(Courtesy of RIETS) The Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) will host an evening of tribute on March 25, bringing together Torah scholars, alumni and community leaders to celebrate its record-breaking enrollment, enduring influence on the Jewish world, as well as two pivotal appointments: Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz as the Abraham Arbesfeld Torah dean and Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky as the Max and Marion Grill administrative dean. These accomplished visionaries will help shape the next generation of rabbinic leaders and communal figures.
For students of the yeshiva, this dinner is a meaningful opportunity to honor their personal rabbeim and celebrate the leadership of the roshei yeshiva of RIETS.
The evening of tribute highlights
RIETS’ central role in inspiring Torah leadership at a time of historic growth. This year’s event will also recognize outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community.
Honoring RIETS’ Lasting Impact
Dr. David Pelcovitz, the Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus Chair in Psychology and Jewish Education, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in Jewish mental health and pastoral psychology education. His decades of work with rabbis, educators and families has transformed how Jewish leaders support their communities emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. His impact at RIETS and the Azrieli School of Jewish Education has reshaped pastoral care for a new generation of Jewish leadership.
The Kaminetzky family will receive the inaugural Dor L’Dor Award for their multi-generational commitment to RIETS and Torah leadership. Benyamin and Esti Kaminetzky, together with Benyamin’s father, Rabbi Eliezer Kaminetzky (RIETS ’66), have built a legacy of Torah learning, service and dedication to Jewish education. Their children—Rabbi Shai (RIETS ’21), Rabbi Zvi (RIETS ’24), Ari and Yis Kaminetzky, Dr. Shalom Rosenbaum and Ezra Rotblat—continue to uphold this tradition. Benyamin currently serves on the RIETS board of directors.
As the Jewish world navigates both profound challenges and new opportunities, the evening will include a tribute to Israel, prayers for the IDF and reflections on the pivotal role that RIETS-trained rabbis play in guiding communities, offering support and providing steadfast leadership in Israel and beyond.
Celebrating New Leadership
“RIETS is the premier institution for Torah scholarship and leadership, home to the greatest roshei yeshiva and rabbinic minds of our time,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University. “The depth of Torah learning, the caliber of our educators and the impact of our musmachim are unparalleled. This dinner is an opportunity to gather as a community, honor our exceptional students and leaders and strengthen the foundation of Torah leadership for the future.”
Taking the helm as Torah dean of RIETS, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz is a highly respected posek and Torah educator, known for his engaging and insightful teaching style. Having delivered over 13,000 shiurim on YU Torah, he has made Torah learning accessible to thousands worldwide. In addition to his new role, he serves as the rabbi of Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere, where he has cultivated a vibrant Torah community.
“This dinner is about more than just celebrating our yeshiva; it’s about investing in the future of Torah leadership,” Rabbi Lebowitz said. “Our students are the rabbinic leaders of tomorrow, and knowing the community stands behind them inspires them to reach even greater heights.”
Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky, a driving force behind the expansion of Torah education at Yeshiva University, has played a pivotal role in strengthening its undergraduate Torah studies programs. Now, as he broadens his leadership within RIETS, he brings a deep understanding of both scholarship and administration, ensuring the Yeshiva’s continued growth and impact.
“We are witnessing an incredible moment of growth at RIETS,” Rabbi Kalinsky said. “This dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of our talmidim, the Torah inspiration and guidance of our rebbeim and faculty, and the supporters who make it all possible. Together, we are ensuring that Torah leadership continues to thrive for generations to come.”
A Night of Torah, Leadership And Celebration
The evening will feature addresses from Rabbi Berman and Rabbi Hershel Schachter, along with a special Q&A led by Rabbis Mordechai Willig and Yaakov Neuburger, exploring today’s most pressing issues through the lens of Torah.
With enrollment reaching an all-time high of 264 rabbinic students for the 2024–2025 year, RIETS continues to train Jewish educators, poskim, dayanim and pulpit rabbis. This growing network of scholars and leaders is shaping Jewish life across the globe, ensuring that communities remain strong and connected through Torah and tradition.
Those who wish to attend and celebrate these RIETS milestones and honorees can register at the link below or email [email protected] for more information.
