The Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth was excited to host visiting Israeli Knesset Member Rabbi Dov Lipman at both the Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy and Bruriah High School campuses this morning.

Lipman, a Maryland native, is the first U.S.-born parliament member in over 30 years. He is a member of Finance Minister Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party and sits in the #17 position on that list.

He was unexpectedly catapulted into the political limelight one and a half years ago when Yesh Atid garnered far more seats than originally predicted making it one of the key players in efforts to bridge the gaps between ultra-Orthodox and secular Israelis, primarily regarding heated issues such as conversion and IDF service for yeshiva students.

Rabbi Lipman’s wife is an Elizabeth, NJ native and Bruriah graduate. His in-laws still reside in Elizabeth.