Over Three Million Dollars Raised

In a joyous celebration of Torah leadership, bold vision, and the strength of community, the RIETS Evening of Tribute, held on March 25, was among the most successful in the Yeshiva’s history, drawing over 600 guests from around the world—including Torah scholars, alumni, community leaders, musmachim and students—and raising more than $3 million. The evening marked a defining moment for the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and its ever-expanding impact on Torah leadership worldwide, and stood as a powerful statement of communal partnership and confidence in the Yeshiva’s future. 

Warmth, energy, and a deep sense of shared purpose filled the Marina Del Rey ballroom as the event paid tribute to RIETS’ century-long legacy of producing dedicated rabbis and communal leaders, while charting an ambitious and inspiring course for the future. Rav Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva, offered heartfelt words of bracha, reaffirming the enduring purpose and values of the Yeshiva. Fueled by a historic increase in enrollment, RIETS is experiencing an era of unprecedented growth and influence, with hundreds of students now studying in its Semikha program. 

The program also heralded a new chapter in leadership with the installation of two newly appointed Deans—Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Abraham Arbesfeld Torah Dean, and Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky, Max and Marion Grill Administrative Dean—whose vision and dedication are already shaping the emerging spiritual and educational leaders of tomorrow. 

“Tonight is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of our sacred mission,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President and Rosh Yeshiva of RIETS and Yeshiva University. “RIETS is not only growing in numbers—it is growing in impact. Torah is our foundation, and RIETS stands at the center of our Torah lives, preparing the next generation of leaders to guide Klal Yisrael forward with wisdom and strength. With the extraordinary leadership of our Roshei Yeshiva and the visionary guidance of Rabbi Lebowitz and Rabbi Kalinsky, RIETS is at the forefront of the Jewish future. This is the moment for Torah leadership to rise—and RIETS is leading the way.” 

This vision is grounded in the legacy of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik zt”l, whose voice and presence were felt anew at the dinner through a powerful archival video. In the footage, the Rav addressed the centrality of Eretz Yisrael in Jewish life—a message that continues to animate the mission of RIETS and the generations of his talmidim who now lead. 

The evening also honored individuals whose lifelong dedication to the Jewish community reflects the very ideals that RIETS seeks to instill. 

Dr. David Pelcovitz, the Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus Chair in Psychology and Jewish Education at YU, received the RIETS Lifetime Achievement Award. A revered teacher, psychologist and mentor, Dr. Pelcovitz has shaped generations of students and rabbanim with his wisdom, compassion and unwavering commitment to Torah and mental health. 

Benyamin and Esti Kaminetzky and their family were recognized with the inaugural Dor L’Dor Award, honoring their multigenerational devotion to Torah and their steadfast support of RIETS and the broader Jewish world. Their legacy has strengthened the Yeshiva immeasurably and continues to inspire talmidim everywhere. 

A heartfelt tribute to Israel and the IDF included prayers and reflections on the vital role that RIETS-trained rabbanim play in communities during times of strength and struggle. The moment underscored RIETS’ mission to cultivate leaders who serve as spiritual anchors—whether on the front lines in Israel or from pulpits around the globe. 

That mission was further reflected in the leadership now guiding RIETS forward. 

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky, the new Administrative Dean, brings decades of experience and tireless dedication to the daily workings of the Yeshiva. Overseeing infrastructure, programming, and student services, he ensures the seminary runs with excellence and integrity. 

“This moment reflects more than growth—it’s a testament to the strength of our rebbeim, the passion of our talmidim, and the unwavering support of those who stand behind our mission and help turn our vision for the Yeshiva into reality,” he said. 

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, the new Torah Dean, is a beloved maggid shiur and director of the Semikha Program, widely known for his clarity, warmth and ability to inspire deep connection to Torah. 

“Not only is this a tribute to the worthiness of our honorees,” he said, “it is a meaningful opportunity to express deep gratitude to our rebbeim, supporters and friends who make everything we do at the Yeshiva possible. We are honored and humbled by the trust placed in us to lead RIETS into its next great era. With your partnership, we are confident that the unparalleled combination of Torah learning and professional training in our Semikha program will continue to shape the next generation of rabbanim, mechanchim, talmidei chachamim, and bnei Torah.” 

With RIETS alumni making an impact in communities across the globe, the Evening of Tribute reflected the Yeshiva’s unparalleled reach and boundless promise. From classrooms in Washington Heights and Jerusalem to pulpits and leadership roles around the world, RIETS continues to prepare its students to lead with strength, compassion and an unshakable foundation in Torah. 

To learn more about RIETS and support its growing impact, visit www.yu.edu/riets.