Brooklyn, NY – On Sunday, January 5, 2025, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim held its Rosh Chodesh Teves Conference at Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski. Rabbi Serebryanski also serves as the Rosh Kollel of the Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary.
The event was sponsored by Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Presidium Chairman of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, and Torah Editor of the Jewish Press who delivered an insightful Dvar Torah in memory of his late mother-in-law, Mrs. Chana Chaya Henna Rashe Spanier a”h, whose yahrzeit falls on the 9th of Teves. Rabbi Serebryanski also contributed a Dvar Torah, further enriching the proceedings.
The Challenge of Ending Daylight Savings Time
One of the central issues discussed during the conference was the profound impact that ending Daylight Savings Time would have on Orthodox Jews. Morning prayers, which by Jewish law must be recited after sunrise, could become significantly more challenging under a permanent Standard Time system. Sunrise would be delayed, forcing observant Jews to either drastically alter their schedules or rely on limited halachic leniencies to pray earlier. These changes could negatively affect both professional obligations and the ability to fully practice one’s faith.
To address this issue, Rabbi Gil Student, Director of the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Halacha Commission, presented his findings, which have been published in The Jewish Press and other respected Jewish publications (click here for a link to Rabbi Student’s article). Following his presentation, the Rabbinical Alliance of America unanimously adopted Rabbi Student’s position and placed it in its platform as the organization’s policy. The Rabbinical Alliance of America further passed a resolution calling on elected officials to oppose legislative proposals that would eliminate Daylight Savings Time.
Responding to Terrorism and Antisemitism
Another critical topic addressed was the response to two major antisemitic incidents that occurred during the New Year celebrations.
- In New Orleans, a terror attack took place when a U.S. Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, deliberately drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street. This attack, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more, was reportedly inspired by ISIS. Jabbar, wielding an ISIS flag and an assault rifle, was ultimately killed by law enforcement after engaging in a shootout that injured two officers.
- In New York City, anti-Israel protesters gathered in Times Square on New Year’s Day, chanting for an “intifada revolution” and making inflammatory statements, including threats to “send people back to Europe.” The protest, organized by several extremist groups, coincided with the terror attack in New Orleans, further highlighting a disturbing global rise in antisemitism.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, condemned these events, stating:
“What we are witnessing is a dangerous combination of antisemitism, fueled by intentional lies, distortions of reality, and the failure of ignorant masses to understand the truth. Israel finds itself in a battle for survival against terrorism that endangers not only Israel but world peace at large. The media’s betrayal in spreading half-truths further exacerbates this crisis. We must stand united in condemning terror and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.
Rabbi Mirocznik continued by calling for an end to interference that undermines Israel’s ability to safeguard its citizens, emphasizing that:
“The unconditional surrender of terrorist organizations and the dismantling of their power structures is the only path to global peace. While Israel strives to protect innocent lives, even at great cost to its military, Hamas and its allies exploit civilians as human shields and misuse humanitarian aid. The loss of innocent lives is a tragedy, but it is Hamas that bears responsibility for this suffering.”
A Call to Action
The Rabbinical Alliance of America urges all decent people to:
- Condemn antisemitism and terrorism in all its forms.
- Demand accountability from the media for spreading dangerous narratives.
- Support Israel in its fight against terror, ensuring that red lines are upheld against violence and hate.
As Rabbi Mirocznik concluded:
“By raising our voices and standing together, we demonstrate that terror will never be accepted. We pray for the safe return of hostages, the eradication of terror, and a brighter, peaceful future for Israel and the world.”
The Rabbinical Alliance of America remains committed to addressing these critical issues and advocating for justice, truth, and peace.
Pictures Below the Video
Names in Pictures
Picture (1) Group photos of some of the Rabbis in attendance at the RAA’s Rosh Chodes Teves Conference
Picture (2) Rabbi Benjamin Berlin is being welcomed and greeted by Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; at the Rosh Chodesh Teves Conference
Picture (3) Left to Right, Rabbi Benjamin Berlin; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA
Picture (4) Left to Right, Rabbi Benjamin Berlin; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi David J. Toback
Picture (5) Left to Right, Rabbi Kalman Sodden, executive committee, RAA; Rabbi Benjamin Berlin; Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA
Picture (6) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Rabbi Yehuda Blank, vice-president for professional development and external affairs, RAA; and Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, RAA
Picture (7) Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; welcoming Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA
Picture (8) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (9) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (10) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (11) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Congregation AAA Sfard of Canarsie, and Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (12) Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA
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