From the desk of Rabbi Leonard (Yehuda) Blank, MS, BCC
Director of Chaplaincy Commission and External Affairs
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim
917-446-2126 rablenblank@gmail.com
The major conference call Wednesday evening February 19th, 2020 ‘Halachic
and Medical Implications of Novel Coronavirus and Influenza” featuring Rabbi Dr. Glatt
was truly superb. His medical and halachic knowledge and expertise were evident in his presentation that touched upon many important aspects we all can learn from. He is an Adom Gadol and Adam Chashuv in all that he does. In his various professional positions he is a wonderful role model making a tremendous Kiddush H. There is an old saying, “it is not what you say, but how you say it”. Rabbi Dr. Glatt is able to convey information in a non- threatening way. He explained why influenza cannot nor should it not be taken lightly even more so than the Novel Coronavirus. He shared the importance of how to deal with the various medical situations in a meaningful way and the various halacha implications.
I personally want to thank Rabbi Binyamin Hammer not only for his collaboration, but his expertise in such conference calls which he often has with the NCYI and chashuva rabbonim. He is truly humble, wise and a wonderful colleague. I will be collaborating with him on other programs.
I want to acknowledge the members of the RCA- the Rabbinical Council of America, the National Council of Young Israel, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim, the Orthodox Jewish Chaplains Roundtable, the RAA Chaplaincy Commission and others who joined us on this conference call. I want to thank Rabbi M. Dratch Executive Vice President of the RCA and Rabbi D. Kramer, Chair of the RCA Chaplaincy for informing the RCA membership and again to Rabbi Kramer for informing the Orthodox Jewish Chaplains Roundtable members about the conference.
Information how to obtain the recording of this conference will be forthcoming.
The recent Dirshu siyum culminated in days and months of Torah learning and testing on all that was learned, by the thousands of participants all over the world. There are so many diverse programs inspiring men, women and children to lead meaningful lives that are filled with kedusha, love of the Aibershta, and to care for each other in the spirit of holiness, kindness.
Looking forward to meeting you at the next Rabbinical Alliance of America/ Igud HaRabbonim seuda and conference marking the yartzeit of HaRav Gershon Tannenbaum ztkl, at the Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. Tuesday February 25th, 2020 at 6:30 PM, There are a number of programs and events in the planning. I hope to be sharing some news about some of them.
Respectfully, Yehuda Blank