Dear members of Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim,

Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum ztk”l was the Menahel and Director of the Igud HaRabbonim/Rabbinical Alliance of America, a rabbinic organization of close to 1,000 Orthodox Jewish rabbis. He embodied the mesorah of Avraham Avinu with his love of the Aibershta, caring for others and drawing in so many in a derech spirited with much kindness for all. His appreciation and admiration for the rabbonim of the Igud who worked in chaplaincy was well known. His desire for chaplaincy enhancement was dear to him and that spirit was passed down to our present Executive Vice President of the Igud, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, and the present Hanhalah of the Igud. At the Igud Rosh Chodesh seudah in memory of HaRav Tannenbaum on February 5th, 2019, Shevat 30, 5779, the establishment of the Chaplaincy Commission was announced. Director Rabbi Leonard (Yehuda) Blank MS, BCC, and commission members Rabbi Michoel Chazan, Rabbi Yochanan Ivry, Rabbi Tzephania Kreger and Rabbi Simcha Silverman are all Board Certified Professional Chaplains.

The mission statement of the Chaplaincy Commission of the RAA/Igud is to follow the mesorah of HaRav Gershon Tannenbaum ztk”l to encompass the essence of gemilus chasadim, caring for others with a Kiddush H’, professionalism, compassion, dignity, and much kindness for all. We will enhance the knowledge, expertise, skills, and care for our fellow human beings through continuing educational seminars, yemei iyun, presentations by professionals, offering resources and didactics to enhance pastoral skills. Also, support and camaraderie. It will be an opportunity to discuss and support concerns in many areas of chaplaincy for our rabbonim who function as chaplains be it healthcare, correctional, facilities, police, fire, military and other chaplaincy positions. Including, congregational rabbonim who serve as community chaplains. We also wish to encourage professional chaplaincy education.

The RAA/Igud and their Chaplaincy Commission is not an endorsing organization . They do not issue any chaplain ID. The RAA/Igud, however, does offers a picture ID card to their member rabbonim.

Please answer the following time-sensitive questionnaire by March 11: online version or printable version to be emailed to Igud.Website@gmail.com

Thank you,

The RAA/Igud Chaplaincy Commission
Rabbi Yehuda Blank, Director
Rabbi Michoel Chazan
Rabbi Yochanan Ivry
Rabbi Tzephania Kreger
Rabbi Simcha Silverman