Out of a dark and narrow place, I reached out to Rabbi Wolpe. It was the Passover day he delivered his famous sermon questioning the historical accuracy of The Exodus. I sent him a long email, fully expecting to be ignored. Instead, I received a thoughtful and kind response from him. His answer to that shy, uncertain boy set me free to once again believe in my own religion, and my Beloved God.
Rabbi David Wolpe has committed the majority of his life to the spiritual guidance of others. Still, on a very practical level, he manages to teach students at U.C.L.A., hold numerous interviews with the media discussing Judaism and politics, post nuggets of wisdom on Facebook and Twitter to some 50,000 loyal fans, raise money for charities around the world, and show his unyielding support for Israel. He has just completed his eighth book which is about King David's life.
He works tirelessly. He is a powerful force for good for our community. The true mark of a leader is not how famous he becomes, but how many lives he enhances, how many leaders he inspires. Wolpe's reach goes beyond the Jewish community. Many read his writings for inspiration and to deal with life's difficult moments. He makes Judaism accessible to everyone. Anyone familiar with Wolpe's personal life will at once realize that he is nothing short of a miraculous gift to us. He empowers all those fortunate to learn from him. In the tradition of Nachman of Breslov, no one sleeps at his sermons; his words awaken the soul.
Paralleling his benediction delivered at the last Democratic National Convention, Rabbi Wolpe enlarges our souls by empathy and uplifts us with his leadership, thinking and teaching from all sources, Torah, poetry, and current events. He is the summation of many men into one, and believes in the strength of our soul with a wild, passionate vision of redemption.
You are cordially invited to the Magbit Foundation’s 25th anniversary gala on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. We are excited to be celebrating the State of Israel’s 66th year of Independence as well as honoring one of the most influential Jews in the world, Rabbi David Wolpe. This special black tie affair will also feature entertainment by AMORE, an extravagant 16 piece orchestra, and include inspirational speeches and video of students who have benefited from the Magbit Foundation’s scholarship program. We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: Beverly Hilton Hotel
International Ballroom
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Time: 5:30 pm (cocktails and hors d'oeuvres)
7:30 pm (dinner)
Dress Code: Black Tie
To buy tickets or for more information, please visit http://www.magbit.org/tickets/
About Magbit Foundation
Magbit Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, was established in 1990 to promote education for students seeking to complete their University studies. To accomplish this worthwhile goal, Magbit established an innovative “Interest-Free Loan” program for needy and qualified students. This program was designed to preserve the dignity and spirit of the students, as well as to instill in them a sense of responsibility. The loan recipients repay the loans when they are financially able to do so. To date, Magbit Foundation has provided interest-free loans to over 12,000 qualified students. It is through the generous support of its volunteers and donors that Magbit has been able to pursue its worthy and worthwhile mission.
For more information visit http://www.magbit.org/
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.