Keynote Speaker

Peter Yarrow

April 4, 2016

Peter Yarrow has charmed, enthused, delighted, and just plain entertained generations of audiences since Peter, Paul and Mary first sang their way into the national consciousness in the early 1960s. Yarrow’s gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs Peter, Paul & Mary recorded, including “Puff, The Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “The Great Mandala.” Peter’s musical creativity has always gone hand-in-hand with his commitment to social change.

During the last decade, Peter has devoted himself primarily to the work of heading Operation Respect (OR), an educational non-profit he founded. OR is dedicated to assuring children and youth have a caring, safe, and respectful climate where students’ academic, social, and emotional development can take place in a welcoming environment conducive to learning.

In his presentation to AJAS, Peter will use his soul, songs and personal stories to reflect his commitment to making the world a better place. His presentation will seek to inspire and empower us to embrace the kind of closeness, passion, and respect that not only characterizes him as a singer, father, and humanitarian but as a mentor in social justice encompassing our Jewish values and mission.