Aish HaTorah (which means “Fire of Torah”) was founded in Jerusalem by Rabbi Noah Weinberg in 1974. A world leader in Jewish educational programs and leadership training, this international organization is dedicated to revitalizing the Jewish people by providing opportunities for Jews of all backgrounds to discover their heritage in an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect. As a long-time supporter, Ira Riklis particularly likes the group’s open-minded approach to the study of Judaism. While the group is founded on strictly Orthodox principles, it holds as a central tenet that “Every Jew is worthy of profound respect, no matter their level of observance, knowledge or affiliation. We never know who is a better Jew.”
The name Aish HaTorah was inspired by the Talmudic story of a shepherd named Rebbe Akiva. In the story he came across a stone into which a hole had formed by a slow-but-steady drip of water. In a flash of insight, he saw that just as soft as water could carve a hole in solid rock, so then could the Torah—which is fire—make an indelible impression on his heart. Inspired, he committed himself to study the Torah, and went on to become the greatest sage of his generation. Ira Riklis appreciates that the group holds to the essence of that story in their teachings. For him, as for them, Judaism is not all or nothing; it is a journey where every step counts, to be pursued according to one’s own pace and interest.