From the desk of Rabbi Leonard (Yehuda) Blank MS, BCC
Director of Chaplaincy Commission and External Affairs
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud Harabonim
917-446-2126 rablenblank@gmail.com
I am announcing another fantastic program from TTI a masters degree in ABA. BCBA post graduate certificate. LBA post graduate certificate and CBS to LBA. (Please see the ad below. Special discount for RAA members, their spouse and adult children). Please call 877. RING.TTI to register or additional information.
I am also announcing information from Rabbi Lerner about the Masters Degree program from YIEP. (Please see the ad below),
Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Director of YIEP is pleased to announce the upcoming YIEP-BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CMHC degree program, JANUARY 2020. Please contact Rabbi Lerner at 917-209-8204 or YIEP@gmail.com
I am also now planning a new partnership with another school with educational programs that will lead to exciting professional positions to be announced within the next week or two.
I was listening to Rabbi Chaim Zweibel, Executive Vice President of Agudas Yisrael who was one of the key note speakers at their convention this past Motzei Shabbos. He summed up so eloquently regarding the present environment and direction being taken local, state, nationwide and worldwide that is anti religion, and against the principals of our faith let alone filled with anti semitism and hatred. He quoted Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman ztkl when he spoke to a group of rabbonim in Germany years before the major turn of events that lead to the Holocaust of which he himself died al Kiddush H spoke about why Avraham Avinu could not remain in the land of King Avimelech . even though it might have been filled with culture and a proper society, because there was no Yiras H. He also quoted excerpts from a speech given by the Attorney General of the USA, the Honorable William P. Baar at the University of Notre Dame about the direction being taken by certain movements affecting religious beliefs in America today. No, I am not making a political speech, just paraphrasing what Rabbi Zweibel was alluding to and the importance of beseeching the Aibershta to have rachamim, for us to care for each other and Klal Yisrael with chesed, kindness and ahava Yisrael. It is so important to show kindness to others no matter what their background might be and to act in a becoming manner we can and should be proud of. We must always try to make a Kiddush H.( which I have mentioned in recent RAA newsletters) .Agudah and other well known organizations are continuing to strive for the rights of religious freedom and against hatred and anti semitism. Our organization is also proud to do so with finesse, diplomacy and with achdus.
Well, a tremendous Kiddush H was made Tuesday December 3 on the Floor of the US Congress when the Honorable Congressman Max Rose (of Staten Island) addressed the lawmakers of our government, honoring the critical work done by the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations under the leadership of Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik and Mr. Scott Mauer. He spoke about the many wonderful things done for the citizens of Staten Island not just for the Jewish community, but for so many no matter what their backgrounds are. Congressman Rose spoke about the acts of anti semitism and hatred found not only in Staten Island and throughout the USA, but in many parts of the world and how important it is to support an organization such as the COJO of SI that builds bridges and good relations combating such hatred with all the wonderful programs they do throughout the year and what an honor it is to work together with COJO of SI. Rabbi Mirocznik you are a true role model for us all.
On behalf of Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik who is also the Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, and the Rabbinical Alliance of America, I want to congratulate the Honorable Dermot
Shea on officially becoming the Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. Wishing him much success in all of his endeavors including reducing crime, acts of bias, hatred and anti semitism, enhancing good relations amongst and between New Yorkers ,but also in being the shining knight promoting pride in the police officers of all ranks throughout all the departments of the NYPD conveying to the world how great the NYPD is.