Rabbi Jacob Kraft Educational Foundation
The Rabbi Jacob Kraft Educational Foundation was established in 1988 in memory of Rabbi Kraft, who served as the Rabbi for Congregation Beth Shalom from 1930 – 1970 and as Rabbi Emeritus from 1970 – 1987 with a brief hiatus during World War II when he was a chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1943 – 1946.
The Foundation furthers Rabbi Kraft’s life-long devotion to learning by funding educational programs to enrich the congregation and the community. These programs cover areas such as scholars-in-residence, congregational Kallahs, education for parents of Hebrew School students, continuing education and enrichment for teachers, scholarships for higher education and special programs like, religious camps and trips to Israel for children in the school. The fund initially raised approximately $250,000. An independent, rotating Board of Trustees governs the foundation.
Rabbi Jacob Kraft was a man of righteousness, wisdom, and love. His life inspired others to appreciate the true values in life and to achieve their full potential. He was a magnificent spiritual leader of our congregation and in our community. Through the foundation, Rabbi Kraft’s influence continues to be felt by present and future generations.
Ari SacherSunday, November 7, 2021 • 7:00pmInventor/rocket scientist who helped invent the Israeli Iron Dome. His topic: “How Jews pray for rain” is a metaphor for praying for stability in a time of crises and fragility. |
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Toni YoungSunday, January 16, 2022 • 7:00pmBecoming American, Remaining Jewish: In honor of our Centennial Year, the Rabbi Jacob Kraft Educational Foundation is pleased to welcome Congregation Beth Shalom's very own Toni Young, noted historian and philanthropist, to share with us a story of the Jewish community and our founding as a synagogue. This will be a blended program, both in-person and via Zoom. |
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Ari PesatySunday, March 13, 2022 • 7:00pmSpeaks on the memory march he took in October 2018. This march followed the route of the death march his family walked with 200,000 Jews. Our own congregant, Sam Weiner’s fam was also deported on this march. |
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Memorial Scrolls TrustSunday, April 24, 2022 • 7:00pmDiscuss the history of the Czech scroll in the chapel. |
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Recent Speakers:
Natan Sharansky and Gill Troy, Never Alone: Prison, Politics, and My People
(click here to request a copy of the book)
2019-2020:
Steven Pressman, 50 Children: One Ordinary American Couple's Rescue Mission into the Heart of Nazi Germany
Rabbi Benay Lappe, SVARA's Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi, the Crash Talk
Georgia Hunter, We Were the Lucky Ones