NYC Gazette

Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) will ordain 135 new rabbis on Sunday, June 16, in the Nathan Lamport Auditorium at Zysman Hall. This triannual event, ongoing since 1903, underscores YU’s dedication to educating future rabbinic leaders.

“As we welcome, with great joy, our newest cohort of rabbis, we publicly celebrate their impressive achievements and what they represent to the future of the Jewish people. After years of study and dedication, our graduates are prepared to lead with vision, clarity, and a profound sense of purpose,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of YU. “Especially today with so many challenges facing the Jewish people throughout this country and beyond, we need Rabbis who are deeply rooted in their Torah knowledge, able to engage their communities and students with empathy and compassion, and are articulate ambassadors of our values and defenders of the Jewish people to the world. It is from here that the future of the Jewish community stands.”

To further strengthen Torah study at Yeshiva University, a new $1 million matching grant has been introduced in memory of Rabbi Zevulun Charlop zt”l — dean emeritus of RIETS who served for 35 years. The Rabbi Zevulun Charlop Metzuyanim Fund will support promising students by establishing a cohort within the Marcos and Adina Katz Kollel known as the Rabbi Zevulun Charlop Metzuyanim Scholars. These students will study under Rabbi Hershel Schachter with an enhanced curriculum and additional stipend.

“Under Rabbi Charlop’s leadership, the whole Yeshiva changed,” said Rabbi Hershel Schachter. “We all owe him a great debt of gratitude. It is most appropriate to honor him and his memory by generously participating in this new fund for the Yeshiva which will benefit the outstanding students - the Metzuyanim - of today.”

“The future of our community tomorrow is based on the caliber of Torah scholars we educate today,” added Rabbi Berman.

Nearly 1,000 friends, family members, and alumni are expected to attend the ceremony celebrating RIETS's scholarship. Philanthropist Irwin Shapiro z"l will posthumously receive the Etz Chaim award for his contributions as a lay leader. Additionally, Rabbi Chaim Bronstein will receive the Amud HaYeshiva award for his four decades of service as a RIETS administrator.

Guest speaker Rabbi Doron Perez from Mizrachi World Movement will address attendees during Chag HaSemikhah.

Since its inception in 1903, RIETS has consistently graduated rabbis who lead by example globally.

The Convocation can be viewed via livestream on June 16 starting at 1 p.m. at yu.edu/chag.

Donations can be made to support RIETS scholars through yu.edu/MetzuyanimFund.