kiruv

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ki·ruv

(kē′ro͞ov)

The practice of turning secularized Jews toward Orthodox Judaism.

[Mishnaic Hebrew qîrûb, bringing near, rapprochement, from Hebrew qērēb, to bring near, derived stem of qārab, he came near; see qrb in Semitic roots.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ki•ruv

(ˈki ruv)
n.

Hebrew. the act or practice of bringing secularized Jews closer to Judaism, esp. Orthodox Judaism, as through seminars, meetings, and religious rituals.

[1980–85; literally, a bringing or coming near; nearing]

References in periodicals archive ?

Chabad is notable for its evangelical approach or outreach--"kiruv" in Hebrew--mostly towards assimilated Jews, but also towards Gentiles.

Balakirsky Katz, Maya. The Visual Culture of Chabad

show[ing] less and less interest in the entirety of the Jewish people, except as targets for kiruv [outreach]." Stern is pleading (wistfully, as he sees the"golden age" now in decline) for a continuing modus vivendi which will see the interaction--if not integration--of Orthodox Jewish professionals with less or non-observant Jews all in service to a shared political and legal agenda.

The Relationship of Orthodox Jews with Jews of Other Religious Ideologies and Non-Beheving Jews

Despite tremendous pressures and persecutions (including imprisonment and the threat of death), Rabbi Zilber remained a principle and influential figure in the kiruv movement and an inspiration to his fellow Jews in both the Soviet Union and Eretz Yisrael.

The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Rebbe hated the expression kiruv r'chokin, used by outreach professionals, who bring Jews that are "far" closer to G-d.

What is your favorite Jewish book (other than the Torah and the Talmud)?

Outreach is certainly a prevalent word within Orthodox circles, and it is often called Kiruv. There is, however, a fundamental and troubling difference between the two outreach programs.

An Orthodox perspective

The "father" to unfortunate Jews in the Soviet Union and Eretz Yisrael, and an important figure in the kiruv movement in Eretz Yisrael and in the Diaspora, Rav Yitzchok was renowned for standing up for his beliefs and encouraging hundreds of others to do the same.