Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz named as incoming Abraham Arbesfeld Torah Dean of RIETS

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky to become the Max and Marion Grill Administrative Dean of RIETS

RIETS is proud to announce the appointment of Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz as the Abraham Arbesfeld Torah Dean of RIETS. Rabbi Lebowitz is a world class scholar and teacher of shas and poskim, who is known throughout the Jewish community for his erudition and pedagogy. As the Torah Dean of RIETS, Rabbi Lebowitz will direct the educational program of the semikhah program and all of RIETS’ semikhah and post-semikhah kollelim. In this role, Rabbi Lebowitz will also be appointed as a Rosh Yeshiva and will remain in close contact with the students, continuing to deliver his regular shiurim.

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President and Rosh Yeshiva of YU and RIETS, said: “I am deeply pleased to appoint Rabbi Lebowitz to this position, in close partnership with the senior Roshei Yeshiva, the RIETS Board of Trustees and its chair, Lance Hirt. Rabbi Lebowitz is not just a student of our Yeshiva, he is also one of the most distinguished representatives of our Yeshiva’s core Torah values and ideals.”

The appointment, effective at the beginning of this semester, corresponds to an expansion of the role of Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky, the Dean of Undergraduate Torah Studies, to include administrative responsibility of RIETS as the Max and Marion Grill Administrative Dean.

“Rabbi Kalinsky is one of the most trusted leaders in our Yeshiva University community,” said Rabbi Berman. “His partnership in building our Yeshiva has led to the enormous growth and success we have experienced these past few years.”

“I am deeply thankful for this new appointment and for the opportunity to work so closely with my colleague and friend Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky,” said Rabbi Lebowitz. "I will remain, above all, a teacher of Torah and of students. Our vision is to help elevate our students’ voices and ensure the Yeshiva and its decision-makers stay closely attuned to their needs. By shifting the leadership from the ‘sixth floor’ (administrative offices) to the Beit Midrash, students will feel even more that they have a listening ear in the administration and see more resources invested in their needs.”

"I am excited to collaborate with Rabbi Lebowitz, an accomplished Talmid Chacham, leader, colleague, and friend," said Rabbi Kalinsky. "The rabbinate is constantly evolving, and we must continue to adapt to the times and provide the best education for the leaders of tomorrow. Rabbi Lebowitz brings a wealth of experience in guiding young rabbis and serves as an exemplary model of someone who understands the needs of our community today.”

The Abraham Arbesfeld chair was endowed for Rabbi Lebowitz by legendary YU benefactor Hy Arbesfeld z”l and Ann Arbesfeld in memory of Hy’s distinguished father. While first assigned as a chair for the Director of the Semikhah program, this elevation to Torah Dean of RIETS is a fitting tribute to Hy, Ann, and the entire Arbesfeld family who continue in their family’s legacy of being distinguished leaders of RIETS.

New educational opportunities will also be added to the Yeshiva’s already robust programming. "RIETS is larger and more impactful than ever," said Rabbi Kalinsky. "Moving forward, we will continue our historic legacy by re-examining the semikhah curriculum, bring in dynamic speakers to address contemporary issues, work closely with musmachim as they make important life decisions, and expand our reach with more master's degree and certificate programs."

Rabbis Lebowitz and Kalinsky will succeed Interim Dean Rabbi Michael Taubes, who took over in the Spring semester after Dean Emeritus Rabbi Menachem Penner became the Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Council of America and Director of Special Programming at RIETS.

“The impact that RIETS has on the global Jewish community is immeasurable,” said Lance Hirt, ‘87YC, chair of the RIETS Board of Trustees. “As the world we live in changes rapidly, RIETS remains dynamic and leads the way to meet the needs of our musmachim and invest in the future leaders of the Jewish community. Our rabbinic graduates are endowed with an education that is only available at our Yeshiva. With Rabbi Lebowitz and Rabbi Kalinsky in these key dean positions, our education and its impact on the world will rise to new heights.”