Introduction
Kalman Packouz is an Orthodox rabbi who has pioneered various Jewish educational initiatives geared towards baalei teshuva ("returnee to Judaism") outreach.
Biography
Packouz was raised in Portland, Oregon and attended Temple Beth Israel, a reform temple. In 1979, after receiving rabbinical ordination in Jerusalem, Packouz started the first Aish HaTorah branch in St. Louis. Packouz served for ten years as executive director of Aish HaTorah international operations, and is currently head of the Miami office of Aish HaTorah's worldwide programs. He is a contributor to simpletoremember.com. He is also a special correspondent for The Sun Sentinel. He is married and the father of nine children, including former international arms dealer and inventor David Packouz.
Intermarriage book
Packouz speaks out on Jewish continuity through marriage, and in 1976 authored the book, "How to Stop an Intermarriage." The book was recently expanded and retitled as: "How to Prevent an Intermarriage - A Guide For Parents to Prevent Broken Hearts."
Shabbat Shalom Weekly
In 1992, Packouz launched the Shabbat Shalom Weekly, an electronic publication distributed each week via fax and email.
Kotel Webcam
In 1997, Packouz created Window on the Wall, a 24-hour live webcam from the Western Wall in Jerusalem.