Rabbinical Leadership Program Official Ceremony

This past weekend over one hundred people celebrated the first culmination of a two year advanced study program at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ.

The all new “Rabbincal Leadership Program” conceived by Rabbi Yakov Wagner promotes a unique approach in contrast to other contemporary Rabbinical courses. “Leadership is less about making room in your mind to accumulate knowledge, as it is about making room in your heart to accumulate people.” claims Wagner. “The objectives set out by Yeshivas Tiferes Bachurim (the Hebrew name of the school) is to shape leaders that will be the pride of our people.”

“It is our goal to empower our students with the knowledge of contemporary issues. Focusing on practical elements in Jewish education.” says Rabbi Zalman Dubinsky, Rosh Yeshiva.

While each graduate is certified to become a community leader, many will continue onto professional careers. The assembled were addressed by Mr. Glen Kornfeld and Mr. Yehoshua (Jason) Bedrick. Kornfeld is the president of a global Japanese company, and the only outsider to hold a top position in the history of the corporation. Kornfeld told how he essentially attained the status out of respect that they had for him wearing his Kippa (skullcap).

“When our son became religious, we felt like that we lost him… after this weekend together we feel like we’ve got him back”, said a tearfully Mr. Mark Gold who came with his wife Cheryl from Toronto. Gold shared one of many similar sentiments expressed at the parents-student weekend of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ this past weekend.

“Parents are owed an opportunity to learn and understand exactly what it is that their son is doing in a Yeshiva, this has been an eye opening experience for many” said Rabbi Moshe Herson, Dean.

The Rabbinical College of America or Yeshiva Tiferes Bachurim offers advanced education focusing on preserving ancient Jewish Law and philosophy for young men who grew up with little or no formal religious education.

The weekend the first of it’s type in over ten years, attracted over forty participants from as far as Florida and California. For some the workshops and issues addressed was the highlight while for others it was the inviting atmosphere.

“What strikes me is the joy that you encounter amongst all the students, they are each here because they want to be, not because of anyone else’s expectations” grins, Henry Epstein, M.D. Professor at The University of Texas Medical Branch.

For more about Tiferes visit their website by Clicking Here.