By: TJVNews.com

The Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA) / Igud HaRabbonim convened its vital Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Conference and Seudah on Sunday, November 2, 2025 (11 Mar Cheshvan 5786), at Kahal Bnei Matisyahu in Brooklyn. Hosted by its Rabbi, RAA Presidium Chairman and Senior Torah Editor of the Jewish Press, Rabbi Yaakov Klass, the gathering was a powerful blend of spiritual commemoration and communal strategy, stressing themes of voting, unity, and securing Jewish identity.

A Legacy of Faith and the Sabbath

The conference and Seudah were sponsored by Rabbi Yaakov Klass and his brother, Mr. Arthur Klass and family, Liluy Nishmas (in memory of) their mother, Moras Hinda Bas Reb Simcha Halevey, A”H, Mrs. Hilda Klass, and commemorated the Yahrzeit of Rochel Imaynu. Rabbi Klass delivered a special Torah thought. The event also celebrated the legacy of Mrs. Klass’s revered father, Rabbi Simcha Kirschner, ZT’L who fought to protect and promote Shmiras Shabbos (Sabbath observance) against workplace discrimination, protecting their right to observe the Sabbath without fear of losing employment, making it an honored standard for American Jews.

Spiritual Reflection and Communal Recap

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Serebryanski, Vice-President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America and Rosh Kollel of the Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary, presented a Dvar Torah on Akeydas Yitzchok (The Binding of Isaac), offering a deep spiritual reflection for the assembly. Following this, Rabbi Moish Schmerler, Executive Director of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, provided a recap of the 37th Annual Chai Elul Siyum HaShas and the 83rd Annual Celebration, highlighting the RAA’s enduring dedication to Torah study and communal milestones.

The Mitzvah of Civic Engagement and Communal Security

Rabbi Moshe Mandel from Kahal Bais Mordechai of Flatbush delivered a passionate address on the Mitzvah and obligation to vote in civil elections, stressing the necessity for the community to be active and visible in civic affairs.

Rabbi Mandel noted that the Halachic responsibility of voting is paramount for securing communal interests. This responsibility is rooted in the principle of Dina d’Malkhuta Dina (The Law of the Land is the Law) and the critical need for Hakaros HaTov (recognizing the good) of a government that allows religious freedom. Furthermore, in an era of heightened security concerns, voting serves as an act of communal self-preservation, or Pikuach Nefesh (saving a a life), by ensuring the election of officials committed to fighting antisemitism and safeguarding the community. Readers are directed to his Halachik ruling on this topic for a comprehensive analysis.

A Call for Achdut Against Rising Antisemitism

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice President of the RAA, spoke with urgency about the necessity of Achdut (Jewish unity) in light of current events, backing his call with sobering data:

●        ADL Audit (2024): Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. reached a record high of 9,354 incidents, marking the highest total in the 46-year history of the Audit. This represents a 5% increase from 2023 and an 893% increase over the past decade. Notably, incidents on college campuses surged by 84% in 2024.

●        AJC Report (2024): The FBI data showed anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for nearly 70% of all religiously motivated hate crimes reported in 2024, despite Jews making up only approximately 2% of the U.S. population. Additionally, 33% of American Jews reported being the personal target of an antisemitic incident (in person or virtually) over the last year.

“We are witnessing an unprecedented spike in hate targeting our communities,” Mirocznik stated. “Our defense must be our solidarity. We need love, unity, and understanding, and we must work together to organize and advocate effectively.”

“The statistics demand a unified response. We must move forward with love, understanding, and unyielding Achdut,” said Rabbi Mirocznik. “The RAA is initiating a structured effort to establish a cohesive Jewish frum Orthodox platform to amplify our voice and advocate for the safety and interests of our people.”

The Rabbinical Alliance of America remains committed to advocating for the spiritual, civic, and physical security of the Jewish people.