Raphael Evers

Rabbi Dr. Raphael Evers (born 1954) is a Dutch rabbi and one of the chief rabbis of The Netherlands.

He has been connected as a rabbi to the "Nederlands Israëlitisch Kerkgenootschap" (Dutch Israelite Religious Community) (NIK) since 1990; he is also dean of the "Nederlands Israëlitisch Seminarium" (Dutch Israelite Seminary) (where Dutch rabbis and Jewish teachers are trained). Evers finished two studies - Psychology and Fiscal Law - and was granted rabbinical authorization in 1989 from several distinguished rabbinical authorities. Evers is known for his immense knowledge on almost all facets of Judaism.Fact|date=July 2008

Personal life

Evers and his wife Channa have ten children and three grandsons. Evers was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Amsterdam-West, where his mother Bloeme Evers-Emden still fulfills an important role in the local neighborhood synagogue. He once called his family his biggest hobby.

Additional functions and activities

Evers is secretary of the "Nederlands College voor Rabbinale Zaken" (Dutch College for Rabbinical Affairs) and secretary on the board of the "Bijbels Museum" (Biblical Museum) in Amsterdam. Furthermore he is a member of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) and of the "Joods Marokkaans Netwerk Amsterdam" (Jewish Moroccan Network Amsterdam). Because of his work for and in name of the Dutch Jewish community Evers was given a place in the Golden Book of Moroccan Judaism; he was also honored for his 25-year jubilee at the "Nederlands Israëlitisch Seminarium".

After the murder of Theo van Gogh on November 2, 2004, Evers presented, alongside representatives of Christian and Muslim communities, a so-called "Samenlevingscontract" (Cohabitation Agreement) to the chairman of the Dutch Second Chamber.

Publications

Rabbi Evers has produced several publications on different Jewish topics. Books he has written include:
* "Tsedaka" (on giving money to poor people);
* "Kaddiesj-gebed" (lit.: Kaddish Prayer);
* "Aan tafel bij de rabbijn" (lit.: "Sharing meals with the rabbi" - on eating and drinking from a Biblical perspective);
* "Talmoedisch denken" (lit.: "Talmudic thinking" - on how to interpret the rules of the Talmud);
* "Oude wijn in nieuwe zakken" (lit.: "Old wine in new bags" - on current events in the Jewish community);
* "Tijd van leven" (lit.: "Time of living" - on the 24-hour economy);
* "Op het leven!" (lit.: "On life!" - on medical-ethical topics out of a Jewish perspective);
* "Geen bloemen, wel bezoek" (lit.: "No flowers, although there are visitors" - on dieing and mourning); and
* "De Echte Thora" (lit.: "The Real Thora" - on the history of the Talmud).Evers has also written books and articles concerning rabbinical topics in Hebrew. Furthermore he writes articles on a regular basis in newspapers and magazines, and study material that is used in Dutch schools. He is a frequent representative of the Jewish point of view on radio and television and during debates and lectures.