lieff advised, it is particularly important to constantly show children that it is they - and the time they need - that are more precious than the parents' business or leisurely endeavors. If a child struggles in Yiddishkeit, it is important for parents to validate their thoughts and feelings, even when the ultimate goal is to get them to overcome them.
The audience - in the room and around the world - listened intently, and gathered lots of food for thought. Ultimately, beyond our hishtadlus, the fate of our children is in the hands of Hashem. Before concluding his address - and the 93rd annual Agudah convention - Rabbi Lieff recited a simple tefillah at the podium: "Veheishiv lev avos al banim, velev banim al avosam."
An Array of Sessions Wrap Up the Agudah Convention
Before Sunday's keynote session began, there were several special early morning programs: a Daf Yomi shiur; an Agudah Women of America breakfast; a film presentation on the life and legacy of HaRav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt"l; and a Yarchei Kallah on the halachos of websites and drone delivery on Shabbos by Rabbi Avrohom Lefkowitz, Rav of Kollel Bnei Torah of Lakewood.
In addition, there were four concurrent sessions, once again featuring leading community figures tackling pertinent topics. Dayan Yonason Abraham of the London Bais Din discussed the leadership profile of HaRav Avrohom Pam zt"l, and particularly his role in the foundation and development of the Shuvu network of schools for Russian Jewish olim in Eretz Yisroel. Rabbi A.D. Motzen, National Director of State Relations for Agudath Israel of America, led a captivating discussion on the growing political force of the Orthodox community. He was assisted by Aron Wieder, Majority Leader of the Rockland County Legislature; Village of Lawrence Trustee Michael Fragin; and Chaskel Bennett, member of Agudath Israel of America's Board of Trustees.
Rabbi Bentzion Klatzko, North American College Outreach Education Director, Olami, and founder of Shabbat.com, tackled a core challenge for individuals aspiring to lead: "I want to change the world but don't know where to turn." A special session for women focusing on improving relationships was hosted by Rabbi Eytan Feiner, Rav of Congregation Kneseth Israel of Far Rockaway and his wife, Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner, Rebbetzin of the shul and Menaheles of Machon Basya Rochel Seminary.
Many would agree that Sunday morning at the 93rd annual Agudath Israel of America convention was the grand finale of a powerful, intriguing convention - one whose impact is sure to be felt throughout the coming year and beyond.
