The New York Board of Rabbis

The New York
Board of Rabbis
1
WINTER 2005/5766 •VOL UME IV

3 Message from the President
Rabbi Adam Mintz
4 NYBR Prepares to Celebrate
Its Quasquincentennial.
6 Grant Awarded:
“End of Life” Training for
Rabbis
7 Message from the
Executive Vice President
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
NYBR
REVIEW
New York Board of Rabbis
136 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Telephone 212.983.3521
Fax 212.983 3531
E-mail: info@nybr.org
kdubrow@nybr.org
Web Address: www.nybr.org
8 From the
Pulpit to the Street
News from the NYBR
9 NYBR Announces Jewish
History and Heritage Map
Colleague Book Review
By Rabbi Craig Miller
10 Choosing to Be Jewish:
The Orthodox Road to
Conversion
Rabbi Adam Mintz ………………….President
Rabbi Robert Levine
Rabbi Charles Klein
Rabbi Craig Miller ……………Vice Presidents
Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier
Rabbi David Lincoln ……………....Treasurers
Rabbi Moses A. Birnbaum
Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman….Corresponding Secretaries
Rabbi Lester Bronstein
Rabbi Steven Friedman .. Financial Secretaries
Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg
Rabbi Allan Schranz …. Recording Secretaries
2
Inside this issue
12 Rabbi Robert Levine
NYBR 58th President
Member Contribution
14 Creation, Creationism and
Intelligent Design
Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman
Rabbi Jill Kreitman
16 Message from the
Associate Executive V.P.
Rabbi Stephen Roberts
17 Spotlight on
Domestic Violence
VAWA Legislation Update
Mr. Armand Lindenbaum
President, NYBR Lay Advisory Council
Mr. Mortimer Propp
Chair, NYBR Lay Advisory Council
~
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
Executive Vice President
Rabbi Stephen Roberts
Associate Executive Vice President and
Director of Chaplaincy Services
Rabbi Diana Monheit
Coordinator, Sh’ma Kolenu
Fran Urist
Administrative Assistant

Message from the President
NYBR 125th Anniversary 1881 - 2006
At the beginning of November, I had the pleasure of moderating a wonderful evening
that the NYBR sponsored with UJA and the American Jewish Committee kicking
off a year long intra-Jewish dialogue project. Synagogues of all denominations
have signed on to a program in which several of their members will participate in
monthly dialogues with members of synagogues from other denominations. It is a
fabulous project and is one of the Board’s most important initiatives of the year.
The featured speaker at the program was Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, a close friend and member of
the Board and who, among his many accomplishments, championed intra-Jewish dialogues for both
rabbis and laymen during his tenure as the founder and director of CLAL. He described with great passion
and pain the fractures that still exist among the different denominations and emphasized his belief
that intra-denominational dialogue lays at the forefront of our attempts to repair this situation.
This message rings true to all of us who are committed to and involved in the Board and its activities.
With this newsletter, we are beginning the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Board. While so
many aspects of the Jewish community in New York bear little resemblance to the community in 1881,
the need for cooperation among the rabbis of the different denominations remains as vital as ever. We
will celebrate many components of the Board during this coming year. The fact that the Board has remained
steadfast in its commitment to dialogue and to mutual cooperation even in the face of opposition
from rabbis and members of the community, stands as a model for the entire American Jewish
community. We hope that in the coming years more and more organizations both in New York and
throughout the country will follow our model.
In Judaism we have two traditions concerning the completion of a section of study. After completing a
book of the Torah we exclaim “chazak”- let us be strong, and we move to the next book. However,
when completing a tractate of the Talmud we say “hadran alakh”-let us return to you, and we anticipate
the opportunity to study the tractate once again. As I complete my term as president of the Board, I
am filled with both emotions. The experience has been an enriching and rewarding one. It has been a
great pleasure and honor to work with Rabbi Potasnik and the staff at the Board as well as with all the
officers, board members and colleagues. The initiatives and programs of the Board have allowed us to
grow as individuals and as an organization; they have provided leadership for the entire community. I
have learned so much from so many of you. Yet, when the time comes, it is appropriate to say “chazak”
and to step aside for a worthy successor who will continue to oversee the growth and energy of the
Board. At the same time, I say “hadran” and look forward to continuing my participation in many of the
endeavors of the Board.
I look forward to staying in touch with all of you and wish you many years of good health and success.
Rabbi Adam Mintz
3

NYBR 125th Anniversary 1881 - 2006
“Building the Future”-
“Honoring the Past”
2006 marks a century and a quarter
since the NYBR was founded. The NYBR
125th Anniversary Project showcases the
Board’s leadership in the Jewish community
of the 21st century while at the same
time honoring its proud heritage as one
of the oldest rabbinic organizations in the country. The
New York Board of Rabbis has been distinguishing itself
since 1881 as the meeting place for the America's diverse
rabbinical community.
Thanks to the vision of our founders and the dedication,
talent, and resources of our current members, the NYBR
will be a key player in shaping a Jewish future in the
decades ahead.
To celebrate this milestone, the NYBR will host a variety
of initiatives, including programs focused on the first part
of the NYBR’s 125th anniversary theme —
"Building the Future". This component of the 125th anniversary
celebration will kick off on Thursday, January
12th with the Installation Ceremony of our 58th President,
Rabbi Robert Levine and build throughout the entire
year as we implement the strategies from our new strategic
plan.
At the same time, the Board will explore the second part
of the theme — "Honoring the Past" — through history
projects, celebrations and publications reflecting our rich
heritage. Beginning in its earliest days, the founders of
the NYBR sough to create a unique space in the American
Jewish community where rabbis with very different
philosophies and opinions could work together for the
good of Klal Yisrael.
Henry S. Jacobs 1881
Kaufmann Kohler 1893
H. Pereria Mendes 1902
Joseph Silverman 1906
F. De Sola Mendes 1908
Maurice H. Harris 1910
Bernard Drachman 1912
Rudolph Grossman 1914
David De Sola Pool 1916
Isacc S. Moses 1918
Moses Hymanson 1919
Nathan Stern 1920
Clifton H. Levy 1921
Simon R. Cohen 1923
Israel Goldstein 1925
Barnett A. Elzas 1927
Elias L. Solomon 1929
Harry Weiss 1931
Max Drob 1933
Samuel J. Levinson 1935
Israel Goldfarb 1937
J.X. Cohen 1939
Joseph Sarachek 1941
Joseph G. Lookstein 1943
4
The World of our Founders
As the Board celebrates its 125th anniversary, we
have the opportunity to explore and understand the
Jewish community in New York at the time of its
founding. In 1881, six rabbis of different persuasions
formed the New York Board of Jewish Ministers
which later became the New York Board of Rabbis.
The six included Rabbis Gustav Gottheil, Adolph
Huesbsch, Henry S. Jacobs, Kaufmann Kohler, F. de
Sola Mendes and H. Pereira Mendes. It was their
hope to enrich Jewish education and advance Judaism
among all segments of the rapidly growing New
York Jewry. In the same year, the Board was asked by
the community to provide its first chaplain.
New York was little more rural than urban in the
1880’s. The consolidation of the five boroughs did
not take place until 1898. At this time in American
history, although the government accepted many
people from different backgrounds to allow for a
diverse population hence the descriptive phrase “the
melting pot of the world ”- Anti-Semitism in New
York had began to intensify in the 1870s in the wake
of Jim Crow legislation and other "constitutional"
expressions of racism in the United States.
On March 1, 1881 Czar Alexander II of
Russia was assassinated by members of
the People’s Will Party. Among the small
group directly responsible for the
throwing of the bomb that killed the
Czar was the young Jewess,
Hesia Helfand, who was subsequently
A.M. Heller 1945
Theodore N. Lewis 1947
Simon G. Kramer 1949
Morris M. Goldberg 1951
David J. Seligson 1953
Emanuel Rackman 1955
Joseph Miller 1957
A. Alan Steinbach 1958
David I. Golovensky 1959
Harry Halpern 1961
Israel Mowshowitz 1962
Max Schenk 1964

hanged. Six weeks later pogroms broke out throughout Russia leading
to mass destruction and rape in Jewish communities and towns. This
led to a mass emigration, largely to the shores of the United States. In
1880, 280,000 Jews lived in the Unites States and there were approximately
200 synagogues. By 1925, that number had grown to 4.5 million
Jews, a large majority of whom lived in New
York.
This growing stream of Jewish immigration to New York which inspired Emma
Lazarus to write the poem, "The New Colossus," (1883) - which is inscribed on the
base of the Statue of Liberty- necessitated a strengthening of the religious institutions
in this country.
In 1883, Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati ordained its first graduating class of
four students in the first ever ordination ceremony in the United States. In 1886, a
group of rabbis met in Manhattan’s Spanish-Potuguese Synagogue to respond to
what they believed was the radicalization of the Reform movement in America. At
that meeting they voted to create an institution that would become known as the
Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In 1887, a group of Orthodox rabbis met
at the Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol on Norfork St. on the Lower East Side to begin the
search for a chief rabbi of New York. They hoped that a chief rabbi would put an
end to the disorganization and lack of discipline that characterized the Jewish community
on the Lower East Side. Finally, in that same year, Yeshiva Etz Chaim was
established as a small heder for boys. These boys studied Talmud for the majority of
the day and were taught secular subjects at the end of the long nine hour day. This
small heder evolved into what is today called Yeshiva University.
Just as each of the institutions described have undergone many changes in the more
than a century since their founding, so has the New York Board of Rabbis. They all
began in this period of mass Jewish immigration to the United States and grew and
changed in response to the challenges which faced American Jews at different
times . As we mark the 125 th anniversary of the Board, we as a united group of rabbis
will look over these past years of growth and challenge. This will deepen our
haKorat haTov for those for came before and give us the insight and strength to
confront the exciting future of New York's rabbinical community.
Edward T. Sandrow 1966
Gilbert Klaperman 1968
Harold I. Saperstein 1970
William Berkowitz 1972
Sol Roth 1974
Judah Cahn 1976
Baruch Silverstein 1978
Judah I. Washer 1980
Norman Kahan 1982
Morris S. Friedman 1984
Haskel Lookstein 1986
Gunter Hirschberg 1988
Gilbert S. Rosenthal 1989
Myron M. Fenster 1990
Jeremiah Wohlberg 1992
Louis Frishman 1994
Alvin Kass 1996
Marc Schneier 1998
Marc Gellman 2000
Joseph Potasnik 2002
Adam Mintz 2004
5
Celebrating
Your NYBR Memories
The NYBR is proud to be
one of the oldest continuing rabbinical
organizations in the
world. This heritage is built on
125 years of dedication and talent
on the part of NYBR members
and friends.
As we prepare to celebrate
the NYBR’s 125th anniversary,
we invite all to reflect on
the events and personalities that
helped make The NYBR the forward
looking institution it is today.
You can be of enormous
help in preserving the institutional
memory of our organization.
You may have important material
stored away in your homes
that documents your role in the
ongoing story of the NYBR. Gifts
of papers, pictures, newsletters,
programs, publications or any
item contributing to documentation
of the history of the NYBR
will be greatly appreciated and
carefully preserved.
In addition, to celebrate
this important milestone we
would like to collect and catalogue
125 of your special memories
and stories.
For further information or to
m a k e a c o n t r i b u t i o n ,
contact::
Karen Dubrow
(212) 983-3521 x.15
kdubrow@nybr.org

NYBR Awarded: Rabbinic “End of Life” Education
Grant by UJA Federation of New York
Traditionally, clergy members of all faiths
and denominations receive little or no
formal training in advising, assisting and
supporting people and their families
through the end-of-life. There is a lack of
information and frequent misunderstanding
about options for care at this time.
These misunderstandings are common
among the general public, clergy and
even medical professionals.
Thanks to a generous grant made possible
by UJA Federation of New York, The Rabbinic
End-of-Life Education Program ’s
goal is to increase the knowledge and
skills of rabbis to address the myriad of
end-of-life issues. At the program’s conclusion
it is expected that participating
rabbis will be able to better serve their
own congregants and communities when
someone is approaching the end of life.
Program Description:
The two semester course will consist of a
total of 10 sessions, each three hours long,
Jewish soldiers with
Rabbi Mitchell Schranz
Rabbi Sidney Berger
Rabbi Deborah Bravo
Rabbi Scott Corngold
Rabbi Mark Dratch
and participation in a day long seminar.
Further, the summer intersession
will be devoted to integration
and application of semester one materials
and will be used for more indepth
one-on-one consultations between
participants and UJA Healing
and Hospice Alliance staff to cement
working relationships and to consolidate
skill sets.
Teleconferencing technology will be
employed to transmit the sessions to
locations in each of three designated
regions – Long Island, Westchester
and New York City. Each session will
start with a 75 minute interactive
didactic, then a 30 minute presentation
on the end-of-life trajectory of an
identified disease group, followed by
in each of the three individual locations
a presentation of a case example
and small group discussion regarding
issues identification and healing/
helping response.
םלוֹע דעו התעמ ךאובו ךתאצ רמשי םשה
We all pray for peace, but perhaps the prayer of a soldier is the most moving of all.
Rabbi Jason Herman
Rabbi Rebecca Joseph
Rabbi Mark Popovsky
Rabbi Solomon Segal
6
Some of the topics the course is likely to
cover include: Psychodynamics of the individual
and also the family at end-of-life;
Grief of the individual and also the family;
Community Resources; dealing with Socially
Stigmatized situations. Spiritual
themes and concepts which will be covered
in small groups include: suffering,
hope, fear, guilt, denial, despair, loss, anger,
forgiveness.
With the implementation of the Clergy
End-of-Life Education Project the
NYBR will move ahead in its proactive
efforts to improve care for the dying by
educating a critical gatekeeper into the
medical system and a strategic member of
the family support system.
Once the course dates are set, information
will be sent out
The New York Board of Rabbis remembers all those who serve so selflessly and will
work with JWB and supporters, to coordinate projects that will be most beneficial to
Jewish soldiers serving in our military. As we thank our soldiers, we say in the
words of the Psalmist,
“The Lord will guard your going and coming now and forever”
Rabbi Jonathan Stein
Rabbi Samuel Shor
Rabbi Eric Stark
Former Presidential
Palace, Bagdad, Iraq

Some years ago in
New York City a
strange thing happened
at Rockefeller
Center. Sam Levinson,
popular Jewish humorist
was selected by
Cardinal Cooke to light the prominent Christmas
tree. Before pulling the switch, Levinson
turned to the large audience and said, “I cannot
understand why I a Jew was asked to perform
this special task this evening. However I
recall growing up on the Lower East Side, and
each Friday evening, a wonderful Christian
gentleman would come to our home to put on
the lights and turn on the stove. He would not
accept any remuneration, and we simply did
not know how to repay him for his beneficent
acts. Today I light this tree in honor of that
saintly soul on the Lower East Side of New
York City.
We as Jews living in America fully fathom the
importance of אסינ ימוסרפ
publicizing the miracle of Chanukah to promote
the pluralistic nature of our society. One
of my professors at Yeshiva University would
often say “If Moses were to return and walk
through the streets of America he would undoubtedly
say, “If this is how the Jews observe
Chanukah, can you imagine how much more
they keep Sukkot?” Perhaps Chanukah, a supposed
minor holiday needs to have a major
presence so that people recognize we travel on
different spiritual paths in our lives.
As rabbis we realize the complex nature of our
pluralism in both the general and Jewish communities.
The NYBR has always maintained an
important place at the table when sitting with
our Christian colleagues. We are completely
comfortable communicating our concerns
about various challenges confronting us.
Many of us are convinced, as Rabbi Robert
Levine recently explained, that our strong relationship
with members of the Christian community
greatly strengthened the antidivestment
stance adopted by some denominations.
The NYBR is also a paradigm for the
pluralistic framework within the Jewish community.
I will always remember the inspiring
installation of Rabbi Adam Mintz as President
of the NYBR. Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson,
Let there be light!
President of HUC was the guest speaker-
truly a Kodak moment in American Jewish
history.
We at the NYBR can truly say that we may
be members of different locals, but we belong
to one union.
The NYBR has been most blessed to enjoy the
leadership of Rabbi Adam Mintz during
these past two years. He is truly a remarkable
rabbi who selflessly serves the Jewish
people without concern for denomination
and still respects the richness of other faith
traditions. I will never forget his moving
testimony in Israel while at The Ne’eman
Commission’s hearing on “Who is a Jew”
when he spoke so passionately about the
diversity of Jewish people hood. He may be
stepping down as President but certainly not
stepping away from his commitment to the
NYBR.
Rabbi Robert Levine has been the NYBR Ambassador
to the faith communities. He is an
eloquent spokesperson for the universal
spiritual foundation that must support decent
people of different traditions. He is also
a tireless advocate for Jewish unity and is an
exemplar of that partnership through the
many Jewish interdenominational programs
he has pursued during his rabbinical life. He
truly personifies the descriptive appellation
of his Congregation Rodeph Sholom- a pursuer
of peace.
Chanukah reminds us that one Shamas candle
lights many others and still sustains its
own individuality and independence. We
are thankful for the light and the love of
Rabbis Mintz and Levine who together have
given great meaning to the prayer:
, ָךיֶֽנָפּ רוֹא ְבּ דָחֶאְכּ וּנָֽלֻּכּ , וּניֽ ִבאָ , וּנֽ ֵכְרָבּ
Bless us our Father as one with the light of
your presence.
Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
The NYBR would like to express its gratitude to The Port Authority of New York for allowing our organization the honour
of presiding over the “Lighting of the Menorah” at Ground Zero.
7

From the Pulpit to the Street
News from The NYBR
Selichot
Ground Zero
The New York Board of Rabbis
continued an annual custom,
arranging Selichot prayers at
Ground Zero, the site of the
Twin Towers, destroyed in the
September 11 terrorist attack
four years ago.
Every year has brought something
unique, something different
and something very special.
This year the Selichot service
was even more memorable
because of the addition of
some unexpected guests. A few
strangers asked to join us– one
of whom was a young soldier
scheduled to see duty in Iraq
within the month. He had
never attended a Jewish service
and was most moved by the
warmth accorded him that he
would be in our prayers for a
New Year that would bring
peace to mankind. He told us
that he had heard at his house
of worship that we were all
children of G-d. Now he truly
believed that lesson.
Mayor Hosts NYBR
Breakfast may be the most important
meal of the day especially
when you are sitting at
Gracie Mansion with The
Mayor. This year before the
November general election,
Mayor Mike Bloomberg hosted
a breakfast meeting with a
group of rabbis from the NYBR.
This setting allowed for an
open exchange of issues such
as terrorism, crime reduction,
affordable housing and
greater opportunities for
clergy involvement in resolving
challenges confronting the City.
Those of us from Boston who
are Red Sox fans took particular
delight in reminding The Mayor
of his Massachusetts roots.
The NYBR is the primary address
for our pluralistic rabbinate
and having that address at
Gracie Mansion one morning
was an important statement of
our leadership role.
NYBR Hosts
Hurricane Katrina
Refugees
The New York Board of Rabbis
joined with Metropolitan
Council on Jewish Poverty for a
special Sukkot luncheon. The
gathering was held to welcome
two families who have temporarily
re-located to New York
as a result of Hurricane Katrina
and have been supported by
Met Council in this trying time
in their lives. A number of
local leaders joined in the
gathering to honor these special
guests. Pictured below
with the guests of honor are:
Israeli Ambassador Arye Mekel
– Consul General of Israel in
New York, State Assembly
Speaker Sheldon Silver, Met
Council Executive Director
William Rapfogel, Office of
Emergency Management
(OEM)NYC Jarood Bernstein,
NY Chapter International Red
Cross Executive Director Teri
Bishoff, , Met Council Social
Worker Jacky Ebron.
8
Jews Talking to Jews
Promoting Intra Jewish
Dialogue
from left) Howard Rubin, Intra-
Jewish Dialogue Steering Committee
and representing UJA-
Federation of New York; Billie
Gold, chair of the Intra-Jewish
Dialogue Steering Committee,
Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg,
keynote speaker; and representing
American Jewish Committee
New York chapter; Rabbi Adam
Mintz, president of the New York
A communal forum featuring
Rabbi Irving “Yitz”
Greenberg, president of the
Jewish Life Network/
Steinhardt Foundation, recently
addressed the contemporary
challenges of
diversity in American Jewish
life and launched the
Intra-Jewish Dialogue project.
The Intra-Jewish Dialogue
project has been established
to promote communication
across the Jewish spectrum,
with the continuous involvement
of 96 participants
from 18 congregations
across the city and
across denominations.
The dialogue project is a
joint effort of UJA-
Federation of New York,
The American Jewish Committee
New York Chapter,
and the New York Board of
Rabbis.
The forum served as a kickoff
for dialogue participants
and marks the initiation of
six discussion groups. The
group conversations will be
based on a curriculum developed
by Rabbi Michael
Paley, scholar-in-residence
at UJA-Federation, and Rabbi
Noam Marans. The group
sites include Queens, Westchester/Riverdale,
West Side
Manhattan, Downtown
Manhattan, East Side Manhattan,
and Brooklyn
Heights. Each discussion
group encompasses representation
from multiple
synagogues of various affiliations,
thereby promoting
mutual respect and a shared
investment in one Jewish
people, regardless of differences
in belief and practice.
Scholars Convene
to Commemorate
Nostra Aetate's 40th
Anniversary
On Wednesday, November
16th, scholars including: Judith
Banki - Special Programs
Director, Tanenbaum Center
Dr. Mary Boys - Skinner-
McAlpin Professor of Practical
Theology - Union Theological
Seminary and Rabbi Irving
Greenberg - President of Jewish
Life Network/Steinhardt
Foundation explored the history
of Jewish-Christian relations
before, during and after
Vatican Council II. Panelists
reviewed the pertinent issues,
the struggle over the document,
the progress and pitfalls
that followed, and the tensions
both between and
within the Catholic and Jewish
communities engendered
by that struggle.
This symposium, a presentation
of the Tanenbaum Center
for Interreligious Understanding,
the New York Board of
Rabbis, and the Centro Primo
Levi.

NYBR
Rallies Response to Iranian President’s Comments
On a rainy Wednesday night,
November 9th- the New York Board of
Rabbis, along with Rabbi Avi Weiss’s
AMCHA, students from YCT, YU,
Brooklyn College, NYU and the Frisch
Academy held a vigil for a second time
that day outsideoutside the Iranian Consulate.
The rally capped off a day of
protests against the Iranian President’s
remarks calling for the destruction of
Israel. While the Board played a role in
both the day’s events, there was something
special about seventy Jews huddled
under umbrellas, led by NYBR
member rabbis in the talleisim, reciting
t”hillim, singing and making their
voices heard to both secular powers and
SHamayim.
When Avraham, (though still
Avram at the point) left his home he
started a process that would result in a
people, a Torah, and a Holy Land. Over
three thousand years later we again
read of the start of his journey. As
Rabbi Potasnik said at both rallies, the
result of Avram’s walk is still on the
map - the Jewish people, our Torah are
still here and so is Israel. Those that
sought to destroy the work of Avraham
are the subjects
of term papers in
history and ancient
books.
W e
survive in part
"Let all those who were led to nameless deaths
be given an everlasting name here in this Hall"
because every week we read from our
torah and try to use its lessons to
guide us. We survive because we can
stand together when threatened, and
we survive because we individually
and collectively beseech the help of
Avraham’s G-d. This week saw the
New York Board of Rabbis respond to
a mortal threat to Israel by taking a
leadership role in two rallies, putting
the interests of Klal Yisrael above its
own, and standing in the wet and
cold at the very doors of the building
that houses the Iranian Consulate
asking for help from SHamayim.
The idea of the protest was to
make sure that Irans threats to “wipe
Israel off the map” should be taken as
seriously as it sounds. Richard Holbrooke,
a former American ambassador
to the United Nations, is quoted
“As everyone in this audience knows,
too many Jews in Germany did not
think Hitler meant it.” When a leader
of a country says something as outrageous
and as vile as what his been said
by the Iranian president-or by Hitlerwe
must take notice and we must tell
them that he and his government must
retract it, and they must apologize.”
The protest coincided with
the 67 th anniversary of Kristallnact, the
beginning of the Holocaust.
Adopting its first ever Israeli initiated resolution, the United Nations
General Assembly decided for the first time since the organization’s
founding to institute a Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Day of
Remembrance comes at the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and
will be held annually in the UN on the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death
camp (27 January). This resolution was initiated by Israel and co-authored by many other
nations including: the United States, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union
Nations. Over 104 other countries co- sponsored the resolution.
According to the resolution, the General Assembly calls upon Member States to include the
Holocaust in their educational curriculums, to condemn all manifestation of Holocaust Denial,
and further calls upon the Secretary General to institute special UN programs titled
“The UN and the Holocaust” and to report to the General Assembly about the progress of
these programs. Resolution page 14
9
NYBR Trains Rabbis
as
Disaster Chaplains
On Thursday, December 1, 2005,
NYBR sponsored a day long training
for rabbis on the essentials
of disaster chaplaincy. The training
qualified the 25 participants as
credentialed spiritual care responders
under the auspices of Disaster
Chaplaincy Service (DCS).
Led by Rabbi Stephen Roberts,
Chair Emeritus of DCS and one of
the founders of the field of Disaster
Spiritual care, participants learned
about appropriate techniques to
assist those affected by disaster, the
role of chaplains during a disaster
and most importantly the non negotiable
need for self-care.
NYBR's training is one in a series
throughout New York which will
train clergy from a number of faith
communities to part of a readily
available chaplains corp in NYC.
DCS is a multifaith
endeavor formed by the joint
efforts of the Archdioceses of NY,
Council of Churches of the City of
NY, Dioceses of the Brooklyn, Episcopal
Church, NYBR, the Unitarian
Universalist Association. NYBR
instrumental in the establishment
and growth of the organizations.
DCS is one of NYC's most
representative religious organizations
composed of chaplains from
over 30 faith communities.
Besides support from the above
religious groups. DCS has received
a grant from Bnai Brith to respond
to Hurricane Katrina issues as well
as extensive technical support from
the Jewish Community Relations
Council of NY. The training was
supported by a grant from the Interfaith
Caregivers Project of the
Council of Churches of the City of
NY.

Choosing to Be Jewish:
The Orthodox Road to Conversion
by Rabbi Marc D. Angel, KTAV Press
A new book by Rabbi Marc Angel marks a
time of simcha in Klal Yisrael. His erudition,
love of Judaism and clear writing
style creates and opportunity for readers
to explore another facet of Judaism. Rabbi
Angel’s latest book Choosing to be Jewish
is no exception. In this short work he
tackles one of the thorniest issues in the
Jewish world today: conversion.
Rabbi Angel approaches the subject from
an Halachic and historical viewpoint that
is both open and refreshing. He explains
how the Orthodox conversion process can
both be open and inviting while maintaining
its integrity vis a vis the requirements
of Jewish law. Working the tradition of
the Rabbi Benzion Uziel, the first
Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel and subject
of Rabbi Angel’s excellent work Loving
Truth and Peace, the conversion process
is presented as one with a variety of
approaches that can work with different
perspective converts.
While the Halachic points are discussed,
the main thrust of the book is pastoral.
Issues faced by the convert are discussed
in detail. Through a series of personal
stories the voices of those who have converted
are heard in details. To Rabbi Angel
this human side is a necessary part of
understanding the entire halachic process.
This book should be read by
every Rabbi who wishes to
better understand the issues
raised by converts and
faced by converts. It offers
an approach to a very difficult
issue that truly embraces
truth and peace.
Reminder:
NYBR Membership Dues
Individual $ 125
Supporter $ 180
Associate/International $ 90
Chaplain $ 90
Retiree $ 54
For membership renewals please feel free to contact
our office with your credit card.
Local Hero Needs Help…
Paul Grossfield is a loving and loved 53-year-old husband, father, brother,
brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle and son in desperate need of a functioning
kidney. He has volunteered for many years as a firefighter and parademic as well
as a Corps Captain and has been actively involved in children's sports for the
past 10 years, including coaching baseball, football, and basketball.
Paul is suffering from kidney failure and is searching for a matching kidney donor
who can help. Since Paul has type AB- blood, almost anyone can be a potential
donor.
For more information:
Visit: http://coachneedskidney.com or (732) 616-0792
10
New Series from the NYBR
Faith To Faith
Working closely with clergy of other faiths in building
bridges of understanding, the New York Board of Rabbis is
unveiling a new half-hour television series.
“Faith To Faith" shows that unity of spirit and diversity of thought can coexist
through intellectual respect and the recognition of a common humanity. The
roundtable format presents notable individuals from all walks of life showcasing the
richness of their religion and how it responds to modern challenges. Our new 'Faith
To Faith' series provides a caring venue for people of varied backgrounds to discuss
differences, challenges, and hopes," said Executive Producer Carol J. Meringoff.
“We look for the program to inform, inspire, and educate cable subscribers across
America”.
"Everyone can be proud of their particular religion without diminishing the sacredness
of another faith," explained Rabbi Potasnik. "As with branches of a tree sustained
by strong roots, God created a world in which one being became many and
we, as his creatures, must demonstrate that the many belong to that one being”.
The New York Board of Rabbis has established relations with the Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn, the Episcopal Diocese, and the
New York Council of Churches, along with reaching out to African-American, Hispanic,
and Haitian clergy, as well as Muslim religious spokesmen.
We are honored to serve as a flagship network for this new and important television
series," remarked a Shalom TV executive. "The New York Board of Rabbis are pioneers
in using television to promote religious and cultural understanding, and we
anticipate strong interest in these engaging ecumenical dialogues.
Additional information on "Faith To Faith" is available by contacting the program
electronically at faithtv@nybr.org, or by visiting the New York Board of Rabbi’s
Web site at www.nybr.org. Shalom TV news is posted online at www.shalomtv.com
NEW STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
The NYBR will be begin an exciting new initiative starting in 2006. The
greater New York City area is home to many rabbinical seminaries. Students
at these institutions will be visited by Rabbi Potasnik and rabbinic alumni to
encourage membership in the Board when they graduate and to offer the opportunity
for student membership. The goal is to introduce the next generation
of Rabbinic leadership to what the Board offers and to encourage involvement
at an early stage of their career. Already several visits have been scheduled.
In addition, these seminary visits will help to strengthen the bond between
NYBR and the seminaries.

Dear NYBR Members:
COMING THIS SPRING!
The New York Board of Rabbis will produce 20,000 copies of an illustrated Jewish
Heritage Map of New York featuring sites throughout all five boroughs. The new
map, funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Services, highlights
cultural and historical attractions.
Sites to be included on this map are: Congregation Shearith Israel- The Spanish
Portuguese Synagogue and Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan, Lubavitch World
Headquarters and Borough Park in Brooklyn.
Also featured will be sites associated with notable Jewish New Yorkers such as Leonard
Bernstein, Al Jolson, the Marx Brothers, David Sarnoff, Issac Bashevis Singer,
Nathan Straus and Sandy Koufax.
The map will be available for distribution to members of the NYBR, cultural institutions,
senior centers, tourist agencies and schools.
Rabbi Richard Marker
11
December 15, 2005
On behalf of the Fire Department of New York, I would like to extend our appreciation
for your continuous support of this agency. A major focus of this
department is the prevention of fires and promoting fire safety. The prevention
of fires and fire injuries is a year-long initiative, but more so during the
holiday seasons.
The Fire Safety Education unit is appreciative of your assistance in developing
the current Chanukah fire safety bulletin. The Fire Safety Education unit will
be incorporating the various bulletins for the Jewish holidays (Chanukah,
Passover and Sukkot) into one fire safety bulletin. The bulletin will be printed
in English and Yiddish. The FSE unit will forward a draft of this bulletin to the Board of Rabbis
for their review, comments and assistance in properly translating it into Yiddish.
In closing, I want to personally thank you for the support your organization has given to the
FDNY and we look forward to working with you in preventing fires and reducing fire-related
injuries and fatalities.
Sincerely,
Salvatore J. Cassano
Chief of Operations
JEWISH
NEW YORK
HISTORY
and
HERITAGE
MAP
Rabbi Richard Marker recently returned from Taiwan where he attended the
2nd meeting of the Board of World Religious Leaders. This group, convened by
the Jerusalem based Elijah Institute, is comprised of Jewish, Christian, Moslem,
Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh leaders from around the world. This was the second
of the Baord’ss biennial meetings, the first of which was held in Seville; the
meetings are closed door extended think tanks on how the religious traditions
can address contemporary challenges, such as the concept of the other, gender
issues, technological challenges, etc. Marker represents the RA on IJCIC, which
is comprised of the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox movements, the WJC, the 2
AJC’s, ADL, Bnai Brith, and several Israel based organizations. He represents
IJCIC on the Board of World Religious Leaders and sits on its executive steering
committee. He was the only American Rabbi at these meetings.
[A more complete report on this meeting is being distributed in email format.]
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Rabbi Robert Levine
NYBR President Elect
The story is told of two hasidim
deeply involved in a philosophical
discussion. They were surveying
the entire world Jewish
condition. Not interested in complexity
or ambiguity, they
wanted to get right to the nub of
the matter, so one of them said
to the other, “You know, the
whole world really is divided into two. First of all
you have them and us, and you know who they
are. There’s no point talking about them – let’s
talk about us.
Among us the whole world is divided between
hasidim and misnagdim. We all know about the
misnagdim, so there’s no point talking about
them. Let’s talk about us. Among the hasidim the
whole world is really divided between the
Lubavitch and the Satmar. We all know about
the Satmar. There’s no point talking about them.
So, among us Lubavitchers there are two divisions.
One is called the maskilim, and then there
are the others who like to sit at the Rebbe’s table,
who like to drink a l’chaim, but they’re not
scholars at all, not at all.
Among the enlightened ones, the maskilim, the
real elite of Lubavitch, there’s really just you and
me. And you know how little you know.”
Sadly, this story resonates for Jews across our
entire denominational spectrum. We are proficient
at compartmentalizing fellow Jews for purposes
of judging each other’s knowledge and
commitment to Jewish life and law.
This bloodsport has got to end. As soon as I returned
to New York over fifteen years ago to
become rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Sholom,
succeeding earlier president of the New York
Board of Rabbis, Gunter Hirschberg z’l, I accepted
Rabbi Gil Rosenthal’s invitation to join the
Board of Governors, because I hoped that my
rabbinate in New York would help in some small
way to achieve the elusive goal of Jewish unity.
After all, I grew up davening in an Orthodox
shule with my Zayde. We became Conservative
Jews not because of any halachic issues, but because
he had a heart attack and could no longer
climb the stairs in the old shule. Thus are ideological
commitments born. Camp Ramah was an
extremely important building block to my Jewish
background, as were my frequent trips to Israel,
particularly in my studies at the Hebrew University.
After majoring in Hebrew literature at
12
Columbia, I decided to become a Reform rabbi,
studying at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute
of Religion, New York campus. Upon ordination
I became assistant rabbi to Rabbi Jerome
Malino in Danbury, Connecticut and I succeeded
him upon retirement. There, we had an Orthodox
minyan followed by a Reform service every Shabbat
morning. I lained a full sidra of Torah for over
thirteen years.
This short autobiographical sketch should help
explain why the New York Board of Rabbis is so
important to me. Ours is a crucial address for rabbis
who want to work together. The Board is one
place where we can come to know rabbis of other
movements and respect each other irrespective of
which yeshiva granted us semicha. This is no small
matter. If we cannot respect each other, how can
we expect other Jews to do so? If we cannot respect
each other, how can we strengthen the New York
Jewish community in order to do the crucial intrafaith
and interfaith work that is our very raison
d’etre.
I am pleased to become president during the one
hundred twenty-fifth anniversary of the New York
Board of Rabbis. We all should be humbled and
challenged by this significant milestone. In my
short two years in the presidency I hope to help
our remarkable staff achieve these goals and to
begin to accomplish our ambitious master plan.
This will be a pleasure for me, because our Executive
Director, Joe Potasnik, is a truly remarkable
leader. While he occasionally displays a jocular
demeanor, you and I both know that he is an
amazingly perceptive and skilled rabbi and that his
caring for this organization and its members is
unsurpassed. I look forward to being his partner
for the next two years. Stephen Roberts has
brought extraordinary skills and caring to his
work and chaplaincy and the master plan. He is a
most welcome addition to the team. Keren Dubrow
brings a tremendous organizational, programmatic
and media mind and eye to her work. I have
known Fran Urist for close to fifteen years. Her
caring and love for her work is evident every day.
The rest of the staff also brings a unique set of talents
and commitment to our sacred work. I also
want to thank Rabbi Adam Mintz on your behalf.
Adam embodies all the qualities you could want in
a rabbi and leader. His ahavat y’israel is evident
and has helped the Board raised its profile and
accomplishments over the course of his tenure.
Y’yaasher kochacha, Adam.
Together this team will help grow our

.
membership, strengthen chaplaincy, increase programming,
deepen our work with the Commission of
Religious Leaders and continue to make the New
York Board of Rabbis the strongest voice of the rabbinate
throughout the New York area.
Without trying to be overly dramatic, let me talk
straight. The Jewish future is not a given, and the
manifold blessings given to us here in America, the
greatest experiment in Jewish living in a secure environment
we have ever encountered, gives us unlimited
opportunity, but also forces us to confront the
many temptations of modernity which threatens to
diminish our numbers and weaken our prospects for
a blessed future. Remember that it was the Pharaoh,
King of Egypt, who first defined us as a unified nation
for purposes of attempting to destroy us. Does it
take a hated enemy to define and unify this people?
Can we come together on our own as a community
of resolve and hope?
The New York Board of Rabbis has a crucial role to
play in this regard. The work must involve mutual
regard and compromise.
Remember that Rashi believed that the proper position
of the mezuzah is vertical, for it declares in the
sh’ma, “when you rise up.” His grandson, Rabbenu
Tam, argued that the position should be horizontal
because it is also written, “You shall speak of them
when you lie down.” How did the rabbis resolve the
conflict between Rashi and Rabbenu Tam? They
ruled that the mezuzah should be slanted with the
upper end pointed inward towards the door, a compromise
based on both reason and humility. If they
could achieve compromise and resolve their differences
on such an important matter, so must we, in
our day, as we endeavor to build a truly mutually
affirming Jewish community.
Noted teacher and communal activist Label Fine has
written, “For all the things we are bound to remember,
of all the things bequeathed to us, none is more
important than this: We remember tomorrow.” Talmudic
scholar Adin Steinsaltz said in a remarkably
similar way, “To be a Jew is to be responsible for the
future of the Jewish past.” As we move forward from
our one hundred twenty-fifth year the Board can
help the Jewish community in that seemingly messianic,
ever-present quest.
May we go from strength to strength.
Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Robert Levine
NYBR 2006
Officers & Board of Governors
Rabbi Daniel Alder
Rabbi Ronald Androphy
Rabbi Marc Angel
Rabbi Mark Ankcorn
Rabbi Samuel Barth
Rabbi Saul Berman
Rabbi Mayer Birnhack
Rabbi Allan Blaine
Rabbi Ronald Brown
Rabbi Howard Buechler
Rabbi David Chanofsky
Rabbi Martin Cooper
Rabbi Jerome Davidson
Rabbi Louis Diament
Rabbi David Feldman
Rabbi Helene Ferris
Rabbi Morton Garfiel
Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg
Rabbi Jacob Goldberg
Rabbi Harvey Goldscheider
Rabbi David E. Greenberg
Rabbi David Greenstein
Rabbi Leonard Guttman
Rabbi Kenneth Hain
Rabbi David Halpern
Rabbi Basil Herring
Rabbi Joshua Hertzberg
Rabbi Herbert Horowitz
Rabbi Richard Jacobs
Rabbi Allen Kaplan
Rabbi Michael Katz
Rabbi Samuel Kehati
Rabbi Barry Kenter
Rabbi David Seth Kirshner
Rabbi Michael Klayman
Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman
Rabbi Neil Kurshan
Rabbi Moshe Kwalbrun
Rabbi Nathan Laufer
Rabbi Alan Lavin
Rabbi William Lebeau
Rabbi Hyman Levine
Rabbi Joshua Lookstein
Rabbi Alan Lucas
Rabbi Arnold Marans
Rabbi Richard Marker
Rabbi Gabriel Maza
13
Rabbi Robert N. Levine, D.D.
President
Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman
Rabbi Charles Klein
Rabbi Craig Miller
Vice Presidents
Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier Rabbi David Lincoln
Treasurers
Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg Rabbi Allan Schranz
Recording Secretaries
Rabbi Lester Bronstein Rabbi Stephen Friedman
Financial Secretaries
Rabbi Moses Birnbaum Rabbi Jonathan Stein
Corresponding Secretaries
Rabbi Joel Meyers
Rabbi Amos Miller
Rabbi Michael Miller
Rabbi Adam Mintz
Rabbi Moshe Morduchowitz
Rabbi Judah Nadich
Rabbi Aryeh Oberstein
Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein
Rabbi Alvin Poplack
Rabbi Myron Rakowitz
Rabbi J. Leonard Romm
Rabbi Yaacov Rone
Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose
Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum
Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt
Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein
Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin
Rabbi Arthur Schneier
Rabbi Marc Schneier
Rabbi Julie Schonfeld
Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz
Rabbi Laurence Sebert
Rabbi Gideon Shloush
Rabbi Stephen Shulman
Rabbi Reuven Siegel
Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman
Rabbi Melvin Sirner
Rabbi Gerald Skolnik
Rabbi Sidney Solomon
Rabbi Henry Sosland
Rabbi Howard Stecker
Rabbi Sholom Stern
Rabbi Robert Summers
Rabbi Brooks Susman
Rabbi Harvey Tattelbaum
Rabbi Saul Teplitz
Rabbi Gordon Tucker
Rabbi Noach Valley
Rabbi Harlan Wechsler
Rabbi Samuel H. Weintraub
Rabbi Avraham Weiss
Rabbi Michael White
Rabbi Robert Widom
Rabbi Paula Winnig
Rabbi Amiel Wohl
Rabbi Joel Zion
Rabbi Bernard Zlotowitz

Sponsoring countries:
Albania, Andorra,
Argentina, Australia,
Austria, Azerbaijan,
Belarus, Belgium, Benin,
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Brazil, Bulgaria,
Cameroon, Canada,
Central African Republic,
Chile, China, Colombia,
Congo, Costa Rica, Côte
d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus,
Czech Republic,
Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Denmark,
Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, El Salvador,
Estonia, Equatorial
Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji,
Finland, France, Gabon,
Gambia, Georgia,
Germany, Greece, Guatemala,
Haiti, Honduras,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Japan,
Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liberia,
Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Madagascar, Mali, Malta,
Marshall Islands, Micronesia
(Federated
States of), Monaco,
Mongolia, Mozambique,
Nauru, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway,
Palau, Panama,
Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,
Peru, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal,
Republic of Korea, Republic
of Moldova,
Romania, Russian Federation,
Rwanda, Samoa,
Saint Kitts and Nevis,
San Marino, Serbia and
Montenegro, Sierra
Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, the
former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia, Timor-
Leste, Tonga, Trinidad
and Tobago, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, United
Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland,
United States of America,
Uruguay and Uzbekistan
THE HOLOCAUST AND THE UNITED NATIONS
RESOLUTION
ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS
Holocaust remembrance
The General Assembly,
Reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims that everyone is
entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind,
such as race, religion or other status,
Recalling article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone
has the right to life, liberty and security of person,
Recalling also article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 18 of
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that everyone has the right to
freedom of thought, conscience and religion,
Bearing in mind that the founding principles of the Charter of the United Nations “to save
succeeding generations from the scourge of war” is testimony to the indelible link between
the United Nations and the unique tragedy of the Second World War,
Recalling the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,
which was adopted in order to avoid repetition of such genocides as those committed by
the Nazi regime,
Recalling also the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states
that disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts that have
outraged the conscience of mankind,
Taking note of the fact that the sixtieth session of the General Assembly is being held during
the sixtieth year of the defeat of the Nazi regime,
Recalling the twenty-eighth special session of the General Assembly, a unique event,
which was held in commemoration of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps,
Honouring the courage and dedication shown by the soldiers who liberated the concentration
camps,
Reaffirming that the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of one third of the Jewish
people along with countless members of other minorities, will forever be a warning to all
people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice,
1. Resolves that the United Nations will designate 27 January as an annual International
Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust;
2. Urges Member States to develop educational programmes that will inculcate future
generations with the lessons of the Holocaust in order to help prevent future acts of genocide
and, in that context, commends the Task Force for International Cooperation on
Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research;
3. Rejects any denial of the Holocaust as an historical event, either in full or in part;
4. Commends States which have actively engaged in preserving sites that served as Nazi
death camps, concentration camps, forced labour camps and prisons during the Holocaust;
5. Condemns without reserve all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment
or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious
belief, wherever they occur;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to establish a programme of outreach entitled “The
Holocaust and the United Nations”, as well as measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust
remembrance and education, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide; to
report to the General Assembly on the establishment of the programme within six months
from the date of the adoption of the present resolution; and to report to the General Assembly
at its sixty-third session on the implementation of the programme.
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14

CREATION, CREATIONISM AND INTELLIGENT DESIGH
In the midst of the banter between and among the various extremists
in the spectrum of the contest between religion and
science various catagories of thought have been confused to the
point where accusations completely missed their target.
There are 3 distinct categories of thought and they are Creation,
Creationism and Intelligent Design. Creation refers to the formation
of the entire universe out of Nothingness, Ex Nihilo.
Creationism refers to the separate formation of the human family
and is therefore a rejection of the theory of evolution by
Charles Darwin. Intelligent Design means what it says i.e. that
there is an over arching Intelligence in the entire universe. Intelligent
Design unlike Creationism can join a meeting ground
with the Science of Evolution. Charles Darwin in his concluding
chapter of the Origin of Species noted the possibility of such a
reconciliation between religion and theory with his statement
“A celebrated author and divine has written to me that he has
gradually learnt to see that it is just as noble a conception of
Deity to believe that He created a few originals forms capable of
self development into other and needful forms, as to believe that
He required a fresh act of creation to supply the voids caused by
the actions of His laws.”
The following is a striking affirmation of Intelligent Design by
one of our great Talmudic teachers:
This is a story about a visit of Professor Hayim Tchernowitz
with Albert Einstein while he was in Berlin. Professor Tschernowitz
who was known by his pen name as Rav Tzair– the
young Rabbi was already at that time a world famous authority
on Talmud and its development. This was on the eve of the Nazi
takeover of Germany and the consequent expulsion of Albert
Einstein who took refuge in the United States. It needs to be
noted for the sake of the story that Albert Einstein was considered
the outstanding physicist of this generation equal to if not
surpassing Issac Newton. He penetrated the deep recesses of this
universe and unraveled the mystery of the cosmos. He found the
unifying formula for the larger cosmos and he continued on to
15
the very end of his life to seek that
unifying theory that would embrace
even the microcosm. Though
the latter eluded him in his lifetime,
it is coming to fruition in our generation.
Einstein invited Professor Tchernowitz
to his summer home on the
outskirts of Berlin to gain from
Tchernowitz some ideas of the Talmud
and its meaning for the Jew
and for world culture. Tchernowitz
came for lunch, obviously it was a
vegetarian lunch for the sake of
Kashruth. After lunch, they went
sailing. When the winds calmed
down and the turbulence of the waters
subsuded, the discussion continued
on the Talmud and world affairs.
In the midst of the conversation,
Tchernowitz took courage and
turned to Einstein with the question “Do you see intelligence in
the design of the cosmos?” At that moment Einstein shrugged
his shoulders and tears welled up in his eyes. No doubt thought
Tchernowitz that the unity which he pursued at every moment
still eluded him. But then Tchernowitz bethought himself that
the answer to this question was there right before him. He beheld
this man with his extraordinary intelligence, able to roam
this entire universe, such an intelligence and wisdom must have
its source in an Intelligent Being in the universe. Upon completion
of these inner thoughts, Professor Tchernowitz the great
Talmudist and Halachist spoke these words of tradition, which
translate as “Blessed and grateful we are Oh God for having
shared your wisdom with your creatures.”
Rabbi Benjamin Z. Kreitman
Rabbi Jill Allyn Kreitman
Member
Contribution
Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman
Rabbi Jill Kreitman
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Brooklyn Developmental Chanukah Party
Every year, over 600 developmentally
disabled residents
of Brooklyn and
Queens attend a very special
Chanukah Party at
Brooklyn Developmental
Disabilities Service Office–
1-800-448-9291 Code # H5JNYR
run by NYBR member Rabbi
Solomon L. Wulliger.
Those in attendance are able to
learn a bit more about their
heritage and simply celebrate!
Yasher Koach- Rabbi Wulliger

NYBR Passover Campaign
The NYBR Passover Campaign truly enables us to
care for the “hungry” and the “needy” mentioned
in The Haggadah.
Many of us grew up in homes where we learned
that we must always find room for one more at the
table. Sometimes however there are those hurting
so deeply who cannot sit with us . Your generosity
enables us to send packages to those who find
themselves in settings other then their own homes.
Our dedicated chaplains provide Passover provisions
to those in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted
living facilities, developmental centers and correctional
institutions.
It is always heartening to hear from recipients who
tell us that the NYBR through its generosity helps
temper the sadness with a taste of sweetness.
Message from Rabbi Stephen Roberts
Chevrei – May this be a season of lights for your and your family. There is much
going on in chaplaincy at the NYBR. Let me take this opportunity to provide a short
update
CPE – The NYBR is now in its fourth year of offering Clinical Pastoral Education
(CPE) to our members. This year’s course started before the Chagim and will conclude
around Shavuot. Those studying are both professional chaplains working
toward certification as well as congregational rabbis seeking to improve their clinical
skills. They represent the full diversity of the NYBR membership – age, year of
ordination, gender, and movement. This year’s CPE program is again being taught
by Rev. John DeVelder, as in previous years.
Correctional Chaplaincy – The NYBR is the endorsing religious body for Jewish New
York State Correctional Chaplains. Each year these Jewish chaplains meet in Albany
for a one day meeting in which various issues relating to their work are discussed.
This annual meeting was held on November 17 with the majority of the meeting’s
discussions and presentations being focused on a variety of difficult issues
directly relating to the legal ruling “Jackson vrs. Mann.” As a result of
this court case there are now over 2,000 self-declared Jews in the NYS correctional
system (almost four percent of total inmates) and our Jewish Chaplains
have been confronted with a number of delicate religious, spiritual and
emotional issues as more and more inmates “self-declare” as Jewish. The
meeting also reviewed a number of NYBR long standing policies and procedures
relating to Jewish chaplains’ endorsement. Last year, through the generosity
of NYBR members, hundreds of books were distributed into the correctional facilities.
As a follow-up to our work last year, the chaplains were surveyed in detail as
to the literature needs in the various correctional facilities in which they serve.
Psalms Booklet – Over the last year hundreds of hours from both the membership
and professional staff have been devoted to creating a 86 page booklet containing
thirty four Psalms, in Hebrew, English and also completely transliterated, that can
be used in a variety of settings. The booklet has been completed and sent to the
printer. The NYBR will shortly be providing each member a sample copy. It is our
hope that you will find this booklet valuable in your work and decided to purchase
copies for your use. Your support of this project will allow the NYBR to make copies
available to NYBR chaplains working within the NYS correctional system
as well as acute care and long term care facilities. In advance, thank you for
your support.
Chag Chanukah Sameach.
Rabbi Stephen Roberts
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This vital project also allows us to provide chaplains
with support materials, religious objects,
prayer books and Bibles throughout the year. We
are proud of our Chaplaincy Program that has developed
because of the generosity of many of our
members and friends.
We want the NYBR Passover Campaign 5766 to be
even more successful and thus our Vice Presidents
will work with our dedicated Campaign Chair,
Rabbi Allan Schranz in soliciting the support of all
of our colleagues.
As we enlarge the scope of chaplaincy, we depend
on increased participation. We thank all who have
given so generously and look forward to an even
more rewarding result this year. Each member
doing a little more can make a major difference for
the NYBR and those who turn to us for strength
and support.

The Time is Now…
On November 10, 2005 the NYBR officially launched
the Sh’ma Kolenu project, creating an historic partnership
with Jewish Women International. Joined by 90
leaders in the domestic violence field, Commissioner
Yolanda B. Jimenez, and members of the NYBR, we
committed ourselves to protecting those within our
communities who need our help.
Rabbis are vital in the fight to end abuse. During the
morning press conference, Rabbi Kermaier articulated
the importance of speaking out against domestic abuse:
“The holiest place in Jewish life is the Jewish home…
even the Temple itself is simply a model that was supposed
to represent the Jewish home in its ideal fashion.
Therefore, when we think of how we should focus our
efforts in Jewish communal life, there is no more sacred
mission than to protect the Jewish home.”
As of today, we are offering cutting edge education for
clergy, providing much needed materials, and support
for the Jewish community. In addition, we have been
invited to serve the on the NYC Family Justice Center’s
Advisory Committee and lead their effort to bring
clergy from across the faith spectrum into the sacred
work of ending family violence.
Sitting with faith leaders, it is always astounding to
learn how often we miss the signs that a family is in
distress, especially around holiday celebrations and life
cycle events when a family’s stress level is raised. How
often have you asked the difficult questions when you
think that something might be wrong?
S
Spotlight on Domestic Violence: VAWA
Congress passes law to protect them!
The Violence Against Women Act, HR 3402, has finally passed both the House
and Senate! It now only awaits the President's signature to become law. VAWA passed in the Senate on December 16th by
unanimous consent and in the House on December 17th by voice vote.
This is a tremendous victory! VAWA – is landmark legislation that provides funding for hotlines, shelters and services for victims
of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
It is also an amazing victory for YOU and the communities that you serve! The final bill includes a comprehensive package of grant
programs and legal changes to help victims of domestic violence.
Now we just have to make sure that we get funding in next year's budget for these exciting new programs -- we'll keep you posted on
that.
To learn more about VAWA or how to get involved in this critical work call Rabbi Diana Monheit at 212-983-3521 ext.21
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How many of us can find the words?
According to the FBI, one out of four American families
experience domestic violence in the home and domestic
violence knows no boundaries of race, ethnicity, religion,
education, profession, or economic status.
What can we do about domestic violence in our communities?
What is our obligation to the families in our
midst?
During a reception at the residence of Ms. Marilyn
Michaels on November 15th, we announced Sh’ma
Kolenu’s initiative 100 Friends of Sh’ma Kolenu.
Through this initiative your community can schedule
on-site trainings, awareness-building programs and
support for on-going committees on domestic violence,
holiday prayers, sample sermons, intervention materials
including palm and restroom stickers, and a speaker
for Shabbat. Congregations which have signed onto the
100 Friends initiative will be announced each quarter.
We thank them for their commitment to supporting all
Jewish families in their communities.
Wishing you a shanah shel shalom,
Rabbi Diana Monheit

NYBR
Reflections
Rabbi Craig Miller
On November 1, 2005 Judea Pearl father of murdered
Wall Street Journal Reporter Daniel Pearl spoke to the
NYBR on the legacy of his son. Addressing an audience
that included NYBR members, guests and students from Kushner
High School Professor Pearl delved in to meaning of Daniels final
words.
NICHUM AVAYLIM
“To Danny, I am Jewish meant I just understand or in other words I
am possessed with an historically baked obsession to understand and
repair things”. To this end Prof Pearl has transformed the murder of
his only son in the Daniel Pearl Foundation. This organization seeks
to transmit Daniel’s love of music, open heart and Jewish values of
respect and understanding to people throughout the world. The
Foundation promotes Muslim Jewish dialogue and the institution of
Daniel Pearl Music days around the anniversary of his birthday.
Through the Foundation, the Pearl family seeks to create “a coalition
of the decent” to combat the hatred and violence that claimed the
life of their son and brother.
Prof. Judea Pearl training as a Professor in Computer Science and
expert on the issue of causality was evident in his talk. To him Judaism
was an important input in both his and Daniel’s life and action.
Through the Foundation he hopes that the life and values of his son
will also act as inputs in others to promote tikkun olam.
In many ways the story of the story of Daniel Pearl reflects the very
ambiguity of Jewish identity today. A secular Jew born of Israeli
parents who clearly respected his heritage as a source of ideals and
strength. Married to a practicing Buddhist, he was open to all religious
experience yet the times he chose to pray he would turn to his
religion.
The four minute video released (and edited) by his murders contains
his famous affirmation of his identity: my father is Jewish, my
mother is Jewish I am Jewish. Yet his stirring declaration was most
likely forced by his captors. One could say that his Jewishness was
more important to them as a rationale for murder than it was for
Daniel Pearl. Yet Pearl added another paragraph that must have
thrilled his anti-Zionist captors. He told the story of his grandfather
Chayim Pearl, a pioneer in Israel, who helped found Bnai Brak and
has a street named after him. In the last moments of his life he connected
to his past and to the Jewish response to oppression. Prof.
Pearl noted that these last words were a message that Jews respond
to injustice not by violence but by building and creating.
In his last minutes Daniel Pearl’s Jewish identity was affirmed twice.
Once by his captors in justifying their deed and once by himself in
embracing the values taught by his parents. His final statement was
not the clear cut “Shema” of the martyred Rabbi Akiva. Instead it
was an honest statement of who this Jewish brave young man was at
the time in all its passion and ambiguity.
My father is Jewish My Mother is Jewish I am Jewish while stirring
is also incomplete. What is missing is “my children our Jewish”.
How much Jewish identity will the Pearl son (who was born after his
father’s murder) be offered is a personal family decision. His mother
Marianne practices a form of Buddhism which embraces a mystical
law of cause and effect, his grandfather Judea is a Jewish professor
who studies causality. Both seek to use the horrible event to create
causes for a better world. Much good will come of their efforts. I
believe that the work of the Daniel Pearl Foundation will in its own
way improve the world in which we live. But I can not help but to
feel sad that Daniel Pearl’s own wrestling with his Jewish identity
was cut short and that his child has lost this connection with his
Jewish heritage.
Yet the work of Pearl family in keeping their son/brothers legacy
alive has now given thousands of Jews the opportunity to consider
deeply what does it mean to say “I am Jewish”
To find out more about the Daniel Pearl Foundation
www.danielpearl.org
Judea and Ruth Pearl have edited a book of reflections from many
different Jews called “I Am Jewish” published by Jewish Lights Press.
18
Our condolences to Rabbi Charles Klein on the
passing of his beloved brother, Dr. Alan Klein.
May the families be comforted amongst the
mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Congratulations
MEMBERS NEWS
Rabbi and Mrs. Aaron Ziegler on the birth of their
great granddaughter Shira Yehudis.
SPECIAL THANK YOU
The NYBR would like to extend our sincere gratitude
to Sandi Merle for her support in
launching Shma Kolenu, The New York Board of
Rabbis Domestic Violence Initiatve.

The NYBR proudly salutes the following members
in recognition of their contribution to
The NYBR 5765 Passover Campaign
Rabbi Irwin A. Albert
Rabbi Daniel Alder
Rabbi Ronald L. Androphy
Rabbi Marc D. Angel
Rabbi Mark Ankcorn
Rabbi Kenneth E. Berger
Rabbi Yitzchak Berman
Rabbi Moses Abraham Birnbaum
Rabbi Allan Blaine
Rabbi Stanley Bramnick
Rabbi Kenneth L. Brickman
Rabbi Lester B. Bronstein
Rabbi Howard R. Buechler
Rabbi Moshe Carmilly
Rabbi Martin Cooper
Rabbi Stephanie Dickstein
Rabbi Stephen Dresner, D.D.
Rabbi Myron M. Fenster
Rabbi Helene Ferris
Rabbi Robert E. Fierstien
Rabbi Robert E. Fine
Rabbi Lyle A. Fishman
Rabbi Moshe Frank
Rabbi Stephen Friedman
Rabbi David J. Gelfand
Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz
Rabbi Bruce A. Ginsburg
Rabbi Carol R. Goldblatt
Rabbi Edward F. Goldstein
Rabbi Irving H. Goodman
Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman
Rabbi Steven M. Graber
Rabbi Eli B. Greenwald
Rabbi Avraham Groff
Rabbi Jon R. Haddon
Rabbi Paul L. Hait
Rabbi David S. Halpern
Rabbi Richard A. Hammerman
Rabbi Howard Hersch
Rabbi Herbert Horowitz
Rabbi Richard J. Jacobs
Rabbi Joshua Kalev
Rabbi Alvin Kass
Rabbi Michael Katz
Rabbi Abraham Kelman
Rabbi Barry A. Kenter
Rabbi Yaacov Kermaier
Rabbi Charles A. Klein
Rabbi Murray J. Kohn
Rabbi Harold B. Konovitch
Rabbi Neil Kurshan
Rabbi Moshe Kwalbrun
Rabbi Nathan M. Landman
Rabbi Alan F. Lavin
Rabbi Stephen C. Lerner
Rabbi Robert N. Levine
Rabbi Joel Levinson
Rabbi Leonard Levy
Rabbi David Lincoln
Rabbi Gary S. Listokin
Rabbi Norman J. Listokin
Rabbi Haskel Lookstein
Rabbi Richard J. Margolis
Rabbi Gabriel Maza
Rabbi Dr. Daniel H. Mehlman
Rabbi Craig Miller
Rabbi Ronald Millstein
Rabbi Adam Mintz
Rabbi Steven H. Moskowitz
Rabbi Steven A. Moss
Rabbi Pinchas N. Pearl
Rabbi Mayer Perelmuter
Rabbi Robert S. Pilavin
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
You deserve to be celebrated.
19
Rabbi Bennett M. Rackman
Rabbi Perry R. Rank
Rabbi Manfred M. Rechtschaffen
Rabbi Carnie S. Rose
Rabbi Bernhard H. Rosenberg
Rabbi Yosil (Joseph) Rosenzweig
Rabbi Arthur D. Rulnick
Rabbi Allan Schranz
Rabbi Joel M. Schwab
Rabbi Barry D. Schwartz
Rabbi Marion R. Shulevitz
Rabbi H. Joseph Simckes
Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman
Rabbi Melvin N. Sirner
Rabbi Gerald C. Skolnik
Rabbi Sidney Solomon
Rabbi Henry A. Sosland
Rabbi Murray E. Stadtmauer
Rabbi Sholom Stern
Rabbi Seth Sternstein
Rabbi S. David Taub
Rabbi Albert Thaler
Rabbi Gordon Tucker
Rabbi Stanley Urbas
Rabbi Noach Valley
Rabbi Harlan J. Wechsler
Rabbi Gerald I. Weider
Rabbi Marvin S. Weiner
Rabbi Samuel H. Weintraub
Rabbi Jeremy Winaker
Rabbi Paula J. Winnig
Rabbi Amiel Wohl
Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg
Rabbi Solomon L. Wulliger
Rabbi Melinda Zalma
Rabbi Gerald L. Zelizer
Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman

NYBR Calendar
THE NEW YORK
BOARD OF RABBIS
136 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
The New York Board of Rabbis
requests the honour of your presence at
WE’RE ON THE WEB!
WWW.NYBR.ORG
the Installation Ceremony of
our fifty-eighth President
RABBI ROBERT N. LEVINE, D.D.
and the
OFFICERS and BOARD of GOVERNORS
Thursday evening, January 12, 2006
13 Tevet 5766
6:00 p.m.
at
Congregation Rodeph Sholom
7 West 83rd Street
New York City
R.S.V.P. (212) 983-3521 Reception to Follow
20
HAPPY CHANUKAH
FROM
THE NEW YORK
BOARD OF RABBIS
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
New York, NY
Permit 849