Dec 17, 2003 -- President Richard M. Joel kicked off the 13th annual Orthodox Union Torah Convention in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 11, when he delivered the keynote address, “The State of the Jewish People,” at a dinner held at Congregation Shaarei Tefila. During the five-day conference, "The Secret to Jewish Survival: The Jewish Family," President Joel also delivered the drasha (sermon) on Shabbat morning at Congregation Beth Jacob in Beverly Hills, the largest Modern Orthodox shul in Los Angeles.