Elie Kaunfer


Elie Kaunfer is an American rabbi who serves as president and CEO of Yeshivat Hadar in Manhattan. Kaunfer has been named as a leading American rabbi by The [Jewish Daily Forward|The Forward] and Newsweek.

Career

Kaunfer received a doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America; his dissertation concerned Jewish liturgy. Kaunfer was a co-founder and served as the executive director of Mechon Hadar, also known as Yeshivat Hadar. He was also a co-founder of the independent minyan Kehilat Hadar affiliated with the institute. Additionally, he served as a fellow at the Avi Chai Foundation. Aside from his rabbinic role at Hadar, Kaunfer worked in journalism and banking.

Publications

Kaunfer authored a book on the rise of independent Jewish congregations and their contribution to building Jewish communities:
Other publications include:
  • Kaunfer, E. Applying Jewish Wisdom to Philanthropy: The Case of Aggripas and the Sages, Journal of Jewish Education 85, 349-361.