“IS IT A MITZVAH TO MAKE ALIYAH?” ONE RABBI’S JOURNEY
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Rabbi Vernon Kurtz is the Rabbi Emeritus of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois. He was born in Toronto, Canada, received his BA from York University (1971), his MA and Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary (1976), and his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary (1981). He also received a Doctor of Divinity degree (Honoris Causa) from the Jewish Theological Seminary (2003).
Rabbi Kurtz recently concluded two terms as president of the American Zionist Movement. He is an associate member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency, was an elected member to its Executive, and currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the Russian Speaking Jewry Committee.
He is past President of the Rabbinical Assembly, the International Association of Conservative Rabbis, and was a member for many years of the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. He served for 10 years as a member of the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Kurtz is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. He previously served two terms on the board, including a term as Vice-Chairman. Rabbi Kurtz is a member of the board of the Jewish People Policy Institute.
