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Chag HaSemikhahsga, vfhnov dj
Sunday, March 23, 2014 sga, wc rst tf
CELEBRATINGMore than 200 new musmakhim and the classes of 1961,
1962, 1963 and 1964
HONORINGRabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz
Harav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik kmz Aluf Torah Award
and
Jay Schottenstein Eitz ChaimTree of Life Award
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The Board of Trustees
of the
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary
express their gratitude to tuv lurc ausev for granting our
musmachim the privilege of learning from our esteemed Roshei
Yeshiva. Their knowledge
and wisdom have inspired and influenced generations of young men
to place Limmud HaTorah and Torah values at the center of their
lives.
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A special Yasher Koach to
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartzfor his Torah knowledge, Halakhic
rulings and love for every Jew
serves as a moral compass and inspiration to Klal Yisrael.
Jay Schottensteinfor his unwavering and historic commitment to
enabling millions of Jews the opportunity to engage and connect to
our sacred heritage.
Joel M. Schreiber Chairman
Rabbi Hyman Arbesfeld Lance L. Hirt
Herbert Smilowitz Vice Chairmen
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In Honor Of
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz shlita Rosh Beth Din of the Chicago
Rabbinical Council
Av Beth Din of the Beth Din of America
Upon his receiving the Harav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf
Torah Award
(: )
As a nationally recognized Torah scholar, your groundbreaking
halachic decisions and unimpeachable integrity have earned you
universal respect. As Av Beth Din for decades
and now Rosh Beth Din of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, your
leadership in the Chicago community is distinguished through Torah
clarity and compassion in difficult situations. Your
refined presence and eloquent homilies have ushered multitudes
of people from different communities and diverse walks of life into
Torah observance. The Yeshiva is honored to have
this opportunity to show its appreciation for your decades of
service. As a RIETS musmakh, Yeshiva College graduate, and disciple
of Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik , you embody the
values and ideals of Yeshivat Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan. You
are a beacon to our talmidim.
May HaKadosh Baruch Hu bless you and your Eishes Chayil with
continued good health and wisdom so that you may continue to
provide inspiration to your family, our Yeshiva, and Klal
Yisroel.
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2Board of Trustees
JOEL M. SCHREIBERChairman
RABBI HYMAN ARBESFELD LANCE L. HIRT HERBERT SMILOWITZ zl Vice
Chairmen
DR. WILLIAM J. SCHWARTZ CHAIM HOWARD WIETSCHNERSecretary
Treasurer
RABBI JULIUS BERMANChairman Emeritus
BEN I. ADLER
RABBI HOWARD S. BALTER
MOSHE BESSIN
MARVIN S. BIENENFELD
LUDWIG BRAVMANN
ALEX FOLKMAN
ELLIOT GIBBER
DR. FELIX L. GLAUBACH
ALAN E. GOLDBERG
BENJAMIN HELLER
MICHAEL JESSELSON
RICHARD M. JOEL
HOWARD JONAS
MORDECAI D. KATZ
DR. HENRY KRESSEL
MORTON L. LANDOWNE
MOSES MARX
LEON MEYERS
IRWIN PEYSER zl
DANIEL E. POSNER
ERIC ROTHNER
RABBI SOLOMON F. RYBAK
HENRY SCHACHAR
DR. ALVIN I. SCHIFF zl
CARMI SCHWARTZ
DR. WILLIAM SCHWARTZ
IRWIN SHAPIRO
MOSHAEL J. STRAUS
RABBI SOLOMON TRAU
KENNETH A. ZITTER
Honorary Trustees
HENRI BENQUALID
JACOB W. HELLER zl
MARVIN E. JACOB
BRUCE D. SHOULSON
Chag HaSemikhah Parent Committee
DANIEL AND MICHELLE BERMAN
MARK AND BRENDA GARDENSWARTZ
HERMAN AND SIMA HERTZBERG
SEYMOUR AND MINDY LIEBMAN
ROBERT AND DINAH SPITZ
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3Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary
RICHARD M. JOELPresident
RABBI MENACHEM PENNERActing Dean
RABBI NORMAN LAMMRosh HaYeshiva Emeritus
RABBI ZEVULUN CHARLOPDean Emeritus, Special Adviser to the
President on Yeshiva Affairs
RABBI KENNETH BRANDERVice President for University and Community
Life
The David Mitzner Dean, Yeshiva Universitys Center for the
Jewish Future
RABBI ROBERT HIRTVice President Emeritus
RABBI CHAIM BRONSTEINAdministrator
Roshei Yeshiva
RABBI ELCHANAN ADLER
RABBI ASSAF BEDNARSH
RABBI ELIYAHU BEN-HAIM
RABBI YOSEF BLAU
RABBI J. DAVID BLEICH
RABBI ZEVULUN CHARLOP
RABBI YITZCHOK COHEN
RABBI DANIEL FELDMAN
RABBI MENACHEM GENACK
RABBI OZER GLICKMAN
RABBI MEIR GOLDWICHT
RABBI DAVID HIRSCH
RABBI DAVID HORWITZ
RABBI AHARON KAHN
RABBI ELIAKIM KOENIGSBERG
RABBI AHARON LICHTENSTEIN
RABBI DOVID MILLER
RABBI YAAKOV NEUBURGER
RABBI HAROLD REICHMAN
RABBI YONA REISS
RABBI MICHAEL ROSENSWEIG
RABBI HERSHEL SCHACHTER
RABBI EZRA SCHWARTZ
RABBI ELIAHU SHULMAN
RABBI BARUCH SIMON
RABBI ZVI SOBOLOFSKY
RABBI DANIEL STEIN
RABBI MOSES D. TENDLER
RABBI MAYER TWERSKY
RABBI JOSEPH WEISS
RABBI JEREMY WIEDER
RABBI MORDECHAI I. WILLIG
RABBI GERSHON YANKELEWITZ
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4Chag HaSemikhah Convocation Celebrating the Ordination of the
Classes of 5770 5774
Processional
Video
Herald
RABBI JOSH JOSEPHSenior Vice President
Officiating
The National Anthem
RABBI JOSEPH ROTHBERGERFiftieth Anniversary Class
PresidingPRESIDENT RICHARD M. JOEL
President and Bravmann Family University Professor
Welcome and Fiftieth Anniversary Class RecognitionJOEL
SCHREIBER
Chairman, RIETS Board of Trustees
Message to the MusmakhimRABBI MENACHEM PENNER
Acting Dean, RIETS
Dvar TorahHARAV MICHAEL ROSENSWEIG
Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel, RIETS
AwardsHarav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf Award
HARAV GEDALIA DOV SCHWARTZ
Presented by
HARAV YONA REISSRosh Yeshiva, RIETS
RABBI MENACHEM PENNERActing Dean, RIETS
RABBI RONALD SCHWARZBERGDirector, The Morris and Gertrude
Bienenfeld Department
of Jewish Career Development and Placement Center for the Jewish
Future, RIETS
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5Eitz ChaimTree of Life Award
JAY SCHOTTENSTEIN
Presented by
RABBI KENNETH BRANDERVice President for University and Community
Life
The David Mitzner Dean of Yeshiva Universitys Center for the
Jewish Future
Dvar Torah on behalf of the MusmakhimRABBI YOSEF BRONSTEIN
Fellow, Wexner Kollel Elyon Instructor of Jewish Philosophy,
Isaac Breuer College
Doctoral Candidate, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish
Studies
Presentation of Musmakhim
Divrei ChizukHARAV HERSHEL SCHACHTER
Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel, RIETS
Presentation of Individual MusmakhimRABBI CHAIM BRONSTEIN
Administrator, RIETS
RABBI YOSEF KALINSKYAssociate Dean, Undergraduate Torah
Studies
RABBI LEVI MOSTOFSKYDirector of Continuing Education
Center for the Jewish Future
HatikvahRABBI MOSHE TESSONE
Director, Sephardic Community Program Faculty, Philip and Sarah
Belz School of Jewish Music
RecessionalEitz ChaimTree of Life Award
Harav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf Torah Award
Joseph S. Gruss zl 1983Ludwig Jesselson zl 1986
Joseph Tanenbaum zl 1987Irving I. Stone zl 1988Joel Jablonski zl
1990
Erica Jesselson zl 1994Jacob Glueck zl 1998
Herbert Smilowitz zl 2002Carmi Schwartz 2004Kurt Rothschild
2005
Marcos Katz 2006Marvin S. Bienefeld 2010
Rabbi Hyman Arbesfeld 2013Jay Schottenstein 2014
Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein 1998Rabbi Norman Lamm 2002
Rabbi Zevulun Charlop 2006Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky
2010
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz 2014
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6GREE T INGS FROM
Richard M. JoelPRESIDENT BRAVMANN FAMILY UNIVERSITY
PROFESSOR
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7With immense joy and gratification, I join the entire Yeshiva
University family in celebrating the ordination of the Classes of
57715774 at our quadrennial Chag HaSemikhah.
On this momentous occasion, the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological
Seminary sends into the world a cadre of rabbinical leaders who
will undoubtedly guide and shape our people as they populate our
synagogues, schools and communities; in them, we place our hopes
and dreams for a bright tomorrow.
We have seen in our thousands of prior musmakhimwhether in the
context of Jewish education, the rabbinate or as lay kodesh a
demonstration of vitality, depth and nuance as they rise to the
challenge of leadership.
Multiple aspects contribute to our musmakhim emerging poised for
success. For one, every
musmakh of Yeshiva has undergone a rigorous course of study and
accomplished a deep level of learning from which to draw while
advising on matter of halachah and Torah guidance.
Further, you associate with a Yeshiva which ascribes to a
particular mandate and message vis-a-vis the world, and your
commitment to that all-encompassing hashkafah truly sets you
apart.
Finally, you look at not only our immediate Torah circles, but
the wider world at large, with wonder and with welcome, and
determine that we must partner with G-d in making it better for all
people.
For all these reasons and more, we stand in awe of the
possibilities which emanate from this outstanding class of young
men.
Wishing you brachah vehatzlacha. a
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8GREE T INGS FROM
Rabbi Menachem PennerACTING DEAN, RIETS
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Talmidei chachamim marbim shalom baolam (Berachot 64a). Torah
scholars increase shalom in the world.
Shalom is more than peace. It is shleimut, wholeness,
perfection. It is through the study of Torah, the understanding of
G-ds will for the world, that we can bring that world to
perfection.
It is with great pride that I congratulate a new generation of
rabbis ordained by the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary
and I invite you to join me in celebrating their Chag HaSemikhah.
Every four years, RIETS celebrates with the young men who earned
the esteemed title of Rabbitalmidei chachamim who will take their
Torah learning out to a world waiting to be perfected. There is no
greater accomplishment for a ben Torahand no greater joy for a
community than to stand in awe of the next cadre of Jewish leaders
and scholars.
This years RIETS rabbis hail from more than 65 cities around the
world, and represent the most well-trained group of rabbinic
professionals to ever march from the walls of our Yeshiva. They
have proven themselves to be ready to learn for hours
on end. And now they are ready to lead. At a time where age-old
traditions are being questioned, our rabbis stand rooted in the
eternal mesorah of Klal Yisrael, and equipped with the skills and
the knowledge to explain that tradition to a new generation of
students, baalei batim and lay leaders. Though we are sad to see
them leave the hallowed walls of the Yeshiva, we are excited to see
them spread shalom throughout the world Jewish community.
Celebrate the musmakhim who grew up in your community and say
thank you to those who are serving your schools and kehillot and
bringing them closer to perfection. And come to see the Yeshiva
that created these shining stars. To truly understand the power of
RIETS, you must see the Yeshiva first hand. Learn in its batei
midrash, hear its faculty at events on campus and experience the
vibrancy of its Torah atmosphere.
May we continue to see Torah nachat from our children and
grandchildren as we watch them build and perfect our world.
Urei vanim levanechashalom al Yisrael (Tehillim 128) a
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GREE T INGS FROM
Rabbi Kenneth BranderVICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
LIFE THE DAVID MITZNER DEAN, YESHIVA UNIVERSITYS CENTER FOR THE
JEWISH FUTURE
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As you mark this very auspicious occasion of your receiving your
semikhah, I would like to wish you a mazal tov on behalf of all of
us at RIETS and Yeshiva University.
This year, the Yeshiva is studying Mesechet Shabbat. The Gemara
discusses the idea of carrying between the reshut ha-yachid and the
reshut ha-rabim. A concept that emanates from this sugya is that
the private and the public domains represent two different spheres,
and the prohibition of carrying from one to the other involves
treating them as one domain.
As you begin your personal journey as leaders, I invite you to
recognize that there are both private and public domains in
community life. It will be your responsibility as a community
leaderwhether as rav of a shul, head of a school, chaplain in a
hospital or the army, or as a lay leaderto negotiate and navigate
between these two separate provinces.
You will be spending much time in the domain of the reshut
ha-yachid. Within the parameters of halachah, we must be
accommodating to the individual who is in crisis or searching for a
personal spiritual experience. And, sometimes in order to ensure
the individuals personal need, we need to make accommodations for
the particular family or individual. This is necessary in order
to
effectuate meaningful and appropriate change for particular
members of your community.
Yet, while being accommodating in the private domain, there is
another domain in which the community leader must regularly engage,
the public domain. In this sphere, you will be called upon to
ensure community standards that model fidelity to our mesorah and
integrity to ethics. Leaders must communicate, through a
consistent
body language, an embrace of halachic and ethical norms and
mores.
While this paradigm may seem contradictory, it is actually the
dialectic posture that is the sine qua non of rabbinic
leadership.
You are entering a world that prefers black and white to grey,
texture and color, an Orthodox community that sometimes may
minimize the need to be sensitive in the private domain or is
sometimes no longer committed to the ideals of normative mesorah.
May each of you be blessed to engage in the leadership roles
afforded to you with nuance and balance.
Please always know that we at the Yeshiva, your rabbeim and
community professionals, will be available to help you. We wish you
much hatzlachah in your future endeavors. a
To our newest musmakhim,
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GREE T INGS FROM
Joel M. SchreiberCHAIRMAN, RIETS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan
Theological Seminary, it is my distinct honor and privilege to
welcome the many guests and celebrants to our quadrennial Chag
HaSemikha.
More than 125 years ago, our Yeshiva took flight, and during the
course of more than a century we have grown into the most important
Modern Orthodox yeshiva in the world. Our students come from all
over the world and our graduates serve our people across the globe.
They come to learn Torah with our remarkable group of roshei
yeshiva, dedicated and brilliant teachers who transmit the
knowledge of Torah to the next generation of leaders. It is the
same Torah and value system, the same halachic methodology that
Moshe Rabbeinu bequeathed to Yehoshua and which is now being passed
on to the next link in the chain of mesorah.
Without the presence of our great Yeshiva, Judaism in America
and around the world would not be the same. Whether in the pulpit,
in education or in community leadership, RIETS is indispensible. It
is the jewel, the soul, the very neshama of Yeshiva University.
We have been blessed over time with great and illustrious
gedolim who have taught generation after generation a value system
that is second to none. It is during moments such as these that we
sorely miss the presence of the Rav ztl, Harav Yosef Dov
Soloveitchik, a giant who cast a shadow, underneath which so many
of us took refuge. His spirit, his Torah and his values give our
Yeshiva a dimension that we still feel and hopefully will imbibe
for many years to come.
We now embark on an Endowment Fund Campaign to ensure that our
great Yeshiva, RIETS, will endure and thrive for many years to
come. We count on your help and vision to make certain that the
dreams of our forebears will come to fruition, and that the Torah
which emanates from Yeshivat Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan and its
rabbeim will inspire our musmakhim, their children and childrens
children to make certain that the covenant between Hashem and His
people will live on forever.
Mazel tov on this wonderful day and this great occasion. a
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Rabbi Gedalia Dov SchwartzYESHIVA COLLEGE 1946 RABBI ISAAC
ELCHANAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 1949
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Harav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf Torah Award
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz, born and raised in Newark, New
Jersey, is a proud graduate of Yeshiva College and was ordained by
the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva
University. Following his ordination, Rabbi Schwartz received a
fellowship in the Institute of Advanced Rabbinic Research of
Yeshiva, the original post-semikhah kollel at RIETS. He is a past
president of the Mizrachi of Rhode Island, past president of the
Philadelphia Region of the Rabbinical Council of America, and was
coordinator of its Beth Din.
Before moving to Chicago in 1987, Rabbi Schwartz was the rabbi
of the Young Israel of Boro Park for more than 18 years, and had
previously held pulpits in Providence, Rhode Island; Englishtown,
New Jersey; and Philadelphia. In each pulpit, Rabbi Schwartz
prominently showcased his Yeshiva College education and his RIETS
ordination. Rabbi Schwartz is the first second-generation American
rabbi to publish an original halachic work Divrei Regesh, which
received the endorsement of the late Gaon HaRav Aaron Kotler, of
blessed memory, as well as the approbation of HaRav Dovid Lifshitz,
Rosh Yeshiva at RIETS and Rov of Suvalk. In 1972, Rabbi Schwartz
published a more expansive halachic work, Migdanos Eliezer, which
touches on many aspects of rabbinic learning and also includes
practical applications of halachah. Since 1972, he has been a
member of the Beth Din of the Rabbinical Council of America and the
editor of the RCA Torah Journal HaDarom. In 1987, Rabbi Schwartz
moved to Chicago as the newly elected Av Beth Din of the Chicago
Rabbinical Council.
In 1990, Rabbi Schwartz received a Doctor of Divinity degree,
honoris causa, awarded by Yeshiva
University. At the 1991 National Convention of the Rabbinical
Council of America Rabbi Schwartz was appointed the Rosh Beth Din,
the Chief Presiding Judge, of the Beth Din of America, the national
Beth Din affiliated with the Rabbinical Council of America, which
now occupies satellite space at Yeshiva University, and serves as a
teaching Beth Din for students in the Rabbi Norman Lamm Kollel
LHoraah (Yadin Yadin) at RIETS.
In 2007, the Beth Din Chambers of the Chicago Rabbinical Council
were renamed in honor of the 20 years of service he has provided to
the Chicago community, a ceremony attended by Rabbi Shlomo Amar,
the chief Sephardic rabbi of Israel. Two weeks later, a dinner was
held in his honor, where Rabbi Schwartzs latest publication,
Shaarei Gedulah, was distributed to those present. It includes a
biography of Rabbi Schwartz and a description of his formative
years as a student at YU and RIETS, and a selection of Torah
lectures, halachic over-views and historical insights of the
beloved Av Beth Din of the Chicago Rabbinical Council.
With the arrival of Rabbi Yona Reiss as the Av Beth Din, Rav
Schwartz assumed the post of Rosh Beth Din of the Chicago
Rabbinical Council.
The years I spent at Yeshiva, seven years before semikhah, and a
year later in its first kolel, engendered in me a passion for Torah
learning and its transmission to Klal Yisroel, Rabbi Schwartz said.
The breadth and depth of Torah scholarship displayed by our great
Roshei Yeshiva of that time have left a lasting impression in
guiding and directing me in the rabbinate. Consequently I have felt
that I have never left the Yeshiva in the fulfillment of my
rabbinic responsibilities. a
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Jay SchottensteinTRUSTEE, YESHIVA UNIVERSITY CHAIRMAN, YESHIVA
COLLEGE BOARD OF OVERSEERS, (19922002)
1716
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Eitz ChaimTree of Life Award
Jay Schottenstein, esteemed Ohio-based business leader and
philanthropist of international renown, captain of both industry
and community, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Yeshiva
University, is being honored with the Eitz Chaim (Tree of Life)
AwardRIETSs highest honorfor the advancement of Jewish
scholarship.
Mr. Schottenstein serves as chairman of several companies,
including Schottenstein Stores Corp., American Eagle Outfitters
Inc., American Signa-ture Inc./Value City Furniture, Schottenstein
Property Group, SB Capital and DSW Inc.
Additionally, Jay and his wife, Jeanie, serve as directors or
trustees of numerous non-profit organizations, including his
service as general chairman of Central Ohio State of Israel Bonds,
former chairman of the board of trustees of Yeshiva College and a
former co-chairman of the board of trustees for Bar Ilan University
and a member of its global board. Jeanie is on the forefront of
battling domestic violence and advocating on behalf of important
womens issues within the Jewish and general communities. Together,
they have endowed the Jeanie Schottenstein Center at Nishmat for
Advanced Torah Study for Women in Jerusalem.
For decades, the Schottenstein family has been recognized for
their deep commitment to values, integrity, ethics and education.
Mr. Schottensteins parents, Jerome, obm, and Geraldine
Schottenstein remain beacons of inspiration for the Jewish
community and society at large through their philanthropy and
personal values; and Jay and Jeanie have continued their mandate to
lead by example. For 27 years, the Schottenstein family has served
on various YU boards and have been a vital part of YUs leadership
(Jerome for seven years, 19801987, and Jay for 20 years, since
1993).
Jay and Jeanie Schottensteins vast philanthropic
endeavors include the Jerome Schottenstein Center/ Value City
Arena at the Ohio State University, the Jay and Jeanie
Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in
Jerusalem, The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Chair in Jewish Studies
at Indiana University, and the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors
Program at Yeshiva College, which provides opportunities for
exceptional students to obtain a broad and rigorous education
through interdisciplinary and creative research, intensive writing
and sophisticated thinking.
Moreover, Mr. Schottenstein is chairman of the board of
governors and the major benefactor for the Mesorah Heritage
Foundation, a not-for-profit trust engaged in the translation and
international distribution of the worlds greatest Judaic literary
works, including the monumental task of translating and elucidating
in English, Hebrew and French, the 73 volumes of the Talmud Bavli,
as well as 28 volumes of the Talmud Yerushalmi. The Schottenstein
Edition of the Talmud is utilized and enjoyed by nearly 3 million
people worldwide. This remarkable feat has advanced Jewish
scholarship for people at all levels of Jewish learning, from the
novice to the erudite academic.
The Schottensteins have three sons: Joseph (and Lindsay),
Jonathan and Jeffrey, all of whom, along with other family members,
are major bene-factors to a number of national and international
special projects.
The Schottenstein family embodies the values of Torah Umadda
through their generosity and steadfast commitment to advancing
society. It is our distinct honor and privilege to award Mr. Jay
Schottenstein with the Eitz Chaim Award for his unwavering support
to Yeshiva University, the greater Jewish community and the world
at large. a
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Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary has been the soul of
Yeshiva University for more than 100 years. Sounds of learning
vibrate through the batei midrashot and resonate from morning until
late at night.
RIETS educates and trains rabbis who have shaped and continue to
shape our Jewish world. Combining the highest levels of Torah
learning in the legacy of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik ztl, an
unmatched program of professional preparation for the rabbinate and
an impassioned commitment to impact the Jewish community, RIETS
continues to produce the finest rabbinic leadership for the next
generation and beyond. Our musmakhim fulfill their destiny as vital
links in the chain that continues to trans- mit rabbinic knowledge
and tradition from one generation of Jewish leaders to the
next.
The moving and profound ceremony of the Chag HaSemikhah
recognizes the promise of our rabbinic graduates and the
achievements of all alumni of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological
Seminary who have assumed responsibility for the future of the
Jewish people. It officially marks the completion of RIETS rigorous
four-year graduate program of Torah learning and comprehensive
professional training for the rabbinate.
Established in 1886, RIETS more than 3,000 musmakhim serve the
worldwide Jewish community in the Torah Umadda tradition that is
Yeshiva University. RIETS was named after Rabbi Isaac Elchanan
Spektor (181796), a revered sage and spokesman for world Jewry.
After his death in 1896, RIETS was named in his memory.
In 1915, Dr. Bernard Revel was appointed president and Rosh
Yeshiva of RIETS. After Dr. Revels death in 1940, Dr. Samuel Belkin
(191176), a young,
prominent RIETS Rosh Yeshiva and a noted scholar who taught
Greek at Yeshiva College, was named dean of the seminary; in 1943,
he was elected president of the institution then known as RIETS and
Yeshiva College. Dr. Norman Lamm was elected president and Rosh
HaYeshiva in 1976the first who was American-bornfollowing Dr.
Belkins death that year. A musmakh of RIETS, Dr. Lamm is an alumnus
of Yeshiva College and the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish
Studies, where he earned his PhD.
Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Richard M. Joel,
the presi-dent of YU and RIETS, RIETS impact is felt in the Jewish
community through-out the world. RIETS musmakhim occupy an
overwhelming number of pulpits throughout North America, as well as
major educational, communal- professional and lay leadership
positions.
As the Western Hemispheres leading center for Torah learning and
training for the rabbinate, RIETS provides exceptional training for
students entering the various fields of Avodat HaKodesh in the
contemporary Orthodox community. The Rabbinic Professional
Education program, R-PEP, is the product of a bold, successful
strategic planning initiative launched in 2002 by the RIETS Board
of Trustees. The program was developed by a special Academic
Affairs Committee chaired by Dr. Alvin I. Schiff, zl under the
overall guidance of then RIETS dean Rabbi Zevulun Charlop and
President Richard M. Joel, and implemented with the aid of Yeshiva
Universitys Center for the Jewish Future. In June 2009, the first
cycle of students completed the R-PEP program under the supervision
of Rabbi Menachem Penner.
Many great and influential rabbis have taught at RIETS. Among
the most
illustrious Gedolei Torah was Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, a
scholar, philosopher and teacher who had a profound impact on
Jewish thought. A leading authority and exponent of Halakhah, he
was appointed rosh yeshiva at RIETS in 1941. Rabbi Soloveitchik was
familiarly known as the Rav; he had the legendary power to deliver
unparalleled discourses spanning the Talmud, Jewish law, philosophy
and contemporary issues.
We have an unparalleled faculty of Roshei Yeshiva, said Rabbi
Menachem Penner, acting dean of RIETS and a RIETS musmakh. Our
learning tradition is a direct continuation of the Talmud Torah at
the classical European yeshivot thanks to the strong foundation
laid by one of my predecessors, Rabbi Zevulun Charlop. Rabbi
Charlop presided over a period of enormous growth at the seminary
for more than 35 years and now serves as dean emeritus of RIETS and
special adviser to the University president on yeshiva affairs.
The seminary has benefited greatly from the construction of the
Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study, which houses a
two-story, 550 seat beit medrash, as well as numerous classrooms
and offices ulitized by RIETS adminis-tration, students and Roshei
Yeshiva.
In an increasingly complex world, RIETS accepts the challenge to
prepare its students to face the multifarious issues of todays
societyanchored always in the sacred legacy of our Torah and
people.
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary: The Soul of Yeshiva
University
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Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary ProgramsRABBI JOSEPH
B. SOLOVEITCHIK SEMIKHAH PROGRAM
BELLA AND HARRY WEXNER KOLLEL ELYON AND SEMIKHAH HONORS
PROGRAM
ISRAEL HENRY BEREN INSTITUTE FOR HIGHER TALMUDIC STUDIES
RABBI NORMAN LAMM KOLLEL LHORAAHYADIN YADIN
LUDWIG JESSELSON KOLLEL CHAVERIM
MARCOS AND ADINA KATZ KOLLEL
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY ISRAEL KOLLEL
CAROLINE AND JOSEPH S. GRUSS INSTITUTEJERUSALEM
MORRIS AND NELLIE L. KAWALER RABBINIC TRAINING PROGRAM /
R-PEP
AARON, MARTHA, ISADORE N. AND BLANCHE ROSANSKY CONTEMPORARY
HALACHA PROGRAM
JACOB E. SAFRA INSTITUTE OF SEPHARDIC STUDIES
PHILIP AND SARAH BELZ SCHOOL OF JEWISH MUSIC
Yeshiva Universitys Center for the Jewish Future ProgramsIRVING
I . STONE RABBINIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY TORAH MITZION KOLLEL OF CHICAGO
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY TORAH MITZION BEIT MIDRASH ZICHRON DOV OF
TORONTO
SCHOOL AND SUMMER KOLLELIM AND INTERNSHIPS
GERTRUDE AND MORRIS BIENENFELD DEPARTMENT OF JEWISH CAREER
PLACEMENT
MARCOS AND ADINA KATZ YUTORAH.ORG
ABRAHAM ARBESFELD KOLLEL YOM RISHON / MILLIE ARBESFELD MIDRESHET
YOM RISHON
AARON AND BLANCHE SCHREIBER TORAH TOURS
CONTINUING EDUCATION INITIATIVE FOR RABBIS AND REBBETZINS
SPEAKERS BUREAU
SHABBAT TABLE DISCUSSIONS
THE BENJAMIN AND ROSE BERGER TORAH-TO-GO SERIES
KOHELET FELLOWSHIPS
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
YUCONNECTS
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20
It was not mere whim nor happy accident which swayed the first
organizers of the Yeshiva in 1897 to choose the name of the great
Rabbi of Kovno to identify the newly- founded institution of higher
learning in America. The fact that the Yeshiva was born a few
months after the demise of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan was not a
coincidence. It was rather the yearning to perpetuate the
traditions of Torah learning and activity so finely exemplified in
this sage which determined the choice. To recognize and understand
therefore the great role the Yeshiva is playing in the 20th
century, one must go back to a brief review of the life, activities
and character of the greatest Rabbi of the 19th century. In the
words of our teachers: ohbck inhx ,uct vagn The deeds of the
patriarchs are but an example for the children to emulate.
Rabbi Elchanan was born in 1817 in the little town of Rosh in
the province of Grodno, Russia where his father, Rabbi Israel Issar
served as Rabbi. He received his earliest instruction from him,
displaying from the very outset signs of genius. At the age of 8,
he was fittingly crowned with the title of Illui, being proficient
in many tractates of the Talmud and often engaging victoriously in
casuistic battle with profound and aged rabbinical scholars. In the
year of his bar mitzvah, as was the custom of the day, the young
man was married. He received a dowry of 300 roubles and permission
to eat kest, and free board and lodging at the table of his in-laws
in Vilkovisk, on condition that he continue his studies. This he
did unflinchingly, devoting 20 hours a day to the acquisition of
knowledge. His teachers were Rabbis Elijah Shik and Benjamin Diskin
who ordained him with semikhah. His colleague was Rabbi Joshua Leib
Diskin who later became Rabbi of Brisk.
For six years the young scholar ate kest. During that period his
parents died
and his dowry was ruined through the craftiness of a speculator.
Abject poverty confronted him and his growing family. Hence at the
age of 20, he was compelled to accept a small rabbinical post at
Zabelin at five gulden a week. At first he found much difficulty in
this new position, for there was great opposition to the youngster
who still did not possess the necessary rabbinical dignity and
hadrat panim. He soon overcame this with his display of brilliance.
In later years, however, all were awed by the tall stature and
inspiring face of the Rabbi with the great gray locks.
From this pulpit, Rabbi Elchanan was appointed in 1839 to a
position in Baresa. Here his fame grew. Though only 22, he already
proved that many Rabbis erred in the preparation of the formula of
gitten or divorce bills. His rabbinical decisions were at first
regarded as audacious. Some Rabbis even attempted to reject those
gitten which he personally prepared. Yet even Rabbi Shavel, one of
the greatest of his contemporaries, soon acknowledged Rabbi
Elchanans superiority in this phase of law.
It is probable that this early success in the interpretation of
domestic law prompted Rabbi Elchanan to devote his life to the
amelioration of the plight of the Agunah. These were the
unfortunate women whose mates were missing and yet who could not
remarry because there was not sufficient evidence to corroborate
actual death. The great sage particularly immersed himself in this
problem of assisting the many unfortunate wives whose number was
growing because of the numerous wars and persecutions in Russia.
Rabbi Elchanan showed much lenience in his rabbinical decisions
pertaining to the problem. In one case, he even accepted a
photograph of a man who had been dragged from the Thames River as
sufficient evidence for identification and thereby permitted the
wife to remarry.
Once established in a position, the members of his congregation
would not allow him to resign. When offered a better pulpit at
Nishvez in 1846, he had to flee in the dead of the night since the
Baresa community insisted on his remaining. So too, in 1851 he had
to depart stealthily to accept the post at Novohordok. Often did
the inhabitants of two cities contest fiercely for the Rabbis
ministry. Finally in 1864, he became Rabbi of Kovno, serving there
for 32 years until his death. In that city he gained fame as the
Chief Rabbi of Russian Jewry. From every part of the world scholars
turned to him for advice. In every Jewish home of those decades,
one could find his picture hanging on the wall, serving as evidence
of the love every Jew in Russia had for the great sage.
The affection all had for him was not due primarily to his fine
scholastic mind. His noble heart and his desire to be of service
always caused him to be revered by all. Upon hearing one speak ill
of his fellow man, he would place his index finger in his ear,
symbolically deadening the sound of gossip. His servants were never
permitted to offer him food unless they themselves had first eaten.
Even his personal woes were forgotten in his desire to help others.
Thus he once prayed at the bedside of his sick son, Oh, G-d, I have
never thought of myself, I have given all for the betterment of my
people, for the welfare of many families; I have neglected my
health so that others may prosper. Please be gracious unto me, by
restoring my own childs health.
Rabbi Elchanan was an indefatigable worker, fighting for every
cause which he knew upheld the chain of tradition. Though many
ridiculed the Kolel Perushim, the new institution created by Rabbi
Israel Salanter for young married men to continue their studies
unhampered by economic and social burdens of marital life, it was
only
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan: A Biographical SketchBY DR. SIDNEY B.
HOENIG
Former Dean of YUs Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish
Studies
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21
Rabbi Elchanan who lent him his firm support. When the Russian
government closed the Yeshiva of Voloshin, this new institute of
young married scholars continued as the staunch bearer of the torch
of learning.
It is well to recognize that Rabbi Elchanans genius was also the
result of his exceptional physical qualities. His sense of hearing
coupled with an excellent memory amazed everyone. Even 40 years
after he had met some individual he could recall his traits. When
he once heard a peculiar knock on the door of his study room, he
remarked to his son, This is Rabbi Peloni B. Peloni. I heard that
sound 40 years ago. Similarly, though his library was immense, he
was always able to choose any desired book at a moments glance, to
turn immediately to any page therein for proof of his argument. He
would always carefully annotate and file every letter he received,
personally making his own copies of the response. Added to these
marvelous personal traits was his sense of humility. When visiting
any city he would first go to the Rabbi to bestow upon the head of
the community the deserved honor. Every dignitary of the
synagoguecantor, sexton or gabbai was equally held in esteem, for
thereby the dignity of the synagogue was maintained. His modesty
and shunning of honor are revealed in his refusal to allow the
celebration of his jubilee year in the rabbinate, in 1889. When
prevailed upon, he accepted only the election as honorary member of
the Society for Promotion of Culture among Jews of Russia.
His close attachment to Talmudic study resulted in his reciting
his prayers, too, in the sing-song manner of the Talmud. It was
also his custom to study daily a portion of the weekly biblical
reading in addition to chapters of the Psalms (Tehillim). He always
maintained that such practice was inspiring and edifying as an
introduction even to the study of the Talmud.
The greatness of Rabbi Elchanan is most evident in his not being
confined to the four walls of his study or the four ells of
halachah. He always took an active part in every question affecting
Jewry of his
day. After the Crimean War and Polish Revolt, he attempted to
prevent the expulsion of Jews from Russia. In 1881 and 1882 he
personally participated in the Petersburg conferences called by
Baron Gunzberg to discuss wholesale emigration of Jews and their
restriction to the Pale of Settlement. He was always among the
first to obtain financial aid from even such countries as Holland,
France and England for the purpose of alleviating the suffering of
the Russian Jews. This was possible because he was always in
constant commu-nication with such men as Baron Roth-schild of
France and Dr. Adler of England and others.
If any internal problem confronted Jewry, it was Rabbi Elchanan
who was called upon to solve it. When in 1857 a feud arose as to
the leadership of the Yeshiva of Voloshin, the then young sage was
asked to render his decision. He fought tooth and nail against the
governmental schools for Rabbis. Rather, he aimed to get
govern-ment recognition of regularly trained and ordained rabbis as
authorities of Jewish law. In this he was successfully assisted by
Dr. Harkavy.
At the time when anti-semitic feeling was growing in Central
Europe, Rabbi Elchanan induced Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsh of
Germany to disprove the libels against the Talmud. The book Ueber
die Beziehung des Talmuds zum Judenthum was a result of the Kovno
Sages plea. He begged however, that his name not be used and hence
he is only mentioned anony-mously as the inspirer of this work.
When the ritual murder libel became rampant in Russia, the Rabbi
was often called upon to testify to the untruth of this slander. It
was he who also inspired Dr. Dembo to explain shechitah,
scientifically proving thereby that the ritual method was not a
cruel means of slaughter.
Deeply attached to all religious regulations, he always
attempted to maintain them in the face of economic difficulties. In
1868, when there was a lack of potatoes, he permitted the eating of
peas and beans on Passover so that the poor would not suffer. In
1875 he forbade the use of Korfu citrons (etrogim) because the
merchants raised the price to an exorbitant level.
Even today pious Jews refrain from using such citrons in memory
of Rabbi Elchanans decree. He was particularly concerned with
securing kosher meat for the soldiers in the Czars army. In his
will, he com-manded his son to follow this practice and to have
Jewish soldiers at his table so that they might observe the
traditional laws of kashruth. When the early settlers in Palestine
were confronted with the problem of Shemitahthe seventh year when
all land is to lie fallowthey turned to the great sage for advice.
He held that the land should not be sold to the Arab, as
recommended by others, for the very earth in Palestine is
sacred.
His deep concern with all problems is particularly revealed in
his conduct just a few days before his death on the 21st day of
Adar 1896. He then gave thought to the use of seltzer bottles on
Passover, to the freeing of some more unfortunate Agunahs and to
the providing of kosher meat for Jewish soldiers in the army. He
also requested that his works be published, for he well recognized
their value for the future.His publications are the Baer Yitzchak
containing responsa on all sections of the Shulchan Aruch, the
Nachal Yitzchak discussing questions of civil law of Choshen
Mishpat and Am Yitzchak which pertains to family and domestic laws.
His son, Rabbi Hirsh Rabinowitz, who succeeded him as Rabbi of
Kovno, carried out his wishes.
Until his last moment, Rabbi Elchanans mind functioned most
acutely. His last Talmudic discussion pertained to caution-ing
those of priestly stock in his room. He felt that since he was on
the verge of dying, these Kohanim were not permitted ritually to be
under the same roof.
His funeral was held in a pouring rain, as if the very heavens
wept the departure of the great saint of Kovno. Forever, his
yahrzeit, on the 21st day of Adar, is remem- bered. On that day of
the year, it is customary for the Yeshiva to ordain young rabbis to
carry on the traditions of the Gaon and to serve their communities
with the same nobility of purpose and devotion, dedicating their
lives to Torah and Avodah as did their great master, Rabbi Isaac
Elchanan.
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Congratulations to the Classes of 5721, 5722, 5723 and 5724
(1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964) who are celebrating the anniversary of
their ordination.
1961
Rabbi Isaiah Beilin
Rabbi Yosef Blau
Rabbi Jay Braverman zl
Rabbi Abraham Bronspigel
Rabbi Bernard Cohen
Rabbi Emanuel Federbush
Rabbi Naftali Friedman zl
Rabbi Tzvi Genauer
Rabbi Alan Greenspan
Rabbi Leon Kassin
Rabbi Arnold Lamm
Rabbi Milton Pine
Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet
Rabbi Israel Reiss
Rabbi Dr. Israel Rivkin
Rabbi Joseph Rothberger
Rabbi Reuben Rudman zl
Rabbi Simeon Schreiber
Rabbi Harvey Senter
Rabbi Yaak Shalem zl
Rabbi Raphael Weinberg
Rabbi Matisyohu Weisenberg zl
Rabbi Jerry Witkin zl
Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg
Rabbi Moshe Yaged
Rabbi Ephraim Zimand
1962
Rabbi David Aberbach
Rabbi Leon Aronsky
Rabbi Saul Berman
Rabbi Gerald Blidstein
Rabbi Abraham Cohen
Rabbi Joseph Deitcher zl
Rabbi Gerald Frankel
Rabbi Simcha Freedman
Rabbi Menachem Gordon zl
Rabbi Simcha Green
Rabbi Samson Helfgott
Rabbi Robert Hirt
Rabbi Norman Intrator zl
Rabbi Michael Kramer
Rabbi Moshe Kwalbrun
Rabbi Eli Lazar zl
Rabbi Mordecai Lipschitz
Rabbi Abraham Mandelbaum
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Mann
Rabbi Daniel Mehlman
Rabbi Henoch Millen
Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenbaum
Rabbi Melvin Sachs
Rabbi Rafael Saffra zl
Rabbi Isidore Schertz zl
Rabbi Charles Schless
Rabbi Sender Shizgal
Dr. Joshua Shuchatowitz
Dr. Haym Soloveitchik
Rabbi Joseph Wanefsky zl
Rabbi Israel Wind
Rabbi Mordecai Zeitz
1963
Rabbi Saul Aranov
Dr. Yehuda Ben-Meir
Rabbi Nahum Ben-Natan zl
Dr. Yehuda Bohrer
Rabbi Henry Book zl
Rabbi Jerome Dattelkramer
Rabbi Stanley Fogel
Rabbi Aaron Fruchter
Rabbi Jay Goldberg
Rabbi Leo Goldberg zl
Rabbi Abner Groff zl
Rabbi Edgar Gross
Rabbi Harris Guedalia
Rabbi Benjamin Hirsch
Rabbi Sheldon Hirsch
Rabbi David Kassin zl
Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Levitz
Rabbi Jerome Merantz
Rabbi Jerome Pomerantz zl
Rabbi Albert Possick
Rabbi Mark Press
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
Rabbi Irving Rubin
Rabbi Yehuda Samet
Rabbi Harry Schlakman
Rabbi H. Strickman
Rabbi Edward Weiss zl
Rabbi Dr. Erich Zauderer
1964
Rabbi Richard Barth
Rabbi Shael Bellows
Rabbi Meyer Berglas
Rabbi Avraham Etzion
Rabbi Daniel Fingerer
Rabbi Samuel Frank
Rabbi Michael Hecht
Rabbi Howard Jaffe
Rabbi Howard Joseph
Rabbi Eugene Roshwalb
Rabbi Tobias Roth
Rabbi Marvin Schneider
Rabbi Isidore Twersky zl
Rabbi Richard Viener
Rabbi Yosef Wolicki
Rabbi Eugene Zaveloff
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Rabbi Bernard Lipschitz 35R
Rabbi Sidney Kleiman 36R
Rabbi Louis (Eliezer) Simonson 37R
Rabbi Dr. Bernard Bernie Lander 38R
Rabbi Meyer Kimmel 40R
Rabbi Allan Mirvis 41R
Rabbi Dr. Baruch Poupko 41R
Rabbi Dr. O Asher Reichel 42R
Rabbi Samuel W. Rubenstein 41R
Rabbi Hershel Schacter 41R
Rabbi Zev Zahavy 42R
Rabbi M. Aaron Kra 43R
Rabbi Gedalyah Engel 43R
Rabbi H. Joel Laks 43R
Rabbi Morris B. Margolies 43R
Rabbi Arthur Weiss 43R
Rabbi Sidney Applbaum 45R
Rabbi Dr. Maurice Wohlgelernter (The Reb) 44R
Rabbi Moshe (Milton) Furst 46R
Rabbi I. Fred Hollander 46R
Rabbi Norman Strizower 46R
Rabbi Milton E. Kramer ESQ. 47R
Rabbi Joel Levy 47R
Rabbi Dr. Max Lipschitz 47R
Rabbi Louis Tuchman 47R
Rabbi Dr. Jacob Adler 48R
Rabbi Yehoshua [Eugene] M. Geller 48R
Rabbi Louis Ginsburg 48R
Rabbi Dr. Edmund Neiss 48R
Rabbi Joseph Ehrenkranz 49R
Rabbi Stanley (Shmuel) Metzger 49R
Rabbi Joshua Shapiro 49R
Rabbi Martin Sofer 49R
Rabbi Amos Bunim 50R
Rabbi Nehemia Gellman 50R
Rabbi Chaim Zev Herbert W. Bomzer 51R
Rabbi Israel Poleyeff 51R
Rabbi Dr. Ben Zion Wacholder 51R
Rabbi Herb Scheinfeld 52R
Rabbi S. Alvin Schwartz 52R
Rabbi Dr. Philip Zimmerman 52R
Rabbi Gilbert Lewis Shoham 53R
Rabbi Dr. David Hartman 54R
Rabbi Shlomo Stanley Levin 54R
Rabbi Stanley Z. Schneur Zalman Siegel 54R
Rabbi Moshe (Morris) Ganz 55R
Rabbi Moshe Mendlowitz 55R
Rabbi Jacob Roth 55R
Rabbi David L. Weinbach 55R
Rabbi Dr. Elihu Marcus 56R
Rabbi Dr. Jacob Jack Sable 56R
Rabbi Joel N. Smilchensky 56R
Rabbi Sol Steinmetz 56R
Rabbi Morton Mordechai Summer 56R
Rabbi Dr. Stanley M. Wagner 56R
Rabbi Yeshaya (Sheldon) Goldstein 57R
Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Petrof 57R
Rabbi Sheldon Rudoff 57R
Rabbi Akiva Schlussel 57R
Rabbi Ahron Batt 58R
Rabbi Abraham I. Halbfinger 58R
Rabbi Dr. Leon Laibel Green 58R
Rabbi Dr. Jay Braverman 61R
Rabbi Dr. Jack (Eliyahu) Steinhorn-Shalem 61R
Dr. Martin L. (Menachem) Gordon 62R
Rabbi Aaron Gaffney 66R
Rabbi Sholom M. Kaminetzky 69R
Rabbi Eliezer (Larry) Cohen 72R
Rabbi Yehuda Hilewitz 72R
Rabbi Ezra Labaton 74R
Rabbi Moshe Segal 76R
Rabbi Yosef Betzalel Rabinowitz 81R
Rabbi Yitzhak (Irvin) Yeres 90R
Rabbi Dan Segal 02R
usrpb tk o,uncu ovjc onhgbvu ohcvtbvMembers of the RIETS Family
kz we have lost since the last Chag HaSemikhah
RIETS Rabbinic Alumni kz who we have lost since the last Chag
HaSemikhah
Professor Gerald August RIETS professional Rabbinics faculty
19972012
Mr. Jacob Glueck YU Benefactor, The Jacob and Dreizel Glueck
Center for Jewish Study RIETS Eitz ChaimTree of Life Awardee
1998
Professor Richard Dick M. Harris RIETS professional Rabbinics
faculty 20042012
Mr. Jacob W. Heller RIETS Honorary Trustee
Rabbi Dr. Sidney Zevulun Lieberman 54R, Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS
Cantor Macy Nulman Former Director, Philip and Sarah Belz School
of Jewish Music at Yeshiva University
Rabbi Irwin Peyser 54R RIETS Trustee
Dr. Alvin I. Schiff RIETS Trustee; Chairman, RIETS Academic
Affairs Committee; Founder and director, The Graduate School of
Jewish Education (1959), renamed in 1982 as the Azrieli Graduate
School of Jewish Education and Administration
Mr. Herbert Smilowitz RIETS Board Vice Chairman RIETS Dor LDor
Awardee 2008 RIETS Eitz ChaimTree of Life Awardee 2002
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ALBANY
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Jeremy Wieder at
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob
YALE UNIVERSITY
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Yona Reiss
QUEENS COLLEGE
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Baruch Simon and Rabbi
Menachem Penner at Queens College Hillel
NEW ROCHELLE
Shabbat event featuring musmakh Rabbi Reuven Berman at Young
Israel of New Rochelle
BROOKLYN
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Hayyim Angel at Kingsway
Jewish Center
FIVE TOWNS
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Moshe
Weinberger, Rabbi Menachem Penner, Rabbi Eliakim Koenigsberg, Rabbi
Etan Schnall and musmakhim from the area. Locations included Young
Israel of Woodmere, Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst,
Congregation Beth Sholom, Congregation Shaarey Tefila, Bais Medrash
of Harborview, Congregation Aish Kodesh, Congregation Kneseth
Israel, the Irving Place Minyan, Congregation Bais Ephraim
Yitzchok, Bais Tefilah of Woodmere, Bais Knesset North Woodmere,
Woodsburgh Minyan, Young Israel of Hewlett, Congregation Anshei
Chesed, Beis Tefillah of North Woodmere and Bais Avrohom Zev
COLLEGE PARK
Melave malka featuring Rabbi Michael Rosensweig at the Maryland
University Hillel
HILLCREST
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Daniel Feldman at Young Israel of
Hillcrest
CINCINNATI
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner at
Congregation Shaarei Torah
CHICAGO
Shabbat event featuring Rabbi David Weiss of the Kollel Elyon at
Kehilath Jacob Beth Samuel Congregation and Bais Chiam Dovid (Bais
Medrash of Lincolnwood)
EDISON/HIGHLAND PARK
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Meir Goldwicht at Congregation Ohr
Torah, Congregation Ohav Emeth, Congregation Ahavas Achim and
Congregation Ahavas Yisrael
HOLLISWOOD
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Ozer Glickman and Rabbi Menachem
Penner at the Young Israel of Holliswood and the Young Israel of
Jamaica Estates
ROSLYN
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Kenneth Brander at the Roslyn
Synagogue
MANHATTAN
Sephardic musmakhim celebration featuring Rabbi Menachem Penner,
Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Haim, Rabbi Dr. Dobrinsky
and Rabbi Moshe Tessone at Congregation Magen David
TEANECK
Melave malka featuring Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Menachem
Penner and roshei yeshiva at Congregation Keter Torah
RIVERDALE
Shabbaton featuring musmakhim from the area including Rabbi
Yitzchok Genack, Rabbi Aaron Fleksher, Rabbi Joshua Grajower, Rabbi
Benjamin Golmdan and Rabbi Menashe Mazurek. Locations include
Riverdale Jewish Center, Young Israel of Riverdale and Young Israel
Ohab Zedek of North Riverdale
MANHATTANS WEST SIDE
Shabbat event featuring Rabbi Baruch Simon at West Side
Institutional Synagogue and Lincoln Square Synagogue
WEST ORANGE
Shabbat event featuring Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger at Congregation
Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David
FAIR LAWN
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Elchanan Adler at Congregation Darchei
Noam, Congregation Ahavat Achim and Congregation Shomrei Torah
BELLE HARBOR
Lecture and celebration featuring Dr. David Pelcovitz at
Congregation Ohab Zedek of Belle Harbor
LOS ANGELES
Shabbaton featuring Rabbi Menachem Penner at the Young Israel of
Century City, Young Israel of North Beverly Hills and Beth Jacob
Congregation
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Daniel Feldman at
Brandeis University Hillel
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Shabbat event featuring Rabbi Jeremy Wieder
JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Lecture and celebration featuring Rabbi Barry Freundel
Pre-Chag HaSemikhah Events Sponsored by RIETS
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ihsh ihsh
Rabbi Yaacov Feit crvNew York, NYJudaic Studies Faculty, Kushner
Schools, Livingston, NJ; Administrator, Bet Din of the Rabbinical
Council of Bergen County, Teaneck, NJ
Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz crvStaten Island, NYRabbi, Queens Jewish
Center, Forest Hills, New York; Judaic Studies Faculty, North Shore
Hebrew Academy, Great Neck, NY
Rabbi Yosef Kalinskyhexbhke hfsrn ;xuh crv
Los Angeles, CAAssociate Dean, Undergraduate Torah
StudiesYeshiva University, New York, NY
Rabbi Uri Orlian crvBrooklyn, NYRabbi, Shenk Shul. Rebbe, JSS.
Coordinator, Contemporary Halacha Program, RIETS Yeshiva
University
Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann crvPassaic, NJDirector, Beth Din of
America
Rabbi Ari Zahtz crvJamaica Estates, NYAssistant Rabbi,
Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, NJ; Faculty, Masmidim Program,
Yeshiva University, New York, NY
vruh vruh
Rabbi Elihu Abbehct vhcuy uvhkt crv
New York, NY Fellow, Katz Kollel RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Rafi Abrahamovrct rhtn ktpr crv
Teaneck, NJ Software Developer, New York, NY
Rabbi Aaron Abramsoniuznrct gauvh irvt crv
Toronto, Canada Law Student, University of Toronto, Teaching
Assistant, Yeshivat Or Chaim Rabbinic Intern, Puah Institute
Rabbi Zev Aederrshht hukv uvhnrh ctz crv
Kew Gardens Hills, NY Real Estate Agent, Jade Development,New
York, NY
Rabbi Alon Amarrng ;xuh iukt crv
Hillcrest, NY Equity Research, Citi, New York, NY
Rabbi Mordechai Ambrosexurcnt ehzhht hfsrn crv
New York, NY PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology, St. Johns
University, New York, NY
25
The Musmakhim
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26
Rabbi Sam Ashat injb ktuna crv
Rochester, NY Rabbi Jacob Kupietzky Kodshim Fellow, RIETS, New
York, NY
Rabbi Eitan Avinerrbhct i,ht crv
Jerusalem, Israel Student, Eretz Hemdah Institute for Advanced
Jewish Studies, Jerusalem
Rabbi Ariel Bannettygbc kthrt crv
Highland Park, NJ NCSY Director, Monmouth County NJ
Rabbi Jeremy Baranirc sus uvhnrh crv
Teaneck, NJ Financial Analyst, Elizur Corporation, Pittsburgh,
PA
Rabbi Dr. Yonah Bardosxusrc sus vbuh crv
Baltimore, MD Resident, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New
York NY
Rabbi Chaim Baschatc ojbn ohhj crv
West Orange, NJ Accountant, Ernst & Young, New York, NY
Rabbi Dovid Bashevkinihecac sus crv
Lawrence, NY Director of Education, NCSY, New York, NY
Rabbi Dani Bauerrtutc rhtn kthbs crv
New York, NY Judaic Studies Faculty, Kohelet Yeshiva, Lower
Merion, PA
Rabbi Eitan Bendavidsus-ic i,ht crv
Teaneck, NJ Judaic Studies Faculty, SAR, Riverdale, NY; Rabbinic
Fellow, Lincoln Square Synagogue, New York, NY
Rabbi Eliezer J.D. Bercusoniuxuerc shus rzghkt crv
Ottawa, CanadaJLIC Rabbi, Princeton University, Princeton,
NJ
Rabbi David Bergerrdrc ksbn vsuvh sus crv
Los Angeles, CATherapist, Jerusalem, Israel
Rabbi Dovi Bergmanindrc rzghkt cus crv
Elizabeth, NJFaculty, Seatle Hebrew Academy
Rabbi Reuven Bermaninrc i,ht icutr crv
New Rochelle, NYFellow, Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon,
RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Josh Berman Queens, NYDeveloper, Suite Solutions,
Jerusalem, Israel
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Rabbi Tzvi Bernsteinihhyxbrc ;xuh hcm crv
Stamford, CTAttorney, Zone & Bernstein, Stamford, CT
Rabbi Yaakob Bittoniuyhc cegh crv
Great Neck, NYCorporate Attorney, Shearman & Sterling LLP,
New York, NY
Rabbi Gideon Blacketkc iugsd crv
London, UKJLIC Rabbi, New York University, New York, NY
Rabbi Michael Bleicherrgfhhkc hfsrn crv
Staten Island, NY. Assistant Rabbi, Congregation AABJ&D,
West Orange, NJ; Outreach Coordinator, Jewish Family Service of
Clifton-Passaic
Rabbi Amitai Blicksteinihhyxehkc rgc h,hnt crv
New York, NYPhD Candidate, Education and Jewish Studies Program,
New York University, NY
Rabbi Avram Block etkc uvhgah ovrct crv
Roslyn, New York | Doctoral Student, Psychology, St. Johns
University. Judaic Studies Faculty, North Shore Hebrew Academy
HS.New York, NY
Rabbi Elli Bloomoukc uvhkt hfsrn crv
Fair Lawn, NJStaff Auditor, Eisner Amper LLP, New York, NY
Rabbi Chaim Blumenthalkybnukc ;xuh ohhj crv
Jamaica Estates, NY Avreich, Kollel Zichron Nosson,
Yerushalayim, Israel
Rabbi Joseph Blumenthalkybnukc vhnjb ;xuh crv
Brooklyn, ,NYJudaic Studies Faculty, Yeshivah of Flatbush High
School, Brooklyn NY
Rabbi Rephael Blumenthalkybnukc ktuna ktpr crv
Johannesburg, South Africa Teaneck NCSY Director, Rabbinic
Intern, Congregation Keter Torah, Teaneck NJ
Rabbi Yitzchak Brandsbrc ivfv ejmh crv
Baltimore, MDFaculty, Yeshiva University High School for Boys,
New York, NY
Rabbi Mendel Breitsteinihhyayhhrc ksbgn crv
Montgomery Village, MDEnglish and American culture teacher at
the American Center, Jerusalem Israel, Freelance cartoonist for the
Jerusalem Post.
Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Brokerreurc vhrt hcm crv
New York, NY Staten Island NYAcademic Guidance CounselorMichigan
Jewish Institute
Rabbi Yosef Bronsteinihhyabtrc hcm ;xuh crv
Bayswater, NYFellow, Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon, RIETS;
Instructor of Jewish Philosophy, Isaac Breuer College. PhD
Candidate, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.
New York, NY
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Rabbi Joshua Brown crvTeaneck, NJFormer Rabbinic Intern,
Congregation Ahavath Torah, Englewood, NJ; Medical Student, Albert
Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Rabbi Robert Charnoff;ubray icutr inke vnka crv
New York, NYJLIC Rabbi and Educator, Queens College Hillel,
Queens NY
Rabbi Noah Chesesxxm ktuna jb crv
Newton, MAJLIC Rabbi and Educator Yale University, New Haven,
CT
Rabbi Dr. Eytan Michael Cowenivf ktfhn i,ht crv
Brooklyn, NY Rabbi, Congregation Tiferet Israel, Toronto,
Canada; Medical Director, Integrated Health Group, Toronto,
Canada
Rabbi Aryeh Czarkaver'm cs vhrt crv
Springfield, NJ Program Coordinator, Center for the Jewish
Futures Speakers Bureau New York, NY
Rabbi Gavriel Shlomo Danieli crvToronto, CanadaInstructor, IBC
Program, YUJudaic Studies Faculty, M.T.A.Assistant Rabbi, The
Carlebach Shul
Rabbi Ariel Diamondsbunhhs vsuvh kthrt crv
Montreal, Canada Law Student, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law,
New York, NY
Rabbi Barry Dolingerrdbhkus khrgc ohhj crv
North Bellmore, NYRabbi, Congregation Beth Sholom, Providence,
RIAttorney, Law Office of Barry Dolinger
Rabbi Jeremy Donathybus i,ht crv
Minneapolis, MNRabbi, Congregation Darchei Noam, Fair Lawn NJ;
North Jersey Community Coordinator, OHEL; Judaic Studies Faculty,
Torah Academy of Bergen Country.
Rabbi Adam Pesach Dubinihcus jxp ost crv
Charlotte, North CarolinaEducator/Development Associate,
Manhattan Jewish Experience, New York, NY
Rabbi Nathan M. Dwecklhuus i,b crv
Brooklyn, NY | Assistant Rabbi, Sephardic Synagogue, Brooklyn,
NY; Torah Studies Teacher, Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School,
NYExecutive Director, Tebah Educational Services.
Rabbi David Eckstein crvWest Hempstead, NY Director, Birthright
Initiatives and Community Outreach, Manhattan Jewish
Experience.
Rabbi Dovid Einhorn Woodmere, NYJudaic Studies Faculty, SAR High
School, Riverdale, NY
Rabbi Yitzchak Ehrenberg crvTeaneck NJPost-Doctoral Associate,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA
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29
Rabbi Etan Ehrenfeld crvTeaneck, NJJudaic Studies Faculty, Ida
Crown Jewish Academy, Chicago. Assistant Rabbi, Kehilat Chovevei
Tzion, Skokie
Rabbi Binyamin Ehrenkranz crvMemphis, TNStudent, RIETS, New
York, NY
Rabbi Yaakov Ehrenkranz crvMemphis, TNKollel Fellow, Fair Lawn
Beis Medrash Program, Fair Lawn NJ
Rabbi Zev Eleff crvSilver Spring, MDDoctoral Candidate, Brandeis
University; Judaic Studies Faculty, The Maimonides School,
Brookline, MA
Rabbi Mickey Ellman crvAtlanta, GARam and Av Bayit, Yeshivat
Yishrei Lev, Telz-Stone, Israel
Rabbi Michael Emerson crvMemphis, TNJudaic Studies Faculty, SAR
High School.Riverdale, NY; Doctoral Candidate, NYU-Steinhardt
Education and Jewish Studies,
Rabbi Avraham Engelson crvSpringfield, MAAccountant at Eshel
& Partners, New York, NY
Rabbi Mattan Erder crvAgoura Hills, CALaw Student, Columbia Law
School, New York, NY
Rabbi Moshe Farkas crvMontreal, Canada | Judaic Studies Faculty,
Yeshiva Central Queens. Youth Director and Rabbinic Intern,
Congregation Ohr Torah, West Orange, New Jersey
Rabbi Nathan Fein crvAmbler, PAJudaic Studies Faculty, Fuchs
Mizrachi School, Beachwood, OH
Rabbi Zeev Felsen Highland Park, NJChaplain, Georgetown
University Hospital, Washington, DC
Rabbi Jason Finkelstein crvWest Orange, NJFellow, Bella and
Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon, RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Michael Finkelstein crvWoodmere, NYJudaic Studies Faculty,
DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys, Woodmere, NY
Rabbi Nesanel Fishman crvRiverdale, NY
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Rabbi Akiva Fleischmann Teaneck, NJJudaic Studies Faculty,Fuchs
Mizrachi SchoolBeachwood, OH
Rabbi Yair Frankel crvQueens, NYLaw Student, Harvard Law School,
Boston, MA
Rabbi Yonatan Frankel crvQueens, NYFounder, CloudTalk,
Philadelphia PA; Attorney, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Rabbi Daniel Fridman crvTeaneck, NJResident Scholar, The Jewish
Center, New York, NY
Rabbi Adam Frieberg crvToronto, CanadaKollel Fellow, Yeshiva
University Torah MiTzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov of
TorontoRabbinic Assistant, Congregation Shaarei Tefillah, Toronto,
Canada
Rabbi Elie Friedman crvTeaneck, NJLaw Student, Yale Law School,
New Haven, CT
Rabbi Elisha Friedman crvPassaic, NJ Rabbinic Intern,
Congregation Adereth El, Manhattan, NY; PhD Candidate, Bernard
Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University
Rabbi Noah Gardenswartz crvTeaneck, NJFellow, Bella and Harry
Wexner Kollel Elyon, RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Reuven Garrettyrtd jxp icutr crv
Pittsburgh, PAAttorney, New York, NY
Rabbi Tzvi Geffner crvStaten Island, NYJudaic Studies Teacher,
SAR Academy, Bronx NY
Rabbi Steven Genachowski crvWoodmere, NYRabbinic Intern, DRS
Yeshiva High School, Woodmere, NY
Rabbi Yitzi Genack crvEnglewood, NJAssistant Rabbi, Riverdale
Jewish Center, Riverdale, NY; Fellow, Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel
Elyon, RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Mordechai Gershon crvEnglewood, NJ Assistant Rabbi,
Congregation Ahavath Torah Judaic Studies Faculty, Rosenbaum
Yeshiva of North Jersey, Englewood, NJ
Rabbi Yaakov Gershon crvWest Hempstead, NYSocial Worker and
Vocational Coach Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities,
Teaneck, New Jersey
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31
Rabbi Chesky Gewirtz crvMonsey, NYRabbi, Congregation Beis
Tefillah of North Woodmere, PsyD Student, Ferkauf Graduate School
of Psychology
Rabbi Yonaton Gold crvMiami Beach, FL | Judaic Studies Faculty
and Student Activities Coordinator, Hillel Torah North Suburban Day
School, Skokie, IL
Rabbi Noah Goldberg crvTeaneck, NJAssociate,
PricewaterhouseCoopersNew York, NY
Rabbi Zev Goldberg crvTeaneck, NJAssistant Rabbi, Young Israel
of Century City, Los Angeles
Rabbi Dr. Moshe Goldfederrgspskud lurc iurvt van crv
Atlanta, GASenior Lecturer, Emory School of Law, Spruill Family
Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Atlanta,
GA
Rabbi Binyamin Goldmaninskud vhksd ihnhbc crv
Chicago, ILFinancial Analyst, Genesis Capital AdvisorsChicago,
IL
Rabbi Ezra Goldschmiedt crvNew York, NYRabbi, Congregation
Shaarei Torah, Cincinnati, OH; Faculty Cincinnati Hebrew Day
School, Cincinnati, OH
Rabbi Maury Goldsmith crvWoodmere, NYAssociate, Grant Thornton
LLP, New York, NY
Rabbi Alec Goldstein crvNew York, NYPublisher, Kodesh Press, New
York, NY
Rabbi Avraham Goldstein crvHaifa, IsraelAssistant Professor of
Mathematics, City University of New York
Rabbi Elyada Goldwicht crvNew York CityRabbinic Intern, Emek
Learning Center (ELC), Jerusalem, Israel
Rabbi Michael Goon crvScarsdale, NYLaw Student, New York
University School of LawAssociate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley &
McCloy LLP
Rabbi Jonathan Gordon crvMontreal, CanadaJudaic Studies Faculty,
Kohelet Yeshiva High School, Merion Station, PA
Rabbi Josh Grajower crvRiverdale, NYJudaic Studies Faculty,
Weinbaum Yeshiva High School, Boca Raton, FL
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32
Rabbi Noah Greenfield crvLos Angeles, CAPhD Candidate in Jewish
Studies, University of California, Berkeley, JD Candidate, Yale Law
School
Rabbi Seth Grossman crvWoodmere, NYManager, Commercial Real
Estate Mortgage Brokerage Firm, Israel
Rabbi Yakov Grun crvNew York, NYFellow, Israel Henry Beren
Institute for Higher Talmudic Studies; RIETS. Judaic Studies
Faculty, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County
Rabbi Daniel Gutenberg crvToronto, CanadaIndustrial Engineer,
Israel
Rabbi Josh Gutenberg, Toronto, CanadaYU Torah MiTzion Beit
Midrash, Toronto, Ontario; Rabbinic Assistant, BAYT, Toronto,
Ontario
Rabbi Saul Haimoff crvLawrence, NYDoctoral Student in Clinical
Psychology,Long Island University, CW Post, Brookville, NY;.
Rabbi Dovid Halpernihrpkhhv i,buh sus crv
Bala Cynwyd, PAMedical Student, Thomas Jefferson University
Medical College
Rabbi Avi Harari crvBrooklyn, NYJudaic Studies Faculty,Yeshivah
of Flatbush HS
Rabbi Mordechai Harrisxhrrv vhnjb hfsrn crv
West Hempstead, NYJudaic Studies Faculty, Hebrew Academy of
Nassau County, Uniondale, NY; Assistant Youth Director, Young
Israel of West Hempstead, West Hempstead, NY
Rabbi Herschel Hartz.rv ouka ohhj crv
Rockville, MarylandExecutive Director and Founder of Inwood
Jews, Manhattan
Rabbi Jonathan Hefter crvBrookline, MASocial Work Intern, Bronx,
NY
Rabbi Jeremy Hellman crvSt. Louis, MOFaculty, Yeshivat Noam,
Paramus, NJ
Rabbi Zachary Hepner crvLos Angeles, CAMohelNew York, NY
Rabbi Adam Hertzberg crvHolliswood, NYJudaic Studies Teacher,
Ramaz Middle School, New York, NY
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33
Rabbi Yaakov Hoffman crvBethesda, MDAssistant Rabbi, Washington
Heights Congregation, New York, NYSofer STaM
Rabbi Aaron Horn crvTwin Rivers, NJJudaic Studies Faculty,
Director of Student Activities and Israel Guidance Counselor,
Kohelet High School, Lower Merion, PA
Rabbi Ephraim Ilyaguev crvMoscowAccountant, New York, NY
Rabbi Daniel Jerome )( crvWest Hempstead, NYShoel UMeishiv,
Stone Beis Medrash Program, Yeshiva University
Rabbi Shmuel Kagan crvJerusalem, IsraelRav, Mizrachi
Organisation of South Africa
Rabbi Peter Kahn crvRiverdale, NYFellow, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm
Kollel lHoraahMedical Student, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY
Rabbi Yitzie Klapperrpke van ejmh crv
Hillcrest,NYJudaic Studies Faculty and Director of Student
Activities, HAFTR Middle School,Lawrence, NY
Rabbi Jonathan Klatt ytke ihnhbc crv
New York, NYJudaic Studies Teacher, Abraham Joshua Heschel High
SchoolNew York, NY
Rabbi Motti Klein crvLos Angeles, CADoctoral Student in Clinical
Psychology, Azusa Pacific University.Adjunct member of LINK
Kollel,
Rabbi Yitzy Klein crvBrooklyn, NYKatz Kollel Fellow, RIETS, New
York, NY
Rabbi Ephraim Kleinbergdrcbhhke ohrpt crv
Thornhill, CanadaJudaic Studies Faculty, Ramaz Upper School, New
York, NY
Rabbi Benyamin Kohanimohbvf ihnhbc crv
New York, N YStudent, RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Josh Koperwas crvThornhill, CanadaJudaic Studies Teacher,
Yeshivat Or Chaim, Toronto; Educator, BAYT, Toronto.
Rabbi Daniel Kordatsre ohhj ihnhbc kthbs crv
Los Angeles, CALaw Student, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles,
CA
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34
Rabbi Mayer Kovacs crvBaltimore, MDAttorney, Sirody &
Associates, Baltimore, MD
Rabbi Ben Krinsky crvTeaneck, NJJudaic Studies Faculty, Yavneh
Academy, Paramus, NJ
Rabbi Binyamin Krohn crvNewton, MAAssistant Rabbi, Congregation
Rinat YisraelJudaic Studies Faculty, Torah Academy of Bergen County
Teaneck, NJ
Rabbi Michael Kurin crvToronto, CanadaStudent, Albert Einstein
School of MedicineBronx, NY
Rabbi Elie Kurtz crvHighland Park, NJJudaic Studies Faculty,
Yeshivat Noam, Paramus, NJ
Rabbi Meyer Laniado crvOakhurst NJRabbinic Intern, Congregation
Magen David of West Deal, Ocean NJ; Director of Marketing and
Advertising, Window Treats Inc, Red Bank, NJ
Rabbi Moshe Lasterryxk iugna van crv
Forest Hills, NYAssistant Teacher, Yeshiva Beis Hillel, Passaic,
NJ; Rabbinic Intern, Congregation Beth David, West Hartford, CT
Rabbi Daniel Lauchheimerrnhhvetk kthbs crv
New York, NYFinancial AnalystNew York, NY
Rabbi Reuven Lebovitz crvWoodmere, NYFellow, Yeshiva University
Torah MiTzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov, Toronto
Rabbi Binyamin Lehrfield crvSkokie, ILRabbi, Congregation Beth
Abraham-JacobAlbany, NY
Rabbi Benjamin Leibowitz crvTeaneck, NJNational and Summer
Program Coordinator, Yachad, New York, NY
Rabbi Jesse Lempel crvWoodmere, NYJudaic Studies Teacher, Collge
Lyce Alliance, Nice, France
Rabbi Dov Lerner crvLondon, UKGraduate Student, University of
Chicago Divinity School, Chicago, IL; Orthodox Student Advisor,
Hillel at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Rabbi Ariel Levihuk kthrt crv
North Miami Beach, FLChaplain, Fort Tryon Rehabilitation Center,
New York, NY. Faculty, Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
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35
Rabbi Darren Levin crvNorth Woodmere, NYJLIC Torah Educator,
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD
Rabbi Yitzchok Libermaninrck lurc ejmh crv
Chicago, ILInstructor of Judaic Studies, James Striar School,
Yeshiva University
Rabbi Marc Liebman crvWest Hempstead, NYActuary, ISO, Jersey
City, NJ
Rabbi Eitan Lipstein crvWoodmere, NYJudaic Studies Teacher, The
Moriah School, Englewood NJ; Doctoral Candidate, Azrieli Graduate
School of Jewish Education and Administration, New York, NY
Rabbi Chaim Litzenblatt crvFort Lauderdale, FLSales Specialist,
NPS, Clifton, NJ
Rabbi Eytan London crvScarsdale, NYJudaic Studes Faculty and
Athletic Director, Westchester Hebrew High School, Mamaroneck,
NY
Rabbi Daniel Lowensteinihhyxbtuk ktpr kthbs crv
Lawrence, NYMedical Student, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Rabbi Yair Manas crvTeaneck, NJKollel Fellow, Yeshiva University
Torah MiTzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov in Toronto, Owner, Manas
Tablecloths
Rabbi Raphi Mandelstam crvQueens, NYJudaic Studies Faculty and
Director of Student Activities, Torah Academy of Bergen County,
Teaneck, NJ
Rabbi Joel Markin crv Toronto, CanadaRIETS Student, Actuarial
Science Student, New York, NY
Rabbi Menashe Mazureketruzn van crv
Yonkers. NYBella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon, RIETS, New York,
NY
Rabbi Steven Mermelstein crvGreat Neck, NYLaw Student, Harvard
Law School, Boston, MA
Rabbi Ephraim Meth crvKew Gardens Hills, NYFellow, Kollel Elyon,
RIETS, New York, NY
Rabbi Avi Miller crvWoodmere, NYAssistant Rabbi, Congregation
Beth Sholom Lawrence, NY; Judaic Studies Faculty at HAFTR High
School
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36
Rabbi Binyamin Miller crvJerusalem, IsraelAdministrator and
Instructor for an Online College
Rabbi David Mosterrgyxtn ctz sus crv
Lower Merion, PAPhD Student in Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern
Studies, New York University, New York, NY
Rabbi Avi Narrow-Tilonsky crvCherry Hill NJProgram Director,
Kohelet Fellowships Program-Yeshiva University Center for the
Jewish Future, New York, NY
Rabbi Motti Neuburger crvBergenfield, NJFellow, Wexner Kollel
Elyon, RIETS Rabbi, Beis Medrash Zichron Shalom Kew Gardens Hills,
NY
Rabbi Ami Neumaninhub inkz vnka rhnt crv
West Hempstead, NYAssistant Principal, Rabbi Teitz Mesivta
Academy, Elizabeth, NJ
Rabbi Ari Neuman crvHighland Park, NJJLIC Rabbi, University of
Maryland, MD
Rabbi David New crvNew Milford, NJAssistant Administrator,
Rockville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Rockville
Centre, NY
Rabbi Yirmiyah Norman crvBrooklyn NYRebbi, Yeshiva Gedolah Ohr
YisroelBrooklyn, NY
Rabbi Yitz Novak crvLos Angeles, CANortheast Synagogue
Initiative Director, AIPAC. New York, NY
Rabbi David Pardo crvEncino, CAJLIC Rabbi, Brandeis University,
Boston, MA
Rabbi Schemouel Penya crvNew York, NYStudentRIETS, New York,
NY
Rabbi Hartley Perlmutter crvToronto, CanadaJudaic Studies
Faculty, Bnei Akiva Schools, Toronto, Ontario
Rabbi Brian David Platt crvWoodmere, NYBusiness Analyst, Ramat
Beit Shemesh, Israel
Rabbi Ari Poliakoff crvBaltimore, MDFellow, Dr. Norman Lamm,
Kollel LHoraah, RIETS, Social Worker, Marsha Stern Talmudical
Academy, New York, NY
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37
Rabbi Dovid Preil crvBergenfield, NJKollel, FellowJerusalem,
Israel
Rabbi Tani Prero crvChicago, ILDirector, Camp Yagilu Wilderness
Summer program.Israel
Rabbi Yom Tov Priluck W crvOmaha, NEDoctoral Student
Rabbi Yehoshua Reinitz crvNew York, NYFellow, Israel Henry Beren
Institute for Higher Talmudic Studies.New York, NY
Rabbi Isaac Rice crvScarsdale, NYJudaic Studies Faculty, Hebrew
Academy of Nassau County and Stella K. Abraham High School for
Girls; Rabbinic Intern, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, NJ
Rabbi Nosson Rich crvWest Orange, NJJudaic Studies Faculty,
TABC, Teaneck, NJ
Rabbi Shlomo Beny Rofehvpr vnka crv
Encino, CACounselor & Faculty, James Striar School of
Yeshiva University, Outpatient Substance Abuse Intern, Freedom
Institute, New York, NY
Rabbi Yosef Rosen crvWestport, CTAssistant Rabbi, Congregation
Ohr Binyamin, Queens, NY; NCSY Director, Westport, CT
Rabbi Josh Rosenfeldskpbzur gauvh crv
Woodmere, NYAssistant Rabbi, Lincoln Square Synagogue, New York,
NY; Judaic Studies Faculty, SAR High School, Riverdale, NY
Shimmy Rosenbergdrtcbzur crvSuffern, NYRIETS Student, Consultant
for Energy Company
Rabbi Moshe Ariel Rosensweig crvKew Gardens, NYFellow, Israel
Henry Beren Institute for Higher Talmudic Studies
Rabbi Benjamin Samuels crvFlushing, NYConsultant, Analysis
Group, New York, NY
Rabbi Dovid Schachter crvEdison, NJGraduate Student, Weill
Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY
Rabbi Shay Schachter crvNew York, NYAssistant to the Rabbi,
Congregation Knesseth Israel - The White Shul, Far Rockaway, NY;
Fellow, Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon, RIETS, New York,
NY
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38
Rabbi Yakir Schechter crvTeaneck, NJKollel Fellow, Philadelphia
Community Kollel, Lower Merion, PA
Rabbi Yonatan Schechter crvTeaneck, NJClinical Social Worker
Beit Shemesh, Israel
Rabbi Mordechai Schiffman crvBrooklyn, NYAssistant Rabbi,
Kingsway Jewish Center,Brooklyn, NY; Psy.D. Candidate, St. Johns
University, Queens, NY
Rabbi David Schlusselberg crvTeaneck, NJFaculty, The Rae Kushner
Yeshiva High School Livingston, New Jersey
Rabbi Seth Schmulowitz crvNew York, NYKollel Fellow, Wexner
Kollel Elyon; Judaic Studies Faculty, MTA High School, New York
NY
Rabbi Dani Schreiber crvBrooklyn, NYAssistant Rabbi at Kehillat
Shivtei Yisrael, IsraelApplication Developer, Hewlett Packard,
Israel
Rabbi Joshua Schulmaninkua lurc gauvh crv
Teaneck, NJJudaic Studies Faculty & Director of Chessed
Programming, The Frisch School, Paramus NJ
Rabbi Ari Schwabcuua hrt crv
Hillcrest, NY
Rabbi Yosef Schwartz.ruua ;xuh crv
Chicago, ILAttorney, Sidley Austin LLP, Chicago, IL
Rabbi Daniel Schwechter crvGreat Neck, NYJudaic Studies Faculty,
Westchester Day School, Mamaroneck, NY
Rabbi Tsvi Selengut crvTeaneck, NJRabbi, Congregation Ohab
Zedek, Belle Harbor, NY; Shoel UMeishiv and Kriah Specialist, DRS
High School for Boys, Woodmere, NY
Rabbi Benjamin Seleski crvChicago, ILFinancial Advisor, Merrill
LynchStamford, CT
Rabbi Ari Sendic crvQueens, NYJudaic Studies Faculty, Fasman
Yeshiva High School, Skokie, IL
Rabbi Sion Settoniu,x iuhm crv
Brooklyn, NYRabbi, Congregation Magen David of Manhattan;
Teacher & Director of Educational Technology, Barkai
YeshivahBrooklyn, NY
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39
Rabbi Yechiel Shafferrpta cs kthfh crv
Fair Lawn, NJAssociate Director of Institutional Advancement,
Yeshiva University Institute for University School Partnership;
Creator and Editor, Mytanach.com
Rabbi Yosef Sharbat crvQueens, NY | Sephardic Assistant Rabbi,
Congregation Ahavat Achim Bnei Jacob and David, West Orange, NJ ;
Judaic Studies Faculty, Yeshivat Noam, Paramus, NJ
Rabbi David Sher crvWest Long Branch, NJJudaic Studies Faculty,
The Frisch School, Paramus, NJ; Rabbi, Congregation Brother of
Israel, Ocean Ave Minyan, Long Branch, NJ
Rabbi Daniel Sherman crvLower Merion, PARabbinic Intern, West
Side Institutional Synagogue, Mahnhattan NY; Director, Torah
Letzion
Rabbi Matisyahu Shochet crvNew York, NYFaculty, Margolin Hebrew
Academy, Memphis, TN
Rabbi Sandor Philip Shulkes crvHollywood, FLJudaic Studies
Faculty, Akiba and Yavneh Academy Dallas, TX
Rabbi Danny Shulmaninka crvTeaneck, NJLaw Student, University of
Pennsylvania
Rabbi David Snyder crvEdison NJLaw Student, Columbia Law School,
New York, NY
Rabbi Dr. Aryeh Sova crvChicago, ILClinical Psychologist,
Chicago Childrens Clinic, Chicago, Illinois
Rabbi J.Z. Spierrhhpx i,buh crv
Monsey, NYDirector of Informal Education and Judaic Studies
Faculty, The Frisch School, Paramus NJ
Rabbi Zevi Spitz crv Hillcrest, NYAssociate Rabbi, Young Israel
of Holliswood, Holliswood, NY
Rabbi Jeremy Stern crvLos Angeles, CAExecutive Director,
Organization for the Resolution of Agunot (ORA), New York, NY
Rabbi Avi Strauss xutrya vsuvh ovrct crv
Bergenfield, NJFellow, New York City Law Department, New York,
NY
Rabbi Daniel Tabak crvLos Angeles, CAPhD Candidate, Bernard
Revel Graduate School, New York, NY
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40
Rabbi David Teller crvThornhill, CanadaHead of Judaic Studies,
Hamilton Hebrew Academy, Hamilton Ontario.
Rabbi Yaakov Trumppntry hcm cegh crv
Johannesburg, South AfricaAssistant Rabbi, Young Israel
Lawrence- Cedarhurst, NY; Student Advisor, Undergraduate Torah
Studies, Yeshiva University
Rabbi Danny Turkel crvKew Gardens Hills, NYRabbinic Intern, Bais
Medrash Zichron Shalom, Queens NY;Analyst, Stoneview Capital, New
York, NY
Rabbi Tzvi Urkowitz crvHouston, TXJudaic Studies Faculty, Fuchs
Mizrachi School, Beachwood, OH
Rabbi Shlomo Wadler crvBrooklyn, NYPhD. Student in Theology,
University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Rabbi Yoni Weinberg crvWoodmere, NYAccountant, Rothstein Kass,
New York, NY
Rabbi David Weiss crvLawrence, NYRabbinic Intern, Mt. Sinai
Jewish Center, New York NY; Fellow, Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel
Elyon, Yeshiva University
Rabbi Zvi Weiss crvStaten Island, NYPsyD Candidate, Long Island
University
Rabbi Mordechai Herschel Weissmann crvWhite Plains, NYJudaic
Studies Faculty, Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. Rabbinic
Intern, Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras ChaimBaltimore, MD
Rabbi Zev Wiener crvLos Angeles, CA Resident Physician in
Psychiatry, UCLA Neuropsy-chiatric Institute, Los Angeles CA
Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Yehudah Wilburrgckhuu vsuvh hcm crv
Woodmere, NYPediatric Attending, Quality Health Center,
Brooklyn, NY
Rabbi Moshe Winogradstrdbhuu van crv
Brooklyn, NYDirector of Volunteer Department, Aish NY;
Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student, Seton Hall University,
South Orange NJ
Rabbi Eliyahu Yehudah Wittenberg crvWest Hartford, CTFellow,
Gruss Kollel, RIETSJerusalem
Rabbi Danny Wolfe crvDenver COCampus Rabbi, Aish New York,
Albany NY
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Rabbi Ari Yabloketkchh vhrt ovrct crv
Teaneck, NJCampus Director, The Israel Experience at Bar Ilan
University. Rabbinic Leader of Anglo Student Body,Bar Ilan
University
Rabbi Lavi Zaretyrz van thck crv
Chicago, ILDental Student, NYU School of DentistryNew York,
NY
Rabbi Jonathan Ziring crvStaten Island, NYChaver, Kollel Gavoah,
Yeshivat Har Etzion, Alon Shvut, Israel
Rabbi Dovid Zirkind crvBaltimore, MDAssistant Rabbi, The Jewish
Center, New York, NY
Rabbi Shlomo Zuckier crvNew York, NYJacob Kupietzky Kodshim
Fellow, RIETS PhD Candidate, Yale University
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Yeshivas Rebbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan is indebted to our Vice
Chairman
MR. HERB SMILOWITZ ZL
A quiet giant dedicated to his family, Torat Yisrael, Klal
Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael.
He taught us all to be Mekadesh the Chol. A true Ben Torah who
enriched all of our lives.
RICHARD M. JOELPresident
RABBI NORMAN LAMMRosh Yeshiva Emeritus
RABBI MENACHEM PENNERActing Dean
JOEL SCHREIBERChairman
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Scroll of Honor
In honor of RIETS and its rabbinical faculty, with which we are
proud to be associated.
HOWARD AND DEBBIE JONAS
P illar
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G uardian BuilderCongratulations and best wishes to the new
musmachim.
Mazel tov to
JAY SCHOTTENSTEIN
on receiving the Eitz Chaim Award
and
RABBI GEDALIA DOV SCHWARTZ
on receiving the
Harav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf Torah Award.
RABBI HYMAN AND ANN ARBESFELD
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G uardian Builder
Congratulations to all
the new rabbis and honorees.
THE SMILOWITZ FAMILY
45
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Master Builder
Congratulations to Jay Schottenstein
on the
Eitz ChaimTree of Life Award.
We salute and love Jay, Jeanie, and
the entire Schottenstein family.
THE BOOK FAMILY
46
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P latinum BuilderMazel Tov
Rabbi Joshua Berman on your receiving Semikha.
While we are very proud of all your accomplishment, we are most
proud of you.
Your hard work on behalf of, and dedication to, your family and
the Jewish community
inspires us all.
LANI AND KOVI
Bubby and Grandpa DOROTHY AND JULIUS BERMAN
Mom and Dad JUDY AND ZEV BERMAN
DANIEL AND ELIANA, RACHAELI AND TUVI, TAMI
MYRA AND SIMCHA AMINSKY AND FAMILY
ELIE AND MIRIAM BERMAN AND FAMILY
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G old Builder
Mazel tov to the honorees and musmakhim.
Compliments of
LOTTE AND LUDWIG BRAVMANN
48 49
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G old Builder
In tribute to
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz,
Jay Schottenstein
and all the musmakhim.
RABBI HOWARD AND CHAYA BALTER
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G old Builder
Our family is honored
to partner with the RIETS administration
and Roshei Yeshiva.
We take great pride in our newest
class of Musmakhim
and congratulate our distinguished honorees
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz and Mr. Jay Schottenstein.
ELLIOT AND DEBBIE GIBBER
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G old Builder
We are honored to join RIETS in paying tribute to
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz
whose Ahavas Torah and Ahavas Yisrael
have inspired and enriched our lives.
The Chicago community and
the Greater Jewish community
are indebted to you.
GALE AND RICKEY ROTHNER
51
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G old BuilderWe are grateful to our Roshei Yeshiva and
faculty
for their steadfast commitment to sharing their
Torah Knowledge, Ahavas Hashem,
Ahavas Yisrael with our talmidim.
Mazel Tov to our newest musmachim.
As you embark on your journey in Avodas Hakodesh,
may you enjoy much success and satisfaction.
Mazal tov to our distinguished honorees
Rabbi Gedlaia Dov Schwartz and Mr. Jay Schottenstein
for their outstanding contributions
to the greater Jewish community.
May our Yeshiva continue to go Mchayil Lchayil.
JOEL AND JUDY SCHREIBER SIMEON AND ROSE SCHREIBER DAVID AND
DASSIE SCHREIBER
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G old Builder
We take great pride in honoring
our newest Musmakhim
who join the RIETS family.
Mazel tov to
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz
on receiving the
Rav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf Torah award
and Jay Schottenstein
on receiving the
Eitz ChaimTree of Life award.
RUTH AND IRWIN SHAPIRO
53
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G old Builder
Congratulations to our newest RIETS musmakhim
and distinguished honorees,
Rabbi Gedaliah Dov Schwartz and Jay Schottenstein.
Special mazel tov to
Rabbi Ari Zahtz
on his completion of Yadin Yadin.
Our family and the Teaneck community
benefit from your wisdom and friendship.
ELISA AND CHAIM WIETSCHNER
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G old Builder
To Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein
exemplary role models and leaders in the
Greater Jewish community.
MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL JESSELSON
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G old Builder
Congratulations and best wishes
to our honorees,
Jay Schottenstein,
Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz
and the Musmakhim.
HENRY KRESSEL AND FAMILY
56
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G old BuilderRabbi Daniel Fridman / Rabbi Ari Lamm
Rabbi Ari Zahtz / Rabbi Dovid Zirkind
You have taught us, inspired us and enabled us to reach higher
spiritually.
We look forward to continuing to learn, laugh and be inspired
together.
May you take all of the skills and learning that you have
attained at YU and take them to the next level.
You have already had an immense impact on our communities and we
look forward to your continued
involvement and enabling others to reach their fullest potential
in all areas of leading a wonderful Jewish life
full of Torah, chesed and happiness.
With an immense amount of respect and admiration.
LEYLA AND DANIEL POSNER
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G old Builder
We join our yeshiva in
honoring all of our musmakhim.
We are proud to welcome you into the family.
RIVKIE AND LANCE HIRT
58
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Chai Builder
59
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Chai Builder
60
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Chai Builder
61
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Chai Builder
62
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Chai Builder
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Etz Chaim
Wishing much Brachah and Nachas to our
Rosh Yeshiva Emeritus Rabbi Norman Lamm and Mindy.
ELLIOT AND DEBBIE GIBBER
64
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Etz ChaimTo attend the
Chag Hasemicha of two grandsons,
Yonatan and Yair Frankel,
on the same day is an exceptional ,ufz.
This is the capstone of our familys life
after the miraculous escape, in 1942,
from the Nazi death camps in France.
Our gratitude expresses itself
in our familys efforts to be
,umnu vru, .hcrn
in every way and place possible.
GUSTAVE JACOBS
65
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Etz ChaimTo our Dear Rabbi and Friend
Rabbi Ari Zahtz
Mazal Tov upon completing Yadin Yadin Semikah.
Your passion and steadfast commitment to Torah,
sensitivity, sincerity, and Ahavas Yisrael
guides and inspires us and our families.
We are grateful for all that you do for the
Teaneck-Bnai Yeshurun community and Klal Yisrael.
We look forward to many more years
of learning and growing with you.
May you and Michal