SPEAKERS GUIDE

Rabbi Shmuel Simenowitz

Director
Project Y’aleh V’Yavo, Inc.

299 Maple Street
E. Longmeadow, MA 01028
Tel: (413) 525-1846
swfarms@together.net

Executive Director of Project Ya’aleh V’Yavo. YVY runs programs, which take place in both the classroom as well as on his farm in southern Vermont, combining Torah and environmental sensibilities, highlighting personal empowerment, sustainability, optimism and fun.

He has lectured and conducted workshops about his unique programs for such diverse groups as CAJE, COEJL, Canfei Nesharim, B’nai Tzedek, NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association), TEVA, VMSMA (Vermont Maple Syrup Makers Association) and many others

He has published more than 250 articles on topics ranging from music law to farming and his humorous farming columns appear in an Amish on-line newsletter under his by-line “Ruminations from Readsboro”. His most recent article “Water Conservation and Halacha – An Unorthodox Approach” is being featured in the upcoming Compendium of Halacha and the Environment.

He divides his time between his home in Springfield, MA, and Sweet Whisper Farms, his maple farm in Readsboro, VT, which was featured in the recent book “Jewish Fathers – A Legacy of Love” as “Vermont’s only shomer shabbos, organic, horse-powered maple farm” He is currently the Rabbi of Congregation Knesseth Israel of Ellington, CT, one of the last rural orthodox synagogues serving the region’s Jewish farmers.

Topics on which qualified to speak:

• Theological Perspectives
• Halakhic Perspective
• Experiential Jewish Environmental Education***
• Green Building / Sustainability

Types of Presentations available for:

• Scholar-in-residence for congregations
• Scholar-in-residence for campus
• Jewish outdoor education programs for youth
• Jewish outdoor education programs for adults
• In-service training program for educators
• Synagogue speaker / sermon
• Campus speaker
• Conference speaker
• Day school / religious school speaker