Rabbi Daniel Kraus serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Birthright Israel Foundation and Director of Community Education at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in New York. An ordained rabbi with an MBA from Yeshiva University, he was named to The Jewish Week’s 36 Under 36 for his leadership in Jewish engagement.
Most Jews who have sung “Eitz Chaim” over the past half-century probably never knew Portnoy. They did not know when he wrote the melody or how young he was when he composed it. They simply knew the song.
In a culture saturated with choices, swipes and infinite optionality, they’re craving something more human. Fewer options, more intention. Less performance, more presence.
We teach young Jews to defend themselves and Israel before we teach them to love Jewish civilization. Because our priorities are inverted. Too many resources flow toward monitoring hate groups. It’s time for a change.
