We find ourselves sandwiched between two events that focus on expressing our gratitude and thanks. On the secular calendar, Thanksgiving has recently passed. On the Jewish calendar (and of far greater importance), we will soon celebrate Chanukah. The Talmud (Shabbat 21b) explains that after the miracle of the oil occurred, the rabbis established an eight-day holiday “b’hallel v’hoda’ah,” with praise and thanks.

It is, therefore, a most opportune time to express our gratitude to Rabbi Kenny Schiowitz for serving as the president of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County for the past two years.

Historically, the president of the RCBC has focused primarily on kashrut and other general community needs. Two years ago, Rabbi Schiowitz began his term with similar expectations. Rabbi Schiowitz likely thought that his term would pass in an ordinary fashion, tending to the host of routine issues that would arise.

That, of course, all changed when the coronavirus pandemic began in March. Suddenly, Rabbi Schiowitz was thrust into a position of critical importance as the RCBC coordinated an unprecedented shutdown of all Bergen County shuls. A job that traditionally required a few hours each week now consumed an endless amount of time and energy.

Rabbi Schiowitz did not hesitate for a moment. Without any prior notice, Rabbi Schiowitz began composing letters to the community, coordinating with local doctors and holding weekly RCBC meetings. All this while juggling his responsibilities at home, at shul, as the rav of Shaare Tefillah, and at school, as a beloved teacher at Ramaz.

One glimpse into the recent life of Rabbi Schiowitz: For each letter that the RCBC published, Rabbi Schiowitz spent a great deal of time meticulously crafting the language. He then sent the letter to the Vaad for input and feedback, revisions and further revisions would follow. Each RCBC letter was a result of countless hours invested by Rabbi Schiowitz to ensure that every communication was well-written, focused, accurate and positive. No easy feat!

There is no class in semicha titled “How to Manage a Global Pandemic.” Yet, despite the uncharted waters, Rabbi Schiowitz managed the crisis in a calm and professional manner. His leadership at the RCBC was outstanding; he is an approachable team player who collaborates and values input from every member of the Vaad. Despite this frightening pandemic, Rabbi Schiowitz remained even keeled and led the RCBC with positivity and integrity.

I never heard Rabbi Schiowitz complain. Not once!

As Rabbi Schiowitz’s tenure comes to an end, I hope others will join me in expressing hakarat hatov. If you see Rabbi Schiowitz on the street, please introduce yourself and say thank you. Rabbi Schiowitz did not serve our community for the praise, but he certainly deserves it.

May Hashem continue to bless Rabbi Schiowitz and may our community share in much happiness and good health.