European Rabbis Convene in Swiss-French Border Town for Education and Security Seminar
In the resort town of Divonne, located on the Swiss-French border, dozens of rabbis from across Europe gathered for a specialized seminar organized by the Center of European Rabbis. The event aimed to strengthen Jewish community leaders by providing practical tools to address contemporary challenges. Key topics included Jewish education, family issues, managing complex community situations, and enhancing security amid rising antisemitism across Europe.
The seminar featured prominent speakers such as Rabbi Shlomo Rein, chairman of the Hazinu organization, who conducted workshops focusing on guiding youth and adults within educational institutions. Rabbi Rein emphasized the unique challenges faced by European Jewish educational frameworks and offered practical methods for identifying distress, providing support, and strengthening ties between rabbis, families, and schools. Additionally, Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Ackerman, a psychologist and lecturer, addressed family-related challenges and equipped rabbis with sensitive and informed approaches to complex educational and familial matters.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Pevzner, Chabad community rabbi in Geneva, welcomed participants and highlighted the significant growth of Jewish institutions and communities in Geneva and the surrounding region. Given the increase in antisemitic incidents, the seminar also included security and self-defense workshops led by security experts. Rabbis received hands-on training on proper conduct during attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions, enhancing community vigilance and emergency response strategies.
Rabbi Aryeh Goldberg, CEO of the Center of European Rabbis, stressed the necessity for rabbis to continually professionalize beyond teaching and religious rulings. He stated, "European rabbis stand at the forefront of Jewish life, facing challenges in education, family, community, and security. It is our duty to provide them with the broadest professional support so they can lead their communities with confidence, responsibility, and dedication." Rabbi Goldberg also expressed gratitude to Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the Center, and the seminar’s organizing team, including Rabbi Avraham Abba Torczyk and Rabbi Yossi Beinaker. This seminar is part of the Center’s ongoing efforts to equip European Jewish community rabbis with professional tools, continuous support, and responses to evolving challenges.
