The Jewish Community in Prague will be holding a conference dedicated to the life and immortal work of the great thinker and rabbi, the Maharal of Prague (Judah Loew ben Bezalel), the 400th anniversary of whose death we commemorate this year and whose memory is a blessing to us. The Jewish Community in Prague will be providing a considerable financial contribution for the conference. In preparing and organizing this event, we are cooperating with the World Zionist Organization – Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora and other institutions, such as Ariel University Center of Samaria, Charles University in Prague, the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and the Jewish Museum in Prague. The conference will take place in Prague on September 7–9, 2009 (18–20 Elul, 5769).

We hereby cordially invite you to take part in the conference and in other events that will be held during the conference. About 120 participants are expected.

The conference seeks to bring about a full discussion on such topics as the Prague Maharal’s role in the life of Ashkenazi Jewry at the beginning of the modern era, his position in the Jewish religious philosophy of his period, and the importance of his spiritual legacy to modern Jewish philosophy and life. This special event will be attended by internationally renowned experts across the rabbinic and academic world. The official languages of the conference will be English and Hebrew.

The following events will be held as part of the conference:

• Group visit to the Maharal’s grave
• Ceremonial opening of the conference
• Gala reception at an historical venue
• Visit to the exhibition on the Prague Maharal
• Visit to the Jewish Museum in Prague

We would be honored by your presence at this important conference to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of the Prague Maharal. The Prague Maharal is unique in the Jewish world and we anticipate that many pilgrims will visit Prague to pray at his grave. Our conference will give you an opportunity to visit unique Jewish sites in Prague, celebrate the anniversary and see a rare exhibition. We hope that, together with you, we will commemorate this important anniversary with dignity and come away with new knowledge and special memories.


Best regards,

František Banyai	R. Efraim K. Sidon	Peter Gyori
Chairman of the Jewish Community in Prague	Chief Rabbi of Prague and the Czech Republic	Conference Director