Glencoe's Aitz Hayim to Feature Innovative Rabbi Elan Babchuck - Why the Old is the New New

Rabbi Elan Babchuck, Director of Innovation at CLAL, will once again engage Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Living members and guests on February 7 and 8 at the Tross Family Education Center at North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe.

Fifty years ago young people chanted, "Don't trust anyone over thirty." Now at a time when five major candidates for president are over seventy, Rabbi Babchuck will explore the significance of linking the future to the experiences of the past. One form of innovation is to invent anew; the other is to reintegrate the past. Can we appreciate the need for each?

Rabbi Elan Babchuck is building an innovation incubator to support, fund, and mentor Jewish and other religious community entrepreneurs around the world. Religion in America is a trillion and a half dollar business. How the money is spent is a significant part of our economy.

Prior to joining CLAL, he served as Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Providence, RI, where he became the first religious leader to be named one of the city's "10 to Watch." He was ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2012 and earned his MBA that year, as well. Elan has been an entrepreneur for more than half of his life, and has been involved in the founding of multiple ventures, including for-profit and social enterprises.

The February 7 event will be held beginning at 6:30 PM, followed by a dinner ($20.00) and Rabbi Babchuck's teachings. The event will end at 9:30PM. Reservations are required by emailing aitzhayim@gmail.com.

On February 8, beginning at 10:00 AM, Rabbi Babchuck will expand upon his teachings. All are welcome, and a Kiddush lunch follows before afternoon discussion.