Join Rabbi Shafner for a special Shabbat afternoon class series during the Sefirat HaOmer period, between Pesach and Shavuot. Each week before Mincha, explore timely themes and insights that connect this sacred time of spiritual growth and preparation.

Class Schedule: 

• May 3 - Anti-Semitism and Palace Intrigue: Why was the Noda B'Yehudah, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau, so Good to Empress Maria Theresa?  
• May 10 - Opening the Doors of Power in Washington: The Halacha of Using Key Fobs on Shabbat
• May 24 - Too Much Stuff!: What has to go in the Geniza (shamot)?

Rabbi Hyim Shafner began as Rabbi of Kesher Israel in August 2017. Prior to coming to Kesher Israel, he served as Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation in Saint Louis, Missouri, for 13 years, as Campus Rabbi at the St. Louis Hillel at Washington University for eight years, and for a year as Rabbi of India under the auspices of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  

Rabbi Shafner has Smicha (rabbinical ordination), a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), and an MA in Jewish philosophy, from Yeshiva University in New York City. Additionally he also holds a Certificate in Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute.  

Rabbi Shafner is the author of the Everything Jewish Wedding Book (2nd edition), as well as many articles in the area of Talmudic narrative, Jewish law and thought, and community building and vision.