The Rabbinical Alliance of America — RAA/Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 rabbis across North America —  gathered on Monday evening, April 20, 2026 (3 Iyar 5786), to observe the tenth Yahrzeit of its legendary Director and Menahel, HaRav Gershon Tannenbaum, ZT’L. The event, held in conjunction with the Rosh Chodesh Iyar Seudah and Conference, was hosted at Maimonides Medical Center, a vital partner in the RAA’s sacred mission of community welfare.

This milestone anniversary carries the poignant theme of “Hope, Healing, Friendship, and Renewal,” reflecting the enduring legacy of Rabbi Tannenbaum. For decades, Rabbi Tannenbaum served as the “voice of the voiceless,” balancing his leadership at the RAA with his roles as the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel of Linden Heights and a dedicated advocate for patients.

The evening’s reflections highlighted Rabbi Tannenbaum’s multifaceted impact. Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Presidium Chairman of the RAA and Torah Editor of the Jewish Press, spoke of the late leader’s rare ability to blend administrative excellence with deep empathy. “He kept our feet on the ground while our heads were in the books. His memory continues to guide our Presidium in every decision we make,” noted Rabbi Klass.

Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht, Presidium Member, added, “To know Rabbi Tannenbaum was to witness a tireless devotion to the dignity of every Jew. He taught us that leadership isn’t about power; it’s about making sure no one feels alone in their struggle.”

The personal impact of his mentorship was echoed by Mark Meyer Appel, President and Founder of the Bridge Multi-Cultural Center and a devoted student of Rabbi Tannenbaum.

“Rabbi Tannenbaum was more than a teacher; he was a moral compass who showed us that true Torah leadership requires reaching across every boundary to find common ground,” stated Mark Meyer Appel. “He had a way of looking into your soul and seeing potential you hadn’t yet discovered in yourself. He was my mentor and my friend, showing us that the heart of Torah is found in how we treat our neighbors and how we build bridges where others see only divides. His life was a testament to the fact that when we work together, we create a sanctuary of peace in a turbulent world.”

The conference featured a keynote medical presentation by Dr. Eitan Dickman, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Maimonides, who discussed the hospital’s brand-new Standalone Pediatric Emergency Room.

Kenneth Gibbs, President and CEO of Maimonides Health, spoke to the deep-rooted and essential partnership between the medical center and the RAA.

“Maimonides is profoundly grateful for our enduring partnership with the Rabbinical Alliance of America,” stated Kenneth Gibbs. “At Maimonides, we don’t just value this relationship; we consider it a hallmark of our hospital’s identity and our commitment to the community. This collaboration allows us to provide care that is not only medically excellent but spiritually and culturally resonant. By working hand-in-hand with the RAA, we ensure that every patient feels seen, respected, and supported in the fullest sense. It is a partnership built on a shared mission of healing, and we are honored to continue this sacred work together.”

Douglas Jablon, Executive Vice President of Community Relations, added, “Rabbi Tannenbaum was a fixture in these halls. He understood that healing is a partnership between the doctor, the patient, and the community.”

RAA Service Certificates were presented to members of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, recognizing Chief Charles Minch, Commanding Officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, Lieutenant Ralph Postiglione, Community Affairs Bureau, Brooklyn South, Detective Midelgie Roche, Community Affairs Bureau, Brooklyn Southand Police Officer Matthew Pagano, Community Affairs Bureau, Brooklyn South.

Joining the presentation were Chief Richie Taylor, Rabbi Yermiyahu Levy, Mill Basin Sephardic Congregation, and NYPD Clergy Liaison and Rabbi David Heskiel, NYPD Clergy Liaison. Rabbi Yermiyahu Levy offered a poignant reflection: “By honoring these officers tonight, we fuel the cooperation Rabbi Tannenbaum built. He always said that when the community and the police speak with one heart, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.”

Rabbi Yehuda Blank, Vice-President of Professional Development, concluded the evening by emphasizing the RAA’s growth. “The foundation laid by Rabbi Tannenbaum allows us to support our rabbis as they navigate the complex needs of modern chaplainry and community service.”

The partnership between the RAA and Maimonides continues to underscore a shared dedication to helping people at their most vulnerable stages with dignity, respect, and unwavering compassion.

Names in Pictures

Picture (1) Left to Right, Rabbi David Heskiel, NYPD Clergy Liaison; Yidel Feig, Patient Relations, Maimonides Medical Center; Dr. Eitan Dickman, chair of emergency medicine, Maimonides Medical Center; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Douglas Jablon, executive vice-president, community relations, Maimonides Medical Center; Mark Meyer Apple, founder and president, Bridge Multicultural Center; Rabbi Avraham Hecht, executive director, Jewish Community Council of Canarsie

Picture (2) Welcoming the NYPD to the RAA Rosh Chodesh Iyar Conference, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yermiyahu Levy, Mill Basin Sephardic Congregation, and NYPD Clergy Liaison; and Chief Richie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau

Picture (3) Rabbi Yermiyahu Levy, Mill Basin Sephardic Congregation, and NYPD Clergy Liaison; Deputy Commissioner Alden Foster, NYPD, Community Affairs Bureau; and Chief Richie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau

Picture (4) Group photo of some of the Rabbis in attendance in attendance at the Rosh Chodesh Iyar Conference of the Rabbinical Alliance of America

Picture (5) Left to Right, Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Chaim Zev Tannenbaum; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yitzchak Dov Tannenbaum; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Yehuda Blank, vice-president, professional development and external affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America

Picture (6) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; welcoming Deputy Commissioner Alden Foster, NYPD, Community Affairs Bureau; to the Rosh Chodesh Iyar Conference; at center joining in is Rabbi Yermiyahu Levy, Mill Basin Sephardic Congregation, and NYPD Clergy Liaison

Picture (7) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, welcoming Chief Charles Minch, commanding officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, to the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Rosh Chodesh Iyar Conference

Picture (8) A group photo of the leadership team of the Rabbinical Alliance of America honoring  Chief Charles Minch, commanding officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, at the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Rosh Chodesh Iyar Conference