Chayeinu Keynote Speakers
Keynote 1
Macro and Micro Miracles - Rabbi Joey Grunfeld
Start talking to Rabbi Joey Grunfeld, founder and director of Seed UK, and it's hard to tear yourself away. With his clear and humourous style, he can turn hours into minutes. An alumnus of Gatehead Kollel, Rabbi Grunfeld is not only the father of 11 (plus a hoard of grandchildren), but of an entire Seed Family. Some 25 years ago, Rabbi Grunfeld looked around to see what he could give, how he could reach out, and share with others, and Seed was born. Now two decades later, he is still giving and sharing, and has recruited a few more in his quest.
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Keynote 2
Beyond Reason - Dr Shalom Springer
Dr Springer studies for some years at Yeshiva in Manchester and Gateshead. he also obtained a degree in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Mathematical Physics from University College, London, and Imperial College, London. Following a 26 year career at the Bank of England, he took up teaching and lecturing in various schools and seminaries, teaching Jewish Studies and Mathematics. he is also a member of Seed seminars lecturing team and is often invited to give talks such as the one you can download here. Dr Springer can be relied upon to explain clearly the Jewish attitude to any subject, no matter how difficult or complex it may be.
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Keynote 3
A Family that Dines Together, Stays Together - Rabbi Danny Kirsch
Rabbi Danny Kirsch was raised in Hampstead Garden Suburb, where he caught the community involvement bug, as a youth leader and communal activist. Early career moves led him to the fashion industry. However, it was the Jewish community which eventually won the day. Five years in Israel at Ohr Somayach Yeshiva prepared him to return as a Rabbi to England with his wondeful wife, Jackie. He served as National Director of Jewish Youth Study Groups and also as London student chaplain. For many years he has been the director of the Jewish Learning Exchange in London, which runs hundreds of exciting outreach educational and social occasions every year. Rabbi Kirsch is a much loved figure and his humanity and warmth are immediately apparent when he gives his various lectures and talks.
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Keynote 4
The Yibum of King Henry VIII - Dayan Ivan Binstock
Dayan Binstock fulfils a remarkable number of roles in the community with great skill. He is a Dayan on the London Beth Din, Rabbi of the St John's Wood Synagogue, and the principal of the North West London Jewish Day School He is involved in giving shiurim and other educational activities and he is also active in inter-faith work. Born in London, he was educated at Hackney Downs School, Etz Chayim Yeshiva, Jews College, University College and the Mir Yeshiva, in Israel. He has a BSc in Chemistry and Semichah. Dayan Binstock is a dynamic orator with a gift for articulating thought provoking ideas and insights into contemporary issues.
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Keynote 5
The Evil Eye - Superstition or Reality? - Rabbi Aubrey Hersh
Rabbi Aubrey Hersh was born and raised in London. He went on to study at Yeshiva in Gateshead and then in Jerusalem for 8 years. In 1991 he returned to the UK to work in media and advertising; since 1996 he has been involved in education. For the past 14 years he has taught Jewish Thought and Philosophy, History and Halacha, at the JLE, where he is currently the Projects Leasder as well as the Tour Leader for Eastern European trips. He was the co-editor of the Sixty-Four-Sixty series on the Holocaust in Israel and has written and lectured extensively on history topics, both in the UK and abroad. His hobbies include photography and travelling and he is an avid fan of Terry Pratchett, snooker and cherry tomatioes.
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Keynote 6
Origin of Anti-Semitism (Maharal Perspectives) - Rabbi Yehoshua Hartman
Rabbi Hartman was born in the USA and went on aliyah with his family as a young boy. He taught for many years at the Maarava Machon Rubin Yeshiva High School and has established a reputation as one of the most highly sought after lecturers at yeshivot and seminaries. Rabbi Hartman has edited and published a number of annotated volumes of the most complete edition of the Sifree MaHaRal to date. He is presently on a secondment to the Hasmonean High School for boys where he is director of the highly successful Beis Hamedrash (6th Form) programme.