Dozens of Rabbis Convene for Professional Forum Organized by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe
A professional forum for European rabbis was held last week in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, focusing on a range of professional and diverse topics central to Jewish communal life across Europe. The forum was part of the RCE’s ongoing activities aimed at strengthening rabbis and their communities throughout the continent.
Led by the city’s rabbi, Rabbi Simcha Steinberg, the forum provided attending rabbis with in-depth, engaging, and practical content, designed to equip them with essential tools for leading their communities and fulfilling their spiritual responsibilities.
The study sessions featured special workshops conducted by strategist Yossi Rosenbaum, who focused on effective public diplomacy and media response, as well as attorney Yosef Weitzman, Deputy Head of the Israeli Bar Association, who led discussions on conflict resolution and mediation within communities. Ben Barzel, an expert in Jewish education, also delivered sessions on effective communication of Jewish content.
Over the course of the forum, the rabbis engaged in thought-provoking discussions and offered mutual support in facing shared challenges. They exchanged original initiatives and leadership strategies aimed at enhancing communal life throughout the year.
In response to the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in European city centers and increasing attempts to harm institutions and individuals with a visibly Jewish appearance, workshops were held on self-defense and securing Jewish centers, in cooperation with expert security officers.
One of the forum’s highlights was a moving evening, which included a festive dinner, led by the Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands. The event opened with heartfelt prayers and stirring songs for the rescue of the hostages, the recovery of the wounded, and the success of Israel’s security forces. The rabbis expressed their fervent prayers for the swift release of the hostages and a victory over the forces of hatred.
Rabbi Arie Goldberg, CEO of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, emphasized the importance of providing rabbis with as many professional tools as possible, especially in these challenging times. “Throughout the forum, we were privileged to provide rabbis with practical tools for continuing their sacred work,” said Rabbi Goldberg. “We were pleased to hold the forum once again this year, and I extend my gratitude to all those who made it possible.”
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the RCE, noted that the forum is part of the center’s expansive annual activities supporting rabbis and Jewish communities across Europe. “The Rabbinical Centre of Europe will continue to provide rabbis with the support and resources they need to help rejuvenate the spiritual landscape of the continent,” he said.
Special thanks were extended to Rabbi Yossi Bainhaker, Vice President of the RCE; Rabbi Avraham Aba Torezki, Secretary of the Rabbinical Council of Europe; and to the local community leadership, headed by Mr. Max Lobenstein, for their significant investment of time and resources in ensuring the forum’s success and professional execution.
