BROOKLYN, NY – July 27, 2025 – The air at Ahi Ezer Yeshiva Congregation on Ocean Parkway was thick with spiritual purpose this past Thursday, July 24, 2025 (28 Tammuz 5785), as the Igud HaRabbonim/Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA) convened its impactful Rosh Chodesh Av Conference. Under the distinguished guidance of Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz, a respected Presidium Member of the RAA, the event brought together leading American rabbis for a day of deep introspection, scholarly discourse and forward-looking discussions.
A Meaningful Commencement: Honoring a Legacy
The conference began with a poignant Rosh Chodesh Av seudah, a meal that serves as both a physical and spiritual gathering. This particular seudah was held in cherished memory of HaGaon HaChacham Shalom Ben HaGaon HaChacham Chayim Elbaz, Zt’l. As the beloved father of Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz and Rabbi Eliyahu Elbaz (a RAA chaver and the rabbi of the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation of Brooklyn), his memory imbued the gathering with an additional layer of reverence and continuity. Serving as a prelude to Chodesh Av, a month traditionally associated with reflection on loss and the potential for rebuilding, underscored the conference’s themes of transformation and growth.
Welcoming New Leadership: Smicha Ordination
A defining moment of the conference was the powerful ceremony of Smicha Ordination bestowed upon Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. This significant milestone marks Rabbi Kaplan’s formal entry into the rabbinate, signifying his readiness to lead, teach and guide communities. The ordination was proudly presented by two eminent figures: Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Rosh Kollel of Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary and RAA Vice President, and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Rav HaKollel, RAA Presidium Chairman, and Torah Editor for The Jewish Press. Such ordinations highlight the RAA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of spiritual leaders, ensuring the continuity of Torah scholarship and communal service.
A Confluence of Rabbinic Excellence
The conference was a testament to the diverse and profound wisdom within the RAA. A prestigious roster of participants engaged in discussions and offered insights, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines the organization. Notable attendees included:
- Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, RAA presidium member, known for his incisive scholarship.
- Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, RAA executive vice president, a driving force behind the organization’s initiatives.
- Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Cohen, shaliach to the United Nations, bridging spiritual values with global affairs.
- Rabbi Yehuda Blank, RAA vice president for Professional Development and External Affairs, focused on enhancing rabbinic impact.
- Rabbi Moish Schmerler, RAA executive director, orchestrating the organization’s vital work.
- Reb Joseph Morgenstern, a respected figure within the community.
- R’ Chaim Schneider, director of constituent services, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein.
The collective presence of these esteemed rabbis underscored the depth of leadership and dedication within the RAA.
An Event That Inspires and Informs
From the heartfelt memorial to the joyous ordination and the insightful deliberations, the Rosh Chodesh Av Conference was lauded by participants as both deeply informative and profoundly inspirational. It served as a powerful demonstration of “top American Rabbis in action,” actively engaged in shaping the spiritual landscape and addressing the evolving needs of their communities. The event reinforced the RAA’s role as a vital force in strengthening Jewish life and ensuring a vibrant future.
Names in Pictures
Picture (1) A group photo of some of the rabbis in attendance at the RAA Rosh Chodesh Av Conference and Seudah
Picture (2) Seated in center is Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz, Mara D’Atra of the Ahi Ezer Yeshiva Congregation on Ocean Parkway and presidium member, RAA; surrounding Rabbi Elbaz from left to right are, Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, presidium member, RAA; R’ Chaim Schneider, director of constituent services, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Reb Meyer Elbaz; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (3) Left to Right, Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, newly Ordained Rabbi; Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski; Rosh Kollel of Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA
Picture (4) Left to Right, Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; Reb Joseph Morgenstern; Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Cohen, Shaliach to the United Nations; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (5) Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Cohen, Shaliach to the United Nations
Picture (6) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA
Picture (7) Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Cohen, Shaliach to the United Nations; and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA
Picture (8) Left to Right, Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, presidium member, RAA; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, RAA
Picture (9) Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, presidium member, RAA
Picture (10) Reb Joseph Morgenstern
Picture (11) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz, Mara D’Atra of the Ahi Ezer Yeshiva Congregation on Ocean Parkway and presidium member, RAA
Picture (12) Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz, Mara D’Atra of the Ahi Ezer Yeshiva Congregation on Ocean Parkway and presidium member, RAA
Picture (13) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and R’ Chaim Schneider, director of constituent services, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein
Picture (14) Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (15) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, RAA; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, RAA
Picture (16) Rabbi Yehuda Blank, vice president, Professional Development and External Affairs, RAA