Kalman Packouz - Biography

Kalman Packouz is an Orthodox rabbi (born in Portland, Oregon) who has pioneered various Jewish educational initiatives geared towards baal teshuva ("returnee to Judaism") outreach.

Biography

Packouz was raised in Portland, Oregon and attended Temple Beth Israel, a reform temple. In 1979, after receiving rabbinical ordination in Jerusalem, Packouz started the first Aish HaTorah branch in St. Louis. Packouz served for 10 years as executive director of Aish HaTorah international operations, and is currently head of the Miami office of Aish HaTorah's worldwide programs. He is a contributor to simpletoremember.com. He is also a Special Correspondent for The Sun Sentinel. He is married and the father of nine children.

Intermarriage Book

Packouz speaks out on Jewish continuity through marriage, and in 1976 authored the book, "How to Stop an Intermarriage." The book was recently expanded and retitled as: "How to Prevent an Intermarriage - A Guide For Parents to Prevent Broken Hearts."

Jewish Computer Dating Service

In 1980, he founded the Jewish Computer Dating Service which earned him an appearance on The Today Show

Shabbat Shalom Weekly

In 1992, Packouz launched the Shabbat Shalom Weekly an electronic publication with copies distributed each week via fax and email.

Kotel Webcam

In 1997, Packouz created Window on the Wall, a 24-hour live webcam from the Western Wall in Jerusalem. You can see live pictures of the wall as well as place a note to be put in the wall. The site has since logged 20 million visits and been featured on CNN and The New York Times.

External links

• Shabbat Shalom Weekly
• Window on the Western Wall, Israel
• How to Stop an Intermarriage Website