January/February 2010

Rabbi Hammer lectured throughout the State of Florida. He served as Scholar in Residence in Boca Raton as well as in the Young Israel of Bal Harbor. Rabbi Hammer spoke in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Sarasota, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Hollywood, Royal Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. Schools included Hochberg Preparatory School, Greenfield Hebrew Academy, Brauser Maimonides Academy, Marvin J Gottlieb Solomon Shechter Jacksonville, Goldie Feldman Academy, Beth Sholom Hebrew School, Pinellas Jewish Day School, Palm Beach Hebrew High School, Rohr Bais Chaya Academy, Temple Beth Am Hebrew School, Bnai Sinai Hebrew School, Torah Academy Jacksonville. Adult Lectures in JCA Jacksonville, Chabad at the Beaches Jacksonville, Chabad Tallahassee, Boca Raton Century Village, Young Israel Boca Raton, Young Israel Hollywood, Beth El Fort Myers, Beth Sholom Clearwater, Aitz Chaim West Palm Beach, Young Israel Bal Harbor, Palm Beach Synagogue, Shul Club of Harbor Islands.

"Last night we were fortunate to have Rabbi Shalom Hammer of the IDF speak to our congregation. He serves as a motivational speaker and rabbi for the soldiers of the IDF, and also teaches in Sderot. He is an orthodox rabbi who grew up in New York and has lived in Israel for the past 20 years. He is a master story teller and speaker and spoke to us about religious Zionism and the role religion plays in the Israeli army and society, as well as his personal stories about life in Sderot before and after Operation Cast Lead and his relationships with Israeli soldiers. He was by far the best speaker we have had in a long while and I highly recommend him to everyone."

"Rabbi Hammer is an engaging, entertaining and a well informed speaker who is highly effective in transmitting the message of what Israel means to the Jewish people today."

"Rabbi Shalom Hammer recently addressed our congregation, Beth Shalom of Clearwater, Florida. The topic of this lecture was, why the recent military operation in Gaza was a success. He was able to articulate the perspective of an Israeli quite clearly in contrast to an American. Of particular interest was Rabbi Hammer’s insight into the mentality of the youth today in Israel through his experience with them in the military as their chaplain and rabbi. Rabbi Hammer has a tremendous delivery; enthusiastic yet sincere, polished yet relaxed, comfortably and appropriately humorous. We thoroughly enjoyed him and benefitted from his message. At the end of his talk I could hear the people around me turning to their neighbors saying, "great speaker".

"It was a pleasure hosting you in our Shul as our Scholar in Residence. Your dynamic and inspiring lectures enlightened and touched the hearts and minds of all our congregants. The feedback was great, and I would recommend you to any Shul or organization. Your powerful and compelling presentations are bound to uplift and enhance any community that's smart enough to host you!"

October/November 2009

Armed and Sacred Lecture tour in the USA Tri State Area and Manchester United Kingdom. Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Residence for Shabbat in Fairfield CT (second visit), Hewlitt Long Island (second visit), and Stenecourt Manchester UK. He offered special school presentations on the power of prayer (based on experiences during Operation Cast Lead) to SAR, HAFTR, HANC and Wayne County Hebrew School. Special Guest Lectures at West Side Jewish Center, Rodeph Sholom Bridgeport CT, Chabad of Rockaway NJ and New City Jewish Center. Rabbi Hammer was also invited to Yeshiva University to address YU and Stern students on campus.

"It was a brilliant weekend and went down very well thank you."

"I am writing to tell you how WONDERFUL and INSPIRING your presentation was for all of us at HANC Plainview. Your experiences, Torah knowledge, incredible didactic nature, engaging ways and uplifting and positive spirit touched us all. As a parent, I would have loved to listen to you and learn from your wisdom for hours and hours more. You are truly gifted and inspirational and leave a mark on those lives that you touch with your presentations. You certainly chose the right career path! Thank you so very much for your moving and memorable teachings."

"I would like to thank you for speaking to our community. Your combination of Divrei Torah, personal anecdotes and reports of the reality on the ground, made it a most informative and inspirational evening."

July/August 2009

Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Residence in Margate NJ (second visit) and Camp Moshava Indian Orchard where he offered inspiring speeches to the campers, guest lecture to the visiting parents including a shiur in Hebrew for the Israeli staff members in camp. On Tish B'Av Rabbi Hammer spoke in the Edmond J Saffra Synagogue (second visit) Manhattan on Jewish Leadership and in The Hebrew Institute Riverdale and Bnei Yeshurun Teaneck NJ (third visit). Tisha B'Av morning he led the Kinnot offering insights at Ohev Zedek in Manhattan. Rabbi Hammer also offered guest lectures to Young Israel of Staten Island, Shomrei Torah Fairlawn NJ (second visit), Beth Aaron Teaneck NJ (second visit), Agudath Shalom Stanford CT (third visit), and Sons of Israel Allentown PA (second visit) reviewing the Hurban HaBayit and how we can rectify its destruction.

"I have gotten great feedback regarding your presentation."

"Rabbi Hammer's lecture on Yerushalayim was very informative. His knowledge of biblical references to Yerushalayim, helped crystallize the subject matter. His personal experiences, as one who lives in Israel and interacts with soldiers who defend our homeland, brought a sense of hightened realization that Yerushalayim truly needs to remain undivided."

"I enjoyed your presentation In Philadelphia. Your speaking style was energetic and relatable."

"Rabbi Shalom Hammer was a hit at Camp Moshava. He successfully engaged both the youth and adults with his dynamic approach to Torah education. His humor coupled with his deep knowledge of Torah and his ability to connect with others make him a very special and unique lecturer."

April/May 2009

Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Residence in Alpharetta GA Chabad of Alpharetta, Providence RI and Calabasas CA the Calabasas Shul. He also spoke at Congregation Ariel Atlanta GA, Young Israel Sharon MA, Young Israel West Hempstead NY, JLE Los Angeles, JLI UCLA Campus, Beth Jacob Irvine CA, Westwood Kehilla LA. Rabbi Hammer introduced his new lecture presentation "Trial and Tribulation: Keeping the Faith". He also spoke to Maimonides High School Boston, Tarbut VeTorah Irvine for a second time, HANC Long Island for a second time, YULA High School Boys LA, HALB elementary school for second time regarding the aftermath of the War in Gaza and the power of Tefillah.

"We had a wonderful shabbaton at the Providence Hebrew Day School with you and consider ourselves lucky to have recieved a number of divre Torah so deeply focused on Eretz Yisrael. A refreshing perspective we often lose sight of living in Providence, Rhode Island."

"The community thoroughly enjoyed Rabbi Hammer's lectures throughout > Shabbat. His blend of inspiring insights and passionate delivery was well received by the community."

"Rabbi Hammer's dramatic presentation combined humor and erudition in conveying his timeless but contemporary message to our synagogue. We enjoyed and were inspired by his words."

"Indeed your lecture here was exceptionally well received. Your style, wisdom and down to earth manner captured the souls of the listeners. I know they learned a great deal and came away with a better understanding of the issues facing Israel today."

"I thought your presentation was really interesting and relevant to the day. Your sense of humor keeps your audience listening so that your many messages come across. I wish we had access to more speakers like you more often here in L.A."

"The community so much enjoyed hearing Rabbi Hammer. His combination of erudition and presentation were unique and totally engaging. I would strongly suggest having Rabbi Hammer to your community. I know we look forward to welcoming him back to ours."

February 2009

Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Residence for Ahavas Shalom Columbus Ohio, East Hill Synagogue Englewood NJ and Aish HaTorah Philadelphia PA. Rabbi Hammer spoke about "The Aftermath of the war in Azza from a Religious Perspective". He also spoke in Lower Merion Synagogue Bala Cynwyd PA, Ahavath Achim Fairfield CT, Shomrei Torah Fair Lawn NJ, Beth Aaron Teaneck NJ, Chabad Fairfax VI, Agudath Achim Highland Park NJ, Young Israel St Louis. Rabbi Hammer spoke in many Schools for a second visit introducing his presentation "The Israel in ME" on the war in Azza and the power of prayer and Jewish Unity. Second visits to Yavne Paramus, YNJ Teaneck NJ, Bi Cultural Stanford CT and Epstein Academy St Louis. He also presented to RPRY Highland Park NJ, YBH Passaic NJ, Politz Cherry Hill NJ, Kellman Hebrew Academy Cherry Hill NJ, Rambam Baltimore MD, JEC Bruriah Elizabeth NJ, and to the University students at Maryland.

"You were fantastic and well deserve Chizuk to continue your wonderful work for Klal Yisroel."

"Thank you for a great learning experience. I and many others have told Rabbi Reichman how meaniingful our shabbat with you was!"

"Everyone at Aish was so pleased to meet you and learn with you....you have a beautiful balance of Torah and Zionism, a great combo of American and Israeli, no attitude, accessible, approachable and a terrific sense of humor, a wonderful hold on the information you talk about, wise and humble...I indeed learned so much about Israel, the army and Torah...you are a connector and I am so glad I met you."

"The feedback that i received was excellent - someone said to me - "this scholar-in-residence really was amazing! Please email me in advance of your trips so we can try to re-schedule you for another trip."

"As usual a pleasure to host you here at Yavne. The kids love your presentations as you transport them to Israel. I am always so impressed with your teaching skills as the students can sit and listen to you for hours. Your presentation is not only dynamic but your content is so informative and inspirational. Come again any time. Thank you."

November 2008

Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Residence both in Shaarei Zedek Valley Village LA and Emek Bracha Palo Alto CA where he spoke about "The Relevance of Becoming Irrelevant" "Contrasting Philosophy for Common Ideology" and "Maintaining Balance in a World of Extremes". He also delivered lectures in Calabassas, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego. Rabbi Hammer visited Soille Hebrew Academy San Diego, South Peninsula Hebrew Academy Palo Alto, Kehilla High School Palo Alto where he spoke about the Ascent to Jewish Leadership, Maimonides Academy Los Angeles, and the Wornick Jewish Primary School in Foster City CA.

"I really enjoyed Shabbos and the reviews have been only positive. You really connected with the Tzibbur and the messages were very well received. We look forward to your returning."

"Toda Rabbabh for your very moving speech you shared with our middle school in the Wornick Jewish Day School in Foster City California. The Topic you spoke about the importance of Klall Israel just prove itself over again in this tragic day that we ,klall Israel are going through today. Thanks to your lovely words we will remember also our good times as the Jewish people and try each of us in its own way always to remember our duty to the cause of linking us to the powerful chain of Am Israel Chai."

On a scale of 1 to 10 you scored a 12!!!! People told me "He was the best speaker they ever heard!" Our community looks forward to your next visit."

"On behalf of the Santa Barbara community thank you for your inspiring and well delivered talk on Israel. The feedback was good and I wish you well in your efforts."

October 2008

Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Resience for the Yamim Noraim in Leeds England where he delivered many sermons and shiurim. For the first time in Leeds history Beit Hamedrash Hagadol hosted a Shiur after services on Kol Nidrei night which Rabbi Hammer delivered. Many attended. Rabbi Hammer also spoke in South Hampstead London, Barnett and Ner Yisrael London as well. School programs included Independent Primary School, Norris Lea, Hertsmere Jewish Primary, Michael Sobol Sinai School and Kerem Primary School.

"Rabbi Shalom Hammer is a gifted, inspiring and versatile educator who provided my congregation with the most uplifting and meaningful experience of the High Holy Days it has ever had. From insights into the themes of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to thought-provoking reflections on Religious Zionism, Rabbi Hammer enthralled my community in Leeds, England throughout the Yamim Noraim period with his wisdom, passion and humour. I thank him for giving of his many talents to my congregation and encourage communities around the world to take advantage of having him as a scholar-in-residence."

"A real thumbs up for Rabbi Hammer – I thought that he was hugely interesting and put his message across beautifully. It was a bold move and I thought it paid off wonderfully – we certainly enjoyed him and would happily see him again."

September 2008

Rabbi Hammer was interviewed on Israel Radio. Click here to listen

August 2008

Read the South African Jewish Report's coverage on this tour.

Rabbi Hammer was invited for Shabbat Hazon and Tisha B'Av to Capetown, South Africa where he spoke about Destruction to Reconstruction, A Vision for the Future of Eretz Yisrael and Reviewing Jewish Leadership in the aftermath of the Hurban HaBayit. Rabbi Hammer also served as Scholar in Residence for Shabbat Nachamu in Pretoria South Africa.

"Thank you for an inspirational and enlightening approach during your stay here. I look forward to working closely again."

"Your talks over Shabbat were enlightening, entertaining, informative and uplifting. I wish they could have gone on longer."

Rabbi Hammer on Tisha B'Av in Capetown

May 2008

Rabbi Hammer lectured in Young Israel Hillcrest Queens, Edmond Saffra Synagogue Manhattan, Livingston New Jersey, University of Las Vegas Nevada and Phoenix AZ. The week of Yom Haatzmaut Rabbi Hammer offered presentations to school students in Northshore Hebrew Academy, Hillel Academy Deal NJ, Solomon Shechter Queens NY, Solomon Shechter Hartford CT, Kushner Hebrew Academy, Jewish Foundation School Staten Island.

"The children were fascinated with your stories…they enjoyed hearing about how you helped one of your officiers reconnect with his Jewish roots."

"Rabbi Hammer was riveting. The kids were glued to his presentation which was filled with enthusiasm, humor and Jewish -Torah pride. Our students gained tremendously from his visit."

"I want to commend you again on your Yom HAatzmaut lecture. It was universally well received as thoughtful and entertaining. The best praise I can give you is to tell you the community would like to have you return for a Shabbat Scholar in residence."

February / March 2008

Rabbi Hammer served as Guest Lecturer in Perth, Australia for the "Judaism the Full Spectrum" convention. Lectures included Achieving Meaningful Existence and The Grassroots of Jewish Identity. He also served as Guest Lecturer for "Judaism from the Rabbi's Mouth" convention for non-Jews, where he lectured on Ensuring Survival in the Heart of Hostility and Preserving Old School Foundations. The lecture tour continued in Sydney, Australia where Rabbi Hammer spent five days offering talks and lectures to Jewish businessmen, students and shuls in Sydney. Finally, Rabbi Hammer spent a week in the United Kingdom as Guest Lecturer for the "60 Days for 60 Years" conference. He addressed synagogues as well as University students on campuses in Manchester, Cambridge, Bristol, Newcastle and London.

November 2007

Rabbi Hammer served as a Scholar in Residence for the Jewish communities in Louisville KY, Wilkes-Barre PA and Palm Beach FL where he addressed the future of Eretz Yisrael, the situation in Sderot Israel and the status of Jerusalem. He also spoke to Congregation Beth Tefillah Paramus NJ and to Boca Hamptons Synagogue Boca Raton FL. Rabbi Hammer offered school presentations to Moriah School Englewood NJ, Jewish Day School Allentown PA, Hebrew Academy Miami FL, Brauser Hebrew Academy Hollywood FL, Torah Academy Philadelphia PA, HANC Plainview NY, HANC West Hempstead NY and Hebrew Academy Orange CT. Presentations included A Soldiers Story and Seminar on Jewish Leadership. Rabbi Hammer also introduced the Adopt A Soldier program for Sderot Israel, to the students.

September 2007

Rabbi Hammer was the Scholar in Residence for the Sandton Shul in Johannesburg for the High Holidays - Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur - where he delivered sermons and lectures on the concept of Teshuva and the importance of nurturing responsibility in the Jewish community. He also conducted a Q&A session for the congregation over lunch on Shabbat Shuva. Rabbi Hammer lectured in Mizrachi campus and Greenside Synagogue in Johannesburg and he was also invited to Capetown where he addressed teachers in Camps Bay for educational training, spoke in Claremont Shul and Morasha Synagogue and offered a lecture on the outstanding opportunity of Teshuva at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sank.

"It was wonderful to be in your company and benefit from your drashot and lectures over Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur. It is reassuring to know that there are Rabbis like you out there who can make us proud to be Jewish."

"You had a tremendous impact in a short time and all that attended your shiurim were enriched by the experience..."

"It was such a pleasure and honour having you address us in Camps Bay. Everybody really enjoyed your talk. We will definitely put a program together on your next visit and look forward to having you back."

July 2007

Rabbi Hammer completed his lecture tour in the United States. He served as Scholar in Residence for Shabbat Hazon in Agudath Shalom Stamford Connecticut, Guest Speaker in Bais Torah Monsey New York and Fleetwood Synagogue Mt. Vernon NY. Rabbi Hammer served as the Scholar in Residence and Guest Speaker for Tisha B'Av in Beth Jacob Atlanta Georgia where he introduced Megilat Eicha, reviewed the Kinot and addressed the Hurban HaBayit A Review of Jewish Leadership. Shabbat Nachamu Rabbi Hammer served as Scholar in Residence for Congregation Ariel Atlanta Georgia where he addressed the significance of the Hurban HaBayit to us today and how we facilitated the reconstruction of the Mikdash and the restoration of Yerushalayim.

"Your shiurim and lectures are well organized and are filled with unlimited energy, humor and passion. You represent an unusual grafting of an American Orthodox Rabbi with Israeli flavor and your words demonstrate untapped dimensions that our congregants never experienced before. Thank you for providing Beth Jacob with a most meaningful Tisha BeAv and encouraging them to see Torah and Eretz Yisrael through a unique and clear lens."

May 2007

Rabbi Hammer completed an extremely successful lecture tour of the Jewish communities in Johannesburg, Capetown and Durban in South Africa where he addressed topics related to Jewish Education and the direction of Religious Zionism. Rabbi Hammer was the keynote speaker for Yom Yerushalayim to the community in Johannesburg. He also lectured to the students of the University of Johannesburg, offered special lectures to students in the Herzliya school Capetown and Yeshiva College Johannesburg regarding identifying with Eretz Yisrael and he spoke to Jewish educators and leaders of the Bnei Akiva youth movement regarding Jewish leadership.

"It was absolutely unbelievable having you here in South Africa. You made a tremendous impact on our campus and people are still talking about your wonderful lectures countrywide. You really were such a positive influence and I look forward to facilitating a visit in the future."

January 2007

Rabbi Hammer just completed a three week Scholar in Residence Lecture tour. Topics included Modern Orthodoxy - the Definition and Preservation of a Philosophy; The Knitted Kipah and the Black Hat - Contrasting Philosophy for Common Ideology; Eretz Yisrael Today - The Building Blocks of the Future; and An Ascent to Jewish Leadership. He also spoke in many schools throughout the United STates on topics relating to identifying with Eretz Yisrael and Jewish leadership.

The venues included Young Israel of St. Louis, Epstein Hebrew Academy St. Louis, Bloch Girls High School St. Louis, Chabad Del Mar San Diego CA, Chabad Center of University City San Diego CA, SCY High San Diego CA, Hebrew Academy Irvine CA, Tarbut VeTorah Irvine CA, Beth Jacob Congregation Dayton Ohio, New Jewish Day School Minneapolis MN, Torah Academy Minneapolis MN, Twin Cities Yeshiva HS Minneapolis MN, Kehillat Darchei Noam Minneapolis MN.

Click for references.

November 2006

Rabbi Hammer just completed a three week Scholar in Residence lecture tour. Topics included, Our Forefathers and the Jewish Identity Crisis; The Jewish Definition of Happiness; The Messiah Revealed; and Redefining Religious Zionism. Rabbi Hammer also delivered a special lecture in memory of Dr. Jay Prince z"l entitled What it Means to be Remembered.

The venues included Ahavat Shalom Columbus Ohio, Young Israel Hollywood FLorida, Young Israel Boca Raton Florida, Chabad of Boca Raton Florida, Agudath Sholom Congregation Stamford Conn., Shaarai Torah Worcester MA, Young Israel of Brookline MA, and Young Israel Sharon MA.

Rabbi Hammer introduced a new interactive presentation to school children entitled "A Soldier's Story - A Soldier and a Rabbi Sanctify Hashem's name and qualify Mesirut Nefesh through life." This special presentation was delivered to the 6th, 7th and 8th grades of Brauser Maimonides Academy Hollywood, FLorida, and to the 4th and 5th grades of Torah Academy Boca Raton, Florida.

Click for references.

Summer 2006

Rabbi Hammer is now a regular speaker on OU Radio. Listen to "The Sleepless Sermon" every Thursday and experience a dynamic and insightful drasha that will offer you deep perspective about the Parsha, current events and the Jewish world.

Rabbi Hammer's new book, "The Family Parsha Book" is now in bookstores near you!!

To order online, click here.

Rabbi Hammer completed a speaking tour of Charleston South Carolina for Tisha B'Av, Jacksonville, Florida Shabbat Nachamu and North Miami Beach, Florida, Parhsat Ekev. Topics included: From Darkness to Light - The Destruction of the Temple the Reconstruction of Eretz Yisrael; Israel's Right to Exist Without Compromise; and How to Save Israel-Jewish Unity Now More Than Ever.

Click for references.