The Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA/Igud HaRabbonim), representing more than 950 Orthodox rabbis across North America, marked its 84th anniversary Monday at the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation in Brooklyn.
The event brought together rabbinic leaders, public officials, law enforcement officers and interfaith figures for the RAA’s 38th Annual Chai Elul Siyum HaShas and 84th Annual Convocation Dinner.
The evening combined the completion and renewal of the Talmud with calls for stronger Jewish community security, increased civic engagement, support for Israel and greater cooperation among religious and ethnic communities.
RAA Executive Vice-President Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik used his keynote address to warn of rising antisemitism in the United States, particularly violence targeting visibly Orthodox Jews.
Citing data from the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee, Mirocznik said Jewish communities face an increasingly serious security threat and stressed that Jews should not have to fear violence simply because they wear a kippah or walk to synagogue.
He also called for solidarity with other communities facing discrimination, specifically expressing the RAA’s support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
A central moment of the evening was the installation of Rabbi Jay Levy, spiritual leader of the Mill Basin Sephardic Congregation - Tiferet Ovadia, as an RAA Vice-President.
Rabbi Yaakov Klass formally inducted Levy, praising his Torah scholarship and communal leadership. Levy said he would work to strengthen rabbis, advocate for yeshivas and serve Jewish communities.
The dinner also honored civic leaders, law enforcement officers, religious figures and community volunteers for their efforts to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish communities and promote cooperation.
Among those recognized were Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Rev. Kimberly Council; Sheikh Imam Musa Drammeh, president of the Muslim-Israel Dialogue Project; Bishop Dr. Maxon Gaspard; MTA Police Deputy Inspector Ryan Russel; Robert and Lillian Orlando of the 121st Precinct Community Council; NYPD Officer Meir Green; Rabbi Ari Weiss of Staten Island Shomrim and Hatzolah; and photographer Debbie Killen.
The honorees were recognized for a range of activities, including combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, strengthening police-community relations, protecting Jewish institutions, assisting vulnerable families and providing emergency medical aid.
The event opened with an invocation by Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, who emphasized cooperation among people of different faiths and backgrounds. The Staten Island Pipes and Drums later presented the Colors, led the Pledge of Allegiance and performed the National Anthem and traditional patriotic music.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Alden Foster and Assistant Commissioner Fred Kreizman praised the RAA’s efforts to strengthen communication between Jewish communities, law enforcement and city government. They highlighted the organization’s role in developing partnerships aimed at improving public safety.
The convocation also adopted five major policy resolutions presented by Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht.
The resolutions included prayers for the United States and its leaders as the country marks its 250th anniversary; a call for increased Jewish voter participation based on the principle of Pikuach Nefesh; and support for creating a National Federation of Parents to defend parental rights and traditional biblical family values.
The RAA also called for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and Gaza, opposed the creation of an independent Palestinian state, and reaffirmed its support for the exclusive authority of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate over conversion and Jewish personal-status matters.
The evening concluded with prayers for the safety of Israel’s defense forces, the well-being of first responders and blessings for a peaceful, healthy and successful New Year.