Complaint Review: Judaism Chicago Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg Gail Ginsburg Esynagogue.org Ezra Habonim/Niles Township - Nationwide

Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg sexual battery of convert to judaism case Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg on Youtube.com Call To Action - Let Your Voice Be Heard: Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg was hired back in 2004 by a Conservative Synagogue in Skokie, IL. After being let go by a synagogue in St. Paul, MN. Gail Ginsburg a lutheran minister, was ordained in a long distance scheme as a 'rabbi' and NO movement of Judaism recognizes her as a rabbi. Now she runs this conversion program and parabbinical program. Her understanding of judaism and hebrew is less than any Bar mitzvah boy. Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg does not disclose his past. This can be very harmful to his students. There have been several complaints to The Rabbinic Assembly that could lead to him being kicked out of the Rabbinic Assembly. Here are some of the articles that describe Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg's sexual abuse case: And is investigated for violations Woman sues St. Paul rabbi, temple alleging sexual exploitation By Paul Gustafson Star Tribune (St. Paul, MN) - January 22, 2004 www.startribune.com/stories/462/4332508.html A former female member of the Temple of Aaron in St. Paul charged Wednesday in a lawsuit that Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg sexually exploited her while counseling her for more than two years. The Maplewood woman alleges that Ginsburg knew that she was an emotionally vulnerable person because he learned while counseling her that she was recently divorced, and had been sexually and emotionally abused in the past. Philip Villaume, her attorney, said she has been 'extremely traumatized' by Ginsburg's conduct, and feels that temple officials 'did virtually nothing' when she complained to them. Betty Sue Lipschultz, the temple's board president, said an investigation of Ginsburg was done after the woman complained about him that 'did reveal an error in judgment' by the rabbi. 'We have not stood idly by. . . . We investigated the charges fully, and we took and are continuing to take appropriate remedial steps. The Temple of Aaron is a wonderful, caring congregation, and it cares deeply both about its congregants and its staff, ' she said. Ginsburg, who is the temple's senior rabbi, could not be reached for comment. The suit, filed in Ramsey County District Court, seeks damages in excess of $50, 000 for sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and sexual exploitation by a member of the clergy. Temple of Aaron is also named as a defendant in the suit, which alleges that it failed to supervise Ginsburg properly or take appropriate actions against him. The woman said she complained to temple officials in May 2002. In June 2002 the congregation received letters from Ginsburg and the temple's board informing it that he had had an inappropriate relationship with a female former congregant. Ginsburg apologized for what he called 'an admittedly regrettable incident, ' according to the suit. The woman alleged, however, that the letters did not disclose the full scope of Ginsburg's sexual misconduct toward her. Rabbi, woman settle lawsuit By Stephen Scott, Religion Editor Pioneer Press (St. Paul) - June 08, 2004 http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/8864161.htm?1c Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg appears set to resign as senior rabbi at Temple of Aaron, shortly after reaching an out-of-court settlement with a former congregation member who accused him of sexual misconduct. A criminal investigation into the case also is being closed, with no charges forthcoming. Ginsburg's attorney, Robert Weinstein, said Monday the rabbi has decided to resign after 17 years at the Conservative synagogue in St. Paul's Highland Park. 'Over the past several months he's given a lot of thought of what to do with his future, '' Weinstein said. 'I think he was looking for all of this to be concluded.'' Congregation president Phillip Kibort said Monday synagogue officers had not received a notice of resignation, though discussions had taken place with Ginsburg 'about the future leadership of Temple of Aaron.'' In a civil suit filed in January in Ramsey County, a Maplewood woman accused Ginsburg of sexual exploitation, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, sexual battery and 12 other charges. The suit claimed sexual contact between the two occurred between December 1999 and April 2002, during which time the woman said she was seeing Ginsburg for counseling. The suit also named the synagogue, on Mississippi River Boulevard, as a defendant. Weinstein and Philip G. Villaume, the attorney for the accuser, Linda A. Cohen, each confirmed Monday that a settlement with all parties had been reached. Citing confidentiality agreements, they released no details. It is still not clear whether or not Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg was having inappropriate sexual relations with Gail Ginsburg at the time when he converted her Please feel free to contact the board of directors of Ezra Habonim/Niles Township Jewish Congregation and the Rabbinical Assembly and let them know how you feel about Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg appearing on YouTube.com Ezra Habonim/Niles Township Jewish Congregation 4500 W. Dempster Skokie, IL 60076 847-675-4141 Rabbinical Assembly Rabbi Joel H. Meyers Executive Vice President (212) 280-6000 [email protected] Update: Case of Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg on Youtube.com The Awareness Center, Inc. June 5, 2007 January, 2004 -- A former member of the Temple of Aaron accused the Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg of sexual exploitation, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, sexual battery and 12 other charges in a lawsuit. The survivor claimed Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg had inappropriate sexual contact with her for three years. The contact took place while Ginsburg was counseling her and serving as a mentor for her rabbinical studies. The survivor stated that Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg knew that she was an emotionally vulnerable person because he learned while counseling her that she was recently divorced and had been sexually and emotionally abused in the past. According to a Pioneer Press article, Ginsburg remained at Temple of Aaron upon the recommendation of the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism. June 08, 2004 Rabbi Ginsburg resigned as the senior rabbi at Temple of Aaron, shortly after reaching an out-of-court settlement with a former congregation member who accused him of sexual misconduct. On June 26, 2002, Ginsburg and Temple of Aaron leaders wrote letters to the congregation. Ginsburg apologized "for an admittedly regrettable incident." The synagogue's board of directors said the rabbi "frankly acknowledged his errors in judgment and expressed his profound and deeply felt apologies." Just a few months after leaving the St. Paul synagogue, Rabbi Ginsburg was hired by Ezra Habonim/Niles Township Jewish Congregation in Skokie, IL. Now it appears Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg is telling his favorate jokes and teaching Torah on Youtube.

there is one person slndering these rabbis-a disgruntled woman who was scorned by this rabbi. here is the truth about them from few of the thousands they have helped Dear Rabbi, I want to thank you for posting your videos on how to conduct a Jewish funeral service. My mother recently passed away at my brother's home in Skokie where she had been living these past few years. My brother did not want to use a funeral home or synagogue for a service and I was comfortable having the service in his home. Then I realized that not only was I organizing the whole thing, but that I had little idea what to do, or what to include in the eulogy which I also had to write. I know that mom would be amused that I used the Internet and your YouTube videos to help me send her on her own journey. Many thanks, There are also no words to properly convey the depth of my appreciation to Rabbi Jonathan and Rabbi Gail, yet mere words will have to suffice. Thank you for this gift, for which I can never truly repay you. I will instead repay it by living, loving, and learning Jewishly more each day. Rob Feb 8 2009 Shalom Rabbi, Thanks again for everything. I'll have to admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I feel like I am starting over as a new man, a Jewish man who needs to be more responsible to be a light to others, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I made it home safe! Thank you with all my heart! Shalom Aleikhem, Hillel Dear Rabbi I just wanted to send you and Rabbi Gail a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life. I think the work you and Rabbi Gail are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know. With best wishes Leon from Australia Hi Rabbis I just wanted to check in with you since my conversion back in September. I'm so happy and thankful to have taken your online course it was so comprehensive and a great foundation for the start of my Jewish life and learning. Traveling to Skokie from Iowa to visit with you and have the conversion ceremony was very special to me. I hope you and your family are doing well. I'm anxious to continue my Jewish learning. what do you recommend? Mary Testimonials about the work of Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg and Rabbi Gail Ginsburg I just wanted to let you know that if I hadn't told you before that I appreciate all the things that you have done for in my path to Judaism. I wouldn't be where I am at today without your help. I also wanted to tell you that because of that help I will be going to Israel next fall to study at Darche Noam/Shapell's yeshiva. They accepted my application and I will be spending at least a year there. I will be leaving right before Elul. Thank you Rabbi! Mark This is a wonderful approach to conversion and a great deal financially. Thank you. Henry Dear Rabbi Ginsburg, I truly appreciate your words very much. The session are very well done and presented and Rabbi J. Ginsburg has become part of my life, a friend and teacher as I'm constantly watching his outstanding videos about all the different topics.In fact I'm planning to go this year to the States to your congregation to get the chance to meet you both personally. Regards, Roberto While searching online I came across your site. I visited several others, but frankly yours is the most detailed, well-thought, and professional of the lot. Rob just saw your YouTube videos and they caught my eye. They are quite honestly, some of the best I've seen on there! I'm a member of the video team, the leading "how-to" and expert online video site, (Maybe you caught our recent write-up in Time Magazine: just made their annual list of the 50 Best Websites of 2008!) and thought that you might be a perfect fit four our site. Our mission here at Howcast is to show people how to do practically anything with fun, informative how-to videos they'll actually want to watch -like yours! Your videos are so amazing, and I would love if we could include them on our site - " "I think it is your great communication ability which draws me to you as a Rabbi. Each and every message is well thought out and superbly communicated. I thank you very much for the enlightenment I receive from you. I realize that I am but another non-Jewish person working on my conversion to Judaism, so my opinion is somewhat less educated than some others, but I receive great pleasure from listening to you via ipod. Please let me encourage you as well as thank you for your efforts." Video impact and there is hope... Dear Rabbi, thank you for those excellent videos. I never knew anything about judaism until i visited some friends of mine in Israel ( Israeli's i went to college with) lol! at the time i was non practicing muslim(convert). After my experience there a month 2 weeks on a kibbutz and the other 2 weeks traveling around, I began studying a lot about the history of the country etc. It definitely changed my whole political philosophy and life in general. I am now a practicing nothing , but your videos are very informative and please keep it up.. Before going to Israel i did not realize how diverse Israel was in terms of race etc it definitely suprised me. Thank you again. Shalom Toda Raba Dear Rabbi: " I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time to develop and place online the series of videos covering the Jewish tradition, prayer and custom. I want to let you know that your videos I believe are very useful and I find it truly inspiring that -- when you made the videos --you had no idea that they would touch me or any other person, per se, yet you took the time to develop the series and had the foresight to see that people, myself included, would benefit from the series. Thank you. By way of background, I grew up outside of Boston in a Jewish household. I never, ever like Hebrew school and did just about everything I could to avoid or skip it. I was Bar Mitzvahed, then almost immediately -- to put it mildly -- religion fell out of favor with me. (It probably fell out of favor long before). Today is my 25th birthday. About six months ago when I was living in Boston, I called my cousin and said "Would you and your wife like to do Shabbat this weekend?" He says back "What do you mean by that?" ... I say, "I mean, I provide the Chullah, you provide the wine." ... About five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you want to do the candles?" ... I say "It wouldn't be shabbat without them." ... Five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you are serious." Every week after that, our Shabbat dinner stated to include more and more of the "grandchildren" (my cousins) and what was amazing is that there was no adult standing there telling us we had to do it. Now that I moved to Texas, I am getting involved in the local Temple, and it's really nice to have your refreshers to study and get up to speed. Thanks again and please keep posting new videos. With kind regards, Shalom Rabbi Just wanted to write a quick email to say how much I admire your work through your websites. I came across a video on youtube, which led me to reading more about your work, a fantastic idea. Although I don't come from a remote community in Scotland, our numbers are dwindling, ., I wish you lots of success and if I can be of help or support in promoting my word of mouth or any other way, I would be genuinely happy to do so. sCOTLAND Dear Rabbi, Thank you for the videos you have posted online. You are helping to make Judaism accessible. I am learning as an adult, and teaching my three-year-old son along the way. Thank you and best wishes, Martin Toronto, Canada Good evening Rabbi, My name is . While I am not Jewish, I was, at one time, a Jewish studies major during my undergraduate years. I stumbled across your video series a few days ago after reading an article on the Time magazine website that featured your video series as a new way of using YouTube as a conduit for religious discussion. I find them informative and interesting, so thanks for that. Islam and Judaism Thank you for the peaceful message on your video. Ibrahim, UK Thanks for the videos I thought I message you to thank you for taking the trouble to record all your very informative videos. For a non-jew (living in Ireland) they have been very educational (the jokes are particularly good - I'm still smiling at the passover one). All the best Conor Shalom I am not jewish but i find great joy in your videos because i am interested in different cultures. I have thought about conveting to judaism, but is so hard when youve brought up to believe in one thing ( more like brain washed). Please respond. Whitney general I love what you do ,you are a great rabbi and a great person Hi Rabbi, Your stuff from You tube is great keep it coming! B'shalom Curriculum Coordinator Hello! I teach 7th grade social studies. As part of the Indiana curriculum, we are to teach about the three religions that are centered in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our textbook is so politically correct, (Yes, it was printed right after 9/11 and goes way overboard on trying to portray Islam as most peaceful.), that it really doesn't say much about Judaism or Christianity - there is no substance. I have never used it to teach these lessons. Instead, I've worked really hard to find authentic sources that really explain how people from each of these religions live. I was thrilled to have discovered your videos on Youtube! Thank you so much for posting them! To be honest, living in this part of Indiana, I never get to meet people of the Jewish faith. I would love to be able to chat over a cup of coffee with someone someday to learn more. Thanks again so very much! P.S. My husband and I own the movie Ushpizin. It's one of our favorites, and we cry every time we see it. I show parts of it, too, in my class.

there is one person slndering these rabbis-a disgruntled woman who was scorned by this rabbi. here is the truth about them from few of the thousands they have helped Dear Rabbi, I want to thank you for posting your videos on how to conduct a Jewish funeral service. My mother recently passed away at my brother's home in Skokie where she had been living these past few years. My brother did not want to use a funeral home or synagogue for a service and I was comfortable having the service in his home. Then I realized that not only was I organizing the whole thing, but that I had little idea what to do, or what to include in the eulogy which I also had to write. I know that mom would be amused that I used the Internet and your YouTube videos to help me send her on her own journey. Many thanks, There are also no words to properly convey the depth of my appreciation to Rabbi Jonathan and Rabbi Gail, yet mere words will have to suffice. Thank you for this gift, for which I can never truly repay you. I will instead repay it by living, loving, and learning Jewishly more each day. Rob Feb 8 2009 Shalom Rabbi, Thanks again for everything. I'll have to admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I feel like I am starting over as a new man, a Jewish man who needs to be more responsible to be a light to others, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I made it home safe! Thank you with all my heart! Shalom Aleikhem, Hillel Dear Rabbi I just wanted to send you and Rabbi Gail a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life. I think the work you and Rabbi Gail are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know. With best wishes Leon from Australia Hi Rabbis I just wanted to check in with you since my conversion back in September. I'm so happy and thankful to have taken your online course it was so comprehensive and a great foundation for the start of my Jewish life and learning. Traveling to Skokie from Iowa to visit with you and have the conversion ceremony was very special to me. I hope you and your family are doing well. I'm anxious to continue my Jewish learning. what do you recommend? Mary Testimonials about the work of Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg and Rabbi Gail Ginsburg I just wanted to let you know that if I hadn't told you before that I appreciate all the things that you have done for in my path to Judaism. I wouldn't be where I am at today without your help. I also wanted to tell you that because of that help I will be going to Israel next fall to study at Darche Noam/Shapell's yeshiva. They accepted my application and I will be spending at least a year there. I will be leaving right before Elul. Thank you Rabbi! Mark This is a wonderful approach to conversion and a great deal financially. Thank you. Henry Dear Rabbi Ginsburg, I truly appreciate your words very much. The session are very well done and presented and Rabbi J. Ginsburg has become part of my life, a friend and teacher as I'm constantly watching his outstanding videos about all the different topics.In fact I'm planning to go this year to the States to your congregation to get the chance to meet you both personally. Regards, Roberto While searching online I came across your site. I visited several others, but frankly yours is the most detailed, well-thought, and professional of the lot. Rob just saw your YouTube videos and they caught my eye. They are quite honestly, some of the best I've seen on there! I'm a member of the video team, the leading "how-to" and expert online video site, (Maybe you caught our recent write-up in Time Magazine: just made their annual list of the 50 Best Websites of 2008!) and thought that you might be a perfect fit four our site. Our mission here at Howcast is to show people how to do practically anything with fun, informative how-to videos they'll actually want to watch -like yours! Your videos are so amazing, and I would love if we could include them on our site - " "I think it is your great communication ability which draws me to you as a Rabbi. Each and every message is well thought out and superbly communicated. I thank you very much for the enlightenment I receive from you. I realize that I am but another non-Jewish person working on my conversion to Judaism, so my opinion is somewhat less educated than some others, but I receive great pleasure from listening to you via ipod. Please let me encourage you as well as thank you for your efforts." Video impact and there is hope... Dear Rabbi, thank you for those excellent videos. I never knew anything about judaism until i visited some friends of mine in Israel ( Israeli's i went to college with) lol! at the time i was non practicing muslim(convert). After my experience there a month 2 weeks on a kibbutz and the other 2 weeks traveling around, I began studying a lot about the history of the country etc. It definitely changed my whole political philosophy and life in general. I am now a practicing nothing , but your videos are very informative and please keep it up.. Before going to Israel i did not realize how diverse Israel was in terms of race etc it definitely suprised me. Thank you again. Shalom Toda Raba Dear Rabbi: " I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time to develop and place online the series of videos covering the Jewish tradition, prayer and custom. I want to let you know that your videos I believe are very useful and I find it truly inspiring that -- when you made the videos --you had no idea that they would touch me or any other person, per se, yet you took the time to develop the series and had the foresight to see that people, myself included, would benefit from the series. Thank you. By way of background, I grew up outside of Boston in a Jewish household. I never, ever like Hebrew school and did just about everything I could to avoid or skip it. I was Bar Mitzvahed, then almost immediately -- to put it mildly -- religion fell out of favor with me. (It probably fell out of favor long before). Today is my 25th birthday. About six months ago when I was living in Boston, I called my cousin and said "Would you and your wife like to do Shabbat this weekend?" He says back "What do you mean by that?" ... I say, "I mean, I provide the Chullah, you provide the wine." ... About five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you want to do the candles?" ... I say "It wouldn't be shabbat without them." ... Five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you are serious." Every week after that, our Shabbat dinner stated to include more and more of the "grandchildren" (my cousins) and what was amazing is that there was no adult standing there telling us we had to do it. Now that I moved to Texas, I am getting involved in the local Temple, and it's really nice to have your refreshers to study and get up to speed. Thanks again and please keep posting new videos. With kind regards, Shalom Rabbi Just wanted to write a quick email to say how much I admire your work through your websites. I came across a video on youtube, which led me to reading more about your work, a fantastic idea. Although I don't come from a remote community in Scotland, our numbers are dwindling, ., I wish you lots of success and if I can be of help or support in promoting my word of mouth or any other way, I would be genuinely happy to do so. sCOTLAND Dear Rabbi, Thank you for the videos you have posted online. You are helping to make Judaism accessible. I am learning as an adult, and teaching my three-year-old son along the way. Thank you and best wishes, Martin Toronto, Canada Good evening Rabbi, My name is . While I am not Jewish, I was, at one time, a Jewish studies major during my undergraduate years. I stumbled across your video series a few days ago after reading an article on the Time magazine website that featured your video series as a new way of using YouTube as a conduit for religious discussion. I find them informative and interesting, so thanks for that. Islam and Judaism Thank you for the peaceful message on your video. Ibrahim, UK Thanks for the videos I thought I message you to thank you for taking the trouble to record all your very informative videos. For a non-jew (living in Ireland) they have been very educational (the jokes are particularly good - I'm still smiling at the passover one). All the best Conor Shalom I am not jewish but i find great joy in your videos because i am interested in different cultures. I have thought about conveting to judaism, but is so hard when youve brought up to believe in one thing ( more like brain washed). Please respond. Whitney general I love what you do ,you are a great rabbi and a great person Hi Rabbi, Your stuff from You tube is great keep it coming! B'shalom Curriculum Coordinator Hello! I teach 7th grade social studies. As part of the Indiana curriculum, we are to teach about the three religions that are centered in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our textbook is so politically correct, (Yes, it was printed right after 9/11 and goes way overboard on trying to portray Islam as most peaceful.), that it really doesn't say much about Judaism or Christianity - there is no substance. I have never used it to teach these lessons. Instead, I've worked really hard to find authentic sources that really explain how people from each of these religions live. I was thrilled to have discovered your videos on Youtube! Thank you so much for posting them! To be honest, living in this part of Indiana, I never get to meet people of the Jewish faith. I would love to be able to chat over a cup of coffee with someone someday to learn more. Thanks again so very much! P.S. My husband and I own the movie Ushpizin. It's one of our favorites, and we cry every time we see it. I show parts of it, too, in my class.

there is one person slndering these rabbis-a disgruntled woman who was scorned by this rabbi. here is the truth about them from few of the thousands they have helped Dear Rabbi, I want to thank you for posting your videos on how to conduct a Jewish funeral service. My mother recently passed away at my brother's home in Skokie where she had been living these past few years. My brother did not want to use a funeral home or synagogue for a service and I was comfortable having the service in his home. Then I realized that not only was I organizing the whole thing, but that I had little idea what to do, or what to include in the eulogy which I also had to write. I know that mom would be amused that I used the Internet and your YouTube videos to help me send her on her own journey. Many thanks, There are also no words to properly convey the depth of my appreciation to Rabbi Jonathan and Rabbi Gail, yet mere words will have to suffice. Thank you for this gift, for which I can never truly repay you. I will instead repay it by living, loving, and learning Jewishly more each day. Rob Feb 8 2009 Shalom Rabbi, Thanks again for everything. I'll have to admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I feel like I am starting over as a new man, a Jewish man who needs to be more responsible to be a light to others, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I made it home safe! Thank you with all my heart! Shalom Aleikhem, Hillel Dear Rabbi I just wanted to send you and Rabbi Gail a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life. I think the work you and Rabbi Gail are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know. With best wishes Leon from Australia Hi Rabbis I just wanted to check in with you since my conversion back in September. I'm so happy and thankful to have taken your online course it was so comprehensive and a great foundation for the start of my Jewish life and learning. Traveling to Skokie from Iowa to visit with you and have the conversion ceremony was very special to me. I hope you and your family are doing well. I'm anxious to continue my Jewish learning. what do you recommend? Mary Testimonials about the work of Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg and Rabbi Gail Ginsburg I just wanted to let you know that if I hadn't told you before that I appreciate all the things that you have done for in my path to Judaism. I wouldn't be where I am at today without your help. I also wanted to tell you that because of that help I will be going to Israel next fall to study at Darche Noam/Shapell's yeshiva. They accepted my application and I will be spending at least a year there. I will be leaving right before Elul. Thank you Rabbi! Mark This is a wonderful approach to conversion and a great deal financially. Thank you. Henry Dear Rabbi Ginsburg, I truly appreciate your words very much. The session are very well done and presented and Rabbi J. Ginsburg has become part of my life, a friend and teacher as I'm constantly watching his outstanding videos about all the different topics.In fact I'm planning to go this year to the States to your congregation to get the chance to meet you both personally. Regards, Roberto While searching online I came across your site. I visited several others, but frankly yours is the most detailed, well-thought, and professional of the lot. Rob just saw your YouTube videos and they caught my eye. They are quite honestly, some of the best I've seen on there! I'm a member of the video team, the leading "how-to" and expert online video site, (Maybe you caught our recent write-up in Time Magazine: just made their annual list of the 50 Best Websites of 2008!) and thought that you might be a perfect fit four our site. Our mission here at Howcast is to show people how to do practically anything with fun, informative how-to videos they'll actually want to watch -like yours! Your videos are so amazing, and I would love if we could include them on our site - " "I think it is your great communication ability which draws me to you as a Rabbi. Each and every message is well thought out and superbly communicated. I thank you very much for the enlightenment I receive from you. I realize that I am but another non-Jewish person working on my conversion to Judaism, so my opinion is somewhat less educated than some others, but I receive great pleasure from listening to you via ipod. Please let me encourage you as well as thank you for your efforts." Video impact and there is hope... Dear Rabbi, thank you for those excellent videos. I never knew anything about judaism until i visited some friends of mine in Israel ( Israeli's i went to college with) lol! at the time i was non practicing muslim(convert). After my experience there a month 2 weeks on a kibbutz and the other 2 weeks traveling around, I began studying a lot about the history of the country etc. It definitely changed my whole political philosophy and life in general. I am now a practicing nothing , but your videos are very informative and please keep it up.. Before going to Israel i did not realize how diverse Israel was in terms of race etc it definitely suprised me. Thank you again. Shalom Toda Raba Dear Rabbi: " I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time to develop and place online the series of videos covering the Jewish tradition, prayer and custom. I want to let you know that your videos I believe are very useful and I find it truly inspiring that -- when you made the videos --you had no idea that they would touch me or any other person, per se, yet you took the time to develop the series and had the foresight to see that people, myself included, would benefit from the series. Thank you. By way of background, I grew up outside of Boston in a Jewish household. I never, ever like Hebrew school and did just about everything I could to avoid or skip it. I was Bar Mitzvahed, then almost immediately -- to put it mildly -- religion fell out of favor with me. (It probably fell out of favor long before). Today is my 25th birthday. About six months ago when I was living in Boston, I called my cousin and said "Would you and your wife like to do Shabbat this weekend?" He says back "What do you mean by that?" ... I say, "I mean, I provide the Chullah, you provide the wine." ... About five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you want to do the candles?" ... I say "It wouldn't be shabbat without them." ... Five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you are serious." Every week after that, our Shabbat dinner stated to include more and more of the "grandchildren" (my cousins) and what was amazing is that there was no adult standing there telling us we had to do it. Now that I moved to Texas, I am getting involved in the local Temple, and it's really nice to have your refreshers to study and get up to speed. Thanks again and please keep posting new videos. With kind regards, Shalom Rabbi Just wanted to write a quick email to say how much I admire your work through your websites. I came across a video on youtube, which led me to reading more about your work, a fantastic idea. Although I don't come from a remote community in Scotland, our numbers are dwindling, ., I wish you lots of success and if I can be of help or support in promoting my word of mouth or any other way, I would be genuinely happy to do so. sCOTLAND Dear Rabbi, Thank you for the videos you have posted online. You are helping to make Judaism accessible. I am learning as an adult, and teaching my three-year-old son along the way. Thank you and best wishes, Martin Toronto, Canada Good evening Rabbi, My name is . While I am not Jewish, I was, at one time, a Jewish studies major during my undergraduate years. I stumbled across your video series a few days ago after reading an article on the Time magazine website that featured your video series as a new way of using YouTube as a conduit for religious discussion. I find them informative and interesting, so thanks for that. Islam and Judaism Thank you for the peaceful message on your video. Ibrahim, UK Thanks for the videos I thought I message you to thank you for taking the trouble to record all your very informative videos. For a non-jew (living in Ireland) they have been very educational (the jokes are particularly good - I'm still smiling at the passover one). All the best Conor Shalom I am not jewish but i find great joy in your videos because i am interested in different cultures. I have thought about conveting to judaism, but is so hard when youve brought up to believe in one thing ( more like brain washed). Please respond. Whitney general I love what you do ,you are a great rabbi and a great person Hi Rabbi, Your stuff from You tube is great keep it coming! B'shalom Curriculum Coordinator Hello! I teach 7th grade social studies. As part of the Indiana curriculum, we are to teach about the three religions that are centered in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our textbook is so politically correct, (Yes, it was printed right after 9/11 and goes way overboard on trying to portray Islam as most peaceful.), that it really doesn't say much about Judaism or Christianity - there is no substance. I have never used it to teach these lessons. Instead, I've worked really hard to find authentic sources that really explain how people from each of these religions live. I was thrilled to have discovered your videos on Youtube! Thank you so much for posting them! To be honest, living in this part of Indiana, I never get to meet people of the Jewish faith. I would love to be able to chat over a cup of coffee with someone someday to learn more. Thanks again so very much! P.S. My husband and I own the movie Ushpizin. It's one of our favorites, and we cry every time we see it. I show parts of it, too, in my class.

there is one person slndering these rabbis-a disgruntled woman who was scorned by this rabbi. here is the truth about them from few of the thousands they have helped Dear Rabbi, I want to thank you for posting your videos on how to conduct a Jewish funeral service. My mother recently passed away at my brother's home in Skokie where she had been living these past few years. My brother did not want to use a funeral home or synagogue for a service and I was comfortable having the service in his home. Then I realized that not only was I organizing the whole thing, but that I had little idea what to do, or what to include in the eulogy which I also had to write. I know that mom would be amused that I used the Internet and your YouTube videos to help me send her on her own journey. Many thanks, There are also no words to properly convey the depth of my appreciation to Rabbi Jonathan and Rabbi Gail, yet mere words will have to suffice. Thank you for this gift, for which I can never truly repay you. I will instead repay it by living, loving, and learning Jewishly more each day. Rob Feb 8 2009 Shalom Rabbi, Thanks again for everything. I'll have to admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I feel like I am starting over as a new man, a Jewish man who needs to be more responsible to be a light to others, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I made it home safe! Thank you with all my heart! Shalom Aleikhem, Hillel Dear Rabbi I just wanted to send you and Rabbi Gail a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life. I think the work you and Rabbi Gail are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know. With best wishes Leon from Australia Hi Rabbis I just wanted to check in with you since my conversion back in September. I'm so happy and thankful to have taken your online course it was so comprehensive and a great foundation for the start of my Jewish life and learning. Traveling to Skokie from Iowa to visit with you and have the conversion ceremony was very special to me. I hope you and your family are doing well. I'm anxious to continue my Jewish learning. what do you recommend? Mary Testimonials about the work of Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg and Rabbi Gail Ginsburg I just wanted to let you know that if I hadn't told you before that I appreciate all the things that you have done for in my path to Judaism. I wouldn't be where I am at today without your help. I also wanted to tell you that because of that help I will be going to Israel next fall to study at Darche Noam/Shapell's yeshiva. They accepted my application and I will be spending at least a year there. I will be leaving right before Elul. Thank you Rabbi! Mark This is a wonderful approach to conversion and a great deal financially. Thank you. Henry Dear Rabbi Ginsburg, I truly appreciate your words very much. The session are very well done and presented and Rabbi J. Ginsburg has become part of my life, a friend and teacher as I'm constantly watching his outstanding videos about all the different topics.In fact I'm planning to go this year to the States to your congregation to get the chance to meet you both personally. Regards, Roberto While searching online I came across your site. I visited several others, but frankly yours is the most detailed, well-thought, and professional of the lot. Rob just saw your YouTube videos and they caught my eye. They are quite honestly, some of the best I've seen on there! I'm a member of the video team, the leading "how-to" and expert online video site, (Maybe you caught our recent write-up in Time Magazine: just made their annual list of the 50 Best Websites of 2008!) and thought that you might be a perfect fit four our site. Our mission here at Howcast is to show people how to do practically anything with fun, informative how-to videos they'll actually want to watch -like yours! Your videos are so amazing, and I would love if we could include them on our site - " "I think it is your great communication ability which draws me to you as a Rabbi. Each and every message is well thought out and superbly communicated. I thank you very much for the enlightenment I receive from you. I realize that I am but another non-Jewish person working on my conversion to Judaism, so my opinion is somewhat less educated than some others, but I receive great pleasure from listening to you via ipod. Please let me encourage you as well as thank you for your efforts." Video impact and there is hope... Dear Rabbi, thank you for those excellent videos. I never knew anything about judaism until i visited some friends of mine in Israel ( Israeli's i went to college with) lol! at the time i was non practicing muslim(convert). After my experience there a month 2 weeks on a kibbutz and the other 2 weeks traveling around, I began studying a lot about the history of the country etc. It definitely changed my whole political philosophy and life in general. I am now a practicing nothing , but your videos are very informative and please keep it up.. Before going to Israel i did not realize how diverse Israel was in terms of race etc it definitely suprised me. Thank you again. Shalom Toda Raba Dear Rabbi: " I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time to develop and place online the series of videos covering the Jewish tradition, prayer and custom. I want to let you know that your videos I believe are very useful and I find it truly inspiring that -- when you made the videos --you had no idea that they would touch me or any other person, per se, yet you took the time to develop the series and had the foresight to see that people, myself included, would benefit from the series. Thank you. By way of background, I grew up outside of Boston in a Jewish household. I never, ever like Hebrew school and did just about everything I could to avoid or skip it. I was Bar Mitzvahed, then almost immediately -- to put it mildly -- religion fell out of favor with me. (It probably fell out of favor long before). Today is my 25th birthday. About six months ago when I was living in Boston, I called my cousin and said "Would you and your wife like to do Shabbat this weekend?" He says back "What do you mean by that?" ... I say, "I mean, I provide the Chullah, you provide the wine." ... About five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you want to do the candles?" ... I say "It wouldn't be shabbat without them." ... Five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you are serious." Every week after that, our Shabbat dinner stated to include more and more of the "grandchildren" (my cousins) and what was amazing is that there was no adult standing there telling us we had to do it. Now that I moved to Texas, I am getting involved in the local Temple, and it's really nice to have your refreshers to study and get up to speed. Thanks again and please keep posting new videos. With kind regards, Shalom Rabbi Just wanted to write a quick email to say how much I admire your work through your websites. I came across a video on youtube, which led me to reading more about your work, a fantastic idea. Although I don't come from a remote community in Scotland, our numbers are dwindling, ., I wish you lots of success and if I can be of help or support in promoting my word of mouth or any other way, I would be genuinely happy to do so. sCOTLAND Dear Rabbi, Thank you for the videos you have posted online. You are helping to make Judaism accessible. I am learning as an adult, and teaching my three-year-old son along the way. Thank you and best wishes, Martin Toronto, Canada Good evening Rabbi, My name is . While I am not Jewish, I was, at one time, a Jewish studies major during my undergraduate years. I stumbled across your video series a few days ago after reading an article on the Time magazine website that featured your video series as a new way of using YouTube as a conduit for religious discussion. I find them informative and interesting, so thanks for that. Islam and Judaism Thank you for the peaceful message on your video. Ibrahim, UK Thanks for the videos I thought I message you to thank you for taking the trouble to record all your very informative videos. For a non-jew (living in Ireland) they have been very educational (the jokes are particularly good - I'm still smiling at the passover one). All the best Conor Shalom I am not jewish but i find great joy in your videos because i am interested in different cultures. I have thought about conveting to judaism, but is so hard when youve brought up to believe in one thing ( more like brain washed). Please respond. Whitney general I love what you do ,you are a great rabbi and a great person Hi Rabbi, Your stuff from You tube is great keep it coming! B'shalom Curriculum Coordinator Hello! I teach 7th grade social studies. As part of the Indiana curriculum, we are to teach about the three religions that are centered in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our textbook is so politically correct, (Yes, it was printed right after 9/11 and goes way overboard on trying to portray Islam as most peaceful.), that it really doesn't say much about Judaism or Christianity - there is no substance. I have never used it to teach these lessons. Instead, I've worked really hard to find authentic sources that really explain how people from each of these religions live. I was thrilled to have discovered your videos on Youtube! Thank you so much for posting them! To be honest, living in this part of Indiana, I never get to meet people of the Jewish faith. I would love to be able to chat over a cup of coffee with someone someday to learn more. Thanks again so very much! P.S. My husband and I own the movie Ushpizin. It's one of our favorites, and we cry every time we see it. I show parts of it, too, in my class.