IsraelCast Episode 102

"Our system of government is based on our religion and this is what our people want. Should they seek alternatives, we are ready to listen to them. We are all in the same boat, and they are both captain and crew."

The founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed, encouraged the involvement of people of all ages, nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds - which has helped Rabbi Levi Duchman establish a strong Jewish community in the UAE. Listen to Steven Shalowitz speak with Rabbi Duchman on the coexistence of different religions in the region and the process of practicing Judaism.

Rabbi Levi Duchman is the first Rabbi of the UAE and has been residing in the Emirates since 2015. He is an executive member and co-founder of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic Countries (ARIS), and works closely with the Jewish communities in the MENA region. Rabbi Levi leads the Jewish Communities around the United Arab Emirates assisting both residents and tourists throughout the country. He is one of the founding members and the first Rabbi of the Beit Tefilah Synagogue in Abu Dhabi. When the Rabbi first arrived, he began the educational arm of the Jewish community which today has centers both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Educating the leaders of tomorrow is one of the most important responsibilities of any community. This is what led to the Rabbi opening the Mini Miracles Nursery, the first of its kind in the Middle East. In November 2020, Rabbi Levi was also announced the Chabad emissary to United Arab Emirates by the Chabad-Lubavitch. Rabbi Duchman serves as the GCC representative for the internationally acclaimed Aleph Institute to support families and provides spiritual assistance to institutionalized Jews in the GCC. He is currently working on the constructing the first Mikvah in the UAE.