What We Do…
The Department of Community Engagement provides vision, leadership, and programmatic support to Orthodox communities and congregations throughout North America. Our goal is to strengthen our communities, member congregations, and their constituencies, by providing religious, educational, social, and cultural programming on relevant and timely issues that impact upon the lives of individuals and families. We are readily available to provide an array of programming, design and promotional services to implement cohesive and successful programs or give support and guidance to help communities present their own events.
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Who We Are…
Rabbi Yaakov Glasser
Managing Director, Communal Engagement
Rabbi Yaakov Glasser is the Managing Director of Communal Engagement at the Orthodox Union, where he plays a pivotal role in strengthening Jewish communities. Previously, he served as the International Director of Education for NCSY and as the Regional Director of New Jersey NCSY, inspiring Jewish youth through innovative programming and education. He is also the Rabbi Emeritus of the Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton and formerly the Dean of Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future. Known for his dynamic teaching and leadership, Rabbi Glasser connects Torah values to modern life, impacting communities across generations.
Rabbi Simon Taylor
National Director, Communal Engagement
Born and raised in London, Rabbi Taylor is an internationally acclaimed dynamic educator from the United Kingdom. He has worked for several different communal organizations including the United Synagogue, Bnei Akiva and Aish UK, where he was Director of the Schools Department. His last appointment in the UK was as a British Army Chaplain and has remained a reserve chaplain at the rank of Major. Rabbi Taylor was scouted by NCSY to become Regional Director for New England and from there transitioned to New York Regional Director. Currently, Rabbi Taylor serves as National Director of the Orthodox Union’s Communal Engagement where he oversees the management and growth of all it’s transformative community programs. Rabbi Taylor currently resides in Cedarhurst, New York with his wife Leanne and 5 children.