On Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025 (29 Sivan 5785), the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim (RAA) gathered for its uplifting Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Conference at Congregation Or HaMizrach in Brooklyn. The event was hosted by the esteemed Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz and the vibrant “Kafkazee” Jewish community.

This meaningful convocation was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Sofia Tziporah bat Rashbil and Guzul Roza Yosofova, of blessed memory, and marked the yahrtzeit of the late Rabbi Nachum Zvi Josephy, ZT”L, the RAA’s longtime and beloved Executive Vice President, whose leadership left a lasting legacy.

In a moment of profound tribute, the Greenberg family distributed copies of the newly published Sefer Or HaMeir, authored by HaGaon HaRav Meir Greenberg, ZT” L, former Keizmarker Rav and Av Beis Din of the RAA. His grandson, Rabbi Isaac Rimpler, led the distribution with heartfelt words and devotion.

Rabbi Elishevitz delivered a moving address in memory of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, ZT” L, in honor of 3 Tammuz. He offered Kos Shel Bracha to attendees, emphasizing the Rebbe’s ongoing impact on Jewish life and global Jewry.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of RAA Citations of Honor to Detective Michael Riomano and Officer Matthew Pagano of the NYPD in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication. The RAA extends gratitude to Chief Richard Taylor and Chaplain Rabbi David Heskiel for their presence and support during this special tribute.

Another notable moment was the Pidyon Haben ceremony of Rachamin Shabatayiv, a deeply emotional and rare event in which an adult fulfilled this sacred mitzvah with visible passion and reverence—an inspiring moment for all in attendance.

The RAA also thanks Rabbi Evyatar Ruvinov for graciously showcasing the new construction site that will serve the evolving needs of this flourishing congregation.

Adding further distinction to the gathering was the participation of Rabbi Uri Fraenkel, Director of Special Projects at the NYC Mayor’s Office, whose presence underscored the City’s engagement with and respect for the Jewish community.

In his closing remarks, Rabbi Yaakov Klass, RAA Presidium Chairman, publicly commended New York City Mayor Eric Adams for issuing Executive Order No. 52 on June 8, 2025, officially adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for all city agencies.

Rabbi Klass noted the urgency of this action, citing that in 2025, over 57% of all hate crimes reported in New York City targeted Jewish residents, according to NYPD statistics.

The IHRA’s definition includes:

  • Denial or distortion of the Holocaust.
  • Denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, including labeling Israel as a racist endeavor.
  • Holding all Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the State of Israel.

The IHRA definition is internationally recognized and endorsed by numerous governments and institutions.

Rabbi Klass praised the mayor’s leadership, stating, “The only way to effectively combat antisemitism is through decisive action. Executive Order No. 52 sends a clear, unwavering message: antisemitism, as defined by the IHRA, has no place in New York City. The RAA thanks Mayor Adams for his bold stance and commitment to protecting our community.”

This memorable Rosh Chodesh Tammuz event highlighted the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s unwavering dedication to Torah values, community engagement, and the safeguarding of Jewish life in all its dimensions—past, present, and future.

Names in Pictures

Picture (1) Presenting RAA Citations of Honor to Detective Michael Riomano, Left to Right, Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Detective Michael Riomano; Chief Richie Taylor; Rabbi David Heskiel; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA

Picture (2) Detective Michael Riomano; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Officer Matthew Pagano

Picture (3) Left to Right, Ben Nezhberg; Alex Nezhberg; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Chief Richie Taylor; at the new construction site for Congregation Or HaMizrach

Picture (4) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz, Mara D’Atra, Congregation Or HaMizrach; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA

Picture (5) Presenting RAA Citations of Honor to Officer Matthew Pagano; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Officer Matthew Pagano; Rabbi David Heskiel; Chief Richie Taylor; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA; and Ben Nezhberg

Picture (6) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA

Picture (7) Detective Michael Riomano; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Officer Matthew Pagano

Picture (8) Group Photo of Rabbis and Congregants of Or HaMizrach at the new construction site for Congregation Or HaMizrach

Picture (9) Presenting of the newly published Sefer Or HaMeir, authored by HaGaon HaRav Meir Greenberg, ZT”L, former Keizmarker Rav and Av Beis Din of the RAA by his grandson, Rabbi Isaac Rimpler, Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz, Mara D’Atra, Congregation Or HaMizrach; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, RAA; Rabbi Uri Fraenkel, director of special projects at the NYC Mayor’s Office; Rabbi Isaac Rimpler; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Serebryanski, vice-president, RAA; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA; Rabbi Evyatar Ruvinov

Picture (10) Left to Right, Rabbi Isaac Rimpler; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA; and Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA

Picture (11) Left to Right, Rabbi Evyatar Ruvinov; Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz, Mara D’Atra, Congregation Or HaMizrach; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA

Picture (12) Rabbi David Heskiel; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA

Picture (13) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz, Mara D’Atra, Congregation Or HaMizrach; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA

Picture (14) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA

Picture (15) Rabbi Uri Fraenkel, director of special projects at the NYC Mayor’s Office; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA

Picture (16) Group Photo of Rabbis and Congregants of Or HaMizrach at the new construction site for Congregation Or HaMizrach

Picture (17) Chief Richie Taylor; Rabbi David Heskiel; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president RAA

Picture (18) Left to Right, Detective Michael Riomano; Rabbi Yosef Elishevitz, Mara D’Atra, Congregation Or HaMizrach; Officer Matthew Pagano; Officer Moshe Green; and Rabbi Akiva Homnick