Dov Halperin was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium; and when he finally came to the United States 11 years ago, what surprised him the most, he said, was the many divisions within the American Jewish community. In Europe, he said, “a Jew is a Jew, and some people are more observant and some are less observant, and you don’t fix people in a box.” He observed that American Jews tend to fixate on denominational differences, rather than on their many similarities.
Halperin leads Knesset HaSefer, the Educational Synagogue of Yardley, and though he’s now the full-time rabbi, prior to this, he’d assisted the shul’s previous rabbi, Yitzchok Feldheim.
In his opinion, the biggest hurdle facing Jews today is ignorance of Jewish history.
“We know more about other religions than our own,” he lamented, “and I truly believe that Jewish education is the promise for the Jewish community.”
The 42-year-old father of six said that his father, who worked in Antwerp’s diamond trade, wanted him to follow in the family business. But Halperin said he wanted to make the world a better place, and so put his efforts toward the rabbinate. He was ordained at Beth Medrash Govoha, in Lakewood, N.J., but noted that he still feels connected to the European idea of a rabbi as someone who supports the entire community, not just those who pay synagogue dues.
“A community rabbi should be accessible to people who aren’t even members” of the congregation, he said, adding that he views that as a principle responsibility of a religious leader. Jewish Exponent.
Feldheim built the place….
Why did Feldheim leave???
Rabbi Feldheim gave us the best years of his life. His wife too was amazing.
Is Halperin Orthodox, or Traditional?
Reb Yitzy lives in Lakewood now
Halperin is definitely Orthodox – Feldheim would never have brought him in otherwise
Some people start jobs . Some people start and finish. Some people take remnants and build upon them. We are all remnants. Feldheim bult it (with a poor business plan/ no dis intended) . Maybe Halprin will finish. Starting from scratch is easier to get momentum and backing. Picking up the the pieces of something that has begun to breakdown , that is a monumentous task. A better man couldn’t be found. Hatzlacha raba to Yardley. It’s all good !
the problem he is talking about is the lakewood syndrome its only here where people are placed in a box your either in or out. in most out of town places its not like that. Take L.A for example everyone is the same, and not because the very frum are taught to tolerate the less yeshivish its because there really is no difference. if you come into shul with jeans and a tshirt you are no different than someone next to you who learns in kollel all day. over here if you neighbor wheres jeans you already dont want you children playing with their children chas v’shalom if his kid ends up in your tzadikles class! its wrong and its anti Semitic. dont teach your children to be nice to the more modern kids teach them that they are no better than them (just because they have a short haircut), and in alot of cases the modern kids are better (more respectful etc..)
What is the point of this article? who cares? maybe talk about every Lakewood guy who became a Rabbi?
It says there are 9 comments, yet I only see 2????
Halperin is as Orthodox as they come. A real Yerei Shomayim.
Rabbi Hslperin is a true example for all. He is very well respected by all circles and affilaiations, he is huimble and very knowlagable and he gives his life for the community.
This article was published in the Jewish Exponent to reach out to the non affiliated and non orthodox people. I am sure that Rabbi Halperin did not intend this to be read by the frum community, and for sure not thos who can’t “fargin” anyone anything.
We are proud and greatfull for having such a great leader.