Some articles by Rabbi Baum
The Day of Thanks
Is Half-Shabbos Really No Shabbos?
The Klal Perspectives Journal
Do We Need Another Modern Orthodox Organization?
Respecting the Sensitive, Nuanced Work of the OU and Their Poskim
On Rabbi Lookstein's Judgment
Vayeshev: The importance of family unity
Hands on the Kotel
About Our Rabbi
RABBI SHALOM BAUM has been the Rav at Keter Torah since September 2003. Before coming to Teaneck, he served as Rav of Congregation Ahavath Achim in Fairfield, Connecticut for nine years. Rabbi Baum received his smicha from RIETS, studying with Rabbi Yehudah Parnes at Yeshiva University, and learned at the Advanced Kollel at Yeshivat Shaalvim in Israel, where he served as its North American representative. He earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Benjamin Cardozo Law School and worked as a clerk for the Surrogate's Court of New York City.
Active in many community organizations, Rabbi Baum has led numerous missions to Israel, prompting the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Tehilla to recognize Rabbi Baum for his commitment to promoting Aliyah and visits to Israel. While in Connecticut, Rabbi Baum founded the Fairfield Jewish Experience, an independent outreach organization that has inspired hundreds of unaffiliated Jews.He has served as President of the Rabbinical Council of America ("RCA") and is currently the Honorary President. His articles have appeared in a number of Jewish magazines and books.
Here in the Keter Torah community, Rabbi Baum has striven to increase learning opportunities for adults and children with many innovative and well attended shiurim and lectures. Our shul has seen the addition of many new minyanim and a significant increase in membership over the last several years. Rabbi Baum encourages the lay leadership to take active leadership roles at the shul. He promotes solidarity with Israel through his involvement with NORPAC & AIPAC.
Rabbi Baum and his wife Debbie are the parents of Yoni, Dovid, and Esti & Meira.