Kalman Packouz

Rabbi Kalman Packouz is an Orthodox rabbi (born in Portland, Oregon) who has pioneered various Jewish educational initiatives geared towards baal teshuva ("returness to Judaism") outreach. In 1979, after receiving rabbinical ordination in Jerusalem, Packouz started the first Aish HaTorah branch in St. Louis. In 1980 he founded the Jewish Computer Dating Service which earned him an appearance on The Today Show.

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."

In 1992 Packouz launched the [http://www.shabbatshalom.org/ Shabbat Shalom Weekly] , one of the most widely-read electronic publication in the Jewish world, with tens of thousands of copies distributed each week via fax and email.

In 1997 Packouz created [http://www.thewall.org/ Window on the Wall] , a 24-hour live webcam from the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The site has since logged 20 million visits and been featured on CNN and The New York Times.

Packouz served for 10 years as executive director of Aish HaTorah international operations, and is currently head of the Miami office of Aish HaTorah's worldwide programs.

Packouz is married and the father of nine children.