Brooklyn, N.Y., February 6, 2024 – On January 25, 2024, Touro University in Flatbush became the hub of spiritual leadership and community solidarity during the Jewish Chaplains’ Conference. This vital assembly, hosted by leading Jewish chaplaincy organizations including the Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA/Igud HaRabbonim), the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI), Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, and the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplain’s Listserv, was themed “The Chaplains’ Mission: To Be a Source of Inspiration, Faith, and Guidance in Today’s Challenging Times.” It aimed to unite, educate, and inspire amidst the current global adversities.

The conference spotlighted the profound insights of Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok, who delivered the keynote address. His message, along with contributions from Dean Robert Goldschmidt, Vice President for Planning and Assessment and Executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; Rabbi Dr. Hillel Fox Director of Spiritual Services, Chaplaincy Care and Education at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) – Northwell Health in Manhasset; Rabbi Simcha Silverman, Director of Chaplaincy Services at Lenox Hill Hospital, and Rabbi, Congregation Etz Chaim of Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York; and Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, a retired US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; Chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, Administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv; enriched the gathering with depth and perspective. Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, Vice-President for Professional Development and External Affairs, and Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission, RAA, skillfully moderated the event.

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the RAA and proud Touro University alumnus, recognized the visionary leadership of Rabbi Blank in orchestrating and spearheading the conference. Rabbi Mirocznik highlighted the alarming rise in antisemitism and the significance of Israel’s ongoing struggle for her survival in the war against Hamas, underscoring the conference’s timeliness and importance. “On Tu BiShevat, this conference not only symbolizes growth and renewal but also reflects our collective resilience and unity. Rabbi Blank’s dedication to Ahavas Yisrael and his commitment to fostering unity within the Jewish community through such critical programming is both commendable and inspirational,” Rabbi Mirocznik remarked.

Expressing gratitude towards Touro University and Dean Goldschmidt, Rabbi Mirocznik lauded their exceptional support for the Jewish community. “Under Dean Goldschmidt’s leadership, Touro University has become a fortress against antisemitism, championing Orthodox values while fostering an environment of safety, respect, and academic excellence. This educational project is a true Kiddush Hashem,” he stated.

Special thanks were also extended to Rabbi Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University, for his pivotal role in bringing the Jewish Chaplains Conference to fruition.

The Jewish Chaplains Conference not only highlighted the indispensable role of chaplaincy in today’s society but also reinforced the strength found in unity and faith. As the world navigates through unprecedented challenges, the conference served as a powerful reminder of the Jewish community’s enduring spirit and commitment to guidance, support, and inspiration.

Click here for the full video of the conference

Names in Pictures

Picture (1) Left to Right, Rabbi Yochanan, Rabbi, Congregation Toras Emes, Staten Island, New York and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Michoel Chazan, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Tzephania Kreger, New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Simcha Silverman, director of Chaplaincy Services, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Rabbi, Congregation Etz Chaim of Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York; Rabbi Dr. Hillel Fox, director of Spiritual Services, Chaplaincy Care and Education at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) – Northwell Health in Manhasset; Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Benzion Leser, senior director of Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care, Maimonides Medical Center; Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University; and Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv

Picture (2) Left to Right, Rabbi David Heskiel, senior, NYPD Clergy Liaison; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv; R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University; and Rabbi Michoel Chazan, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission

Picture (3) Left to Right, Rabbi Tzephania Kreger, New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Michoel Chazan, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv; Rabbi Dr. Hillel Fox, director of Spiritual Services, Chaplaincy Care and Education at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) – Northwell Health in Manhasset; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok; Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; Rabbi Simcha Silverman, director of Chaplaincy Services, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Rabbi, Congregation Etz Chaim of Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York; R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University; and Rabbi Yochanan, Rabbi, Congregation Toras Emes, Staten Island, New York and RAA Chaplaincy Commission 

Picture (4) Left to Right, Rabbi Michoel Chazan, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Tzephania Kreger, New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America

Picture (5) Left to Right, Rabbi Tzephania Kreger, New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi David Heskiel, senior, NYPD Clergy Liaison; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv; Rabbi Michoel Chazan, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University; and Rabbi Benjamin Samson

Picture (6) Left to Right, Rabbi Tzephania Kreger, New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital, and RAA Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; and R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University

Picture (7) Standing, Right to Left, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Benzion Leser, senior director of Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care, Maimonides Medical Center; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission    Seated, Left to Right, Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University; and Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn

Picture (8) At the Podium. Left to Right, Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America 

Picture (9) At the Podium. Left to Right, Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America 

Picture (10) Left to Right, Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; and R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University

Picture (11) Left to Right, Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; and R Joshua Zilberberg, Advisor/Counseling, Special Projects Coordinator at Touro University

Picture (12) Left to Right, Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Dean Robert Goldschmidt, vice president for Planning and Assessment and executive Dean at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv

Picture (13) Left to Right, Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America

Picture (14) Left to Right, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Simcha Silverman, director of Chaplaincy Services, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Rabbi, Congregation Etz Chaim of Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv

Picture (15) Left to Right, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, of Khal Bnei Yitzchok; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, and chair of the Chaplaincy Commission; Rabbi Dr. Doniel Kramer, US Army Reserve Chaplain-Lieutenant Colonel, retired; chair of the Healthcare Chaplaincy Commission, Rabbinical Council of America, and administrator of the Orthodox Jewish Healthcare Chaplains’ Listserv; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America