June 16, 2024

Brooklyn, New York – The Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim (RAA/Igud) convened its Rosh Chodesh Sivan Conference on June 6, 2024, at the Jewish Community Council of Marine Park (JCCMP), where Rabbi Shea Rubenstein serves as Executive Vice-President. The conference focused on the theme of “Kovod HaRabonus” (the honor of the rabbinate) and the role of the contemporary rabbi. The event underscored how the Igud HaRabbonim continues to be a pivotal advocate and resource organization for the American Orthodox rabbinate.

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, stated, “The Igud HaRabbonim was founded in 1942 by leading rabbis and roshei yeshiva at Mesivta Torah Vodaath. Our primary purpose and mission over the course of the last 82 years have been to serve as advocates and as a resource center for rabbis. The goal of the Igud HaRabbonim is to enhance the calling of a rav in contemporary times.”

Key Initiatives and Benefits Highlighted at the Conference:

Retirement Plan for Rabbis:

The Igud HaRabbonim has developed a retirement plan exclusively for its members. The plan’s investment record keeper is Vanguard, a top-ranked mutual fund company with over $7.7 trillion in global assets. Financial advisory services are provided by Bruce Gelfand and Steven Dimino of RBC Wealth Management, while ADMIN Partners serves as the third-party administrator.

Rabbi Mirocznik emphasized the importance of financial preparedness for rabbis, noting that, “Although a rav never truly fully retires from learning and teaching Torah, we must be financially prepared to live with Derech Eretz and Kovod.”

Professional Development Resources:

The Igud HaRabbonim provides extensive resources to help rabbis navigate contemporary challenges. This includes fellowship, advice from seasoned rabbis, and support in areas such as psak (halachic decision-making), planning activities, and contract negotiation.

Reputation and Scholarly Development:

To foster scholarly growth and reputation, the Igud HaRabbonim hosts events such as the yearly Chai Elul Siyum HaShas, monthly Rosh Chodesh meetings, Chomer LiDrush opportunities, and publication opportunities under the direction of HaRav Gil Student, Shlit’a, Director of the Vaad Halacha.

Beth Din Services:

The Igud HaRabbonim sponsors a respected Beth Din under the leadership of HaGaon HaRav Hershel Kurzrock, Shlit’a. This Beth Din is recognized by the Israeli Rabbanut in Gittin, Gerus, and other issues of Jewish status and personal identity.

Social Services and Poverty Alleviation:

Working closely with the JCCMP, the Igud HaRabbonim assists rabbis and their communities with issues such as food insecurity and access to benefits. Rabbi Mirocznik highlighted the cooperation with Rabbi Shea Rubenstein in these efforts.

Rabbi Mirocznik concluded by urging rabbis to join the Igud HaRabbonim, stating, “By joining the Igud HaRabbonim, you will strengthen the voice of Torah and rabbis, empowering yourself and enhancing your ability to serve your community, and you will be part of an organization with a rich history that has been advocating for the American Orthodox Rabbinate since 1942.”

Also participating in the Rosh Chodesh Sivan conference was, the Presidium consisting of Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Presidium Chairman, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht, Presidium Member, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yaakov Shulman, Presidium Member, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Hanania Elbaz, Presidium Member, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Shea Rubenstein, Executive Vice-President, Jewish Community Center of Marine Park; Rabbi Gil Student, Director, Halacha Commission, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, Executive Director, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yehuda Blank, Vice-President, Professional Development and External Affairs, Igud HaRabbonim; and Rabbi Gary Kopstick, Special Advisor and the developer and architect of the Igud HaRabbonim’s retirement plan.  

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Names in Pictures

Picture (1) Group pictures of some of the rabbis in attendance at the Igud HaRabbonim’s Rosh Chodesh Sivan Conference held at the Jewish Community Council of Marine Park

Picture (2) Left to Right, Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim; and Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (3) Left to Right, Rabbi Yaakov Klass; presidium chairman, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht, presidium member, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Hanania Elbaz, Presidium Member, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Igud HaRabbonim; and Rabbi Yaakov Shulman, Presidium Member, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (4) Rabbi Shea Rubenstein, executive vice-president, Jewish Community Center of Marine Park

Picture (5) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim; and Rabbi Tzvi Mandel, board member, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (6) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (7) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim; and Rabbi Shea Rubenstein, executive vice-president, Jewish Community Center of Marine Park

Picture (8) Left to Right, Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yehuda Blank, vice-president, professional development and external affairs, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Shea Rubenstein, executive vice-president, Jewish Community Center of Marine Park; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yaakov Shulman, presidium member, Igud HaRabbonim; Mark Meyer Appel, chairman, Bridge Multi Cultural Center; and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, board member, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (9) Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (10) Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht, presidium member, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (11) Rabbi Yaakov Shulman, presidium member, Igud HaRabbonim

Picture (12) Rabbi Yehuda Blank, vice-president, professional development and external affairs, Igud HaRabbonim; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Igud HaRabbonim