Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Hyim Shafner: The Life and Times of DC’s First Orthodox Rabbi

This lunch and learn will explore the life and thought of Rabbi Gedalia Silverstone (1871–1942), who served as the first Orthodox Rabbi in Washington, D.C. from 1909 until his death. We will read excerpts from his writing to get a glimpse into Washington’s Orthodox Jewish community in the early 20th century and examine the Rabbi’s approach to Zionism, prohibition, and historic events like the sinking of the Titanic. Attendees are encouraged to bring lunch to enjoy during the program. Rabbi Hyim Shafner is the Rabbi of Kesher Israel: The Georgetown Synagogue, in Washington D.C. He previously served as Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri, Rabbi of the Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis, and Rabbi of India for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Rabbi Shafner is the author of The Everything Jewish Wedding Book and has published widely in an array of Jewish journals, periodicals and books. Photo of Rabbi Silverstone with Rabbi Dubrow (Rabbi of Kesher Israel from 1920’s-1944) and Rabbi Klavins. Chai tickets help subsidize the cost of regular tickets, making this program more accessible to all.