By: TJVNews.com

 On March 27, 2025, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim (RAA/Igud) held its Rosh Chodesh Adar Conference and Seudah to mark the 9th yahrzeit of its esteemed Menahel/Director, Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum, ZT’L. The event took place at Maimonides Medical Center, where friends, family, and community leaders gathered for a gourmet dinner sponsored by the medical center in Rabbi Tannenbaum’s memory. During the event, attendees were also alerted to an important community issue requiring immediate attention.

Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy

In recognition of Rabbi Tannenbaum’s yahrzeit, several distinguished figures delivered remarks, including Mr. Kenneth Gibbs, President and CEO of Maimonides Medical Center; Mr. Douglas Jablon, Executive Vice President, Patient Relations and Special Assistant to the President; and Dr. Eitan Dickman, Chair of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Dickman emphasized the importance of medical pre-screening, citing colon cancer as a significant health concern in the Jewish community. He noted that Ashkenazi men, in particular, are undergoing screenings at lower rates than other demographics, despite early detection being lifesaving.

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of RAA/Igud, expressed gratitude to Maimonides Medical Center for its support. He highlighted Rabbi Tannenbaum’s unwavering commitment to health awareness, recalling how he tirelessly advocated for pre-screening despite criticism. “How can I be silent,” Rabbi Tannenbaum often said, “when my voice might save a life?”

Advocacy for Educational Choice

The conference also addressed pressing legislative matters. Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Presidium Chairman of RAA/Igud, introduced Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America. Rabbi Silber passionately urged support for the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a federal scholarship tax credit initiative currently under Congressional consideration.

This legislation proposes an annual $10 billion allocation in tax credits for individuals and corporations contributing to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These SGOs would provide scholarships for K-12 educational expenses, including private school tuition, significantly benefiting Jewish families striving to provide a Torah education. Rabbi Silber called upon the community to advocate for the bill, H.R. 9462, which has gained substantial momentum in Congress.

Rabbi Klass then proposed a resolution, which was unanimously passed, affirming the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s full support for the ECCA. He urged rabbis to encourage their congregants to reach out to their Congressional representatives to advocate for the bill’s passage.

Mobilizing for the World Zionist Organization Elections

Rabbi Moish Schmerler, Executive Director of RAA/Igud, delivered an impassioned plea for support in the upcoming World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections, concluding on May 4. He emphasized the necessity of voting for the Eretz HaKodesh slate to protect Torah values in Israel.

Rabbi Schmerler explained that left-wing factions have used WZO resources to push agendas that conflict with traditional Torah principles. Eretz HaKodesh aims to counteract this by ensuring Orthodox communities have a strong voice in the Congress, influencing policy decisions that affect Jewish life in Israel.

For a mere $5 registration fee, individuals can participate in the elections and help strengthen the Torah perspective in Israel. Rabbi Schmerler urged rabbis to encourage their communities to vote for Eretz HaKodesh before the May 4 deadline.

Recognizing Law Enforcement

Chief Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, along with Mr. Gibbs, presented RAA/NYPD Citations of Honor to five outstanding officers for their dedication to maintaining safety and law and order in New York City:

●       Lieutenant Duran McLean

●       Sergeant Tommy Rodriguez

●       Sergeant Wing Chan

●       Police Officer Nick Skomina

●       Police Officer Vincent Iovine

Additional Presentations

The Rosh Chodesh Nissan Conference also featured presentations from community leaders, including:

●       Rabbi Yehuda Blank, Vice-President, Professional Development, External Affairs & Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission, who served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

●       Rabbi Tzvi Mandel, Khal Bnei Yisroel, who reflected on Rabbi Tannenbaum’s legacy.

●       Hon. Ira Tannenbaum, Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, NYC Office of Emergency Management, who discussed the importance of institutional emergency contingency planning.

●       Rabbi Benzion Leser, Senior Director of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, Maimonides Medical Center, who outlined the chaplaincy training programs available at the hospital.

●       Rabbi Chaim Zev Tannenbaum and Rabbi Yitzchok Dov Tannenbaum, sons of Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum, ZT’L, who shared personal memories of their father’s dedication and leadership.

 The Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Rosh Chodesh Nissan Conference was a fitting tribute to Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum’s legacy, emphasizing his commitment to communal well-being, advocacy for Torah values, and unwavering dedication to Jewish education and public health. As the community moves forward, his influence continues to inspire activism and responsibility in addressing key issues facing Jewish families today.