The founder of the From Earth to Spirit [Kanfei ha’Adama] initiative is Rabbi Shimon Or, director of the “Movement for Leadership Informed by Torah", which seeks to open up the worldview of the Torah to the general public and thus increase opportunities for genuine dialogue and mutual understanding and respect among all sectors of the Israeli public. Rabbi Or is a graduate of the religious-Zionist educational system, and served as a combat soldier in the IDF Golani Brigade. Following his military service he studied in the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva in Jerusalem and was a founder of the garin (core group) in Qatzrin.
Upon returning to Jerusalem Rabbi Or established the Yovelim garin in the Kiryat haYovel neighborhood, and also a community yeshiva, which he led for eight years. He has been involved in promoting dialogue and social ties between the religious and secular sectors in Jerusalem for some 15 years, and has written hundreds of articles, both on religious and social/political topics. Rabbi Or is a highly experienced public speaker who relates well to both religious and non-religious audiences. He presently serves as a community rabbi in Kiryat haYovel, and also works as a professional coach who provides individuals/group with tools for empowerment.