Newtown Rabbi Launches

Spiritual News Television

Newtown Rabbi Shaul Praver will launch a spiritually based television news program next month aimed at bringing viewers exposure to positive happenings in their community. The show, Rabbi Rock, is scheduled to begin airing in late June at 8 pm on Sundays on Channel 21, Charter Media, in the 14 towns surrounding Newtown.

“For as long as I can remember, I always found that negative world events were more likely to be considered newsworthy,” said Rabbi Praver. “And because of the negative trend in national news, I felt there was a ‘wag the dog’ syndrome. News is no longer simply reporting, it’s creating an atmosphere of negativity that begets more of the same. Whereas, there is a plethora of positive events taking place throughout the world that are rarely reported. If people were inundated with such positive stories, I believe more positive things would happen in the world.”

Indeed, this philosophy is just the motivating force behind Rabbi Rock. Guests so far include renowned spiritual singer Neshama Carlebach, “Life-after-life” scholar and author Rabbi Jacob Astor, and spiritual leader Rabbi David Blumenfeld. Dr Michael Taweh, founder of Kevin’s Community Center, was featured as well. Dr Taweh founded the clinic in memory of his son, Kevin, to provide free health care for all uninsured Newtown residents.

“This is exactly the type of person who is doing incredibly positive things for the community,” said Rabbi Praver, “but who often will not be featured in mainstream news shows. I hope Rabbi Rock helps provide a forum for the good work Dr Taweh and others are doing.”

Upcoming guests include best-selling author Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, author of The River of Light, and musical phenomenon Pharoh’s Daughter.

Rabbi Rock begins with a five- to seven-minute sermon from Rabbi Praver followed by his interview of the guest for about 10–15 minutes. The remainder of the half-hour segment is devoted to live Jewish music, a special passion for Rabbi Praver who is also a professional cantor and musician. Rabbi Praver is the rabbi and spiritual leader of Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown.