Cohort 3

Barkai's third cohort of rabbinic fellows with 21 new rabbis and their communities commenced in early September. The studies began with great excitement. The rabbis, like the earlier cohorts, represent the totality of Israeli societ. They come from different locations in Israel and from a wide variety of ethnic groups and populations.

The opening session included an important talk by Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, the Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan about the pulpit rabbinate in the modern world and about the challenges that it presents for rabbis and communities. The opening session also included group dynamics and an introduction to the values and vision of Barkai.

New Executive Director for Barkai Center

With the growth of the number of rabbis and communities and the expansion of community projects initiated by Barkai, a new, young and energetic Executive Director, Ronel Elkayam, has been brought on.

Ronel grew up in Lod, learned at Yeshivat Shavei Hevron, was a fighter in the Golani brigade and most recently a parliamentary aide in the Knesset. He brings to Barkai a young and dynamic spirit that will add much to Barkai. He will be responsible for the administrative management of Barkai and will oversee the community projects.